At the Belén Viviente, more than 300 residents transform Tigaiga into ancient Palestine for a day. This tradition gives the village a clear cultural identity. A historic chapel, public water facilities and old paths also tell different parts of the village’s story; the protected landscape adds a natural dimension. You can therefore plan your visit around a specific interest: an event, the history of buildings and water, the course of a path, or observing nature.

Traditions and event dates

The Belén Viviente tradition has existed for more than forty years. The living Nativity play takes place in Tigaiga on December 24. Another date is the Romería de San Antonio Abad, held on the Sunday closest to January 17. These offer two different opportunities to plan a trip focused on local traditions. Event dates may change, so check the current calendar before planning your visit around them.

Chapel and water facilities: a closer look at local history

The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción had already been built on land in Tigaiga when Marciana Grimón endowed it with thirty silver reales in November 1617. The single-nave building has a presbytery and adjoining rooms. The presbytery is the area around the altar. The chapel also contains an anonymous 18th-century image of the Immaculate Conception. The Ermita thus brings together a precisely dated historical connection, a clearly described architectural form and a later work of art.

At the Lavaderos de Tigaiga, you can explore another aspect of local history: the distribution of water. An old spring emerged at the foot of a Barbuzano tree; at the Lavaderos, the water was diverted and distributed to basins, watering troughs and washing areas. The Island Council declared the facility to be for the public good in 1701. After a period of decline, the Lavaderos were restored and improved. The spring, water channels and different areas of use make historic infrastructure the focus here.

An old connection and today’s route

The Camino de las Vueltas is an old path dating from before the Spanish conquest. It connected the Menceyatos of Icode and Taoro. According to the Ruta 040 route description, the climb starts at El Aserradero on this old Camino; the route continues along the Camino de las Piedras to Calle Tigaiga. The section on the Camino de las Vueltas climbs for more than a kilometre to the TF-342. The path is winding and paved. If you plan to take this section, check the trail conditions before setting out, as they can change.

Protected landscape and observing nature

The Los Campeches, Tigaiga and Ruiz Protected Landscape forms a geographic and landscape unit comprising the three natural areas of Los Campeches, Tigaiga and Ruiz. It has a high biodiversity of endemic species. The cliffs are home to rocky plant communities, while Cardonal-Tabaibal vegetation dominates at lower elevations. At mid elevations, Fayal-Brezal and remnants of laurel forest can also be found. The area is also designated as a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA).

The area around the square in Tigaiga is another place to observe nature and is suitable for spotting numerous species. What you can see varies by season. These are two distinct ways to experience nature: the larger landscape area and its habitats, and the specific observation point by the square, where sightings vary throughout the year.

Getting to Tigaiga

When travelling from Puerto de la Cruz, the recommended turn-off is after the motorway tunnel near the San Vicente district. From there, the route continues through Realejo Bajo to Tigaiga. Road conditions can change, so check the route before setting out. If your visit is focused on the events, it is also worth checking the dates; for the old paths, the description of the specific section is a more suitable basis for planning.

Discover more destinations: Icod El Alto, Brezal, Palo Blanco, Cruz Santa, Llanadas

Return to the broader travel overview: Los Realejos.