To the northeast of the island of Tenerife, about 60 kilometers from Santa Cruz, is the beautiful town of Garachico. A very lively place that invites you to enter its streets to learn about its history, culture, gastronomy, and of course, to offer you a spectacular volcanic landscape mixed with beautiful Canarian pines. During your time in Tenerife, I recommend that you spend at least 2 days in this small town, which despite its small space has endless things to discover, and you should take the time to appreciate them. To help you discover what to see in Garachico and what to do, I must first tell you about its past, so that you understand a little more about the importance that this place has for Tenerife.
Garachico History
Garachico history is that this pretty town was founded by the Genoese banker Cristóbal de Ponte, after the conquest of Tenerife (1496). The town of Garachico grew thanks to the sale of wine and sugar to Europe and America, something that led it to become the most important commercial port on the entire island. But everything changed in 1706, when the Trevejo volcano erupted and destroyed much of the town. However, with a lot of effort and dedication, the locals managed to rebuild it, leaving as a result a beautiful town that rose from the ashes.
What to see in Garachico in 1 day
The best way to visit some of the best places that can be seen in Garachico in 1 day is by walking through its streets. Particularly, walking through the heart of this symbolic town, that’s why I recommend you start from the Plaza de la Libertad. This central square is surrounded by some of the most important buildings in the area, such as the Town Hall, the emblematic Casa del Marqués de la Quinta Roja and the Old Convent of San Francisco de Asís (which currently functions as the Museum of Natural Sciences) .
You will also be able to see the imposing Palace of the Counts of La Gomera, built in volcanic stone in the 16th-2nd century. Very close to this building is the Iglesia Matriz de Santa Cruz, the most significant religious center in Garachico. In the center of the square you will also find a small kiosk that has a cafeteria, there you can have a coffee and appreciate the views. At the end of the square you can see a monument to the Venezuelan Simón Bolívar, this is because the Latin American liberator had ascendants in Garachico.
If you plan to spend more time in this small town and visit several of its tourist sites more calmly, these are some of the most beautiful places in Garachico that you cannot miss:
Hermitage of San Roque – What to do in Garachico Tenerife
One of the most essential stops to what to see in Garachico, in fact it is one of the first. Right at the entrance to the old quarter of the town there is a beautiful and discreet Hermitage built by the same neighbors. It is dedicated to the patron saint of the town, so it has great meaning for the locals. If you have the opportunity to visit Garachico on August 16, you will be able to appreciate one of its most important festivities, which is the Pilgrimage of San Roque.
Name in Spanish: Hermita de San Roque
How to arrive to Hermitage San Roque
House of the Mills
You cannot miss the opportunity to visit the museum «Casa El Molino», that shows the only original flour mill that remains in Garachico, since the rest disappeared during the 19th century. In addition, this Mill Houses museum have an exhibition about the volcanological activity of Garachico.
Best Brunch in Sitges, Barcelona
Earth Gate – What to see in Garachico Tenerife
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
One of the most beautiful places to see in Garachico is the Parque de la Puerta de Tierra, where you can appreciate a beautiful garden and you can relax in a small space full of very exotic local species. This gate has great significance for Garachico, because it was previously the entrance to the famous port of Garachico, and therefore it was the place where merchandise entered and left.
How to go to Earth Gate in Garachico, Tenerife
Castle of San Miguel – What to see in Garachico
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
On the seashore you will find the very peculiar Castle of San Miguel (Castillo de San Miguel) from Garachico, a spectacular example of the architecture of the island of Tenerife. But yes, this is not an ordinary castle, because King Felipe II ordered it to be built in 1575 as a defensive tower to prevent invasions and robberies by pirates. One of the must for what to see in Garachico.
How to arrive to Castle of San Miguel Garachico
El Caletón
The eruption of the Trevejo volcano in 1706 not only destroyed a large part of Garachico, but also gave rise to a series of natural pools that are currently considered one of the town’s greatest attractions. You can find them at the back of the Castillo de San Miguel, access is very simple and free, so you can enjoy these pools without any problem.
Garachico Pier
The Garachico Pier offers one of the most spectacular views in the area, you can disconnect from everything and appreciate the blue sea and the volcanic rocks. It is an excellent place to fish or you can even relax in the small Kiosko Muelle Viejo or El Abuelo Ice Cream Shop. You can also visit Playa El Muelle, a spectacular black sand beach for what to see in Garachico.
Garachico Tunnel
If you love the sea, you are in luck because Garachico has an immense sea full of adventures and possibilities. And if you visit the Garachico Tunnel you can immerse yourself in this underwater volcanic tube about 80 meters long. A truly mind-blowing experience that will leave you wanting more.
Garachico Tunnel Video
For those who have not had the opportunity to dive the Garachico Tunnel, here is a video of this incredible underwater volcanic tube.
Monument to the Mutiny of the Wind
This monument is very special, not only because of its curious appearance, but also because of its incredible history. To better understand the essence of the statue, we must go back to the year 1666, when Tenerife winegrowers got tired of the constant abuse and exploitation of the English monopoly. So they decided to march towards Garachico and raid all its wineries, resulting in a shocking event: the streets of the town completely flooded with wine.
How to get to Garachico
To the question: How to get to Garachico? The best answer and way to get to Garachico is driving from Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the TF-5 road. Then you must cross the TF-42 and continue towards the Glorieta San Francisco in Garachico. This is a route of approximately 61.4 km.
Where is Garachico: Location Map of Garachico, North Tenerife
Anyways, if you are like me and use Google Maps to get to anywhere, here I give you the map / location to arrive to Garachico:
Webcam Garachico
If you are a cautious person and want to see what the weather is doing in Garachico at the same moment, it is best to see the Garachico webcam. Here I leave the link so you can see how the day is.
Where to eat in Garachico
It is normal that when you are discovering and enjoying the things to see in this beautiful town, you wonder what to eat and especially where to eat in Garachico, so here I recommend some restaurants where you can enjoy the gastronomy or where you can relax for later continue with the things to see in Garachico.
Restaurant in Garachico, La almena de San Miguel
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
The restaurant La Almena de San Miguel (web here), is located right between Garachico beach and the pools, on the main street. It is not a cheap restaurant in Garachico, but the truth is that the price is worth it, with its terrace with views of the sea and the Castle of San Miguel, in addition to its Mediterranean dishes that will leave you with a good taste in your mouth to continue. walking this seaside town.
Where is the Restaurant La Almena de San Miguel, Garachico
Cheap restaurant in Garachico, Tasca Los Pinos Restaurant
If you have finished taking a bath in Garachico beach and you are wondering where to eat in Garachico, here I recommend a cheap restaurant. Los Pinos restaurant is a bit hidden, but it is worth finding it and enjoying its chicken or even the rabbit with salmorejo.