10 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN GARACHICO [TENERIFE]

IS GARACHICO WORTH VISITING? IS GARACHICO NICE? WHAT TO SEE IN GARACHICO?

Garachico is a charming seaside village located in the north of Tenerife. It is one of the best places to visit in Tenerife.

Garachico was the main port of Tenerife until an immense volcanic eruption in 1706 destroyed the town almost entirely. Near the port, you can see the castle of San Miguel dating from the 16th century which is the only building to survive the lava flow.

Since the eruption, the village has been rebuilt with the traditional architecture of the Canary Islands, which makes Garachico one of the best places to visit in Tenerife.

Highlights about Garachico in Tenerife:

– Enjoy the beautiful historical village with its traditional architecture.
– Visit the waterfront with its impressive natural pools
– Enjoy a great meal at the main square
– It takes a few hours to visit Garachico. Take your time to wander through its old street.
– There are plenty of parking available and Garachico is also accessible by bus.

Are you planning a trip to Tenerife and wondering if you should add Garachico to your list of things to see? The clear answer is YES, you should! This is one of the prettiest towns in Tenerife.

A glimpse of what Garachico in Tenerife looks like:

Here you will find top things to do, places to visit, tourist attractions, great ideas, and important information, which will help you make your visit to Garachico memorable!

Best things to see in Garachico?

1. Start with the sculpture of Puerta sin Puerta

Best things to do in Garachico, in Tenerife

The first thing we saw in Garachico was these modern structures right by the coast. They were located right next to where we parked (here is the parking).

This work of art is in fact composed of two parts: two minimalist doors in Carrara marble. It was made by a Japanese artist, Kan Yasuda, who lived in Italy precisely near the Carrara marble quarries. An amusing story surrounds this work.

Originally, it wasn’t supposed to be here. The sculpture should have been installed in Santa Cruz, but the mayor refused.

The work remained packed for more than a year before a new location was found for it. Today, these two doors echo the door of the old port destroyed by the lava flow of 1706.

2. San Miguel Castle

Right by the sea when you continue your walk from Puerta sin Puerta, you will immediately see the Castle of San Miguel (1577), a fine example of defensive architecture on the island of Tenerife.

After the conquest in order to defend population groups against attacks by pirates and corsairs, small castles such as San Miguel were built in Tenerife.

Pirates such as the famous Francis Drake attacked the island of Tenerife in order to steal wine for their journeys to the Strait of Magellan and the coasts of Peru.

San Miguel Castle was built by the sea, to prevent attacks on Garachico and to protect ships on the American route, the voyage to the Indies. It is very well preserved and gives a very picturesque touch to the coastal promenade of Garachico.

Location: h ere

3. Natural pools of El Caletón, one of the best things to see in Garachico

In summer, it is one of the best places to visit in Garachico, where you can cool off in a truly authentic setting. Behind the castle of San Miguel are the natural pools of Garachico, El Caletón.

Take one of the paths located on either side of the castle to reach this set of natural pools formed inside volcanic lava flows. When the tide rises, they fill with water, making them the most characteristic bathing area in the municipality.

Location: here

4. Check out Roque de Garachico

Less than 300 meters off Garachico, you can also admire the Roque de Garachico. Only a few species inhabit this small island.

From the natural pool, you have the perfect view of Roque de Garachico. On the day we visited Garachico, the sea was really rough. It was actually beautiful to see huge waves crashing against this small island.

5. Tobacco Arturo, the old cigar factory

This museum and shop presents the manufacture of Canarian cigars, a know-how transmitted by emigrants from the Americas. The short visit is free. However, like Cuban cigars, Canarian cigars are not cheap.

Location: here

6. Plaza de la Libertad

Continue your visit to Garachico at the Plaza de la Libertad, the heart of the town. Around this square, you will find some of the oldest and most interesting buildings in Garachico.

The former convent of San Francisco de Asís, now Casa de la Cultura, the town hall de Garachico, the old Casa-Palacio de los Condes de La Gomera, Iglesia Nuestra Seńora de Los Angeles, and the Iglesia Matriz de Santa Ana, the most important religious building in Garachico.

In the center of the Plaza de la Libertad there is a small kiosk with a café where you can enjoy a coffee and small treats. For us we opted for a barraquito, this traditional Canarian coffee with liquor and lemon inside. A must-try!

Location: here

7. Church of Santa Ana

The Iglesia Matriz de Santa Ana is the largest and most important church in the municipality. It is also one of the most characteristic examples of religious architecture on the island.

On the main altar, we find the figures of Santa Anna and Santa Joachim, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of Jesus Christ.

The eruption of 1706 badly damaged the church. However, its original foundations were used for its reconstruction.

Location: here

8. The Puerta de Tierra

Puerta de Tierra is perhaps the most important place to visit in Garachico. Today it is a park which is worth a visit. However, this area commemorates the old entrance and exit gate for the trade of goods before the eruption in 1706. It is therefore very symbolic.

Inside the Parque de la Puerta de Tierra, there is a small garden, a grape press and a bust of Rafael Alberti. The Spanish poet visited Garachico in 1991. Today a small “Poets’ Corner” was created in his honor.

Location: here

9. Hermitage of San Roque

San Roque’s devotees built this hermitage in the early 17th century, right after the volcano struck Garachico.

Every year on August 16, the Feast of San Roque is celebrated and the exterior of this small hermitage is filled with flags of different colors. The festivities are in honor of Garachico’s patron saint, San Roque.

Location: here
Website: here

10. Monument of the Wine Mutiny

The last thing to see in Garachico is the Wine Mutiny Momument “Motín del Vino“. It refers to the “spill of wine”. Indeed, in 1666, the winemakers of Tenerife were very upset against the abuses of the English monopoly on the exploitation of wine.

Tired of this situation, the winemakers raided the cellars of Villa de Garachico and broke the barrels. A river of wine then flowed through the city.

The sculpture shows a man carrying a wine barrel in his arms, his right foot resting on another wine barrel which appears to be broken. Below the figure is the prow of a ship and below it is written “One night in 1666, torrents of wine flowed in Garachico”.

Location: here
Website: here

How to visit Garachico?

Garachico can be visited in a couple of hours. Although if you want to swim in the natural pools, then you can easily spend a day in this town.

Garachico is a very colorful place. On foot you will discover beautiful houses with their wooden balconies and Canarian pine windows… most of them are very well preserved. The colonial architecture is one of the interesting aspects of Garachico.

It is not difficult to find most places, without a map.

READ: BEST TIME TO VISIT TENERIFE

How to get to Garachico?

Getting to Garachico is easy especially if you are staying in Puerto de la Cruz.

By car from Puerto de la Cruz you can first make a short stop at the Mirador de San Pedro, one of our favorite viewpoints in the north of the island. It is located in the municipality of Los Realejos, about 7 kilometers from Puerto de la Cruz.

After this short stop, continue by car to Garachico, located about 25 kilometers from Puerto de la Cruz. Along the road you will find different signs indicating the direction of Icod de los Vinos, a municipality located just before Garachico and home to the famous “Drago Milenario”.

READ: 25 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN PUERTO DE LA CRUZ

Where to stay in Garachico?

If you are looking for a place which feels more traditional and less touristy, Garachico would be a great choice. From there you can easily access Puerto de la Cruz if you want to reach a bigger city.

The good thing about Garachico, is that the town has a few hidden gems when it comes to hotels. Our favorite hotel in Garachico and perhaps in the whole of Tenerife is located in Plaza de la Libertad. This place is called Hotel La Quinta Roja The Senses Collection. This building is a restored 16th-century mansion.

It used to be the home of the Marquis of Quinta Roja. Even if you do not stay in Garachico for a night, we still recommend that you take a look at this gorgeous place. More information here.

Another hotel that we fell in love with while in Garachico is Hotel San Roque. This hotel is set in beautiful 18th-century villa. It has an outdoor swimming pool, terrace and ocean views. More info here.

READ: TOP 10 HOTELS IN TENERIFE

Best restaurants in Garachico?

1. Tasca Restaurante Los Pinos

This is one of the best and most well-known restaurants in Garachico! It is also our favorite place to eat seafood! This rustic and traditional restaurant offers a fresh menu with daily specials! The prices are also very reasonable!

Location: here

2. El Rebojo | Bocados de Mar y Vinos

This is a beautiful restaurant in the heart of Garachico! An absolute pleasure for your palate too, as the food is delicious. From starters to the Main course, everything is impressive, creative, and made with love! Check it out in Garachico.

Location: here
Menu: here

3. Restaurante La Almena de San Miguel

Fancy a beautiful sea view while enjoying a delicious meal in Garachico! Then head to Restaurante La Almena de San Miguel, one of the best restaurants in Garachico!

Location: here

Final thoughts – Is Garachico worth a visit?

The town and port of Garachico, founded by Cristóbal de Ponte of Genoa in 1496, is a must-see in Tenerife. In 1980, King Juan Carlos I awarded the city the Gold Medal of Fine Arts for paying particular attention to its artistic and historical heritage and for having maintained its streets, squares and gardens so well.

Garachico was also declared a Place of Cultural Interest, with the category of “Historic Site”, by the Regional Government of the Canary Islands in March 1994. Unesco is also studying the possibility of declaring it a World Cultural Heritage Site.

So make sure to add Garachico to your itinerary when visiting Tenerife.

For more information on the best things to do and see in Tenerife, check out this post: 25 AWESOME THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN TENERIFE

Tenerife is a great destination to travel to. No wonder, why it is one of the most popular islands in the Canary!

If you have any questions about Tenerife, feel free to leave a comment below.

All our posts about the Canary Islands can be found here.

HAPPY TRAVELS!

10 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN GARACHICO [TENERIFE]

Best things to see in Garachico?