THE CAMINO DE GRAN CANARIA
ABOUT THE THE CAMINO DE GRAN CANARIA
Welcome to the breathtaking Camino de Gran Canaria, a hidden treasure in the Canary Islands just waiting to be explored. Situated in the eastern Atlantic, only a few hundred miles from the coast of Africa, the Canary Islands boast a mild climate all year round, making them an ideal winter getaway.
Andaspain and 1501 Adventures bring you the unique opportunity to follow this one-of-a-kind ancient pilgrimage. We first start in southern Arteara, making our way to San Bartolomé de Tirajana before reaching our final destination of Gáldar, where the throne of the Apostle Santiago awaits. Along the way, we’ll explore the highlights of this magical island. From the magnificent southern dunes of Maspalomas to the lush northern landscapes of Gáldar, we’ll witness breathtaking scenery and enjoy Gran Canaria’s many gastronomic delights.
Gran Canaria is a natural paradise, formed by millions of years of volcanic activity, earthquakes, and the effects of wind, rain, and human hands. Its dramatic landscapes offer everything from soaring peaks and dormant craters to monoliths, pine and laurel forests, dunes, beaches, and crystal-clear waters. This beautiful island is often called a “mini continent” for its incredible diversity.
The origins of the Camino de Gran Canaria date back to the Middle Ages during the time of the Conquest. Galician sailors, caught in a fierce storm far from home, made a vow to construct a hermitage dedicated to St. James if they survived. When the storm subsided and they spotted the Tirajana Mountains ahead, they landed and journeyed to Tunte, where they fulfilled their promise by building a chapel. Today, that historic site is located in Gáldar, which serves as the endpoint of our Camino and has been recognized as part of the Camino de Santiago network since 1965.
We’ve carefully chosen accommodations along the route for their charm, proximity to the Camino, and excellent service. You’ll experience a mix of Paradors and high-end hotels, ensuring both variety and comfort. To make the journey even smoother, we shuttle to and from these unique accommodations as needed.
Though this Camino is more challenging than some of our other tours, we’re always ready to adapt to your needs. A support vehicle is available to assist you at any point. We’ll handle all luggage transport, so you only need to leave your bags at reception each morning and forget about them until you arrive at the next hotel. For anything you may need during the day, we provide a small bag for the support van.
This Camino de Gran Canaria tour is fully guided, ensuring your adventure is seamless from start to finish. Let us take care of every detail so you can fully enjoy this unforgettable journey through one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
PRICE
- Price per person sharing a double/twin room: 4500 EUR
- Price per person for a private room: 5600 EUR
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Dunes of Maspalomas and its beautiful sandy beaches. People from all over the world visit this area for its climate, appealing waters and culinary offerings.
- The impressive Fataga canyon, with its oasis of palm trees, cacti, and small lizards. The village by the same name is a picturesque example of a historical Canarian village with cobbled streets and magnificent views. Soak up the Canarian culture and hospitality.
- Roque Nublo, the most emblematic natural monument of Gran Canaria, located in the heart of the island. This 80-meter-high basaltic monolith was once a place of worship for the indigenous Canary Islanders. From this popular destination, you can see breathtaking panoramic views of the island and even Tenerife on a clear day.
- Typical Canarian restaurants where homemade dishes and artesanal wine are served. Enjoy an authentic gastronomic experience while mingling with the locals.
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital of the islands and undoubtedly the liveliest place in the whole archipelago. Here, we see surfers and sun-seekers enjoying the 2-mile-long Las Canteras beach right in the heart of the city. In contrast, the Old Quarter boasts beautiful squares, impressive monuments, museums and a rich cultural heritage.
TRIP FACTS
- Total Walking Distance: 65 km/40 m
- Meeting point: Gran Canaria Airport
- Departure City: Arteara
- Arrival City: Gáldar
- Tour Availability: Guided group tour with fixed trip dates
- Accommodation: Excellent hotels, casas rurales, pazos and manor houses
- Transportation: Van or bus (depending on group size)
- Language: English
- Guides: English and Spanish-speaking Camino experts
- Walking Hours: 5-7 hours per day
WHAT’S INCLUDED
READY TO START WALKING?
- 8 nights’ accommodation
- All breakfasts, all lunches and 6 dinners (lunches and dinners will include wine and other drinks)
- Water and snacks along the way
- Luggage transport (limited to one 23 kg/50 lb piece of luggage per person)
- English and Spanish speaking guide(s)
- The Pilgrim’s Credencial, or Pilgrim’s Passport, and scallop shell
- Gran Canaria Guide Book
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Travel to the start of your tour or from its end
- Meals and drinks not included in your tour
- Extraneous items purchased on your behalf by your Andaspain guide
- Guide gratuity (150 EUR/person/guide is suggested)
- Additional activities not outlined in the What’s Included section
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
Gran Canaria has notable ups and downs, which adds to the spectacular drama and beauty of the walk. It is important to say that this trip is more challenging than what we usually do on the Camino routes in mainland Spain. Make sure your knees are in good shape and that you do plenty of training. Taking that into consideration, we shorten some of the walking days to give us time to enjoy the surrounding landscapes and highlights along the way!