Candelaria, the spiritual capital of the Canary Islands

Candelaria is one of the most significant municipalities in Tenerife. Here lies the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria, the patroness of the Canary Islands, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. But the municipality is much more than a religious destination: it features comfortable urban beaches, an active fishing pier, and a pleasant promenade just 17 kilometers from Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Moreover, the CanariasLife Webcams in the Square of the Patroness, the fishing pier and the Punta Larga Beach allowing you to see the atmosphere of the municipality live, the sea state and the conditions before approaching.

The Basilica and the Square of the Patroness

The Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria, declared Cultural Heritage of Interest, was inaugurated in 1959 and is the main pilgrimage center of Canary Islands. Inside, the image of the Virgin of Candelaria, patroness of the archipelago, is honored.

In front of the basilica opens the Square of the Patroness of the Canaries, one of the most iconic spaces of Tenerife. Nine bronze statues represent the Guanche menceyes, the ancient kings of the island, looking out to the ocean. It is a place filled with history and symbolism.

Next to the basilica is the Cave of Achbinicó, the place where, according to tradition, the Guanches found the image of the Virgin. It is a brief but interesting stop to understand the origin of the devotion.

Festivals and pilgrimages

Candelaria has two significant dates that transform the municipality. The February 2nd celebrates the feast of the Virgin, with religious and cultural events. However, the big event is on August 15th, when thousands of people pilgrimage on foot from all points of Tenerife to the basilica. This celebration is recognized as National Tourist Interest Festival.

Also worth noting is the Romería de Santa Ana in July, with traditional costumes, music, and floats. It is one of the most popular festivals in the municipality.

Beaches of Candelaria

The municipality has several beaches urban volcanic sand beaches:

Punta Larga Beach is the most spacious and comfortable. It has a promenade, good services, and is ideal for families. The afternoons and the sunsets here are particularly pleasant.

On the other hand, Las Caletillas mixes rocky sections and more secluded bathing areas, with a calm and local atmosphere. Both beaches are well-connected from the center of the municipality.

Fishing Dock

The fishing pier of Candelaria maintains the activity of the artisanal fleet. In the mornings you can see the arrival of the boats and the unloading of the day's catch. It is an authentic corner of the municipality, away from tourism, and a good indicator of what is served later in local restaurants.

Gastronomy in Candelaria

The proximity to the sea marks the local cuisine. The restaurants on the promenade and the taverns in the center offer fresh fish grilled, limpets with garlic and parsley, and Canarian sancocho with scalded gofio and green onion. The wrinkled potatoes with mojo are a staple on all menus.

In fact, Candelaria has received national gastronomic awards for the quality of its local product and culinary tradition.

How to get to Candelaria

Candelaria is 17 kilometers from Santa Cruz de Tenerife via the South Highway (TF-1), which is about a 15-minute drive. There are also frequent buses from TITSA connecting the capital with the municipality.

Since the Tenerife South Airport the journey takes about 50 minutes. From the Tenerife North Airport it takes about 30 minutes via the highway.