Candelaria

Candelaria, located about 20 km south of Santa Cruz, is considered the spiritual capital of Tenerife. Its heart is the majestic Basilica of the Virgin of Candelaria, built in 1959 over a sacred cave where the Guanches first venerated the image known as "La Morenita." With its 45 m tower and regionalist-style interior with colorful murals, this basilica welcomes pilgrims from all over the island every year, especially on February 2 and August 15.

In front of the church lies the spacious Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias (Patron Saint of the Canary Islands), where nine bronze sculptures depict the ancient Guanche kings gazing out to sea as guardians of the place. Just behind it, the Achbinico Cave (Hermitage of San Blas) is the first Christian sanctuary in the Canary Islands, an intimate space that reflects the blend of ancestral faith and island culture.

The cobblestone streets of Candelaria exude an authentic seaside atmosphere. The desire to sail and the fishermen's daily life are intertwined with the town's ceramic tradition, visible in workshops and shops where the famous handmade red clay pots are made. Other spots, such as the old Casa Cabildo, now a cultural center, or the Santa Ana Church perched on a lookout point, offer panoramic views of the ocean and the town, which feels alive yet peaceful.

Candelaria is also sea and beach: its dark volcanic sand shores and promenades invite you to stroll leisurely, enjoy the breeze and the sound of the waves. It is a perfect combination of devotion, art, and local life by the Atlantic.

This town combines historical roots, religious heritage, and a vibrant coastal lifestyle: ideal for those seeking a place where faith, history, and the sea coexist naturally and authentically.