Güimar between Cultural Heritage and Volcanic Landscapes

Güimar brings together sacred buildings, a centuries-old pilgrimage, and a volcanic landscape that stretches to the coast. Its historical highlights range from churches and chapels to a cave and pilgrimage route; the landscape and coast form another focus.

Historic Routes and Sacred Sites

The Camino Real del Sur once connected the entire south of Tenerife. Paved sections remain; the Güímar section runs between Fasnia and the town center of Güímar. This makes it possible to trace the history of the old route along a specific section, without equating today’s path with its former function.

In the town center stands the Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol, which is listed as a historic monument. Its distinctive features include a Baroque portal made of dressed stone and a 19th-century bell tower. The Capilla de San Pedro de Arriba is classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural and houses a carved figure of the Virgen de las Aguas. Both buildings offer different points of interest if you are interested in sacred architecture and religious heritage.

Another historic site is the Cueva de Chinguaro, which is classified as a historic site. According to historians, it is considered the cave palace of Mencey Acaymo. It was also the first shrine to the Virgen de Candelaria in the entire Canary archipelago and is of great archaeological significance. The designation as a cave palace remains a historical interpretation, not a verified architectural description.

The Romería del Socorro

The Romería del Socorro takes place every year on September 7 and is considered the oldest pilgrimage of its kind in the Canary Islands. Its route leads from the Iglesia de San Pedro in the town center to the chapel of the Virgen at Playa del Socorro. The tradition also includes an afternoon commemoration of the apparition of Our Lady of Socorro to the Guanches at Playa de Chimisay. The following day, the statue of the Virgin is carried back to the town in a procession to the Iglesia de San Pedro. Details of the program may vary from year to year; if you are planning your trip around the pilgrimage, take this into account when planning your day.

Volcanic Landscape and Coast

Malpaís de Güímar has been protected as a Special Nature Reserve since 1987. The volcanic landscape stretches from Montaña Grande to the coast. Two historic, well-preserved salt pans can also be seen there. The area therefore combines natural landscapes with traces of earlier use. If you plan to walk there, check current trail conditions before your visit.

Playa del Puertito de Güímar offers another way to include the coast in your plans. The water is very calm there; the beach is suitable for families with children and has adapted access for people with reduced mobility. Services and access options may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit.

Discovering the Nature and Culture of the Canary Islands

Parque Etnográfico y Jardín Botánico Pirámides de Güímar is an open-air museum where visitors can explore the history, culture, and nature of the Canary Islands. The park includes Museo Casa Chacona, an auditorium, and open-air exhibitions. Its trails explore topics such as sustainability, native flora, and the history of the Canary Islands. Its botanical collections include Jardín Venenoso, Jardín Sostenible, and Tropicarium. The combination of exhibitions, themed trails, and collections offers several ways to explore the park, rather than limiting it to a single topic. As facilities and exhibitions may change, check in advance which areas and offerings are currently accessible.

Planning and Getting There

Several TITSA bus routes connect Güimar with Santa Cruz and the rest of southeastern Tenerife. Check current routes and timetables before you travel. Different considerations apply when planning your day, depending on your interests: the Romería takes place on a fixed date each year, while current trail conditions are important for walks in Malpaís. This lets you plan around cultural events, landscapes, and the coast according to your interests.

Discover More Destinations

El Tablero, El Escobonal, San Marcos, El Fraile, Arico Viejo, Guía De Isora, Los Realejos, Buenavista Del Norte

For the broader travel overview: Tenerife.