The picturesque town of Garachico on the northwest coast of Tenerife attracts visitors with its peaceful atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of tourist resorts. It has a lovely small historic center with a maze of narrow streets and stone houses painted in ochre colors with wooden shutters. Most of the architectural monuments date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. In 1994, the historic center of Garachico was declared a Cultural Heritage site in the Historic Complex category. It also received the Gold Medal for Fine Arts. The town has around 5,000 permanent residents.
A period of prosperity ended by a volcanic eruption
The town was founded in 1496, at the very beginning of the Spanish colonization of the island, by banker Cristobal de Ponte from Genoa. Its port was the most important on the island and a key starting point for the route from Europe to the Spanish colonies in America until May 5, 1706, when the town was devastated by the eruption of the Volcán Negro volcano.
Most of the town was covered in lava at the time, which flowed from the volcano for several days. The town was engulfed by two lava flows; one flooded the port and the other the town center. Only the city gate, which is now in the town center, and the Castillo de San Miguel fortress survived. However, the town was rebuilt in the 16th century and today its center is one of the best-preserved historic centers in the Canary Islands. But it never regained its former importance and glory.
Garachico is famous for its wine, so I recommend tasting some or perhaps taking a trip to one of the nearby vineyards. You will also find good restaurants and cafes with sea views here.
Piscinas Naturales El Caleton natural seawater pools
Garachico is mainly known for its natural pools, which were formed in the 18th century due to a volcanic eruption. They are made of lava deposits and rocks, offering the chance for a peaceful swim in sun-warmed water. Walkways and stairs provide easier access to the sea.
They were created in 1706 when part of the lava from the volcanic eruption flowed into the sea, creating a natural defense against the waves. The local administration later had them modified to make swimming easier, installing walkways, stairs, and railings. You can even go diving here at high tide, but swimming is also possible at low tide.
Lifeguards oversee safety, and you’ll also find toilets here. The free parking lot is about a 5-minute walk away. It’s a good idea to arrive in the morning, as it can get very crowded in the afternoon. Entry is free.
What to see in the town of Garachico
Iglesia de Santa Ana Church
This church was built in 1520, destroyed during the volcanic eruption, and rebuilt between 1714 and 1721. Only the original carved doors survived from the old building. A beautiful row of columns and arches, side chapels with altarpieces, statues, and paintings, as well as stained glass windows, create an impressive and harmonious whole. The church was restored in 1995.
Notice the 16th-century crucifix here, which is made of corn paste and decorated with plant dyes. It was created by Mexican Indians even before the European invasion. The church also includes a museum of sacred art and an exhibition space for religious objects. Unusually, you can go behind the main altar. From there, stairs lead to the tower, offering views across the town to the sea.
Convento de San Francisco Monastery
The convent and church attract visitors with beautiful carvings, a large arcade, pine columns, and a stone mosaic floor. It houses a history and geography museum and a library. Contemporary art exhibitions are held here. You will also find, for example, a large collection of sculptures by sculptor Eladio De La Cruz.
Castillo de San Miguel
This fortress, standing right next to Piscinas Naturales El Caleton, was originally intended to protect Garachico from pirates. It was built between 1575 and 1577 by order of Philip II. It was the only building in town to survive the volcanic eruption in 1706. Today, it houses the town’s museum of history and nature. Its tower offers a nice view.
Downstairs there are two rooms and a staircase leading to the castle roof, where visitors can enjoy views of the surroundings. There are also two sentry boxes and a cannon. The exhibits in the ground-floor rooms tell the story of Garachico and the 1706 volcanic eruption. They also introduce some of the islands’ plants and animals and present a few famous visitors or residents of Garachico. The downside is that all information is only in Spanish. However, you can borrow a translation at the ticket office.
Plaza La Libertad
A nice little shaded square where you can sit in a cafe or visit a souvenir shop. You can see a statue of Simón Bolívar here, the leader of the Latin American liberation movement who fought against Spanish colonialists.
Mirador de Garachico Viewpoint
The Mirador de Garachico viewpoint offers a beautiful view of the town. The TF-421 road will lead you to the mirador. You’ll find a souvenir shop and a cafe here, but prices tend to be on the higher side.
Plaza Juan González de la Torre
A pleasant green oasis in the city center. You can see the city gate here, which, along with the Castillo de San Miguel fortress, was the only thing to survive the 1706 volcanic eruption. The gate’s position shows how much higher today’s town sits compared to the original one. An old wine press from the San Juan Degollado hacienda is also on display.
The Parque de la Puerta de Tierra gardens on the square dedicated to the memory of Juan González de la Torre are relatively small, with many steps and different levels. They are therefore not suitable for people with reduced mobility. However, you will find interesting information boards and beautiful exotic plants here. This shaded sanctuary is an ideal place to hide from the midday heat.
The square itself is also worth noting. It is surrounded by houses with typical Canarian wooden balconies. It’s a pleasant place to sit, even though it can be quite busy.
Casa Del Perfume Canario
Casa del Perfume Canario continues a family tradition passed down through generations of perfumers creating unique formulas available directly in the shop. It is a family business over 200 years old that is vegan and cruelty-free.
Roque de Garachico Rock
During a day spent on the beach or a walk along the sea, you can enjoy the view of the rocky islet located about 300 meters from the coast. It is home to endangered species such as the white-faced storm petrel and Bulwer’s petrel, and is also a stopover for birds during their long migration journeys. It has been a protected area since 1987.
Swimming in Garachico
The local beach is small and rocky, but access to the water is easy. Snorkeling is possible here. In spring and autumn, there are larger waves. You can also swim in the Piscinas Naturales El Caleton natural seawater pools.
How to get here
A coastal road passes around the town. Garachico is 25 kilometers from Puerto de la Cruz via the TF-42 road. Street parking is free. You can also easily get here by bus number 363 from Puerto de la Cruz or Icod de los Vinos, which runs every half hour.
Accommodation in Garachico
Garachico is a good starting point for trips around the island. You can stay, for example, in the budget-friendly but highly-rated Finca La Sirena Habitaciónes apartment, which offers a terrace, outdoor pool, and garden.
If you are looking for more luxurious accommodation, rent the Modern Luxury Canarian House – Cultural Experience, which offers air conditioning, a garden, terrace, and balcony. Playa de Garachico beach is located approximately 400 meters away.
Trips from Garachico
Montana Negra Volcano
From Garachico, you can go on a trip to see the volcano that destroyed the town in 1706. It’s about a half-hour drive from Garachico. Drive to the village of La Montañeta and from there continue about 800 meters south and turn left.
A dusty and bumpy road over two kilometers long then leads to the starting point of the “Volcán Garachico” / “Montaña Negra” hike at the Las Arenas Negras parking and picnic area. Upon arrival, you need to look around a bit to find exactly where the trail starts. But once you find the PR-TF 43 hiking route, a beautiful and relatively easy walk awaits you on a well-marked path around this smaller volcano.
Part of the route leads through the lava field from 1706, but even here the trail is clearly visible. The route continues through a section of pine forest and then returns around the volcano. Climbing to the very top of the volcano is not allowed as it is a protected area. If you’re lucky with the weather, the massive El Teide volcano often appears in the distance.
The entire loop can be completed in about an hour and a half of brisk walking. About halfway through the route, you have the option to extend the hike by another 3 hours if you take the PR-TF 43 trail south and go around the Chinyero area.
If you want to go on this trek as part of an organized expedition, you can book it here.
Caleta de Interián
A smaller, romantic beach near the town of Garachico. This pebble beach seems to protect the coast from the expanding banana plantations in the valley. The bright green tones of the surrounding vegetation create a sharp contrast with the black rocks and the blue ocean surface. The beach is 300 meters long and roughly 25 meters wide. You can get here by car; there is a small parking lot by the beach.
La Culata Cliffs
These are among the interesting places in Tenerife due to their extraordinary geological and geomorphological importance. They consist of a true fossil sea cliff where wild nature naturally blends with the rural landscape. While walking here, you can discover thermophilic forests and even come across rare, endangered species.
Tenerife Guide
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Downloadable map of Tenerife with interesting places and recommended accommodation marked
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Trip to Tenerife
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Ahoj, já jsem Hela. Cestování je pro mě radost i detektivní práce zároveň. Před každou cestou totiž nadšeně prozkoumávám všechno, co se o daném místě dá zjistit, od zajímavostí a historie až po praktické detaily, které se při plánování opravdu hodí.
Právě proto vznikla Všudybylka. Sdílím tu přehledné průvodce, tipy na ubytování, nápady kam vyrazit v různých částech roku i recenze cestovatelského vybavení, které mi na cestách skutečně pomohlo.
Když zrovna necestuji, najdete mě zabranou do dobré fantasy nebo sci-fi knihy s některou z mých pěti potkanek na rameni.
