Candelaria
Verified content· Updated 27 June 2026Candelaria is a coastal town in the southeast of Tenerife, about 20 km from Santa Cruz, known for being the main pilgrimage center of the Canary Islands. Its Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria, designed by architect Enrique Marrero Regalado, whose current building was constructed around 1959, houses the image of the Virgin of Candelaria, proclaimed patron saint of the archipelago by Pope Clement VIII in 1599; its liturgical feast is on February 2nd (Candlemas) and its great patronal feast, with a massive pilgrimage, is on August 15th (linked to the Assumption). In front of the temple, in the Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias, stand the nine bronze statues of the menceyes (ancient Guanche kings of Tenerife) created by sculptor José Abad.
Next to the ensemble is the Cave of Achbinico (hermitage of San Blas), the natural cavity where, according to tradition, the Guanches venerated the image of the Virgin. The town completes its appeal with black sand beaches and a seaside promenade.
Gallery
