What to see in Candelaria de Tenerife

Explore the municipality of Candelaria, which belongs to the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and discover its most attractive places, full of life and history, where you will have the chance to see many important aspects of it at first hand. 

Furthermore, it is worth noting that if you wish to live a unique and incomparable experience, these are more than enough reasons for you not to think twice and enter this majestic town.

So, what are you waiting for to unveil Candelaria's most important milestones?

The history of the municipality of Candelaria

Candelaria, located in the southeast of Tenerife, 52 kilometres from Santa Cruz.

It is considered to be the archipelago's sacred and pilgrimage site par excellence.

Every 2nd of February and 14th of August thousands of pilgrims from all over the islands and from all over the world gather here to celebrate the commemorative feast of the Patron Saint in the so-called "Caminata a Candelaria" (Walk to Candelaria).

This municipality is also one of the most charming villages in the Canary Islands, as it not only reflects a notable religious impetus as it is the seat of the Virgin of Candelaria, patron saint of the Canary Islands. Our Lady of Candelaria is also of great historical importance since it is where the Guanche and Castilian cultures came together around the image of the Virgin.

And, it is worth noting that once you immerse yourself in this municipality, you are completely enveloped by its atmosphere, along with the sea breeze and the tranquillity, to the point of wanting to return again.

Visiting Candelaria can take at least half a day, but if you really want to enjoy yourself, we recommend that you come for the whole day.

Places to visit in Candelaria

Below, we provide you with a list of 10 must-see places to visit in the municipality of Candelaria, which are of great importance and which, without a doubt, you cannot miss, or you will regret it.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria

This beautiful Basilica is the first Marian Temple in the Canary Islands.

It is located next to the hermitage of San Blas, creating a characteristic and striking contrast.

It is worth knowing that, once the walk to the Virgin is over, this is considered the meeting point for all pilgrims.

You can also see the Pilgrims' Fountain, which is located right next to the Basilica.

The Basilica has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest and contains the image of Our Lady the Virgin of Candelaria .

The present building dates from 1959, as it was built on the site of a former church.

The statues of the Guanches

These statues commemorate the aborigines of the Canary Islands, the Guanches.

These are located next to the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, on a promenade facing the sea that offers a beautiful panoramic view, from which you can see the entire coast and the black sandy beach of the municipality of Candelaria.

It should be noted that these Menceys (9), such as, for example:

Acaymo, mencey of Tacoronte, Adjona, mencey of Abona, Bencomo, mencey of Taoro, Pelinor, mencey of Adeje, Añaterve, mencey of Güímar, among others, were the kings of each of the territories of the island of Tenerife.

If you are interested in Guanche history you should read the article: What you should know about the history of the Guanches.

Diversity of bars and restaurants on the Avenida Marítima promenade

Candelaria has a wide variety of bars and restaurants where you can go, according to your own personal tastes.

There is a promenade where you can appreciate all this gastronomic diversity, from fish and seafood, Canarian food, to fast food, there is even room for more exquisite palates; and, in the same way, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the tour, escaping from all your problems.

Therefore, don't forget to make a stop at one of these exquisite restaurants during your stay in this municipality.

Las Caletillas Beach

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If you are interested in black sand beaches, Candelaria has numerous beaches where you can enjoy and relax, among them is Playa de Caletillas.

This beach of black sand and gravel is located in the municipality of Candelaria, approximately 15 minutes by car from the capital of Tenerife, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

At the same time, you will have the chance to enjoy its promenade and breathe in the sea breeze. It is worth mentioning that this beach is characterised for being quiet, not very frequented and easy to access.

Punta Larga Beach

This black sand beach, with areas of gravel and pebbles, is located on the seafront promenade in the municipality of Candelaria, where you can sit on a bench and enjoy the spectacular views, or have a refreshing drink with the sea in the background.

In addition, at the beginning of the promenade there is a park and a fitness area with a variety of equipment.

The Hermitage of San Blas

This peculiar termite has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest Cultural Heritage of InterestIt has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest due to its historical interest and its connection with the town of Candelaria.

It is also considered to be the first Catholic temple on the island, as it was the first to receive the Virgin of Candelaria, which was guarded by Los Guanches.

It is worth bearing in mind that the Cave was declared a church in 1497 , after the Conquest of the island of Tenerife.

To get there, all you have to do is follow the San Blas promenade until you reach the Ermita, a small path by the sea.

Church of Santa Ana

It is located in the old quarter of the municipality of Candelaria, the Barrio de Santa Ana, near the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria and next to the viewpoint of the same name.

It is worth bearing in mind that this spacious building is the main church of the parishes in the southeast of Tenerife; it dates from the mid-18th century and was built on the site of a 16th-century hermitage.

The interior of the church has a Mudejar-inspired coffered ceiling and portraits from the Canarian school of the 17th century, such as the image of the Crucified Christ, which conserves some interesting carvings from the group of the Holy Supper, and from the 18th century.