6 Best Things to Do in Candelaria, Tenerife + MAP

Candelaria is a coastal town in Tenerife with a rich heritage as a fishing village and spiritual center. Unlike other tourist destinations in North Tenerife, it’s very tranquil, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and disconnecting from daily stresses.

What we cherished most about Candelaria, Tenerife is that there were very few visitors, allowing us to blend in with the locals and uncover the authentic essence of the island. Furthermore, it can serve as a base camp for exploring other places in Tenerife, as there are several excellent hotels in Candelaria.

To ensure making the most of your visit, I will share all the must-see attractions and exciting activities available in Candelaria, Tenerife. I strongly advise dedicating at least one day to exploring this charming town, but if time is limited, you can take this guided tour (in Spanish) to see all the highlights.

1. See the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria, something you must do in Candelaria

Visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria is among the top things to do in Candelaria. This basilica is a Site of Cultural Significance dedicated to the Virgin of Candelaria, the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands.

While it was initially constructed in the late 18th century, there was a devastating fire in 1959, which led to it being almost entirely reconstructed. However, the basilica still maintains the decoration and architectural style typical of Canarian churches from that period, making it one of the popular attractions in Candelaria, Tenerife.

Inside, you’ll find three large sections, a grand central dome atop, and a bell tower. Additionally, a replica of the original wooden carving of the Virgin of Candelaria found by two native shepherds in the late fourteenth century (unfortunately lost in a flood in 1826) can be found here.

This carving held tremendous importance for the people of Tenerife, transforming the basilica into a pilgrimage center for residents across the Canary Islands. Due to all these reasons, visiting the basilica is among the primary activities to partake in at Candelaria, as it will allow you to learn more regarding the religious history of the Canary Archipelago.

2. Los Menceyes, the famous Guanche statues of Candelaria, Tenerife

The island of Tenerife was grouped into nine territories, each led by a leader. Los Menceyes Guanches is a collection of sculptures in Candelaria, Tenerife that were erected to honor the nine leaders who governed Tenerife in 1496, at the time of the conquest.

The nine sculpted artworks are situated in the Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias and are organized in such a manner that they appear to be welcoming visitors. Crafted by the renowned Tenerife artist José Abad in 1993, these sculptures hold significant historical importance, making them one of the best sights to see in Candelaria, Tenerife.

3. La Arena Beach and other beaches to visit in Candelaria, Tenerife

Candelaria, Tenerife is a seaside town, providing numerous beautiful beaches to explore. La Arena is a widely renownedbeach in Candelaria, characterized by its black sand as well as its tranquil and picturesque setting. While it may become more crowded during the summer months, it remains comparatively quiet compared to the southern beaches of Tenerife.

Watch for strong ocean waves when swimming, particularly with children, as currents can be powerful at this location.

Playa de Punta Larga is an additional shoreline in Candelaria, also showcasing black sand and gravel. This shoreline tends to have more visitors, specifically in the summer. Certainly, most of the beachgoers here are locals. Moreover, this beach allows nudism, so if you wish to sunbathe without tan lines, this is the perfect place for you.

Candelaria Beach is another option, although it tends to be one of the busiest, especially during peak travel season. This beach boasts black sand and gravel, and its waves are usually quite robust, so caution is advised while swimming.

You can see along the Candelaria coastline, there are several wonderful beaches. While some are quieter than others, all of them are exceptionally beautiful.

4. Go to the Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias, one of the best things to do in Candelaria

The Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias is one of the most important plazas to visit in Candelaria, Tenerife.

In this square, there formerly stood the Fortress of Saint Peter, a structure built in the late 17th century. Regrettably, it was entirely destroyed due to the 1826 flooding, the very event that caused the original wooden carving of the Virgin of Candelaria to disappear.

However, the square remains a popular place to visit in Candelaria since it is home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria and the nine Los Menceyes statues.

This square also serves as a focal point for celebrations and important events, making it a socially and culturally significant place in Candelaria, Tenerife. Moreover, it is located in front of the ocean, so one can enjoy its breathtaking views.

5. Visit the Hermitage of San Blas, another interesting thing to do in Candelaria

The Hermitage of San Blas, attached to the Achbinico Cave, is a Catholic sanctuary with profound chronological and archaeological importance, making it one of the most significantspots to visit in Candelaria.

This hermitage has a unique aspect in that it connects to a small cave once used for everyday tasks like milking goats as well as religious ceremonies honoring the Virgin of Candelaria. This location also served as the town`s sole burial ground up until the first quarter of the 16th century.

Currently, visitors can see a replica of the sacred image of the Virgin of Candelaria located inside the cave. Within the small sanctuary, there is also a modest wooden carving of Saint Blas of Sebaste. To reach this charming place of worship, simply follow the Paseo de San Blas. It conveniently sits just behind the Basilica de Candelaria and beneath the coastal cliff of La Magdalena, making it easy to locate.

Despite its simplicity, visiting this location is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Candelaria since it holds significant religious meaning for the village.

6. Explore the charming streets and local shops in Candelaria, Tenerife

One of the best activities in Candelaria is to take a stroll through its streets and immerse yourself in the history of the Guanches. Additionally, this allows visitors to explore local shops, including Casa de las Miquelas, a beautifully restored house showcasing examples of traditional pottery work.

Beyond exploring the town on foot, I recommend taking a stroll along a portion of the Camino Real or Camino Viejo de Candelaria, which has over five centuries of history. This historic path was once walked by pilgrims journeying to the basilica of the patron saint of the Canary Islands.

As you can observe, Candelaria is a town that is friendly for pedestrians where every street and corner reveals a piece of authentic Tenerife.

Best hotels in Candelaria, Tenerife

No matter if you wish to spend a relaxing vacation in Candelaria, Tenerife, or use this town as a base to explore other parts of the island, rest assured that you will locate lodging accommodating your needs.

Our preferred hotel in Candelaria is the Catalonia Punta del Rey. It offers superb value for the cost, making it one of the most economical hotels in Tenerife. Here, guests will discover straightforward yet charming rooms decorated faultlessly. Some even include balconies with views of the ocean. Also, the hotel incorporates an outdoor heated swimming pool, a gymnasium, a restaurant, and other amenities.

Another excellent choice is Abi&Lei VV, where the living spaces come outfitted with kitchenettes, allowing visitors to save money on meals or prepare picnics for outings. For those searching for something more luxurious, I suggest Villa La Perla, a complex providing apartments, suites, studios, and lofts.

Best restaurants in Candelaria

Experiencing local Canarian dishes is one of the greatest activities to do in Candelaria. You can visit aguachinche, a traditional family-run Canarian restaurant. Guachinche La Basílica is among the top selections, offering not just a warm and family-friendly environment but also delicious meals like wrinkled potatoes and other delicacies at fair prices.

Another option is Casona del Vino, an establishment specializing in Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. The friendliness and dedication of the staff make it a welcoming place from the moment of arrival. Plus, all the dishes are excellent, offering a genuine taste of Candelaria’s food.

You can also explore Olegario Restaurant, which offers budget-friendly options and focuses on Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. Here, you’ll encounter a welcoming staff and a wide range of dishes, all prepared with care and using the finest quality ingredients.

When staying in Candelaria for multiple days and wanting to explore surrounding regions, you can view our guide on where to consume in Tenerife to uncover other dining establishments.

How to get to Candelaria

I always propose obtaining transportation by renting a vehicle while in Tenerife, as it is a rather convenient and relaxed approach to navigating around the island. If renting a car is something you wish to do, I advise applying the platform DiscoverCars, a website we utilize because it consistently offers very affordable pricing. This allows you to have your vehicle prepared and ready as soon as you arrive on the island.

If driving is not your preference, you can reserve a private transport through this link. It’s a convenient and practical means of reaching Candelaria from the airport, although it is somewhat more costly than other possibilities.

For travelers watching their budgets, consider utilizing the local Canarian bus, known as guagua. Upon arrival at Tenerife North Airport, take bus line 20 to Santa Cruz de Tenerife and then switch to line 120 to arrive at Candelaria. From Tenerife South Airport, take bus 10 to Caletillas and then the 120 to Candelaria. You can find bus schedules and detailed information on the TITSA website.

Map of Candelaria, Tenerife

Now that you know all the best activities and attractions in Candelaria, here’s a map to assist you in locating them:

I hope this Tenerife travel guide has aided in broadening your understanding of the town of Candelaria, acknowledged as one of the must-experience locales in Tenerife. If you have any inquiries or recommendations pertaining to what sights to take in in Candelaria, feel free to record a comment below. I will be delighted to obtain feedback from you!

Spend your time enjoying the town of Candelaria!