Güímar

Before construction of the TF1, Güímar was the gateway to the south of the Island from Santa Cruz.

The proliferation of Guanche archaeological sites around the caves and ravines of Güímar are testament to the importance of the area before the Spanish conquest of the Island. Güímar is one of Tenerife’s oldest towns as a result of a pact made between the Guanche Mencey Añaterve of Güímar on behalf of the southern Menceys and Alonso Fernández de Lugo, the Spanish leader of the conquistadores. As a result, with friendly relations already established, Güímar was one of the first areas to be settled by the Spanish.

Blessed with year round plentiful water supplied by the Barranco de Herques and the Badajoz and El Río Ravines, Güímar became wealthy from its rich agricultural output. Güímar’s rich supply of water was ingeniously tapped by farm workers through aqueducts, galleries and wells, ensuring a constant flow to the plantations of sugar, tomatoes, potatoes and avocados and making Güímar the principle supplier of produce to the south of the Island.

Set against the dramatic Izaña Mountains, the town of Güímar has a beautiful, well preserved old quarter with historic churches, traditional houses, and pretty plazas as well as a picturesque seaside and marina at El Puertito.