In Candelaria, religious heritage, pilgrimage traditions and coastal landscapes come together. Visitors wishing to shape their stay around culture and history will find plenty to explore, from the basilica and its festivals to historic paths, ceramic crafts and hiking trails.
Basilica, Squares and Religious Heritage
The BasĂlica y Real Santuario Mariano de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria is designed in the regionalist style. It has three naves with MudĂ©jar-style roofs, and a 25-metre-high dome rises above the crossing. A freestanding tower reaches 45 metres and features a Canarian balcony balustrade. The basilica is considered the patronal church of the Canary Islands and was the archipelago’s first Marian temple.
Right next to the basilica is the Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias, which opens onto the sea. The square hosts the most important festivals and events in the town of Candelaria. The current bronze sculptures of the Menceyes were created by José Abad. This links the central festival square with a striking work of Canarian art.
The Cueva de Achbinico, also known as the Ermita de San Blas, is another part of Candelaria’s religious heritage. It was the first Marian temple in Candelaria and a meeting point between European and Indigenous cultures. The Iglesia de Santa Ana was founded by local residents in 1575. Its artworks include an 18th-century image of Santa Ana and a wooden Baroque-style carving of Christ on the cross, dating from the 17th century.
The Centro alfarero Casa de las Miquelas dedicates three rooms to the town’s traditional occupations, the making of traditional ceramics, a collection of vessels and traditional clothing, and a workshop. Its focus therefore ranges from the manufacturing process to objects associated with local crafts.
Pilgrimage Routes and Festival Dates
Since 25 November 2008, the Camino de Candelaria has been protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Historic Site category. It lies between the municipalities of El Rosario and Candelaria on Tenerife. The Camino Viejo de Candelaria is a 21.2-kilometre-long historic royal road. It is associated with devotion to the Virgin of Candelaria, the patron saint of the Canary Islands, and has been used as a pilgrimage route by believers and other travellers since the 16th century.
When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the religious dates. The Ceremonia Guanche is the main reenactment of the discovery of the image of the Virgin of Candelaria during the Fiestas de Candelaria. It takes place every year on 14 August, at dusk; details of the festival programme may vary. The apparition of Our Lady of Candelaria is celebrated on 15 August. On this day, people from across the island make a pilgrimage to the basilica. The liturgical feast of Our Lady of Candelaria, however, falls on 2 February. If you are planning a trip around any of these dates, check the current programme in advance.
Hiking and Coastal Landscapes
The local hiking network includes more than twenty traditional paths. Seven of them were officially approved in 2007 with the consent of the Cabildo de Tenerife and the Federación Canaria de Montañismo. Conditions on individual paths may change; check their current status before setting out.
A hiking trail through the Samarines area follows Candelaria’s natural coastline. The landscape includes beaches, cliffs, coastal platforms, blowholes and Tabaibal vegetation. The trail also offers insight into the traditions of shellfish gathering and fishing. Coastal conditions can vary, so it is advisable to check them before your visit.
Getting There by Bus
Several TITSA bus routes connect Candelaria with Santa Cruz, the south of Tenerife and other nearby municipalities. As routes and timetables may change, check the latest connections when planning your journey there or onward travel.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Igueste De Candelaria, Las Cuevecitas De Candelaria, Malpais, Los Carrizales, Buen Paso, Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Icod De Los Vinos, Los Realejos.
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