TRIP DETAILS
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- 8 nights’ accommodation in high-end hotels.
- All breakfasts, all lunches and 6 dinners, including wine.
- Water and snacks along the way.
- Pick up and drop off at Gran Canaria airport.
- All luggage transport from airport to airport and van support for if your legs need a break. Please note: one bag/case per person: 20kg/ 44lbs MAXIMUM.
- English and Spanish speaking guides.
- Pilgrims Credencial (passport).
- Book about Gran Canaria
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Pre- or post-travel to the start of your Andaspain Camino de Gran Canaria Tour.
- Any meal not included in your Andaspain Tour (we will always recommend where to go).
- Extra drinks along the Camino and/or drinks not included in the designated meals on your tour.
- Items purchased at the pharmacy by your Andaspain guide.
- Guides gratuities (150 €/person per guide is suggested)
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!
Camino de Gran Canaria – A unique fully guided tour on the Canary Islands, Spain.
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.
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.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
ITINERARY
1 | Sat
1 March |
Introduction Day: Meet your guides at the airport of Gran Canaria.
Shuttle to the hotel in Maspalomas (25 min). At 7 PM meet with your Andaspain guides for a welcome meeting before dinner together at our favourite restaurant in town. Dinner: Included together in Maspalomas |
N/A | Maspalomas
|
2 | Sun
2 March |
Morning shuttle to Arteara (30 minutes)
Walk: Arteara to Faro de Maspalomas Arteara is a small village located in the Fataga ravine. We start the day with a descent along a ravine and walk amongst palm trees and cacti. We will see the dunes of Maspalomas, next to the old lighthouse in the spot where the Galician sailors arrived on the island all those centuries ago. Lunch: Picnic lunch together. Our delicious picnics are filled with fresh, local ingredients. We cater to your food intolerances and preferences. Dinner: Free for dinner in Maspalomas |
16.8 km / 10.4 mi
+170 m / 558 ft -520 m / 1706 ft |
Maspalomas |
3 | Mon
3 March |
Morning shuttle to Arteara (30 mins)
Walk: Arteare to Tunte (San Bartolomé de Tirajana) Today, we start ascending in earnest. We will pass through the beautiful Canarian village of Fataga, where we will stop to recharge our batteries. We also see an enormous caldera (volcanic crater) carved by erosion over millions of years. Tunte, the pre-Hispanic name by which the town San Bartolomé is known locally, stands out for its traditional Canarian architecture, with stone houses and narrow streets. We find the image of the apostle Santiago inside the church connecting us to this Camino. Lunch: Picnic lunch together Afternoon shuttle to Cruz de Tejeda (40 mins) Dinner: Included together at the Parador |
Option 1:
11 km / 6.8 mi +700 m / 2296 ft -105 m / 344 ft
Option 2: 14 km / 8.7 mi +1000 m / 3281 ft -115 m / 377 ft |
Parador Cruz de Tejeda |
Day | Date | Walking Stage | Distance
Elevation gain/loss |
Hotel |
Day 4 | Tues 4 March | Morning shuttle to Mirador Tunte (40 mins)
Walk: Mirador Tunte to Cruz de Tejeda The third stage is as demanding as it is spectacular. We will ascend ravines and walk through forests, and high up to the very heart of Gran Canaria. Our descent is through pine forests and brings us right to our beautiful Parador. Lunch: Picnic lunch together Dinner: Included together at the Parador |
11.5 km / 7.1 mi
+670 m / 2198 ft -400 m / 1312 ft |
Parador Cruz de Tejeda |
5 | Wed
5 March |
Rest Day
Walk around the majestic Roque Nublo (shuttle 20 mins) or visit Artenara, the highest town on the island (shuttle 20 mins). Lunch: Included together in Artenara Dinner: Free for dinner
|
3.3 km / 2 mi
+174 m / 571 ft -174 m / 571 ft |
Parador Cruz de Tejeda |
6 | Thurs
6 March |
Walk: Cruz de Tejeda to Monte Pavón
We walk from the Parador through the northern part of the island, where we find pine forests, green meadows, farms, and a different character shaped by the more humid climate. You’ll find no mass tourism here. We end at Monte Pavón, an iconic crossroads from where you can see the coast, the mountains and Las Palmas. Lunch: Picnic lunch together Afternoon shuttle to Gáldar (40 mins) Dinner: Included together in Gáldar |
7.5 km / 4.6 mi
+210 m / 689 ft -505 m / 1657 ft |
Gáldar |
OUR BOOKING PROCESS
STEP 1
Complete the form to schedule a phone call. We’re kind of sticklers about this step and promise to make it the best phone call you ever had.
STEP 2
After we’ve gotten to know each other, we will email you a link to our top-secret and very secure booking page. That, of course, is why we are asking for your email address in step 1. By the end of this step, you will have confirmed your place on your chosen trip, and the places of anybody that will be joining you. This is done by means of a deposit of 300€ or 600€ per person (depending on trip length).
STEP 3
Once your booking is confirmed you will immediately be presented with step 3, which can be completed at any time but at least 1 month prior to the departure date. You will get this link in your booking confirmation in case you are a procrastinator. In step 3 we collect a bit more personal information to make sure that everything on the trip goes smoothly. This includes any medical allergies, old injuries that might give you grief, and lastly your passport number for the sake of expediting our hotel check-ins.