Top 20 Natural Monuments around Candelaria

Visitors frequently explore the striking volcanic landscape of Malpaís de Güímar, known for its visible lava flows and unique pioneer plants. Another favorite is the Punta de Güímar Volcanic Coast, offering impressive views where Atlantic waves meet black lava cliffs. For a more relaxed experience, El Bollullo Beach is a beautiful, secluded spot with a beach bar.

Yes, the Cueva de Achbinico (San Blas Cave) is highly significant. Located behind the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria, it served as the first Christian sanctuary in the Canary Islands and has been a place of worship for over 3,000 years. The Barranco de Badajoz also holds archaeological importance, with caves believed to have been summer residences for Guanche leaders.

The Malpaís de Güímar Special Natural Reserve is an excellent choice. This area features a volcanic cone called Montaña Grande, subsidiary cones, and recent basaltic lava flows, creating an otherworldly terrain of black solidified lava and red sand. You can clearly observe the original lava flows and even explore exposed lava tubes like Cueva Honda.

The region offers diverse hiking opportunities. The Malpaís de Güímar features a circular hike along the coast and through its unique volcanic scenery. Additionally, the Barranco de Badajoz provides an attractive and accessible hiking route of about six kilometers through a dramatic canyon. For more options, you can explore various trails listed in the Hiking around Candelaria guide.

Absolutely. The Malpaís de Güímar offers paths that are well-laid out and have only a small elevation gain, making it suitable for families. Another great option is the La Caldera Recreation Area, which is one of the most popular recreational areas in the north of Tenerife, featuring parking, a bar-restaurant, a children's playground, and public toilets.

Despite its arid appearance, the Malpaís de Güímar is ecologically significant, supporting numerous endemic plant species such as various types of spurge, lettuce, broom, sea lavender, and lichens. The Barranco de Badajoz is also important for its biodiversity, harboring valuable ecosystems with natural pine forests and remnants of laurisilva, which support endemic plant species specific to the Güímar hillside.

Tenerife generally enjoys a mild climate year-round. However, for volcanic landscapes like Punta de Güímar Volcanic Coast, it's essential to consider sun protection and carry water, as there is virtually no shade. Visiting during the cooler parts of the day, such as morning or late afternoon, can enhance your experience, especially during warmer months.

Beyond hiking, you can find various outdoor activities. There are several running trails, including the 'Playa de Punta Larga loop from Candelaria', detailed in the Running Trails around Candelaria guide. For cycling enthusiasts, the Gravel biking around Candelaria guide offers routes like 'Gravel in Tenerife from Aguamansa to La Montañeta'.

The Barranco de Badajoz is known for being shrouded in local legends and mysteries, adding an intriguing dimension to a visit. While exploring its dramatic canyon and historical water galleries, you might encounter the folklore that has grown around this unique natural monument.

The La Caldera Recreation Area is well-equipped, offering parking lots, a bar-restaurant, a children's playground, public toilets, grills, and tables. It's an ideal spot for a rest or a family outing, with a camping area available by prior permit.

Yes, the Cloud Forest of La Orotava Valley is a mystical natural monument characterized by moss hanging like green tinsel from tree branches, indicating extremely high air quality. Due to Tenerife's topography, fog is almost always present at this altitude, giving the trees the nickname 'cloud milkers'.