Tenerife: Pilgrims to Candelaria will be allowed on the old road, but with restrictions
On the eve of the Festival of the Virgin of Candelaria, the Tenerife Cabildo will allow pilgrims to reach Candelaria via the old road and the TF-28 highway, but will close passage through the mountains and the TF-1 highway due to the high risk of fire.
The Cabildo of Tenerife will allow pilgrims to reach Candelaria via the old road (Camino Viejo) and the TF-28 highway on August 14, on the eve of the feast of the Virgin of Candelaria, the patron saint of the Canary Islands. However, be aware that due to the high fire risk, passage through the mountains, especially through the Corona Forestal forest, and the TF-1 highway will be closed for safety reasons.
The old road to Candelaria is not just a road, but a part of our history and culture. It was once the main road connecting La Laguna with Candelaria. Since 1499, pilgrims have walked it every year to worship the Virgin of Candelaria and visit her sanctuary.
The road passes through picturesque places: from the green fields near La Laguna to the dry slopes in the Güímar Valley. The best-preserved sections of this road were declared a cultural heritage site in 2008.
This ancient road, more than 21 kilometers long, has been an important pilgrimage route to the patron saint of the Canary Islands since the 16th century. It has become one of the symbols of the feast of the Virgin of Candelaria, which we celebrate on August 15.
To make it easier for pilgrims to get there, Titsa (Transportes Interurbanos de Tenerife) will increase the number of buses on August 14 and 15. All buses to Candelaria will stop on Avenida de Los Menceyes, near the old station, from 2:00 PM on August 14 to 5:00 PM on August 15. Stops from Calle Bélgica to Plaza del Teeror will be temporarily closed.
Bus No. 122 will run more frequently between Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Caletillas, and Candelaria from 6:30 PM on August 14 to 11:00 PM on August 15. The number of trips on bus No. 120 (Santa Cruz – Güímar – Candelaria – Puertito de Güímar) will also be increased, starting at 5:25 PM.
In addition, Titsa will organize a special bus route No. 522: La Laguna – Highway – Candelaria. It will run from 6:30 PM on August 14 to 9:30 PM on August 15. The last bus from Candelaria to La Laguna will depart at 11:30 PM. The route will pass through the TF-5 North Highway, the TF-2 Highway, the TF-1 South Highway, and Candelaria.
If you plan to start your journey on the Main Southern Road, on August 14 you can use buses that run on the regular schedule:
- Santa Cruz – La Cuesta Junction: buses No. 014 and 228
- Santa Cruz – Taco Junction: buses No. 232, 233, 934, 936, 937 and 238
- Santa Cruz – University Hospital of the Canary Islands: buses No. 015, 102, 103 and 108
Those traveling from the south of the island can take buses No. 111 and 711, which connect Santa Cruz de Tenerife with Costa Adeje along the TF-1 highway.
By the way, if you arrive in Candelaria by bus, you can park your car for free at the park-and-ride lots in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna from 6:00 PM on August 14 to 11:00 PM on August 15. Just show your ticket for buses No. 120, 122 or 522 at the parking lot ticket office.
To ensure safety during the pilgrimage, the Civil Guard will involve more than 150 people from various units: the Maritime Service, the Citizen Security Unit, patrols, the Explosives Search and Disposal Group, the Weapons and Explosives Department, the Nature Protection Service, the Mountain Rescue Group, the Canine Service, the Judicial Police, the Traffic Police, the Drone Team, and the Helicopter Unit.
Local police officers, rescuers, firefighters, the Red Cross, and other services of the Cabildo and the Government of the Canary Islands will also assist.
The main goal is to ensure safety and order during the celebration, which is attended by people from all over the island and region.