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Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria experience

George Vancouver

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
2019
My wife and I finished the Camino de Gran Canaria yesterday (Dec 13, 2021). This is to give some impressions and information from our experience. There are other good posts offering perspectives on this Camino, including a recent one by Steven Baggs (Steve you have a very understanding wife!). The Jacobeo association in Galdar has good information on its website (https://jacobeogaldar.es/jacobeo2021/elcamino). Another good source for us was the website of two avid local hikers and bloggers - https://localguidegrancanaria.com/en/way-of-st-james/

Our overall impression ā€“ the Camino was very demanding, but also very rewarding.

Credenciales ā€“ Credencials are available from the Galician Social Club in Las Palmas, but it is only open a couple of hours each evening. The website says they are available at the tourist offices in Maspalomas, but they were all closed when we tried. They are available at some places along the route and at the finish in Galdar but thatā€™s not too helpful. We used spare credencials we had with us (you never know when you'll need a credencial!). The church had no issue at all about us not using the ā€œofficialā€ credencial.

Stamps ā€“ Stamps were easy to find at bars, cafes and shops in the few towns on the route. Getting a stamp at the start in Maspalomas was trickier. The route starts at the lighthouse. It has an interpretive centre which was open but seemingly deserted. We knocked on an office door just inside the entrance marked ā€œprivateā€. There was only a security guard, but as soon as he saw our credencials he retrieved a stamp from a desk drawer and we were on our way.

Arrows ā€“ The route is pretty well marked with arrows ā€“ except when itā€™s not! There were about four or five places where directions were not good. Most notably, there is a fork about 6 km from Maspalomas that has arrows pointing in both directions. (Hint: stay right). We downloaded the GPX tracks from both the Jacobeo and Local Guides websites. In the few places without good arrows, the maps saved us.

Accommodations ā€“ The towns along the way ā€“ Fataga, Tunte and Cruz de Tejeda ā€“ have very limited accommodation. Book ahead. There are a few campsites so tenting is an option but the distances would vary. Another option is to take buses back and forth to larger coastal towns. Thatā€™s viable but would delay your morning starts.

Services ā€“ Outside the three main stops, there are none. Zero. You must carry your own food and water each day.

Compostelas ā€“ Compostelas are provided at the counter at the exit of the church for ā‚¬1. They were not at all particular about verifying our stamps. They just sort of took our word for it.

The Route ā€“ Our overall distance was 65 km, split evenly between three days. The recommended stops are Tunte and Cruz de Tejeda. We couldnā€™t find accommodation in Tunte so had to stay in Fataga. That shortened stage one but made for a tough stage two. We are in good shape for our ages (early 60s) but found the route demanding, especially stage two.

This Camino is not for the unfit or unprepared. It is a strenuous mountain route. There is nothing technical about it in the mountain climbing sense, but the first two stages you climb 1,700 metres over often rough paths. The final stage you descend 1,700 metres, giving your knees and quads a burn. We highly recommend using poles, especially if youā€™re carrying a pack. Wear good shoes. Heavy hiking boots arenā€™t necessary but good trail or hiking shoes are a must. If, like me, you donā€™t like heights, be aware there are a few narrow ledges along steep hillsides.

Now that Iā€™ve scared you, be assured that the spectacular views amply reward you for the effort. We just finished the Norte. Some of the views along the del Norte are breathtaking, but nothing compared to the Gran Canaria.

Final tip ā€“ if your budget allows it, absolutely stay in the Parador in Cruz de Tejeda. No hotel in the world can match its views.

Sorry for being so long-winded! Feel free to message me if you have any questions about our experience.

www.mariaandgeorge.com
 

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My wife and I finished the Camino de Gran Canaria yesterday (Dec 13, 2021). This is to give some impressions and information from our experience. There are other good posts offering perspectives on this Camino, including a recent one by Steven Baggs (Steve you have a very understanding wife!). The Jacobeo association in Galdar has good information on its website (https://jacobeogaldar.es/jacobeo2021/elcamino). Another good source for us was the website of two avid local hikers and bloggers - https://localguidegrancanaria.com/en/way-of-st-james/

Our overall impression ā€“ the Camino was very demanding, but also very rewarding.

Credenciales ā€“ Credencials are available from the Galician Social Club in Las Palmas, but it is only open a couple of hours each evening. The website says they are available at the tourist offices in Maspalomas, but they were all closed when we tried. They are available at some places along the route and at the finish in Galdar but thatā€™s not too helpful. We used spare credencials we had with us (you never know when you'll need a credencial!). The church had no issue at all about us not using the ā€œofficialā€ credencial.

Stamps ā€“ Stamps were easy to find at bars, cafes and shops in the few towns on the route. Getting a stamp at the start in Maspalomas was trickier. The route starts at the lighthouse. It has an interpretive centre which was open but seemingly deserted. We knocked on an office door just inside the entrance marked ā€œprivateā€. There was only a security guard, but as soon as he saw our credencials he retrieved a stamp from a desk drawer and we were on our way.

Arrows ā€“ The route is pretty well marked with arrows ā€“ except when itā€™s not! There were about four or five places where directions were not good. Most notably, there is a fork about 6 km from Maspalomas that has arrows pointing in both directions. (Hint: stay right). We downloaded the GPX tracks from both the Jacobeo and Local Guides websites. In the few places without good arrows, the maps saved us.

Accommodations ā€“ The towns along the way ā€“ Fataga, Tunte and Cruz de Tejeda ā€“ have very limited accommodation. Book ahead. There are a few campsites so tenting is an option but the distances would vary. Another option is to take buses back and forth to larger coastal towns. Thatā€™s viable but would delay your morning starts.

Services ā€“ Outside the three main stops, there are none. Zero. You must carry your own food and water each day.

Compostelas ā€“ Compostelas are provided at the counter at the exit of the church for ā‚¬1. They were not at all particular about verifying our stamps. They just sort of took our word for it.

The Route ā€“ Our overall distance was 65 km, split evenly between three days. The recommended stops are Tunte and Cruz de Tejeda. We couldnā€™t find accommodation in Tunte so had to stay in Fataga. That shortened stage one but made for a tough stage two. We are in good shape for our ages (early 60s) but found the route demanding, especially stage two.

This Camino is not for the unfit or unprepared. It is a strenuous mountain route. There is nothing technical about it in the mountain climbing sense, but the first two stages you climb 1,700 metres over often rough paths. The final stage you descend 1,700 metres, giving your knees and quads a burn. We highly recommend using poles, especially if youā€™re carrying a pack. Wear good shoes. Heavy hiking boots arenā€™t necessary but good trail or hiking shoes are a must. If, like me, you donā€™t like heights, be aware there are a few narrow ledges along steep hillsides.

Now that Iā€™ve scared you, be assured that the spectacular views amply reward you for the effort. We just finished the Norte. Some of the views along the del Norte are breathtaking, but nothing compared to the Gran Canaria.

Final tip ā€“ if your budget allows it, absolutely stay in the Parador in Cruz de Tejeda. No hotel in the world can match its views.

Sorry for being so long-winded! Feel free to message me if you have any questions about our experience.

www.mariaandgeorge.com
I agree with you as it is a spectacular Camino. A great Winter Camino alternative with its mild weather. If your budget does not allow The Parador, Finca de Isa about 25 minutes down the mountain offers equally spectacular views and budget dormitory beds. Ask for the 6 bed room with the fireplace.
 
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