Angelo Caruana
Introduction
The Camino is not simply a trek across the landscapes it is a journey that challenges both body and mind. Every step tests your endurance, while every quiet moment on the trail invites you to reflect. It’s a rhythm of physical effort and inner stillness, where the fatigue of long climbs is balanced by a sense of peace and clarity. By the end, you don’t just arrive at a destination, but you discover something deeper within yourself.
Our Camino began with a short stop in Madrid, where we soaked in the city’s timeless atmosphere. Soon after, the real journey unfolded as we set foot on the stunning island of Gran Canaria, at Playa se Maspalomas, a place of life with a lot of bars and restaurants and the beach and sand dunes to explore, eager to embrace the challenge that awaited us the day after.
Day 1: Faro de Maspalomas to San Bartolomé de Tirajana – 30km
Our journey kicked off at the southern tip of the island, starting from the iconic Faro de Maspalomas. The 30km trek took us through arid dunes, rugged terrain, and gradually into the lush mountainous interior. It was a challenging day with significant elevation gain, but the views and togetherness made every step worth it. A trail with a lot to explore and enjoy.
Day 2: Tunte to Cruz de Tejeda – 16km
We continued our ascent, from the charming village of Tunte up to Cruz de Tejeda, nestled high in the mountains. This stage offered dramatic scenery and cooler air. The climb was steep but incredibly rewarding, surrounded by pine forests and volcanic landscapes. A route that starts from about 948 m above sea level and reaches a peak near the 1,786 m.
Day 3: Cruz de Tejeda to Gáldar – 22km
Our final day on the Camino was a descent through changing scenery, mountains giving way to green valleys as we made our way to Gáldar, a town steeped in history. Completing the journey was a proud and emotional moment for us all. Throughout the three days, we collected stamps on our pilgrim credential at the various stops along the way, the best souvenir one can get from such experiences.
Rest Day: Exploring the Island
Before returning to Madrid, we took a well-deserved break and explored more of Gran Canaria’s treasures:
- Bandama Caldera Volcanic Crater – for stunning panoramic views.
- Arucas – where we enjoyed the famous Barraquito in a local café.
- Agaete Valley – visited a coffee plantation, learning about local culture and enjoying tastings of both coffee, wine and the amazing surroundings of this valley.
- Agaete Natural Pools – a refreshing end to a perfect day.
Final Thoughts
As a first-time Camino participant, I thought the high elevations might be too much for me, but thanks to the well-organized training in Malta and the incredible support of the group, the journey was not only doable, it was unforgettable!
Special thanks to XirCammini, and heartfelt appreciation to James, Tucc and John for their leadership and care throughout the whole journey.
A Camino to cherish forever, with great food, incredible company, and memories that will last a lifetime. For sure this will not be the last one to experience.
If you would like to walk this Camino, XirCammini will be organising it again in 2026. Follow this link to register: https://xircammini.org/event/camino-de-santiago-de-gran-canaria-among-volcanoes/