The Way of St. James in Gran Canaria
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationCanary Islands / Gran Canaria
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AgeFrom 16 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions72.66 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Explore Gran Canaria, a veritable "miniature continent" nestled in the heart of the Atlantic. Far from the typical hotel complexes, this trip invites you to discover the island's hidden treasure: its exceptional hiking trails winding through some of the richest biodiversity on the planet.
The magic begins from the very first steps, where the diverse landscapes defy the imagination. Within just a few kilometers, you travel from wild, lunar-like volcanic landscapes to lush Canary pine forests . The island's unique geography offers a striking contrast, alternating between fertile valleys reminiscent of the European countryside and desert dunes that evoke the Sahara.
The result of intense geological activity and sculpted by the winds, the island reveals deep canyons and steep peaks offering breathtaking panoramas of the ocean. Each trail immerses you in a new microclimate , leading you from a picturesque village to a pristine beach. This journey promises total escape for lovers of unspoiled nature and hiking, in the heart of a territory where every slope tells a fascinating geological story.
The highlights
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Breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean from deep canyons and steep peaks
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Luggage transfer arranged so you can travel light
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Part of an extremely diverse ecosystem and exhibiting the greatest biodiversity
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average distance/day: 17 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 785 m
- Average daily descent: 619 m
Management
Program
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Arrival in Gran Canaria
- Transportation Car - 00h20 - 32km
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to the hotel in Maspalomas
Day 1 -
Maspalomas ▸ Arteara
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 651 m
- Negative elevation 216 m
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The accommodation is located a few minutes from the Maspalomas Dunes. After dropping off your luggage at reception, you will begin your hike by walking north until you find the first signs indicating the trail. You will walk north, following the avenue uphill until you find the markers for the " Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria." This trail leads into the Barranco de Vicentillos, then continues through the Barranco de Fataga to Arteara. Arteara was once an aboriginal enclave. In its valley lies the Arteara Necropolis and numerous small plantations of tropical trees. We arrive at the next accommodation.
Day 2 -
Arteara ▸ Tunte
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 504 m
- Negative elevation 62 m
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
From Arteara , we follow the Camino de Santiago route to Tunte , heading towards San Bartolomé de Tirajana. This relatively easy stage takes you into the mid-altitude area of Gran Canaria's beautiful interior. The parish church of San Bartolomé dates back to the 17th century and boasts a splendid Baroque façade and an interesting interior decorated with murals and religious sculptures. In San Bartolomé, pilgrims can have their pilgrim passport stamped.
Day 3 -
Tunte ▸ Cruz de Tejeda
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 1613 m
- Negative elevation 436 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today's stage takes you to the heart of Gran Canaria: Cruz de Tejeda , at an altitude of 1,560 meters. The trail climbs to the peak zone, skirting part of the Caldera de Tejeda before reaching the summit. Cruz de Tejeda is an iconic landmark of Gran Canaria. From here, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of much of the island, including Roque Nublo , one of Gran Canaria's most famous natural sites. Hotel El Refugio is a strategically located accommodation for both hikers on the GR 131 and those walking the Camino de Santiago. Opposite, you'll find the Parador Cruz de Tejeda, offering an excellent viewpoint overlooking the western part of Gran Canaria.
Day 4 -
Cruz de Tejeda ▸ Gáldar
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 371 m
- Negative elevation 1759 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
On our last hike, the path climbs gently at first to the Degollada de las Palomas . Then, the Camino de Santiago continues north towards Gáldar . However, we still have a few kilometers to go before reaching the charming little town and pilgrimage church of Santiago de Gáldar. We enter the verdant countryside, passing through terraced fields and hamlets, enjoying the rural landscape. Occasionally, our route also follows the road to our final destination. We visit the Church of Santiago de Gáldar , one of the most beautiful in the Canary Islands. We arrive at our accommodation for the last night. When a pilgrim arrives in Gáldar, they can obtain a certificate ( not the Compostela ). To obtain this certificate, it is necessary to present the Credential del Peregrino (pilgrim's passport) with the corresponding stamps.
Day 5
Accommodation
The first stage of the Way of St. James will take you to the village of Arteara, in the Fataga ravine, an idyllic spot nestled between the mountains.
This is where you'll find this small rural complex, ideal for recharging your batteries, spending a night enjoying the peace and quiet of the valley and contemplating the starry sky of Gran Canaria.
With its outdoor spaces and simple but comfortable rooms, the Masai Mara Resort is a small oasis on the Guanche Trail, in the arid landscape of the south of the island.
- Single room
- Double room
This rural resort in the heart of Gran Canaria is a haven of peace dedicated to nature and active relaxation. It offers spacious suites (up to 85 m²) suitable for couples and families, providing a complete immersion away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It's the ideal place to combine hiking , exploring the island's interior, and absolute relaxation in an exceptional natural setting.
Beautiful rural accommodation located in Tunte (San Bartolomé de Tirajana). The accommodation is situated in the old town of Tunte, amidst a maze of winding alleyways. It is a superbly renovated old farmhouse.
Rooms in traditional Canarian style. Warm and comfortable, they are decorated with rustic elements from the last century, respecting the customs of the time. The town of San Bartolomé is located at an altitude of 850 meters.
Breakfast included at a local cafe.
- Double room
- Twin room
Nestled in Tunte, this resort blends Canarian tradition with modern comforts for a complete escape in the mountains. A key stop on the Camino de Santiago in Gran Canaria , it's the perfect refuge for pilgrims and hikers. Combining authenticity with comprehensive amenities (Wi-Fi, air conditioning, heating), it offers a peaceful rural experience in the heart of nature.
The Hotel Rural El Refugio is a large 19th-century Canarian house located in Cruz de Tejeda , within the Nublo Rural Park in Gran Canaria, a natural environment designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an ideal place to disconnect and enjoy nature and the mountains.
After reaching Cruz de Tejeda , at an altitude of 1,515 meters, we find the Hotel El Refugio . It's a rustic-style hotel, but with all the necessary comforts for an overnight stay after the third stage. It has an excellent restaurant, a cafeteria, and a small supermarket where you can stock up on supplies.
It is also a stopping point for pilgrims on the Way of St. James from Gran Canaria , where they can have their credencial stamped.
In summary: a quiet rural hotel, surrounded by nature, offering good food and focused on relaxation, hiking and pets.
- Single room
- Double room
The rooms are simple, understated, and clean, with heating and a full bathroom. They offer breathtaking views of the surrounding nature. The hotel provides all the necessary comforts for complete relaxation, enhanced by a peaceful setting with fresh, clean air in the mountainous region of central Gran Canaria.
Main features
- Hotel reserved for adults .
- Completely dog friendly (accepts dogs of all breeds and sizes).
- Double rooms, spacious suite and lofts (ideal for pilgrims or short stays).
- Shared areas with seasonal swimming pool (June to September), terraces, gardens and lounges.
- Free WiFi and free coffee/tea in the lounges.
- Airport transfer service.
- French dining room open to the public: Tajinaste del Refugio .
Restaurant – Tajinaste
He proposes:
- Breakfast is served from 8am to 10:30am.
- Dinner (winter: 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. / summer: 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.).
- Varied cuisine and homemade dishes.
- Reservations can be made by phone or email.
The Emblemático Agáldar hotel is located in the heart of the historic center of Gáldar , in a historic building dating from 1865 that has been restored with an exclusive design that preserves its essence and heritage.
It's located directly opposite the main square, in a pedestrian zone, and boasts excellent restaurants. It's also close to the north coast, where you'll find small beaches and natural pools to relax in after your days of hiking.
Or enjoy the infinity pool on the hotel's rooftop for a pleasant atmosphere and extraordinary views over the entire city...
A hotel steeped in history, with a local identity and exclusive design, ideal for those seeking a charming cultural experience in the center of Gáldar.
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
Located in the heart of Gáldar's historic center , this accommodation blends heritage and exclusive design with rooms inspired by local history. Its prime location allows you to easily explore the cobbled streets, culture, and surrounding beaches on foot. By booking directly, you benefit from the best price , flexible check-in/check-out times, and luggage storage.
Agáldar restaurant offers contemporary cuisine that blends tradition and local produce . Open Wednesday through Sunday, for lunch and dinner, it provides a gastronomic experience where modernity and heritage meet. Reservations can be made at +34 928 89 74 33 .
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- 5 nights' accommodation
- Breakfasts
- Personalized information via video conference (if you wish), on the day of your arrival
- Information materials - cards to be collected from the reception of the first hotel upon your arrival
- Descriptions and GPX tracks - link to the descriptions and GPS positioning of each route to follow on your mobile device
- Transfers of people and luggage are required at each stage, except for the airport transfer on the day of departure.
- 24/7 assistance and support
The price does not include
- Return flights to Gran Canaria
- Airport transfer from hotel on the day of departure
- Lunches and dinners
- Personal expenses
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
To successfully complete the 5 stages , a good level of physical fitness is necessary. Depending on the time of year, temperatures can be extreme (hot and/or cold). Therefore, it is essential to have appropriate warm clothing with you at all times, which can be layered as needed. Some sections of the trail consist of loose stones, and other passages can be slippery. Although most of the path is wide, some sections are quite exposed and require caution. The use of hiking poles is strongly recommended.
Equipment to bring
We will transport your luggage from one accommodation to the next. Therefore, you will only need to carry a backpack containing the bare essentials for the day. For the entire trip, it is best to have only one suitcase weighing no more than 20 kg.
Clothing to bring
Appropriate hiking clothing and sturdy shoes are essential. During hikes, it is necessary to carry food and water, as well as sunscreen, a hat, a light windbreaker, and, during the winter months, warm clothing.
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- ✅ Of an amount greater than €300.
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