My Real Take on Tenerife’s Alternative Tour: Candelaria, Abades & Güímar (2025)

So, you’re looking at Tenerife and thinking about what to do, right? You’ve, like, already seen the pictures of the big resorts and the famous volcano. But, you know, what if you’re after something a little different? Actually, that was me, so I looked into a trip that promised a peek at the island’s other character. Basically, I found this ‘Alternative Tour’ that goes to Candelaria, Abades, and Güímar, and it seemed just about perfect for scratching that itch. It’s pretty much for anyone who feels there has to be more to this place than just sunshine and sand. Honestly, it turned out to be a day full of stories and some seriously unusual places.

At the end of the day, you want a break that gives you memories, not just a tan. This kind of tour is sort of set up for that exact purpose. It’s more or less about swapping the busy beachfront for some quieter corners that are, like, packed with history and a bit of mystery. We’re talking about places that are super significant to the local people but, you know, don’t always make it into the glossy holiday brochures. Anyway, I felt it was a great way to genuinely connect with the island’s spirit, you know? It’s a completely different kind of island discovery.

First Stop: The Deeply Moving Feel of Candelaria

Alright, so the day got started in a town called Candelaria. From the get-go, it’s clearly a special spot. I mean, it’s not just some random seaside village; it’s honestly the spiritual heart of the Canary Islands. The main attraction is this absolutely huge church, the Basilica, right on a big open square that faces the ocean. You kind of get a powerful feeling just being there. As a matter of fact, the sound of the waves crashing just a few feet away adds to the whole mood. It’s a really moving place to be, to be honest.

What’s really cool, though, are these big bronze statues. So, along the edge of the square, there’s this line-up of figures representing the old Guanche kings, the island’s original inhabitants. They are, like, really impressive and stand there looking out to sea, and you just sort of feel the weight of all that history. Our guide, you know, had some amazing tales about the Black Madonna statue inside the Basilica and what this place means to the Canarian people. It’s a very grounding way to begin, connecting you to the island’s roots almost straight away. You definitely get a sense of a history that’s still very much alive.

A Trip to a Different Time: The Ghost Town of Abades

Next up, we took a turn to somewhere completely different, and honestly, a little bit weird. Abades is sometimes called a ‘ghost town’, and it sort of lives up to that name. So, you drive into this area, and suddenly there’s this collection of stark, empty-looking buildings dominated by a huge church with a cross on top, but no roof. The whole thing was actually built in the 1940s as a station to isolate people with leprosy. You know, it was this massive project with a crematorium, hospital buildings, and little houses. It’s a pretty somber thought, right?

The really strange part is that, well, it was never actually used for its intended purpose because of new medical treatments. So, for instance, this whole village just sits there, frozen in time more or less. Walking around is a surreal experience, I mean it. You can just wander in and out of the concrete shells of the buildings. It’s totally quiet except for the wind. And now, you know, street artists have basically made the whole place their personal gallery, so the walls are just covered in incredible, colorful art. It’s this very odd, but in a way, beautiful mix of decay and creativity.

Unraveling the Puzzles of the Güímar Pyramids

Okay, so the last main stop on the tour was another head-scratcher: the Pyramids of Güímar. Now, you’re probably thinking of Egypt, but these are, like, a totally different beast. They’re these rectangular, terraced structures made from local lava stone without any mortar. For years, people just thought they were, you know, piles of rocks cleared by farmers. But then, as a matter of fact, the famous explorer Thor Heyerdahl got involved and had other ideas. He really thought they were much more than that.

Heyerdahl pointed out how they are astronomically aligned with the solstices, which is pretty interesting. He also suggested they were, you know, similar to other step pyramids he had seen in places like Sicily and Mexico. So, the big mystery is whether they were ancient temples or just a farming byproduct, and honestly, no one knows for sure. The site is now a really well-run ethnographic park. You can walk around the pyramids, explore a museum about Heyerdahl’s expeditions, and there’s also this poison garden, which is kind of morbidly fascinating. It’s a place that really gets you thinking about history and lost connections, right?

What’s the Vibe Like on This Tour? Who Is It For?

So, you’re probably wondering who this trip is really for. Honestly, if your idea of a perfect holiday is just a sunlounger and a cocktail, this might not be your thing. But if you’re, like, a bit curious and enjoy seeing things that are off the main tourist track, then it’s absolutely brilliant. It’s pretty much a small group affair, which is nice. It means you’re not just one face in a massive crowd, you know? You actually get to ask questions and interact with the guide a lot more.

You’re seeing the parts of the island that tell its deeper story, the bits that exist away from the packed beaches. Basically, it’s a tour for people who want to understand a place, not just visit it.

The pace is pretty relaxed, so you never feel like you’re being herded from one place to the next. At the end of the day, it’s for adventurers and history buffs, or just anyone who’s been to Tenerife before and is looking for a new perspective. You will come away feeling like you’ve had a more authentic experience. It’s a way to see the island’s soul, sort of, not just its sunny exterior.

Some Real-Talk Tips for Your Day Out

If you do decide to go on this trip, there are a few things to keep in mind to make it even better. I mean, it’s pretty straightforward, but a little preparation never hurts, right? It’s basically about being comfortable and ready to explore.

• Seriously, wear comfortable footwear. You’ll be doing a decent amount of walking, and some of the ground, especially around Abades, is pretty uneven.
• You should, you know, probably bring a bottle of water and maybe a snack. While there are places to buy things, it’s just easier to have your own stuff handy.
• A camera is, like, a total must. The abandoned village of Abades is just incredibly photogenic in a spooky kind of way, and the views in Candelaria are gorgeous.
• Definitely listen to your guide. As a matter of fact, they’ll tell you stories and little details that you would absolutely miss on your own.
• Just go with an open mind, you know? This is an ‘alternative’ tour for a reason, so just embrace the slightly odd and wonderful nature of it all.

Read our full review: Tenerife Alternative Tour: Candelaria, Abades, Güímar Full Review and Details

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