
Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria FULLY BOOKED
March 13 - March 19

This event is fully booked. But, do to room configurations we may have space for only one lady (on twin sharing basis). If interested, please write to information@xircammini.org
Background
Centuries ago, Galician sailors fearful of a shipwreck due to a tempest, prayed to St. James the Elder to be saved. If saved, they pledged to build a church dedicated to St. James in Tirajana, on the highest point of the main Island. In 1850 the statue of St. James was moved from Tirajana to a new church in St. Bartolome, Tunte. Furthermore, since the Spanish conquest of these islands, Castilian settlers in the North of the island built a church of St James in Gáldar.
Pilgrimages between the shrines of St James ensued and the Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria was born.
Interested? Follow this link to book this hiking trip.
Summary
The Camino covers 65km from Faro de Maspalomas to Galdar, crossing the island of Gran Canaria from south to north. It is rated as moderate to hard, with some challenging inclines in the interior of this volcanic island, rising from sea level to 1,720m above sea level. The highest point is in the areas of Garanon and Cruz de Tejeda. From there, the Camino descends to 118m above sea level at Galdar, where it stops.
The overall route is approximately 70% paths and tracks and 30% asphalt.
Dates | Flights
The overall trip is from the 13th to the 19th March 2024 (dates indicative and may change marginally depending on flight connections). 14th – 16th March would be dedicated to walking the Camino (3-day Camino) followed by a rest day where we are including a day tour of Gran Canaria. On the 18th March we will travel via Madrid, allowing us an afternoon to explore this beautiful city and – after an overnight stay in a hotel in Madrid- we return to Malta on 19th March 2025.
Flight details:
- Malta | Madrid 13th March Ryanair FR5883: 06:00 – 08:55
- Madrid | Gran Canaria 13th March FR 2011: 17:55 – 20:00 (this allows those who wish to grab lunch at the historic Megado San Miguel or the Plaza Maior in Madrid to do so)
- Gran Canaria | Madrid 18th March FR569 10:50 – 14:40
- Madrid | Malta 19th March FR5382 19th March 07:45 – 10:25
Important Notes:
- If pilgrims book a hold luggage they would need to exit the security area and re-check in the luggage. There is ample time to do so with both out-going and incoming connections. At the time of writing this Madrid also has a secure deposit area for luggages if we then wish to visit Madrid.
- In case of our return journey, accommodation will be in an airport hotel in Madrid so as to reduce inconvenience in the morning. So, upon arrival from Gran Canaria on the 18th March, we can check-in. leave or luggages in our rooms and proceed for an afternoon / evening in Madrid.
Camino Route | Etapas
(* dates may vary depending on flight connections)
14th March: Faro de Maspalomas to San Bartolome de Tunte. 28km | 1,200m elevation | Difficult. After leaving Maspalomas, the Camino also passes through Fataga before arriving in Tunte.
Start: Faro de Maspalomas, Pl. del Faro, 15, 35100 Maspalomas, Las Palmas, Spain End: Tunte Catholic Church, 35290 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain
15th March: San Bartolome de Tunte to Crux de Tejeda. 16km | 1,050m elevation | Difficult. After leaving Tunte, the Camino also passes through Llanos de la Pez before arriving in Cruz de Tejeda.
This is cited as the most beautiful day of the 3 days of hiking because of the natural beauty of the atypical mid-mountain landscape. The initial incline is challenging but, after that, the panoramas are spectacular.
Start: Tunte Catholic Church, 35290 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain
End: Nuestra Senora de Socorro, Tejeda
16th March: Crux de Tejeda to Gáldar. 21km | 450m elevation | Moderate. After leaving Tunte, the Camino also passes through Llanos de la Pez before arriving in Cruz de Tejeda.
Start: Nuestra Senora de Socorro, Tejeda
The descent to Gáldar continues to immerse us in the natural beauty of black volcanoes, green forests and meadows.
The Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria ends in Gáldar.
17th March: Is a rest day after completing the Camino. For this rest day, a day tour will be organised, visiting vineyards (wine and/or rum tasting), banana plantations and other local attractions.
18th March: We travel back from Gran Canaria and enjoy an afternoon / evening in Madrid.
Accommodation
Accommodation will be centralised in one town, Maspalomas, for the whole week. This would limit the need to pack and unpack and transport luggage on a daily basis. A coach will be with the group for the whole week to take people to the start of walks and return them to their accommodation at the end of the day.
Maspalomas is a bustling town with ample amenities. The selected accommodation will also provide fully serviced kitchens per twin/double sharing apartment.
Contribution
The contribution per person for this Camino is Euros 725 per person. This covers:
- 7 days’/6 nights accommodation on a twin/double sharing basis: (a.) 5 nights in holiday apartments (accommodation only basis). Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, living room, master bedroom with two single beds, bathroom and terrace equipped with table and chairs. The accommodation is conveniently located close to amenities (for example there is a Spar, HyperDino and Gordillo all within 5 – 10 mins walking distance and also plenty of restuarants). (b.) 1 night in an Airport hotel in Madrid also on twin / double sharing basis.
- airport and daily coach transfers
- A full day excursion with local guide
- Trekking leader
- Credencial
- Local training calendar.
A non-refundable deposit of €225 is requested to reserve your place.
Interested? Follow this link to register and pay the €225 deposit.