Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria

The Basilica de Candelaria is a beautiful and serene church located in the coastal town of Candelaria, Tenerife. As the sanctuary of the Virgin of Candelaria, the patron saint of the Canary Islands, it holds deep spiritual and cultural significance. Completed in 1959, the basilica houses a revered statue of the Virgin and showcases stunning Mudejar-style ceilings, vibrant murals, and intricate artwork. With its oceanfront setting and rich history, it’s both a peaceful place for reflection and a must-visit landmark for anyone exploring Tenerife.

Beautiful basilica dedicated to the Patroness of Tenerife, the Virgin of Candelaria. It is a mandatory visit for anyone interested in learning about the spiritual heritage, combined with a unique and impressive architecture. From what I could read it is a church built not many years ago but that gathers and keeps in its construction and interior a beautiful seal like the great old churches. Very old and very beautiful images can be observed and you can see the Virgin up close when you go up to its second floor. Simply beautiful!!

Stunning church not to be missed. Very different with the lady watching over church goers from a balcony. The location is stunning.

We were charmed by this beautiful Basilica. It is one of Tenerife’s most significant religious sites, combining stunning architecture with deep cultural and historical importance. Home to the island’s patron saint, the Virgin of Candelaria, it offers visitors a truly spiritual and awe-inspiring experience. A place of pilgrimage for centuries, with ties to both Christian and indigenous Guanche heritage. A must-visit for anyone interested in Tenerife’s spiritual and cultural heritage—the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria is a peaceful and inspiring experience.

An impressive basilica situated right on the oceanfront—a truly stunning location! You’ll often see photos of this spot in tourist brochures or advertisements. The basilica, built in the 1950s, is dedicated to the Virgin of Candelaria, the patron saint of the Canary Islands. One of the highlights is the statue of the Virgin of Candelaria, located in the chapel at the back of the church. It’s a powerful symbol of devotion for the people of Tenerife, deeply tied to their history and culture. A must-visit if you’re in the area—highly recommended!

A unique basilica at the coast of the ocean. The interior, especially the ceiling, is very interesting. The whole square around the basilica is worth to visit as well as the west part where you can go up to visit the small but beautiful historic centre. From there, you can have an amazing view down to the basilica and the ocean. In the historic village, there is a small square next to Church St. Anna. If you need a quite place to relax I can recommend this one.

Really lovely Church It’s free entry but closes at 7pm There are so many sacramentals to buy, just located outside the church. There’s this lovely artistic structure of the entire town. You can see it by the entrance to the main town. I was a tourist in Santa Cruz and decided to visit these places. Would definitely visit again, and I totally recommend.

A church and pilgrimage site with marvellous murals, elevated to the status of a papal basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011. It’s immaculately maintained – spick and span, really. Parishioners must be chuffed to bits with a building like that. If ever there was a place for divine housekeeping, this is it!