Walking the Camino on the Canary Islands is now possible on our exciting Camino Gran Canaria Tour.
The Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria
The Camino crosses the island of Gran Canaria, one of the seven islands that make up the Canary Islands. The trail starts at the Maspalomas lighthouse on the southern coast to the Church of Santiago de los Caballeros in Gáldar on the northern coast. Along the way, pilgrims make stops at the picture-perfect village of Fataga, the Church of Santiago in Tunte and the Cruz de Tejeda pass.
Spain’s Canary Islands are renowned for their consistently pleasant weather, beautiful beaches, and breathtaking scenery. And, of course, the island of Gran Canaria can proudly claim its own Camino de Santiago within the Canary Islands!
The legend
It all began in the early 15th century when some sailors from Galicia encountered a fierce storm just off the shores of Gran Canaria. Gripped by fear for their lives, they implored the Apostle Santiago for mercy. In exchange for their safety, they vowed to honor the Saint in the highest place on earth.
Upon reaching the safety of land, they fulfilled their pledge. Transporting a statue of the Apostle, the sailors ascended the Tirajana mountains and built a Shrine for Santiago. Thus, the Camino de Gran Canaria came into existence.
Half a millennium later, in 1965, Pope VI bestowed on this Camino the same privileges as Santiago de Compostela, declaring the Jacobean Holy Year for the Camino de Gran Canaria. This distinction makes it the sole official Camino outside Continental Europe!
Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands is a subtropical archipelago in the Atlantic about two hours from continental Spain. There are seven mejor islands divided into two provinces, which make up the Autonomous Community of Canarias. The capital is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which is where you will land when you fly in.
Some highlights that are found on the islands are:
- The Teide volcano on the island of Lanzarote is Spain’s highest peak at 3,715 meters (12,200 feet).
- The Canarias boasts four out of the fifteen Spanish National Parks.
- The island of Lanzarote produces spectacular wine in volcanic ash soil.
- Inhabitants on the island of La Gomera still communicate using a whistling language called Silbo.
- The island of Gran Canaria has an official Camino de Santiago.
Sign up now for the Camino de Gran Canaria Tour
