Güímar between volcanic landscapes, pilgrimage and coast

Güímar preserves a piece of the island’s history along the Camino Real del Sur: the historic route once connected the entire south of Tenerife, still has paved sections today, and its section in Güímar runs between Fasnia and the town centre.

Culture and history

The Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol stands in the town centre and is listed as a historic monument. It features a Baroque dressed-stone portal and a 19th-century bell tower. The Capilla de San Pedro de Arriba is classified as a Site of Cultural Interest and houses a carved statue of the Virgen de las Aguas.

The Cueva de Chinguaro is classified as a historic site and, according to historians, is considered the cave palace of Mencey Acaymo. It was the first sanctuary of the Virgen de Candelaria in the entire Canary Archipelago and is of great archaeological importance.

The Parque Etnográfico y Jardín Botánico Pirámides de Güímar is an open-air museum where visitors can explore the history, culture and nature of the Canary Islands. It includes the Museo Casa Chacona, an auditorium and outdoor exhibitions. Paths focus on topics such as sustainability, native flora and the history of the Canary Islands; the botanical collections include the Jardín Venenoso, the Jardín Sostenible and the Tropicarium.

Traditions by the sea

The Romería del Socorro takes place every year on 7 September. It is considered the oldest pilgrimage of its kind in the Canary Islands and leads from the Iglesia de San Pedro in the town centre to the chapel of the Virgen at Playa del Socorro. The Socorro tradition includes, in the afternoon, commemorating the appearance of Our Lady of Socorro to the Guanches at Playa de Chimisay, followed the next day by the procession carrying the statue of the Virgin back to the town and the Iglesia de San Pedro.

Nature and coast

Malpaís de Güímar is a protected Special Nature Reserve with a unique volcanic landscape stretching from Montaña Grande to the coast; it has been protected since 1987. Two historic salt pans, which are still well preserved, can also be seen in Malpaís.

Playa del Puertito de Güímar has very calm waves, is suitable for families with children and has an accessible entrance for people with reduced mobility.

When planning your trip, you can consider the main themes of history, religious tradition, volcanic landscapes, coast and botanical subjects side by side. You can weigh the desired themes separately without presupposing a fixed order.

Getting around Güímar

For a holiday apartment in Güímar, you can compare travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on the respective offer pages. This booking information can be considered separately from the local topics – routes, cultural sites, nature and coast.

Several TITSA bus routes connect Güímar with Santa Cruz and the rest of south-eastern Tenerife.

More places in the town overview: El Escobonal, El Tablero.

To the overarching travel overview: Tenerife.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Teno, Los Carrizales, Guaza, Ravelo, San José de los Llanos, El Pris.