To the Ermita of the Virgin of Guadalupe

The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe is located on the peninsula of the Puntallana nature reserve on the island's east coast, directly under a steep cliff. The chapel was built in 1542 in honor of the Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, the island's patron saint. Inside the chapel is a statue of the protector saint, a carved figure of Mary from the 16th century. Every five years this location becomes the scene of a spectacle: during the “Bajada de la Virgen,” the statue is carried over the sea to San Sebastián. Several hundred believers and spectators then witness this solemn procession, which lasts several weeks. The coastal platform of the Puntallana nature reserve is home to numerous protected animal and plant species across an area of nearly 300 hectares. The hike takes us along an old pilgrimage path along the coast through the steep cliffs to the chapel. Along the way, we have a view from the island capital San Sebastián to the neighboring island of Tenerife.