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Candelaria

Candelaria, Canary Islands, Spain

Candelaria, located on the beautiful island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Spain, is a charming coastal town that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. One of the main attractions in Candela…

#Candelaria#Canary Islands#Spain#coastal town#religious site

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Candelaria.

Top Hotels in Candelaria

Top Flights to Candelaria

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Candelaria.

Tours

Basilica of Candelaria Visit

Explore the magnificent basilica dedicated to the Virgin of Candelaria, the patron saint of the Canary Islands.

Cueva del Achbinico Visit

Explore this historic cave, an important site of pilgrimage in Candelaria.

Shopping

Candelaria Flea Market

Visit the local flea market to find unique souvenirs and handicrafts.

Outdoor

Candelaria Seafront Promenade

Stroll along the beautiful seafront promenade and enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Las Caletillas Beach Day

Enjoy a sunny day on Las Caletillas Beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Candelaria.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro

Population

Not Available

Languages

Spanish, Spanish

Average weather

Candelaria

Jan

21°15°

Feb

21°15°

Mar

22°16°

Apr

23°17°

May

24°18°

Jun

26°20°

Jul

28°22°

Aug

29°23°

Sep

28°22°

Oct

26°20°

Nov

24°18°

Dec

22°16°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Candelaria.

What people love

Candelaria is a beautiful town located in the Canary Islands, Spain, known for its stunning coastal views, historical sites, and vibrant culture. Here are some pros of traveling to Candelaria:

Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria: The town is famous for its basilica dedicated to the Virgin of Candelaria, the patron saint of the Canary Islands. The basilica is a major pilgrimage site and a must-visit for those interested in religious and cultural history.
Coastal Beauty: Candelaria is situated on the coast, offering visitors breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The town's beaches and seaside promenades are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of the island.
Local Cuisine: Candelaria is known for its delicious seafood dishes, traditional Canarian cuisine, and local wines. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood caught daily, as well as unique dishes that reflect the island's culinary traditions.
Cultural Events: The town hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including festivals, concerts, and exhibitions. Travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture and experience traditional music, dance, and art.
Outdoor Activities: Candelaria offers a range of outdoor activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Visitors can explore hiking trails, go diving or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

Overall, traveling to Candelaria offers a perfect blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for a memorable vacation in the Canary Islands.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Candelaria in the Canary Islands could include:

Limited public transportation: Candelaria is a smaller town in the Canary Islands, so public transportation options may be limited compared to larger cities. This could make it more challenging to get around the area if you don't have access to a car.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options: Candelaria is known for its religious and cultural attractions, such as the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria, but it may not offer as many nightlife or entertainment options as other tourist destinations in the Canary Islands.
Weather variability: While the Canary Islands are known for their year-round mild weather, Candelaria's location on the eastern side of Tenerife may experience more variable weather patterns compared to other parts of the island. Be prepared for potential changes in weather conditions during your visit.
Language barrier: While many people in Candelaria may speak English, Spanish is the primary language spoken in the Canary Islands. If you are not fluent in Spanish, you may encounter some language barriers during your visit.
Crowds during peak tourist season: Like many popular tourist destinations, Candelaria may experience crowds during peak travel seasons, particularly around religious festivals and holidays. Be prepared for potentially crowded streets and attractions during these times.

Please note that these cons are based on general information and visitor experiences, and individual experiences may vary. It's always a good idea to research further and consider your own preferences and priorities when deciding whether to travel to Candelaria.

Candelaria is a town and municipality located on the eastern coast of the island of Tenerife, which is part of the Canary Islands, Spain. It is particularly famous for its religious significance and is considered a pivotal location for the island's cultural and spiritual heritage.

Early History

The area that is now Candelaria was originally inhabited by the Guanches, the indigenous people of the Canary Islands. The Guanches had a settlement in the area of Candelaria, and it was in this region that they encountered the statue of the Virgin of Candelaria, which is central to the town's history.

The Statue of the Virgin of Candelaria

According to legend, around the year 1392, two Guanche shepherds discovered a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary on the beach of Chimisay. This statue became known as the Virgin of Candelaria (Virgen de Candelaria), and she was declared the patron saint of the Canary Islands. The Virgin of Candelaria has been venerated ever since, and her feast day, celebrated on February 2 and August 15, attracts thousands of pilgrims to the town every year.

Spanish Conquest and Religious Significance

Following the Spanish conquest of Tenerife in the late 15th century, the town of Candelaria gained prominence as a religious center. The original hermitage built to house the statue was replaced by a larger church, and later by the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria, completed in the 20th century.

Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria

The current Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria was completed in 1959 and is one of the most important religious buildings in the Canary Islands. The basilica draws numerous visitors and pilgrims who come to see the statue of the Virgin.

Historical Figures

Alonso Fernández de Lugo: The Spanish conquistador who led the conquest of Tenerife and played a significant role in the establishment of Christian religious practices on the island.
The Guanche People: The indigenous people who initially revered the statue of the Virgin of Candelaria, integrating it into their own religious practices before the Spanish conquest.

Important Landmarks

Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria: This is the most significant landmark in Candelaria, built to honor the Virgin of Candelaria.
Statues of the Guanche Chiefs: Located near the basilica, these statues commemorate the Guanche leaders who ruled Tenerife before the Spanish conquest.
Cueva de Achbinico: Also known as the "Cave of San Blas," this cave was the first Christian sanctuary on the island and holds historical significance as the initial site where the Virgin of Candelaria was venerated.

Modern Candelaria

Today, Candelaria is a blend of historical reverence and modern life. It is a cultural and religious hub for the Canary Islands, attracting tourists and devotees alike. The town celebrates its historical roots while also offering a picturesque coastal setting with beautiful beaches and local cuisine.

Candelaria continues to be a living testament to the fusion of indigenous Guanche heritage and Spanish colonial influence, making it a unique and historically rich destination in the Canary Islands.