The Camino de Santiago passes through Gran Canaria and is an incredible route to admire the natural beauty of the island. It runs along 66 kilometres between the two churches of Gáldar and San Bartolomé de Tirajana and its estimated duration, without stops, is almost a full day.

Popular tradition says that the creators of this route were Galician sailors who wanted to thank Saint James for saving them from a great storm in the early 15th century. Therefore, when they came to dry land, they carried the image of the saint up to build a chapel that no longer exists today.

The path runs from the arid south to the lushest and dampest northern and medial landscapes of Gran Canaria, a perfect representation of the island’s microclimates. Along the way, hikers will encounter the landscapes, flora, fauna and historical heritage of Gran Canaria, on a path of wonderful discoveries from start to finish.

Which is the itinerary of the St. James’ Way?

The route begins by visiting the church of San Bartolomé, in the town of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, to continue along the path that climbs up to the pine trees that mark the eastern limit of the Pilancones Natural Park. In the next 500 metres, you will find yourself in the centre of the island and you will reach the most intense but also the most spectacular part of the trail. The vegetation and the views make this route an unbeatable place. This part of the trail reaches the highest altitude, around 1,710 metres above sea level, in a climb among the majestic pine forests of Los Llanos de La Pez.

The path leads to the Garañón plains, a camping area ideal for sleeping and resting. From here, the trail goes up and down until you reach the Cruz de Tejeda, an idyllic place where you can stay for one night and enjoy the gastronomic offer of its restaurants.

As the route continues, the changing landscape, dominated by volcanic cones and lava, does not go unnoticed. This phase of the trail is a real path among volcanoes that reveals the origins of the island.

After a while of hiking, you come to the town of Hoya de Pineda, an important town in the history of the island as a centre of old ranches, cave houses and pottery kilns. In the town there is an Asset of Cultural Interest, the Hacienda de la Hoya de Pineda, which belonged to Jerónimo de Pineda, a perpetual councillor of the Gran Canaria Town Council.

After walking around this historic village, which is representative of Canary Island architecture, there is not much left to reach the end of the trail. The Anzo neighbourhood not far from Gáldar is the last area that hikers will visit before reaching the finish line. Finally, in Gáldar, the journey ends in the Church of Santiago Apóstol, the oldest church in Gran Canaria created in 1486, where cheerful and surely weary hikers can immortalize the end of the journey with a photo in front of the temple.

The wealth you find along the way

In the towns that cross the Camino de Santiago there is a great gastronomic offer of local food where you can enjoy wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce, roasted cheese and escaldón de gofio (toasted meal broth), among other delicacies. A good reward after many hours walking.

Along the way, you can see numerous spots that reveal the diversity and beauty of Gran Canaria. Places like Muchos Puentes, the Fataga ravine, the Necropolis of Arteara, the village of Fataga and Tunte and the Starlight tourist destination are some places and experiences that, after completing the Camino de Santiago, hikers will never forget.

How to plan the route

To be able to follow the trail safely, planning the route is recommended to take into account where to sleep, what food and water to carry and to check the weather forecast. The good thing about Gran Canaria is its mild climate year-round, but doing this route during the hotter summer months is not recommended. In order to walk the Camino de Santiago without health risks, it is also necessary to comply with the COVID-19 prevention measures imposed by local administrations. Although it is common to do the Camino de Santiago alone, in the case of the Gran Canaria route, we recommend always walking with someone, since it crosses natural landscapes with steep slopes. Therefore, we recommend walking the trail as part of a group of three people.

After an experience like this, we are sure you will want to rest for a few days and share this enriching journey with your loved ones. In the south of Gran Canaria, Princess hotels await you with open arms for days of relaxation and for you to plan your next adventure on the islands.

Categories: Gran Canaria, Hiking