Garachico
Garachico, the village that was reborn and became one of the most beautiful in Tenerife
Why Garachico?
In the northeast of Tenerife is Garachico, a town parallel to the coast with a well-preserved historic center dating from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1994 due to the great value of its architectural heritage.
“Garachico, declared an Asset ofCultural Interest, stands out for the great value of its architectural heritage“
In 1706 this town suffered the eruption of the Trevejo volcano, which destroyed it almost completely. Until then, its fishing port was the most important commercial port on the island. Despite the devastating consequences, Garachico knew how to move forward with the reconstruction of its historic center. Its streets, buildings, churches and coastline make it one of the most beautiful municipalities in Tenerife today. A mandatory stop if you visit this area of the island, known as the Lower Island.
What does Garachico offer?
Spend the morning in the natural pools of El Caletón, eat in some of its many restaurants, stroll through its historic centre and admire its historic buildings… One of the great advantages of Garachico is that everything is close and it is very easy to walk through the center of the municipality.
As for the accommodation offer, you will find different hotels such as the Hotel La Quinta Roja, Boutique Hotel San Roque, Hotel Rural el Patio, among others. Unlike other municipalities, the Rural style accommodation, located in old Canarian mansions. If you are looking for tranquility, it is undoubtedly one of the most recommended destinations on the island.
Nature is linked to the identity of the municipality. Most of its territory is occupied by Canarian pine, volcanic landscapes and a cliff that divides the upper area from the coast. In the sea you will observe the Roque, probably the most representative natural symbol of the town. Migratory birds pass through here and it is the habitat of endangered species such as the lesser shearwater.
Must-sees in Garachico
Garachico has numerous must-haves! Among them, its historic center, with places of great architectural value such as the Casa de los Ponte, the Casa de los Molinos, the Dominican Convent of Santo Domingo or the main church of Santa Ana. Also noteworthy are the Puerta de Tierra Park, the Casa Palacio de los Condes de La Gomera or the Castle fortress of San Miguel. Some of these buildings were saved from the eruption of Trevejo, and others were rebuilt. A walk through the centre is the best way to get to know the true essence of the municipality.
The eruption in 1706 destroyed a considerable part of the town but also created such spectacular spaces as El Caletón. It has several natural pools and is the most popular bathing area in the town, along with El Muelle Beach. The waters in both areas are usually calm, which makes it ideal for an unforgettable family day out.
And if you like sport, you can combine it with nature in Garachico. From here a medium-high difficulty trail starts, which ends at the spectacular Chinyero volcano. The approximate duration is 5 hours, but with the incredible views and landscapes the tour is enjoyable and highly recommended.
Climate in Garachico
Tenerife can boast of having one of the best climates in the world. Its location, between the tropical and temperate zones, together with the trade winds, make the archipelago enjoy mild temperatures despite its proximity to the African continent, where high temperatures predominate.
However, you should bear in mind that due to the orography of the island the climate can change in its different aspects. Temperatures are mild all year round, Ideal for a good swim on its beaches or for a trail. However, it is advisable to bring warm clothes, as especially in the winter months the weather can be cooler, especially at dusk.
What to do for free in Garachico?
In Garachico the Festivities of Traditions and the Pilgrimage of San Roque are celebrated, a festivity that dates back to the seventeenth century and has been maintained to this day. The streets are filled with carts, traditional clothing and popular songs. It takes place on August 16, so if you are in the municipality on this date it is a celebration worth living. It has also been declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest.
The Lustral Festivities of the Holy Christ is another of the most spectacular celebrations. Especially noteworthy are the Fireworks of the Risco, when fireworks are launched down the slope to remember the eruption of the Trevejo volcano. It is a festivity that only takes place every 5 years, with 2020 being the following. Highly recommended if you are in Tenerife! Another example of a free event hosted by Garachico is Ficmec, the International Environmental Film Festival of the Canary Islands. In this case, it is carried out at the end of May and beginning of June and aims to highlight the importance of caring for our environment.
As you have seen, events and activities take place throughout the year that are free of charge. Likewise, don’t worry because the municipality itself has a lot to offer any day of the year. Bathing in its natural pools, admiring the beauty of its historic complex, or taking a free tour are free experiences that you can enjoy whenever you want.