Garachico – 11 amazing sights for Tenerife’s Historic Coastal Gem

Until 1706, Garachico was Tenerife’s most important trading center: Sugar and wine, in particular, but also items such as tanned leather, tar, and silk fabrics from the island were shipped from the town’s harbor to England, Flanders, and the Americas. But then the Montaña Negra erupted. Lava flows surged through the town and into the sea, burying the harbor beneath them. Overnight, the town’s economic foundation vanished – trade shifted to Puerto de la Cruz, and Garachico returned to what it had been before and remains today: a laid-back little village by the water.

In two to three hours, you can see all of Garachico: the narrow streets of the old town, the shady squares, and the main sights. In between, there’s time to explore the small shops in town and enjoy some fresh fish while looking out at the sea.

The best place to park – and it’s free – is in the large lot next to the convent. From there, you can explore the city’s main attractions on foot.

Map of Garachico

You can also find all the Garachico attractions mentioned in this article here on the map:

Hotel Recommendation in Garachico

It’s definitely worth spending more time in Garachico, though. While it’s also a popular spot with tourists, the atmosphere here is often a bit quieter and more laid-back than in Puerto de la Cruz or the hotel hubs in the south.

If you’re planning to stay here, the La Quinta Roja by LIVVO hotel is probably your best bet.

4 Stars

Old Town Mansion

9.2 booking.com

9.4 expedia

A restored 16th-century mansion, formerly the seat of the Marquises of La Quinta Roja, with just 20 rooms arranged around a courtyard featuring a marble fountain. Wooden ceilings, a rooftop terrace, a sauna, and a hot tub – small, quiet, and completely nestled in the historic town center.

• Located right on the Glorieta de San Francisco in the center of Garachico: 50 m from the El Caletón natural pools, about 500 m from Playa de Garachico, and 800 m from the harbor – all within a few minutes’ walk.
• Restaurant and bar, breakfast buffet, sauna and hot tub, rooftop terrace, garden, fitness room, library, free bike rentals, and Wi-Fi; car rental available on-site; no on-site parking.

See more photos of the hotel Check prices

Check alternative prices on Expedia

However, there are other options for lodging in Garachico.

1. Natural Pools – Piscinas Naturales “El Caletón”

During the volcanic eruption of 1706, the lava flows formed a rugged landscape of pools, channels, and rock bridges, which today serve as a free natural swimming area. You can easily access the water at various spots via the stairs with handrails and the ladders.

The lava that once destroyed the town also created what is now its main attraction, which is particularly popular in the summer. However, when the waves are high – which often happens in the winter – the natural pools are frequently closed.

Right next to the pools, there’s also a restaurant called El Caletón Restaurante Chill Out, where you can dine right by the sea. They serve fresh fish and seafood caught that day, as well as other dishes. The restaurant is also a great spot for a sundowner in the evening.

2. Castillo de San Miguel

The Castillo de San Miguel is a small fortress located right on the water’s edge next to the natural pools; it was built in the mid-16th century. The black volcanic rock from which it was built is particularly striking. It is one of the few buildings to have survived the volcanic eruption of 1706.

For just a few euros, you can also tour the castle inside and go up to the observation deck.

3. Plaza de la Libertad

Plaza de la Libertad is the central square in Garachico and also one of its most beautiful. It’s the perfect place to take a break on a bench under the shady trees and watch the world go by. In the center stands a monument to Simón Bolívar, created in 1970 by the sculptor Juan Jaén from Gran Canaria. You can grab a refreshment at the small kiosk by the bandstand.

Surrounding the square are some of the town’s most important buildings.

4. Church of Santa Ana

The Iglesia de Santa Ana is Garachico’s main church, located right on the Plaza de la Libertad. Its bell tower is the town’s landmark. It was built in the typical Canarian architectural style, with light-colored stucco and dark volcanic stone trim.

For 2 euros, you can visit the small museum inside and climb the bell tower.

5. Palace of the Counts of La Gomera

The origins of this house, which is considered an outstanding example of artistic quality, lie in an old building dating from the 16th century. It belonged to the Ponte family, who played a major role in shaping the town.

The Ponte family was originally from Genoa and became the wealthiest family in Garachico through the sugarcane trade and, later, the wine trade. Cristóbal de Ponte, for example, founded the Franciscan monastery in 1524. The complex later passed to the Counts of La Gomera.

6. Convent of San Francisco

This monastery complex was built in 1524 by Cristóbal de Ponte on the site of the Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles Chapel. It stands on a high plinth, and its interior layout follows the basic patterns of monastic architecture in the Canary Islands.

Once the work was completed, the city’s most influential families furnished the church with their respective chapels. These soon proved insufficient, so additional chapels were added to the cloister.

Today, the monastery is a cultural center that you can visit Monday through Saturday, both in the morning and in the afternoon.

7. Puerta de Tierra Park

In the middle of this small botanical garden, several hundred meters from the water, stands the Puerta de Tierra – the old harbor gate. The harbor once stood at this spot before it was buried by the volcanic eruption. If you walk through this gate toward the new harbor, you’re essentially walking over the old lava flows – over new land created by the lava.

8. Calle Esteban de Ponte

Garachico’s main street is one of the oldest in the town – it appears on the map drawn by the Italian engineer Leonardo Torriani at the end of the 16th century.

Today, shops, tascas, and small hotels line the streets in renovated historic buildings. Two buildings are worth a look: the old Augustinian monastery of San Julián across from the local perfume shop, and the Franciscan convent – the only one of Garachico’s five former convents where nuns still live in seclusion today.

9. Santo Domingo Plaza

Only a few visitors to Garachico find their way to this picturesque square, located a short distance from the old town. It’s the garden with a fountain and trees in front of the former Dominican monastery, which is now a retirement home. Its façade, with its ornate wooden balconies, is considered one of the most beautiful monastery façades in all of Tenerife. And on top of that, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the sea.

10. CajaCanarias Cultural Center in Garachico (Former Monastery of San Julián)

The former San Julián Monastery was founded around 1621 by Captain Julián Moreno Cutiño and was once renowned as the site of a major school for art and Latin. Throughout its history, it was repeatedly destroyed by fire. The only remnant of its past is a round arch on the main façade.

Today, the CajaCanarias Foundation uses it as a cultural space (Espacio Cultural CajaCanarias). Accordingly, exhibitions and events are held in the building.

11. El Lagarito Lookout

The best view of Garachico – which you can also see in the article’s cover photo – is from the Mirador El Lagarito along the winding TF-421 road. The Mirador de Atalaya, located nearby at the end of a small side road, is also beautiful. However, it’s not so easy to turn around by car on this dead-end road.

Have you ever been to Garachico yourself? Did you enjoy it as much as I did, or are there any tips missing from this article? I look forward to your feedback.