They say this is one of the most charming towns on the island, so don’t miss this selection of must-see places to visit in Garachico and make the most of what we consider one of the essential places to see in Tenerife. Once recognized as the island’s most significant trading port, Garachico still retains its allure and has become one of the favorite spots for visitors to Tenerife, thanks to its combination of natural and cultural attractions. Here, you’ll find buildings of great historical importance and one of the most spectacular natural pools in the archipelago.
How much time do you need to explore Garachico? Realistically, you could walk through the historic center and stroll around the area near the natural pools in just a couple of hours. However, if you want to enjoy it more, go for a swim, and take time to eat, dedicating a full morning or afternoon would be a better option. Of course, if you prefer to travel at a leisurely pace, you could spend an entire day here, or even base yourself in Garachico to discover the rest of the island. At the end of this guide, we’ll suggest a few accommodation options in Garachico.
Based on our Tenerife itinerary and to ensure you don’t miss the best of the town, we’ll share with you the main places to see in Garachico and some tips to make your visit more enjoyable. You’ll also find a map to help you get around. Let’s begin!
Why Visit Garachico and What Makes It Special
When the island was conquered, the main settlements began to emerge in the northern part of Tenerife, considered the richest and most fertile area. Due to its strategic location, Garachico housed the most important commercial port, from which tons of sugar and wine were shipped to and received from America, Africa, and other European ports.
Thanks to this trade, Garachico was home to warehouses, but also mansions, stately homes, churches, convents, and even a hospital. In short, Garachico was one of the most prosperous places in Tenerife during the 16th and 17th centuries.
However, this prosperity began to decline on May 5, 1706, when the Trevejo or Arenas Negras volcano erupted. Seven lava flows covered much of the town, destroying its thriving port over a span of 58 days. Unfortunately, commercial activity moved to the ports of Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, relegating Garachico to a secondary role.
Despite this, thanks to the efforts of its inhabitants, its undeniable natural charms, and the historical sites that survived and were gradually restored over the centuries, there is much to discover in Garachico. It’s no coincidence that it’s considered to have one of the best-preserved and most representative historical-artistic centers in the Canary Islands. It was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1994 and was awarded the Gold Medal of Fine Arts.
1. El Caletón Natural Pools
When the lava from the Arenas Negras volcano cooled, these impressive natural pools were formed. Today, they are one of the main attractions in this part of Tenerife. Swimming in them is undoubtedly a must-do activity in Garachico, and best of all, it’s free.
They are fully equipped for bathing, with ladders and areas to lay down your towel. It’s best to visit when the tide is high, and we also recommend bringing water shoes for comfort. Lifeguards are on duty, and the pools are suitable even for children.
If you prefer not to swim, you can enjoy them from the shore or sit at the adjacent restaurant.
2. Plaza de La Libertad, an Essential Place to Visit in Garachico
The heart of this town’s life is Plaza de La Libertad, which was previously known as Plaza de Santa Ana (in honor of the church of the same name), Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza de la República, or Plaza General Franco.
Aside from being a perfect spot to rest, with vegetation and benches, around it you can admire some of the most important sites to see in Garachico. These include the Convent of San Francisco (now the House of Culture), the Palace House of the Counts of La Gomera, the Town Hall, and the Casa del Marqués de la Quinta Roja (now a charming hotel). We’ll talk about some of these later.
In the square, you’ll find a traditional music kiosk, built in a Mexican style and featuring a small bar. You can also see a bronze sculpture of Simón Bolívar, a gift from the Garachico community in Venezuela in the 1970s.
The best way to get to know Garachico is to join this free tour. In 1.5–2 hours, you’ll learn about its history and curiosities with a guide, and then we recommend wandering through its colorful streets before finishing with a dip in El Caletón. A perfect plan!
3. Castillo de San Miguel
Located next to the El Caletón natural pools, Castillo de San Miguel is another must-see site to visit in Garachico. This castle served as the defensive tower of the area against possible pirate attacks, recalling that Garachico was once the most prosperous town in Tenerife.
Built in 1587, it was one of the few buildings that withstood the 1706 volcanic eruption. However, with Garachico’s loss of commercial importance, it fell into disuse and gradually deteriorated. It is now fully restored and has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest. It also houses the Heritage Information Center, where you can see a small exhibition about the castle’s history, the town in general, and volcanic activity.
Admission costs €2, and it’s worth it since you can go up to the top and enjoy a beautiful view of the natural pools and Garachico.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm
4. Parroquia de Santa Ana (Church of Santa Ana)
La Parroquia Matriz de Santa Ana, or the Church of Santa Ana, is one of the most notable buildings to visit in Garachico.
The original church opened in 1542 but suffered severe damage during the 1706 volcanic eruption. However, it was rebuilt following the original plans, and today you can admire a beautiful example of ecclesiastical architecture. Notable features include its façade with Plateresque and Renaissance elements, the Mudéjar coffered ceiling inside, and several interesting sculptures.
These include a 17th-century crucifix by Martín de Andújar Cantos; a 17th-century statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, much beloved by fishermen and sailors; and the Most Holy Christ of Mercy, crafted by Mexican indigenous people in the 16th century using the marrow of cornstalks. These so-called “Cristos de Maíz” began to be made in Michoacán and Oaxaca, and it’s believed this one may have come from the former.
Visiting hours can be somewhat irregular, but if you find it open, don’t miss the chance to enter, as you can also visit the Sacred Art Museum and enjoy views from the tower. Admission is €1 per person, or €2 if you want to include the museum and tower.
5. Ermita de San Roque (Hermitage of San Roque)
Dedicated to Saint Roch of Montpellier, this hermitage is very important to the people of Garachico, as the area around it hosts one of the most prominent romerías (religious pilgrimages) in the Canary Islands every year, the Romería de San Roque. This takes place on August 16, when the town is filled with color. Don’t miss it if you plan to visit Tenerife around this date.
It’s a small temple of traditional Canarian architecture with a single nave and a four-sided roof. It’s believed to have been built in 1603 to beg Saint Roch, patron saint of those afflicted by epidemics (especially plague and cholera), to end the bubonic plague that ravaged Garachico between 1601 and 1606.
Ermita de San Roque is located at the beginning of the historic center, but you can easily reach it with a pleasant stroll through Garachico’s lovely streets.
6. Parque de la Puerta de Tierra
If there’s one unique thing to do in Garachico, it’s visiting the Parque de la Puerta de Tierra. To give you an idea, this area used to be underwater before the 1706 Arenas Negras eruption. Here, you can see the gateway of Garachico’s former port, where all goods once entered and left.
It’s now a lush park where, in addition to the gateway, you can find the old wine press of the Hacienda de San Juan Degollado and a statue of the poet Rafael Alberti, who visited the town in 1991. Entrance is free.
Opening hours: daily from 8am to 8pm.
7. Monument to the Wine Revolt (Monumento al Motín del Vino)
As indicated by the sign at its base, this statue represents the struggle of Canarian wine producers against the English monopoly on wine. In 1666, the so-called “Wine Spill” occurred, when the wine producers stormed the cellars, leaving streams of these prized vintages in their wake.
The sculpture, by the Gran Canarian artist Luis Montull, is 5 meters tall and made of Carrara marble, while its base is made from the local volcanic stone. It depicts a wine grower holding a barrel and standing on a couple of other barrels.
By the way, if you have time, we recommend visiting the Mirador del Emigrante, where you’ll find a monument honoring all Canarians who emigrated in search of a better life in the Americas, especially Venezuela. From here, you’ll also enjoy beautiful views of Garachico.
8. Convent of San Francisco (Convento de San Francisco)
The old Convento de San Francisco now functions as the House of Culture and hosts various interesting exhibitions about the town, as well as the Municipal Archive and Library. This building was constructed in 1524 when Cristóbal de Ponte donated the land to the Franciscan Order. It features two beautiful tea-wood cloisters, so if you find it open, be sure to step inside to admire them.
Admission is €2 per person.
9. Tensei Tenmoku (Garachico Pier)
We’re talking about one of the most photographed spots in Tenerife and one of the must-see places to visit in Garachico. Tensei Tenmoku is the name of the sculpture by Japanese artist Kan Yasuda located on the Garachico pier.
“Door without a Door” is a minimalist-style sculpture made up of two pieces of Carrara marble. The piece closest to the sea seems to symbolize a doorway leading nowhere, but if you step back and observe both pieces in alignment, you can grasp the complete concept.
10. Palace House of the Counts of La Gomera (Casa Palaciega de los Condes de La Gomera), Also Known as Casa de Piedra
You’ll find more than a few stately homes in Garachico, but one of the most outstanding is the Palace House of the Counts of La Gomera, also known as the Casa de Piedra (Stone House) due to its picturesque masonry façade with fluted columns on its main door. It originally belonged to a wealthy family from Tenerife, the Ponte family, but later passed into the hands of the Counts of La Gomera.
Construction was completed in 1666, though it suffered major damage from the 1706 volcanic eruption. Nevertheless, it has been faithfully restored and now functions as a cultural center. Don’t miss it during your walk around Garachico, as it’s located in the central Plaza de la Libertad.
11. Roque de Garachico Natural Monument
Although you can’t visit it directly, you can admire it from the coast. We couldn’t leave out one of Garachico’s iconic features: the Roque de Garachico. This islet was formed by volcanic eruption and then became isolated through marine erosion. It stands 77 meters high and is home to birds such as the grey heron and the Madeiran storm petrel.
As an interesting fact, the name “Garachico” comes from this islet. Gara, in the Guanche language, means mountain, rock, or water.
Excursions from Garachico
Garachico is strategically located for exploring nearby destinations like Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Icod de los Vinos, or the Rambla de Castro. However, if you prefer a more relaxed experience with a guide who can show you the most interesting sites, consider the following excursions from Garachico:
- Isla Baja Tour: Discover the best of northwest Tenerife, known as Isla Baja, and enjoy endless banana plantations, volcanic rocks, charming villages, natural pools, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife. In addition to exploring Garachico in depth, you’ll visit Icod de los Vinos, Buenavista del Norte, Sibora Beach, and other places.
- Private Tour of Tenerife: Choose the part of the island you want to explore with the convenience of having a private group, plus a guide and transport at your disposal.
- Tour of Masca and the Northern Tenerife Viewpoints: Discover the best of the island’s north in one morning with the help of an expert guide. You’ll get to see some of the most beautiful panoramas of Tenerife at viewpoints such as Humboldt, La Garañona, or Rambla de Castro. You’ll also take in the lovely hamlet of Masca and its nearby ravine, as well as one of the island’s most stunning natural pools, La Laja.
Check out all the excursions in Tenerife to make the most of your visit to this Canary Island.
Where to Stay in Garachico
Although it’s not one of the most popular places to stay in Tenerife, many travelers choose to stay in this part of the island for its authenticity and tranquility. Additionally, the many nearby attractions (Punta de Teno, La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, Masca…) make it an ideal base if you want to explore a different side of Tenerife.
Among the best places to stay in Garachico is Hotel LIVVO La Quinta Roja. Beyond its location, you’ll want to stay here for a completely unique experience, as it’s a 16th-century historic mansion once owned by a marquis. Simply seeing the photos will make you fall in love, but experiencing it firsthand will give you a different kind of trip to Tenerife, thanks to its spectacular breakfast and attentive service.
If it’s fully booked, be sure to consider Isla Baja Suites, also housed in a historic building. Specifically, it’s set in an 18th-century fully restored house, offering comfortable and spacious rooms with sea views.
Looking for more options? You can search for them here.
For more information, you can read this post about where to stay in Tenerife.
How to Get to Garachico
To reach Garachico, you should first find a flight to Tenerife. The airport with the highest frequency of flights and the most convenient for you is Tenerife North. It’s located about 50 kilometers from the town and receives flights from low-cost airlines like Ryanair and Vueling. You can find good deals if you book in advance.
Once you’re in Tenerife, the best way to get to Garachico is by having your own rental car, as this allows you to explore the island at your own pace. If you prefer not to drive, you can book an airport transfer or take a combination of different buses to reach your destination. Keep in mind that the latter is much slower, typically taking around 90 minutes to get from the airport to Garachico. Of course, travel time will be shorter if you’re already in other parts of the island like Icod de los Vinos, Puerto de la Cruz, or La Orotava.
Finally, if you want to visit Garachico comfortably with a guide and transport included, you can join this Teide, Icod, and Garachico Tour from Northern Tenerife or a similar tour from the South.
For more information, check out this post on how to visit Mount Teide.
For more details, feel free to check out this list of tips for traveling to Tenerife.
Map of Places to Visit in Garachico
To help you optimize your route of things to see in Garachico, don’t miss this map we’ve created:
Ready to Visit Garachico? I Hope So! If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments.
