Candelaria is a municipality of Santa Cruz de Tenerife located in the southeast of Tenerife. It is a town with a lot of history, culture and strong religious values.

It is famous for maintaining the legacy of the Guanches (aborigines of Tenerife) and for being the place where the aborigines found the image of the Virgen de la Candelaria (Patron Saint of the Canary Islands) in the 14th century. Although the actual image was lost in a storm in the 19th century, Candelaria remains the central place where thousands of believers flock to pay homage to their patron saint.

Here you will find the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, the first Marian temple in the Canary Islands and the place where the Patron Saint is protected. Around the church there are nine bronze statues of Guanche menceyes, which are there to remind us who were the first settlers of the place.

The basilica is the emblematic monument of Candelaria and the most visited by tourists. Every August 15th, thousands of pilgrims come early in the morning from different parts of the island to honour their patron saint and celebrate the patron saint’s festivities. It was on the 15th of August sometime in the 15th century that the image of the patron saint first appeared on the coast of the village. Also very popular are the fiestas of Carmen and Santa Ana, which are held every July in the town.

But Candelaria is not only about culture and religion, as is typical of the towns of Tenerife, Candelaria also has beautiful rural surroundings with a strong tourist potential. It offers many opportunities for a great holiday and is a dream place for hikers, who will find within the municipality, different routes to explore the midlands and dense forests of the region.

At the same time, it is delimited by an outline of beautiful beaches with enchanting landscapes. They are beaches of dark sand due to their volcanic origin, but they are just as attractive and refreshing. Behind them are majestic mountains full of vegetation that bring colour and harmony to the view. Enjoy boat trips and visit the caves that hide the secrets of the island.

Being a fishing village, you will always be surrounded by docks and boats, and you will be able to watch the fishermen along the coast. The seafaring spirit is not only present on the coast, but you can feel it in the streets and in the essence of its inhabitants.

Gastronomy is also a strong point in Candelaria. Have lunch with fresh fish fresh from the sea and enjoy a delicious local dessert with the family. On the promenade you will find a wide variety of restaurants, bars and fast food places.

If we talk about beaches, you can enjoy the Playa de Las Caletillas, where you can enjoy the sea breeze along the promenade. Another beach in Candelaria is Playa de Punta Larga, characterised by its pebbles and gravel, where you can come and enjoy the tranquillity of the sea.

You will also find many alternatives to have a good time on dry land, such as visiting the old royal road with its shops and restaurants, the town hall, the handicrafts centre, the basilica and the Plaza de la Patrona.