Garachico – The Town That Rose From the Ashes and Still Enchants Today
Its cobbled streets invite you to explore the heart of the town, full of historic buildings and picturesque corners. Garachico is a place that has literally risen from the ashes. However, the eruption of the Trevejo volcano in 1706, which almost completely devastated it, has only led to the rise of an even more beautiful and charming city than ever before.
Historic Gateway to Tenerife
The town of Garachico can be found in the north of the island, approximately 30 km from Puerto de la Cruz. It was founded by the Genoese banker Cristóbal de Ponte after the conquest of Tenerife in 1496. Thanks to its location, during the 16th and 17th centuries it was the most prosperous port on the island, important for both fishermen and traders, with the main export product being Malvasia wine. It also became an essential stop for ships sailing across the Atlantic. This golden age attracted many influential and wealthy families, which was reflected in the appearance and growth of the city. Garachico had a castle, a hospital, two churches, five monasteries and countless elegant cobbled streets.
Everything changed in the early morning hours of May 5, 1706. Eight kilometres from Garachico, the Trevejo volcano erupted and poured into the sea through the steep slope of a ravine. The eruption devastated the village and especially the port of Garachico, which was completely buried. Seven lava flows came down the slope and buried a large part of the town, including three monasteries and part of the church. The volcanic activity did not stop until 9 days later.
Although no lives were lost in the explosion, it was an event that had one of the greatest economic impacts on Tenerife and affected much of the island’s history. After this natural disaster, traders moved to Puerto de la Cruz and Garachico remained as a small fishing port. Although much of the town was rebuilt, the suspension of international trade led to its gradual decline.
Today’s Garachico as a Tourist Paradise
El Caletón
The most obvious remnants of the eruption in Garachico are the natural lava pools of “El Caletón”. It is a popular bathing spot that attracts visitors with its uniqueness and azure blue water. The pools themselves are calm, but you should always be careful of incoming waves, as the force of the sea is quite strong here. There are also opportunities for sunbathing and relaxing on sunny days.
Spending a Day by the Sea
For a day by the sea, you can also use the lava beach Playa de Garachico. If you are an experienced diver, be sure to visit Tubo de Garachico, one of the deepest cave systems in the Canary Islands, located 20-30 metres below the surface. This 150 metre long tunnel, created by volcanic activity, is straight and without any branches, so you won’t get lost. You can admire the colourful underwater life as you explore it.
Roque de Garachico
This small island is located approximately 300 metres from Garachico. It has an area of about 5 hectares, with the highest point reaching 77 metres. It has been protected since 1987. The entire island is made up of basalt rock, and its inhabitants are mainly endangered migratory birds such as the Bulwer’s and Lesser Bulwer’s Shearwater. Although the island is inaccessible due to the sharp cliffs, it is still a landmark that cannot be overlooked during a stay in Garachico.
Mirador del Emigrante
On the roadside in the western part of Garachico you can stop at Mirador del Emigrante. There is a modern sculpture created in 1990 by Fernando Garcia Ramos. It consists of a two-metre-high human figure in bronze, standing on a stone pedestal representing a tombstone. The figure is facing the sea, as if looking towards the horizon, and is holding a suitcase connected by chains to other suitcases behind him. The sculpture represents immigrants who leave behind everything they have (suitcases) and bravely embark on a journey across the sea. It was inspired by the time in 1893 when many Canary Islanders emigrated to Venezuela to avoid military service. The place where the statue is located is also a “mirador” or lookout point, from where there is a magnificent view of the sea and the coast of Garachico.
The Town Centre of Garachico
The town of Garachico itself is a charming place where the rich architecture of Tenerife from the late 16th and early 17th centuries can still be seen. The town was also designated as a protected cultural monument in 1994. It is considered by many to be the most beautiful town on the whole island.
Arriving from Puerta de la Cruz, the first thing you’ll come across is the Motín del Vino monument, a statue of a man carrying a barrel of wine, under whose feet you can read the following quote: “One night in 1666, streams of wine flowed through Garachico”. The monument commemorates the strange rebellion against the English wine monopoly that resulted in the destruction of many wineries in the area. It is also a good place to park.
Just a few steps away lies the picturesque historic district of Garachica. At the heart of the village is the lively Plaza de la Libertad, surrounded by a colourful mix of white, blue, orange and yellow houses. Here you’ll find most of the town’s key sights, such as the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles, the Iglesia de Santa Ana, dating back to 1520, the magnificent palace of the Count of La Gomera, famous for its stone facade, and the Garachico Town Hall. At one end of the square is a statue of the Venezuelan hero Simón Bolívar, whose ancestors came from Garachico.Before heading to the seafront, don’t forget to visit Puerta de Tierra Park, where the arch of the gate that led to the old port in the 16th century is still preserved. In the park you will also find an exhibition of old wineries and a bust of the poet Rafael Alberti, a native of Cadiz.
Where to Stay in Garachico
With its smaller size, Garachico is a town that is mainly popular for day trips, but its charm is enough to make many people decide to stay overnight. Most of the accommodation on offer are historic villas converted into modern hotels.
One of the most famous is the Boutique Hotel San Roque, a red-painted 18th-century villa located right in the center of town. This elegant hotel has a courtyard with a swimming pool and a distinctive interior. It offers accommodation in two-storey rooms connected by a wooden staircase.
Hotel La Quinta Roja, the 16th-century home of the Marquis de Quinta Roja, has been extensively renovated. It is now a beautiful, stylish hotel with a simple, modern interior complemented by original wooden and stone features. The inner courtyard is a great place to relax, as is the swimming pool and excellent restaurant.
If you want to stay right by the sea, stay at Gara Hotel Rural, a restored 18th-century Canarian house. From its rooftop terrace, you can enjoy views of both the old town and the Atlantic Ocean.
If you want to relax in the middle of nature, stay at Hotel el Patio on the outskirts of the nearby village of El Guincho. The hotel has a swimming pool, tennis court and extensive gardens. From here you can walk to the beach, which is 200 metres away.
Restaurants in Garachico
After exploring the city or a day at the beach, you’ll surely get hungry. Like any other coastal town, you’ll find many seafood restaurants in Garachico. Some of the most popular include Tasca Restaurante Los Pinos, Tasca El Muelle Viejo and Restaurante Miramar. For more Spanish cuisine, visit Restaurante Candelaria La Cocinera or Cañada de Garachico Espacio Gastronomico.
How to Get to Garachico?
The TF-42 road passes through Garachico and you can reach the town from the eastern side from Puerto de La Cruz (about 30 km) and from the western side if you are coming from Costa Adeje (about 50 km). When coming from both sides of the town you will find large free parking lots.
You can get to Garachico by bus from Puerto de la Cruz on line 363 leading to Buenaviste del Norte.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Garachico?
Garachico is a town in the north of Tenerife that was the most important trading and fishing port on the island during the 16th and 17th centuries.
What happened in Garachico?
On May 5, 1706, the Trevejo volcano erupted eight kilometres from Garachico, and the lava from the eruption covered the harbour and part of the village of Garachico. After this event, the town lost its prestigious status and all the activity of the traders moved to Puerta de la Cruz. This resulted in the economic decline of Garachico.
What can you see in Garachico?
Apart from the typical Canarian architecture and charming historic streets, you can take a dip in the El Caletón lakes, created by a lava flow. You can also visit the Mirador del Emigrante, the Roque de Garachico, the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles, the Iglesia de Santa Ana, the Palace of the Count of La Gomera and the Puerta de Tierra Park.
When was Garachico founded?
Garachico was founded after the conquest of Tenerife in 1496 by the Genoese banker Cristóbal de Ponte.
Where is Garachico located?
Garachico is located in the north of Tenerife, 30 km from Puerta de la Cruz, 50 km from Costa Adeje and 61 km from Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
How big is Garachico?
The town of Garachico has an area of 29.28 km² and a population of less than 5,000 inhabitants.
