Camino del Socorro

Camino del Socorro is a historic route connecting the town centre of Güímar, on Tenerife, with the coastal settlement of El Socorro. The path runs roughly 4.6 km one way in an east-west direction, with a width that varies between 15 and 35 metres. It follows ancient transhumance tracks once used by the island's indigenous population to move between the interior and the coast, long before the Spanish conquest. Because of this historical value, the Camino del Socorro has been declared a Bien de Interés Cultural under the category of Sitio Histórico.

Where does the name come from?

The name refers to the image of Our Lady of El Socorro, venerated in a small church in the coastal settlement of El Socorro, within the municipality of Güímar. The route links this shrine with the parish church of San Pedro Apóstol in the town centre, and it is along this exact path that an annual procession travels between the two.

What role does it play in the Romería del Socorro?

The Camino del Socorro is the route of the oldest romería (traditional pilgrimage festival) in the Canary Islands. It is celebrated every year on 7 and 8 September. On the first day, the image of the patroness is carried down the path from Güímar to El Socorro (the "bajada"); on the following day, it returns along the same route to the town (the "subida"). The celebrations open with a pilgrims' mass at the church of San Pedro, and on the afternoon of 7 September a reenactment takes place in El Socorro recalling the image's legendary appearance to the Guanche population on the beach of Chimisay. The festival has long held the status of an event of regional tourist interest and draws thousands of participants each year.

How old is the route?

The track between Güímar and the coast predates the pilgrimage itself, tracing back to pre-Hispanic pastoral routes used for seasonal livestock movement. Its continuous use as part of the annual pilgrimage is documented from around the mid-17th century onward, making it one of the longest uninterrupted processional routes in the region.

What can be seen along the way?

Part of the trail runs alongside the protected natural area of the Malpaís de Güímar, a volcanic landscape formed by an eruption roughly 10,000 years ago. The route therefore combines evidence of the island's volcanic past with the settlement and religious history of the Güímar valley. It is considered a moderately demanding hike: covering the full round trip of about 10.6 km takes an average of just under three hours, with roughly 265 metres of cumulative elevation gain.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Camino del Socorro? The one-way stretch between Güímar and El Socorro is about 4.6 km; the full round trip covers roughly 10.6 km.

When does the associated romería take place? Every year on 7 and 8 September — the procession descends to El Socorro on the first day and returns to Güímar on the second.

Is the route officially protected as heritage? Yes, the Camino del Socorro is listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural under the Sitio Histórico category, recognising its importance to Güímar's heritage.

Can the route be walked outside the pilgrimage dates? Yes, it is open year-round as a moderately challenging hiking trail that passes through the volcanic terrain of the Malpaís de Güímar.