Candelaria Urban Transformation Enters Critical Phase With Major Parking Cuts
Candelaria has entered a critical phase of its major urban transformation project, involving the permanent removal of parking on Calle Antón Guanche and significant renovations to the historic center's coastline and infrastructure.
The major urban transformation of Candelaria—the largest municipal project of the century so far—has reached a critical stage that will permanently change how people move through the historic center. According to Diario de Avisos, work on Calle Antón Guanche has begun, which will lead to the permanent removal of parking spaces between the Santa Ana intersection and the La Magdalena curve.
The project, led by the Cabildo de Tenerife, aims to fix structural issues along the coastline. The budget for the work has risen from an initial 15.1 million euros to over 19 million following a contract update last December. This increase, along with a timeline that now exceeds the original 36-month plan, reflects the technical complexity of renovating 20,000 square meters, including the San Blas promenade and the Plaza de los Artesanos.
Parking spaces will be removed gradually as construction progresses, with the exception of a reserved area near the Old Town Hall. While the Cabildo has promised to provide alternative parking nearby to reduce disruption, it has not yet confirmed the total number of spaces being lost or whether permanent replacements will be added. Meanwhile, the city council has confirmed that pedestrian access to homes and businesses will be maintained using metal walkways.
Beyond traffic changes, the project aims to boost the area’s cultural and tourism appeal. Key additions include a new building featuring a sacred art museum, a multipurpose hall, and a tourist office. These changes are designed to reshape the area around the Basilica, creating a better balance between pedestrian space and essential services in one of the island’s most popular destinations.