Find information on Garachico in our Travel Guide covering sights, foods and nightlife plus more...
Garachico is a very beautiful town in the fertile northwest of Tenerife. It has a long history, being founded in 1496, and was a prosperous port until the earthquake of 1706 which destroyed a large part of the town, as well as the port itself. It is a peaceful resort on the coast at the foot of Mount Teide. Its narrow cobbled streets and squares are filled with restored and well preserved architectural gems; its coast is dotted with natural swimming pools formed when pools of molten lava poured into the sea, and there are many coves with volcanic sand.
A Garachico holiday promises peaceful relaxation in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The verdant lowlands with a dramatic backdrop of Mount Teide frame this very picturesque town. Stroll through the streets of Garachico and admire its many old buildings that either survived the earthquake or have been lovingly restored. Bathe in the rock pools or discover the marine life when snorkelling or scuba diving in the coves.
A Garachico holiday is popular with couples of all ages who come to relax in this charming town and enjoy the many leisure facilities that it has to offer.
A Garachico holiday can be taken at any time of year. Summer temperatures can reach thirty degrees with winter temperatures in the high teens.
When ambling through the streets of Garachico, it is hard to imagine its troubled past. It is such a beautiful, well cared for town with its neat streets, fine architecture and an abundance of floral displays. The traditional houses are painted in a variety of pastel shades from earth colours to orange and red. The citizens have been rewarded for their care by the Spanish Government who awarded Garachico the Gold Medal of Fine Arts in 1980. La Libertad square claims to be the most beautiful in Tenerife with its large swaying palms, its white church of St. Anna complete with clock tower and the former convent of St. Francis. The narrow cobbled streets have many small shops, bars and pavement cafes perfect for relaxing in the sun.
Garachico has many sheltered coves and beaches as well as a number of unusual rock pools formed when molten lava flowed into the sea in the eruption of 1706. The rocks form natural swimming pools of various shapes and sizes and are well stocked with fish.
The town has some interesting tourist attractions including the Castle of St. Michael which has exhibits depicting the history of the town. There is a good view over the coast and its pools from the castle’s battlements. There is also a museum of contemporary art and one of natural sciences.
There is a plentiful supply of shops, bars and restaurants catering for most needs.
A Garachico holiday offers tranquillity in a charming town surrounded by stunning scenery while basking in year-round sunshine.
Garachico nightlife is fairly sophisticated and low-key. Evenings are spent in bars and restaurants in the town centre or along the sea front enjoying a meal and a drink while watching the sun sinking into the ocean.
Garachico has a good number of shops selling a wide variety of goods. One of the attractions of shopping in Tenerife is that it is duty free and there are many bargains to be found. Perfumes, cameras and electronic goods, alcohol and cigarettes are all cheaper. There is a craft fair on most Sundays in the town. Those who would like a larger variety of shops can take a trip to the capital, Santa Cruz.
Garachico has some fine restaurants providing a range of menu from traditional Canarian to international cuisine. Typical Canarian food is the spicy mojo sauce and the salty new potatoes that are boiled in sea water before being baked. Fish features prominently on menus and is often served with the green variety of mojo sauce.
