Discover Candelaria: Basilica, Coast and Holiday Apartments

The Basílica y Real Santuario Mariano de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria is designed in the regionalist style. It comprises three naves with Mudéjar-style roofs, a 25-metre-high dome over the crossing, and a 45-metre-high central tower standing to the side, with a Canarian balcony balustrade. At the same time, it is considered the patronal church of the Canary Islands and the first Marian temple of the archipelago.

Culture and Religious Heritage

The historical heritage includes the Camino de Candelaria, which is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the category of Historic Site. It lies between the municipalities of El Rosario and Candelaria on the island of Tenerife. Another historic site is the Cueva de Achbinico, also known as the Ermita de San Blas. It was the first Marian temple in Candelaria and a meeting point between European and indigenous cultures.

The Iglesia de Santa Ana was founded in 1575 by the residents of the town of Candelaria. Inside, there is an 18th-century image of Santa Ana and a Baroque-style Christ on the Cross carved from wood in the 17th century. The Centro alfarero Casa de las Miquelas comprises three rooms: visitors can discover the town’s traditional occupations, the production process for traditional ceramics, a collection of vessels and traditional clothing, as well as a workshop.

Festivals and Public Spaces

At the Fiestas de Candelaria, the Ceremonia Guanche is the central, characteristic and identity-defining portrayal of the finding of the image of the Virgin of Candelaria. This ritual takes place every year on 14 August at dusk. On 15 August, the apparition of Our Lady of Candelaria is celebrated; on this day, people from across the island make a pilgrimage to the basilica. The liturgical feast of Our Lady of Candelaria takes place on 2 February.

The Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias is a square open towards the sea next to the Basilica of Candelaria. The most important festivals and events of the Villa de Candelaria take place there. The current sculptures of the Menceyes were made of bronze by José Abad.

Paths and Coast

The local hiking network in Candelaria comprises more than twenty traditional paths. Seven of them were officially certified in 2007 with the approval of the Cabildo de Tenerife and the Federación Canaria de Montañismo, meeting optimum conditions for safety, cleanliness and signage when hiking in nature. Different route lengths, types of activity and landscape themes help visitors compare their own plans objectively.

The Camino Viejo de Candelaria is a 21.2-kilometre-long old royal road. It is associated with the veneration of the Virgin of Candelaria, the patron saint of the Canary Islands, and has served as a pilgrimage route for believers and other users since the 16th century.

The hiking trail through the Samarines area runs along the natural coast of Candelaria, characterised by rocks, sea and vegetation. It provides access to beaches, cliffs, coastal platforms, blowholes, tabaibal vegetation, as well as traditional shellfish gathering and fishing.

Getting There

Several TITSA bus routes connect Candelaria with Santa Cruz, the south of Tenerife and other nearby municipalities.

Other Places in Candelaria

Other Candelaria pages lead to Igueste De Candelaria, Las Cuevecitas De Candelaria and Malpais.

For the higher-level travel overview: Tenerife.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Granadilla De Abona, Arico Viejo, La Guancha, Ravelo, El Pris.