Shaped by more than five centuries of history since the Spanish conquest, Tenerife is home to sacred buildings that bear witness to the importance of the Catholic faith in Canarian culture. You’ll discover colonial cathedrals, charming churches and modest whitewashed hermitages. Mudejar architecture, Baroque influences, neoclassical elements – each building reflects an era and style that have marked the island’s artistic evolution.
Here’s our selection of Tenerife’s most beautiful cathedrals, churches and basilicas, with photos and tips.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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Religious architecture: cathedrals and churches in Tenerife
Tenerife’s religious architecture is characterized by a unique fusion of styles reflecting the island’s history and geographical position:
- Dominated by Spanish colonial influence, it is distinguished by the marked presence of the Mudejar style, visible in the coffered wooden ceilings (artesonados) and ornate facades.
- Baroque elements, notably in the gilded altarpieces and sumptuous interior decorations, as well as the more restrained neoclassical touches of the 18th century.
- Local volcanic materials, such as black basalt stone, lend a distinctive identity to these buildings, creating a striking contrast with the whitewashed walls.
1. La Laguna Cathedral
To visit? Our review
Nestled in the heart of the city, the majestic Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios Cathedral is a delight for lovers of religious architecture. Its origins date back to the 16th century. It then underwent numerous modifications before being renovated in the 20th century. We were seduced by its neoclassical façade, its richly decorated chapels, and the treasure it contains. The cathedral was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1983.
More photos in our dedicated article.
Useful tips
- In the heart of Las Palmas old town
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., closed Saturday afternoons and Sundays, except when attending mass.
- Price: €7. Book your admission ticket including audioguide
- See the latest news on the official website here
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
2. Santo Domingo de Guzmán church (La Laguna)
To visit? Our review
This choice for number 2 may come as a surprise, but we fell in love with it.
Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church dates back to the 16th century. Its discreet appearance is deceptive, as its interior design is full of wonderful surprises. We really liked the dark bell tower with its 3 bells, which stands out from the sober facade and joins the adjoining Dominican convent. Inside, the walls are covered with impressive frescoes and murals, and the coffered ceilings are a thing of beauty.
More photos in our dedicated article.
Useful tips
- In San Cristobal de la Laguna
- Opening hours: the church is open every day.
- Price: €2 (combined with a visit to one of the city’s other monuments)
- See the latest news on the official website here.
WHERE TO STAY IN Tenerife
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Tenerife
- Our favorite: Hotel Corales Beach
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families (coming soon)
Select by city:
- Best hotels in Costa Adeje
- Best hotels in Puerto de La Cruz
- Best hotels in Los Gigantes
- Best hotels in Santa Cruz
- Best hotels in Laguna
- Best hotels in Playa de las Americas
- 5-star hotel in Los Cristianos (coming soon)
3. Basilica Nuestra Señora de Candelaria
To visit? Our review
Nuestra Señora de Candelaria Basilica stands majestically facing the ocean in the coastal town of Candelaria. It is very important for all the Canary Islands. Built between 1949 and 1959 on the site of a former sanctuary destroyed by fire, this imposing neo-Gothic basilica with Canarian influences is dedicated to the Virgin de la Candelaria, patron saint of the archipelago. Note its characteristic facade, with two symmetrical towers and a large central portal. The vast, luminous interior houses the venerated statue of the Virgin Mary, an object of devotion for centuries and the focus of a major pilgrimage every year on August 15 and February 2.
Useful tips
- In the less touristy town of Candelaria
- Price: free of charge
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 7.30am to 7.30pm, Monday 3pm to 7.30pm
- See the official page here
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
4. Church of La Concepción (La Laguna)
To visit? Our review
La Laguna is rich in religious monuments. We also recommend the Church of La Concepción, the city’s oldest building. Since its construction in the early 16th century, the original church has undergone numerous extensions and transformations. It therefore reflects the Canaries’ rich historical heritage. In addition to its famous tower, we were captivated by the decorative motifs of its Mudéjar-style coffered ceilings and all its other Baroque ornaments, emblematic of the craftsmanship of the Canary Islands.
See more photos in our dedicated article.
Useful tips
- In the city of San Cristobal de la Laguna
- Opening hours: the church is open every day
- Price: €2 (combined with a visit to one of the city’s other monuments)
- See the latest news on the official website here.
5. Nuestra Señora de la Concepción church (La Orotava)
To visit? Our review
The Nuestra Señora de la Concepción church is a magnificent example of 18th-century Canarian Baroque architecture.
Start by admiring its imposing façade, which dominates the urban landscape. It is quite different from other churches in the Canaries.
Inside, you’ll discover rich decorations and remarkable religious works of art. The architectural details and peaceful atmosphere of the place make it a must-see on your visit.
Useful tips
- In the town of La Orotava
- Free admission
- Latest news on the official website here
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6. San Francisco Double Church (Puerto de la Cruz)
To visit? Our review
Located just 2 steps from the Plaza del Charco, this is the city’s oldest church. It dates back to the 16th century. But what really appealed to us was its double nave-and-a-half structure. It is in fact annexed to the Chapel of the San Juan Bautista Hermitage.
What’s more, there are some beautiful altarpieces inside, with rich, colorful decorations.
See more photos in our dedicated article.
Useful tips
- In the historic center of Puerto de la Cruz
- Place Victor Perez
- Admission to the church is free.
- Times may vary according to religious services. See local information here.
7. Church of Our Lady of Conception (Santa Cruz)
To visit? Our review
You can’t miss it! The bell tower of Santa Cruz Cathedral, also known as Our Lady of Conception Church, dominates Calle Antonio Domínguez Alfonso.
And once inside, we were struck by the woodwork ceiling, a testament to remarkable craftsmanship. The only church with 5 naves, its architectural style is a blend of Baroque and Tuscan. It has a special atmosphere that invites contemplation and meditation.
Useful tips
- In the town of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Opening hours: 8.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily
- Consult the mass schedule here
- Free admission
8. Church of Santa Ana (Garachico)
To visit? Our review
The Church of Santa Ana is located in the heart of Garachico. Founded in 1520, it was severely damaged by the eruption of 1706 before being rebuilt according to the original plans.
We really enjoyed the interior, with its impressive Mudéjar-style coffered ceiling. There are also a number of side chapels with Baroque altarpieces that are well worth a visit.
Outside, don’t miss the tower and its architectural perspective.
Useful tips
- In the coastal town of Garachico
- Access: Free or for a small fee (depending on the time)
- Opening hours: 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. except Saturdays (when access is restricted by mass)
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9. San Marcos church and museum (Ico de los Vinos)
To visit? Our review
In the heart of Icod de Los Vinos, although the main attraction is the dragon tree, we recommend taking the time to visit the main church and its associated museum.
Inside, we admired the magnificent coffered ceilings and the high altarpiece adorned with a Gothic sculpture of San Marcos. It has the typical charm of Canary churches.
Useful tips
- In the heart of the city Icod de los Vinos
- Horaires d’ouverture variables selon les offices.
- You can also visit the sacred museum, which exhibits embroidered ecclesiastical vestments and a remarkable filigree cross.
- Small entrance fee.
10. Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Los Cristianos)
To visit? Our review
Built in 1933, the Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Carmen is a popular meeting place for locals. We loved the whitewashed facade, the large solid wood doors and the tall clock tower against the blue sky. Like us, you’ll certainly be surprised by its astonishing configuration. The church is indeed wider than it is long, with a magnificent skylight above a crown of stained glass windows. Note also the orange solid colors inside.
Useful tips
- In the southern town of Tenerife, Los Cristianos
- Schedules:
– Monday to Friday: 10am-1pm, 3pm-8pm (7:30pm on Wednesdays)
– Saturday: 10am-8pm
– Sunday: 8.30am-6pm - Free admission
- More info on the official website here
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful roads
Amusement parks
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track (coming soon)
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife
How to get around
How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Where to stay in Tenerife
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 1 week – 10 days
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife (coming soon)
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava (coming soon)
Garachico
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
