Uncover Garachico: A Journey into Tenerife’s Past and Its Vibrant Canarian Identity
On the northwest side of Tenerife, there is a quiet town called Garachico. It has about 6,000 people living there. It was built at the end of the 15th century and was the most important port in the Canary Islands until a volcano erupted in 1706 and buried the town in lava, destroying it and ending its glory.
Things to do in Garachico
Garachico was rebuilt on the tip of a tongue of lava. Just outside the city, you can go hiking along paths that cross the lava flow. For the rest, you can find the most interesting parts of this place, which has kept a strong Canarian identity, by going through the cobblestone streets. The historic center has a lot of architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries. Because of this, the Spanish government named it a “Bien de Interés Cultural” in 1994.
Plaza de la Libertad
This lovely square with trees is the center of Garachico. It is surrounded by shops and houses with a lot of historical value.
San Francisco
This building, which used to be a convent and church in San Francisco and looks out over the Plaza de la Libertad, is now a city library and museums.
Santa Ana Church
The church of Santa Ana is close to the Plaza de la Libertad. Its tall bell tower, which you can climb for a fee, is easy to spot from the outside. Inside, it has a wooden roof and old statues and furniture, like a figure of the Cristo de la Misericordia made of corn paste by the native purépecha (or Tarascos) of Mexico in the 16th century.
Castillo de San Miguel
Castillo de San Miguel is a defensive stone castle that was built in the 1600s. It is now home to a local museum. You can go there and climb up its tower to get a great view of Garchico and its coast.
Parque de la Puerta de Tierra
In Plaza Juan González de la Torre, there is a small park called Parque de la Puerta de Tierra. In this park is the historical Puerta de Tierra, which is the only thing left from the old port of Garachico before the eruption.
The beaches of Garachico and the natural pools of El Caletón
The “Monumento Natural del Roque de Garachico” is a small island of volcanic rock just 100 meters off the coast. It was formed by a strong eruption in the past.
The natural pools of El Caletón, however, are one of the most popular tourist spots in Garachico. They are right on the coast in front of the islet, almost under the Castle of San Miguel.
In fact, the flows of lava from Teide’s eruptions have created a unique environment. The lava has made a long opening (El Caletón) that softens the power of the ocean waves, making it safe to swim in the natural ponds that have formed.
As for the beaches themselves, there are only two: Playa de Garachico is a small beach made of rocks and black volcanic sand. A wooden path leads down from the coastal road to the beach. Playa de los Molinos is the name of the other beach. The other places to swim in Garachico are the natural ponds we talked about above.
Parties
On August 16, Garachico marks the Romera de San Roque (San Rocco), the city’s patron saint, who, according to legend, saved the town from the plague in 1601. People from all over the world come to the town for the event.
Indulge in Garachico’s Local Cuisine
In between exploring Garachico’s intriguing past and its unique attractions, take some time to savor the town’s traditional Canarian cuisine. The coastal location means fresh seafood is a staple here, with restaurants serving up dishes such as “vieja”, a type of parrotfish, alongside hearty Canarian staples like “papas arrugadas” (wrinkled potatoes) with “mojo” sauce.
Nearby Attractions
While in Garachico, consider taking day trips to explore more of Tenerife’s wonders. Just a short distance away, you can visit the stunning cliffs of Los Gigantes, explore the historic town of La Orotava, or trek in the magnificent Teide National Park, home to Spain’s highest mountain. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for beautiful scenery, Tenerife’s attractions offer an array of experiences.
Best Time to Visit Garachico
While Garachico can be enjoyed year-round thanks to Tenerife’s mild climate, the town truly comes alive during its annual celebrations like the Romería de San Roque. However, if you’re looking for a more tranquil experience, consider visiting during the off-peak months. The mild winter months also provide an escape from colder climates, with temperatures still ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration.
How to ge there
Garachico is served by daily bus services to and from Santa Cruz de Tenerife (60 km), La Laguna (52 km), La Orotava (28 km), Icod de los Vinos (7 km), and Puerto de la Cruz (27 km).
