Walking The Camino De Santiago In Gran Canaria
The Camino de Santiago is a famous pilgrimage route that spans across Spain and other parts of Europe. But did you know that you can also walk the Camino de Santiago in Gran Canaria, one of the Canary Islands? In this blog post, I will share with you some tips and experiences from people who have done this route, as well as some information on how to plan your own Camino adventure in Gran Canaria.
What Is The Camino De Santiago In Gran Canaria?
The Camino de Santiago in Gran Canaria is a 67-kilometer trail that follows the ancient paths used by the aboriginal people of the island, the Guanches, to worship the sun god at the sacred mountain of Bentayga. The trail starts in Maspalomas, a popular tourist resort in the south, and ends in Galdar, a town in the north of the island. Along the way, you will pass through stunning landscapes of mountains, valleys, forests, and villages, as well as historical and cultural sites related to the Camino and the Guanche culture.
If you’re going to hike the Camino de Santiago, check the app “Camino Love”. It has the Camino routes on Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
The Camino de Santiago in Gran Canaria is officially recognized by the Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela as a valid pilgrimage route to obtain the Compostela certificate, which is a document that certifies that you have completed at least 100 kilometers of any Camino route. To get the Compostela, you need to stamp your pilgrim passport at least twice a day at designated places along the route, such as churches, hostels, or tourist offices.
How Long Does It Take To Walk The Camino De Santiago In Gran Canaria?
The Camino de Santiago in Gran Canaria can be done in three or four days, depending on your pace and preferences. The official website of the route, https://www.caminodesantiagogc.com/en/, divides the trail into four stages:
- Stage 1: Maspalomas – Tunte (28km)
- Stage 2: Tunte – Cruz de Tejeda (18 km)
- Stage 3: Cruz de Tejeda – Saucillo (12 km)
- Stage 4: Saucillo – Gáldar (9 km)
I did the Camino de Santiago last year here in Gran Canaria. It’s actually not a busy route. We encountered no other camino hikers at all when we did it.
I found doing the hike in three days relatively tough, even without having to haul camping gear the whole way. It is possible in three days, but I personally don’t recommend it.
Each stage has its own challenges and attractions, and you can find detailed descriptions and maps on the website. You can also download a free app called “Camino Love” that has the Camino routes on Gran Canaria and Tenerife, as well as other useful features for pilgrims.
Where To Stay On The Camino De Santiago In Gran Canaria?
There are different options for accommodation on the Camino de Santiago in Gran Canaria, ranging from hostels and guesthouses to hotels and Airbnb. You can find some recommendations on the official website of the route, or use online platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb to search for available places. Here are some examples of places where other pilgrims have stayed and enjoyed:
Tejeda: Finca la Isla
A cozy hostel with a friendly atmosphere, a beautiful garden and a small pool. It offers breakfast and dinner for an extra fee, but you need to arrange it beforehand. You can book it through Booking.com and AirBnB.
We stayed at Finca la Isa in Tejeda. A great place, with a lot of backpackers. If you want to have breakfast/dinner there, you need to arrange it beforehand.
Tejeda: Hotel Rural El Refugio
Hotel Rural El Refugio is a lovely place to stay in Cruz de Tejeda on the Camino de Santiago in Gran Canaria. It has cozy rooms and a beautiful setting with views of the mountains. Visitors like the friendly staff and enjoy eating at the restaurant, which serves tasty local food. It’s a popular choice for both pilgrims and tourists looking for a comfortable and pleasant stay.
I did the Camino de Santiago last weekend! Incredible hike. In Cruz de Tejeda I stayed at Hotel Rural El Refugio! Gorgeous place and really nice food too.
Tunte: Rural Suite Santiago de Tunte
A charming rural house with spacious rooms and a terrace. It is recommended on the official site of the route and has good reviews on Booking.com.
I stayed at the “Rural Suite Santiago de Tunte” which is recommended on the official website. It was a really good deal.
Camping at Llanos de la Pez
Camping at Llanos de la Pez along the Camino de Santiago requires careful consideration due to local regulations. Wild camping is illegal on the island, and camping at designated areas like Llanos de la Pez requires a permit. This means you must plan ahead and obtain the necessary permissions before setting up camp.
Additionally, carrying all your camping gear adds to the weight and logistics of your hike, which may impact your overall experience. While Llanos de la Pez offers a scenic and potentially convenient stop along the route, pilgrims should weigh the benefits of camping against the logistical challenges and legal requirements involved.
What To Pack For The Camino De Santiago In Gran Canaria?
The Camino de Santiago in Gran Canaria is a challenging hike that requires proper preparation and equipment. Here are some essential items that you should pack for your Camino adventure:
- A backpack: Choose a comfortable backpack that fits your body and has enough space for your belongings. The recommended weight is no more than 10% of your body weight.
- A pilgrim passport: This is a document that proves that you are a pilgrim and allows you to stamp it at designated places along the route. You can get it for free at the starting point of the route or at any tourist office on the island.
- A water bottle: The Camino de Santiago in Gran Canaria can be very hot and dry, especially in the summer, so it is important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. You can refill your water bottle at fountains or bars along the way, but it is also good to have some backup water in case of emergency.
- A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen: The sun can be very strong and harmful on the island, so it is essential to protect your skin and eyes from the UV rays. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must-have for any Camino walker.
- A first aid kit: The Camino de Santiago in Gran Canaria can be rough and rocky, so it is possible to get injured or suffer from blisters, cuts, or sprains. A first aid kit with some basic items like bandages, antiseptic, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory drugs can help you deal with any minor issues.
- A flashlight: The Camino de Santiago in Gran Canaria can be dark and isolated at some parts, especially if you start early or finish late. A flashlight can help you see the path and avoid any hazards.
- A phone and a charger: A phone can be useful for communication, navigation, entertainment, and emergency. Make sure you have a working phone with enough battery and a charger to recharge it when possible.
- A camera: The Camino de Santiago in Gran Canaria offers amazing views and scenery that you will want to capture and remember. A camera can help you document your journey and share it with others.
Conclusion
In summary, walking the Camino de Santiago in Gran Canaria gives you a chance to enjoy nature, culture, and personal growth. Planning ahead is crucial for a satisfying experience. From getting your pilgrim passport to choosing where to stay and packing right, every detail matters. The route offers a mix of landscapes—from sandy dunes in Maspalomas to mountains in Galdar—making it a journey full of adventure and self-discovery. Whether you walk alone or with others, each step on this route connects you to the island’s history and its deep spiritual meaning.
