Once the richest town on the island and today one of the most popular destinations for people on cheap holidays to Tenerife, Garachico is blessed with a deep, natural harbour which, in the 16th and 17th centuries served as the gateway for trade between Europe and the New World. Populated by affluent merchants, artists, musicians, bankers and the inevitable posse of religious orders that accompanied them, Garachico’s streets were lined with fine Italian style mansions and a host of churches and convents.

But a series of disasters dogged the little town and, surviving bubonic plague, storms, floods and fires, the final straw came in May 1706 when Montaña Negra erupted and sent twin rivers of lava down the mountainside to engulf the town and clog its harbour, thus destroying its source of wealth.

Behind the town, the towering bluff of La Culata still bears the scars of 1706; two frozen lava streams, one to the harbour, the other to the town; a constant reminder of history and its ever present propensity to repeat itself.

Often overlooked by the scores of daily coach tour parties who opt to spend their allotted time at the admittedly enticing lava pools of El Caletón, the narrow streets that meander away from the seafront lead to where Garachico keeps her real treasures openly on display – arguably the most picturesque plaza on Tenerife, narrow cobbled streets lined with artisan shops, two fabulous boutique hotels and the architectural remnants of an immensely wealthy past.

To get the most out of your visit to Garachico make sure you have your copy of Real Tenerife  Island Drives OR Going Native in Tenerife

 

  • Restaurants in Garachico

    One or two culinary hot spots stand out from the traditional Canarian crowd in Garachico – seek and ye shall find. Clues are: park side and plaza facing.

  • Accommodation in Garachico

    Housed in magnificent restored mansions from the 16th and 18th centuries, hotels in Garachico offer rural idyll, cloistered contemporary chic and harmony of tradition with taste.

  • Beaches in Garachico

    Garachico's heart shaped, black sand and shingle cove may be small, but it's incredibly popular in summer and has the benefit of calm harbour waters for great swimming.

  • The Pick of What To Do In Garachico

    There's a reason Garachico's rock pools are popular, they're brilliant fun. But don't miss the lovely Parque Puerta Tierra, the Convent of San Francisco, Plaza de la Libertad and the San Miguel castle.


  • RSS Latest From The Real Tenerife

What is Nightlife Like in Garachico?

More Sunday morning than Saturday night, you won’t find Karaoke, cabaret or clubbing anywhere near Garachico. Instead you’ll always find quiet corners, sometimes colourful fiestas and very occasionally fireballs being hurtled down the cliffs.

Recommended Accommodation in Garachico: Hotel San Roque

Behind the wine coloured walls of the immaculately restored 17th century mansion of Hotel San Roque, the juxtaposition of avante-garde and history achieves impeccable harmony and exudes good taste – the watch words of this rather special rural idyll. Hand carved tradional balconies and a volcanic lava pool blend beautifully with Bauhaus and Rennie Mackintosh. Simply exquisite.
+34 922 13 34 35; Esteban de Ponte, 32.

Recommended Restaurants in Garachico

Given its good looks and charm, Garachico is unsurprisingly one of Tenerife’s most popular day trip destinations and the perfect venue for lunch…or is it? Recent experience has suggested that restaurants in Garachico may be resting on their rock pool laurels and not putting enough effort into the quality of their gastronomic options. Our advice would be to give the mainly tourist oriented restaurants a wide berth and seek out one of these instead: [Read more]