Candelaria

Candelaria is a city on the east shore of the island Tenerife in the Canary Islands archipelago. It is a city of 28,000 inhabitants (2018), best known for its basilica which includes the sculpture of the Virgin Mary (Virgin of Candelaria) and mural paintings.

History
Prehistoric caves has been found in the surrounding area of present day Candelaria, in which burials have been found containing Guanche mummies. Interestingly, the burial process used here was very similar to those used for the pharaohs in Egypt, which leads scientists to believe some connection between those existed. From the end of the 14th century, Candelaria was a deserted area often frequented by shepherds of the neighbouring Güímar kingdom which predated Hispanic rule. Ravines in the area were said to be the residence of Chaxiraxi, the Guanche mother of the gods.

Modern Candelaria is the principal Catholic centre of pilgrimage of the Canary Islands, and of the principal ones of Spain. The city is annually visited by thousands of people, both Catholic pilgrims and tourists.

Orientation
A coastal city on the east shore of Tenerife, 17 km southwest of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with an area of 50 km².

By bus
Línea 111 is the main bus connection between north and south, and also connects Candelaria.

By car
The main highway TF-1 is just to the west.

Get around
The historic centre of Candelaria is very walkable. All of the tourist attractions can be reached by foot within minutes.

Buy
The pedestrian street leading up to the basilica is lined with countless souvenir shops and boutiques.

Drink
Lots of water, Candelaria has an arid climate and can get quite hot in summer so it is important to replenish body water levels.

Go next

 * Santa Cruz de Tenerife – The capital of the Canary Islands
 * Güímar – The capital of the pre-historic Güímar kingdom
 * San Cristóbal de La Laguna – The former capital of Tenerife, with a historic centre that is a