CAMINO DE GRAN CANARIA

 15th Oct 2025

What is the Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria

The Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria is a unique, officially recognised Camino route located not in mainland Spain, but on the volcanic island of Gran Canaria. It links the island’s warm southern coast with its cooler, greener north, crossing rugged mountains and historic villages along the way.

Key Facts:

Distance: Around 67 km (give or take a few enthusiastic detours).
Starting Point: Maspalomas Lighthouse on the south coast.
Ending Point: Church of Santiago de los Caballeros in Gáldar, in the north.
Duration: Typically completed in 3 days, assuming you don’t stop to photograph every cactus.

The Route:

The Camino de Gran Canaria climbs from sea level through the island’s volcanic interior, rising into pine forests, deep ravines, and high-altitude viewpoints before descending again toward the Atlantic.

Key locations along the way include:

• Fataga / Arteara: Striking desert-like landscapes and the ancient Arteara necropolis below towering cliffs.
• Tunte (San Bartolomé de Tirajana): A historic mountain town and a major stopping point for pilgrims.
• Risco Blanco & Cruz Grande: Dramatic cliffs and classic Canary Island highland scenery.
• Ventana del Nublo: A natural rock “window” framing Roque Nublo perfectly.
• Montaña de Gáldar: The final descent toward the north coast and the historic town of Gáldar.

Expect a mix of rugged trails, stone paths, forest tracks, and—occasionally—vertical encouragement from gravity.

Experience:

Pilgrims walk this route for many of the same reasons as the mainland Caminos: reflection, adventure, exercise, or the simple thrill of crossing an entire island on foot. The path is signposted with blue-and-yellow arrows and the familiar scallop shell, though occasionally the arrows seem to have been placed by someone with a sense of humour.

Accommodation is a mix of rural hotels, small hostels, and official pilgrim options such as the Albergue de San Bartolomé. Weather can vary dramatically: heat in the south, cool winds at altitude, and cloud or drizzle in the north—sometimes all in the same afternoon.

Highlights:

Dramatic Landscapes:
Volcanic valleys, high ridges, pine forests, and cliffs that look suspiciously like they’re testing your commitment.

Historical Depth:
The route has roots in the island’s early Christian traditions; its final destination is one of Spain’s oldest churches dedicated to Saint James.

A Compact Pilgrimage:
You get the challenge, scenery, and sense of achievement of a Camino—just without needing a month off work.