Garachico Tenerife – a ready-made tour itinerary

Garachico is one of the most atmospheric places in Tenerife – a small town on the north coast of the island that impresses with its authenticity, history and spectacular post-volcanic landscape. Although today a quiet and somewhat sleepy corner, it was once Tenerife’s most important port and one of the archipelago’s key trading posts. Its fate, however, was changed by a natural disaster that forever marked the history of the Canary Islands. This is the town that survived the lava…

In this article, we give you a comprehensive guide to Garachico: from the history of the town’s founding, to the dramatic events of 1706, to a detailed tour covering the most important attractions. This is the perfect post for those planning a vacation to Tenerife and looking for less obvious but extremely worthwhile destinations. We’ll give you tips on how to explore Garachico on your own. And if you prefer to explore comfortably with a licensed guide, you can see Garachico on a roundtrip tour, during which you will also see the village of Masca, Buenavista and the west coast of Tenerife – click here for more details.

Garachico – where is it located and why is it worth visiting?

Garachico is located on the northwest coast of Tenerife, about 50 km from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The town is located at the foot of steep cliffs, which give it a unique, almost dramatic landscape character.

This place attracts tourists above all:

• authentic Canarian atmosphere – this is a place frequented not only by tourists, but also by local residents. You can meet them in atmospheric pubs or sunbathing on the beach,
• beautiful, historic architecture – Garachico preserves many buildings built in the traditional style, which give the city a unique character,
• natural lava pools – some of the most popular natural pools are located here, in good weather you can jump between the rocks under the supervision of a lifeguard,
• tranquility – away from mass tourism.

Garachico is also an excellent example of how humans can adapt to the forces of nature and rebuild life even after a massive disaster.

History of Garachico – from power to decline and rebirth

Beginnings of the city (15th century)

The history of Garachico dates back to the late 15th century. It was then that Tenerife was conquered by the Spanish. The town was founded by Genoese banker Cristóbal de Ponte in 1496, shortly after the conquest of the island was completed.

From the very beginning, Garachico was of great strategic importance. Thanks to its convenient location, it quickly became the main port of Tenerife and one of the most important commercial centers in the region.

Golden age of Garachico – 16th and 17th centuries

Garachico’s greatest heyday dates to the 16th and 17th centuries. Its port was a key trading point between Europe, the Americas and other islands in the archipelago.

Exports from the city included:

• canary’s famous wine (malmsey),
• Sugar,
• agricultural products.

The wealth of the residents manifested itself in architecture – elegant mansions, monasteries and churches were built, which still adorn the city today. Remnants of the port can still be admired today while walking along the promenade.

Disasters of the 17th century

The 17th century, however, was a time of a series of misfortunes that hit Garachico:

• epidemics,
• Landslides (among others, in 1646),
• economic crisis.

Despite these difficulties, the city continued to function as an important port – until a tragic event that changed everything.

Volcanic eruption in 1706 – a turning point

On May 5, 1706, the Trevejo volcano (also known as Volcán Negro) erupted. This eruption was one of the most important events in the history of Tenerife and significantly changed the course of the city’s history. The lava flows destroyed a large part of the city and the port, which was its main source of income. They also changed the coastline, and in the newly formed area we can see today’s Garachico.

These events caused Garachico to lose its economic potential and the city stagnated.

Rebuilding and new life

The residents, however, did not abandon the town. Garachico was rebuilt and gradually regained its identity – although no longer as a commercial powerhouse, but as a quiet local town.

Interestingly, the solidified lava created the now famous natural lava pools, which are still one of Tenerife’s attractions, and the town attracts tourists from all over the world. In 1980, the town was awarded the Gold Medal of Fine Arts for its cultural heritage.

What to see in Garachico? Top attractions

Garachico is an ideal place for a leisurely walking tour. The biggest attractions are close together, so you can see them all in one day.

1. natural pools of El Caletón

The city’s most distinctive attraction. The pools were formed from solidified lava after an eruption in 1706. They are one of the most popular attractions in Garachico. These natural pools among the rocks are worth seeing. And those more adventurous can choose to take a dip in this unique place. However, remember not to enter the water if there is a red flag. The ocean waves on this side of the island are very strong.

2. Castillo de San Miguel

A fortress dating back to the 16th century to protect the city from pirates. The building was one of the few to survive the volcanic eruption. In 1985 it was entered as a cultural asset with the category of monument. The castle now houses a museum, open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There you can learn about the history of the region, with a special focus on the Arenas Negras volcanic eruption.

3. plaza de la Libertad

This is the main square in the heart of the city. This is where you can see locals spending their afternoons in the surrounding pubs and cafes. It was originally called Santa Ana Square and was adjacent to the church of the same name. Charming streets with colorful townhouses lead to the square. It is worth taking a look at the patios of the buildings, which often hide architectural gems. It’s the perfect place to relax and get a sense of the local atmosphere.

4 Santa Ana Church

The most important temple in Garachico with a statue of St. Anne from the 16th century, who is the patron saint of the village. The temple was founded in 1520, but suffered severe damage during a volcanic eruption in 1706. It was rebuilt according to the original plans. The interior features a coffered ceiling in the mudéjar style and numerous chapels with Baroque altars, as well as religious sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries.

5. roque de Garachico

It is the most characteristic place in Garachico and a symbol of the city. It is impossible not to notice it. Roque de Garachico is a small island of about 5 hectares. It was formed as a result of a volcanic eruption. In 1987 it was protected as a “natural area of national importance – Islote de Garachico.” In 1994, its status was changed to the Roque de Garachico Natural Monument.

6. old town (Casco Histórico)

Walking through the old town is an opportunity to be transported back in time. Here you will see colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, colorful townhouses and plenty of historical symbols. Take a look at the shutters, doors, and patios, which are often decorated with beautiful details.

Garachico is considered one of the most beautiful towns in the Canary Islands.

Proposed tour of Garachico (1 day)

Below we have prepared a suggested tour, ideal for one day. And if you want to see garachico with a guide, without worrying about parking, but with a lot of knowledge and interesting facts – take a look here.

Start: parking

It is best to leave your car in the free parking lot – we leave a link with directions.

Step 1: Plaza de la Libertad

From the parking lot you are only a few steps away from the heart of the city – plaza de la Libertad. At the very first moments you will be able to admire the traditional architecture. At plaza de la Libertad, take a seat at a cafe in the central part of the square and enjoy the famous barraquito coffee in the shade of the trees.

Step 2: Santa Ana Church

Go inside and see the interior of the church, including the statue of St. Anne and elements salvaged from history. The church is open from 10:30 am to 1 pm.

Step 3: La Puerta de Tierra Park

It’s worth walking a few steps further to reach Plaza Gonzales de la Torre, where you can see the gate beautifully displayed among the greenery. This is where the gate was once the entrance to the city from the port before the volcano erupted.

Step 4: Walk by the ocean

Afterwards, it is worth heading towards the Ocean to walk along the promenade. Along the way, you can stop at the “El Abuelo” (meaning “Grandpa’s”) ice cream shop, which usually has queues. On the other side of the street, meanwhile, is a promenade from which you can see the remains of the old port. This is also a good place to observe daily life – it is here that you can see local fishermen, families on the nearby beach.

Step 5: Castillo de San Miguel

Heading back to the center, but along the Ocean, you’ll reach the Castillo de San Miguel. In the museum you can see the history of the town and the remains of a volcanic eruption.

Step 6: El Caletón’s natural pools

Here behind the castle are the famous natural pools. Take moments to walk around the lava formations and, if conditions are favorable, take a swim.

Step 7: Roque de Garachico

The last stop will be the Roque de Garachico rock formation with a beautiful view of the ocean. If you decide to visit Garachico in the afternoon, you will see a beautiful sunset from here. However, it is worth remembering that the way back is winding and quite challenging.

Garachico today – why come here?

Garachico is a unique place – not only for its history, but also for its atmosphere. It is a town that survived the disaster and rose like a phoenix from the ashes. It has rebuilt itself and put itself back on the map of Tenerife, regaining its former importance.

Garachico is one of the most unusual places in Tenerife – a town that has been destroyed by nature, but at the same time has gained its unique character thanks to it.