The History of Garachico
Once the conquest of Tenerife was completed in the 15th century, Cristóbal de Ponte, a Genoese banker, founded Garachico, establishing a prosperous commercial port for sugar and wine that made the town the economic capital of Tenerife. An ideal place thanks to the water springs that flowed from La Culata cliff on the perfect flat surface to establish crops and the first buildings, next to the bay where the old port was established.
To protect against pirate attacks, the Castle of San Miguel was built in 1575, which remains standing today.
The town’s history of prosperity is cut short by a series of catastrophes:
Between the years 1601 and 1616 the bubonic plague hit the town, an epidemic that entered through the port itself and caused a decade of hardship and death. Due to this event, the Hermitage of San Roque was built, in honor of this saint (patron saint of plague patients). The main festivities of the town are in honor of the figure of San Roquito, with the main day being August 16, when the famous San Roque Pilgrimage is celebrated.
On December 11, 1645, the so-called San Dámaso Flood occurred, a landslide on the side of the La Culata cliff caused by the intense rains that buried part of the town and the dock bay. As a result of this natural disaster, 100 people died and 40 boats were buried.
On May 5, 1706, the Trevejo Volcano erupted in the upper part of the municipality and its lava flowed down the cliff to the town and port of Garachico, burying part of the dock bay and a large part of the town. After this event and due to the destruction generated by the eruption, the port loses its importance. Every 5 years, the Lustral Festivals are celebrated in honor of the Holy Christ of Mercy, one of its main events is the “Fuegos del Risco” (Fires of the Cliff), a recreation of the volcanic eruption of 1706.
What to see in Garachico?
La Villa y Puerto de Garachico is one of the most beautiful towns on the island of Tenerife. Walking through its cobbled streets and contemplating its perfectly preserved historical buildings will help you imagine past times, during which this coastal town was a key point for the economy of the island of Tenerife. To appreciate all its charm, we recommend you visit the following corners.
Streets to walk
We recommend that you stroll calmly through its streets and squares, the historic center is not very large, so you can visit it on foot quietly. You can’t miss Calle Esteban de Ponte, Calle Santa Ana or Callejón de Venus. In addition to Plaza de la Libertad or Plaza Juan Gonzalez de la Torre.
If you want to enjoy privileged views of the historic center, you can climb one of the stairs that lead to the Barrio de Los Reyes and contemplate the views of the Church tower and El Roque de Garachico from Calle Peralza. Even for those travelers who wish to enjoy the town from all perspectives, we recommend visiting the San Pedro de Daute neighborhood from which you can enjoy spectacular views.
You can’t miss this places!
Natural Pools of El Caleton
The El Caletón Natural Pools are one of the most visited places of the town. During the spring/summer months you can take a bath in this peculiar place.
Tensei Tenmoku
This minimalist sculpture is one of the most photographed places of Garachico, in the old harvour (built on one of the lava flows from the 1706 eruption) you will have fantastic views of the town, with its natural pools and El Roque.
Glorieta de San Francisco
The Glorieta de San Francisco is the center of the town. It would not be unusual for you to find a cultural event or the market (on Sundays) in this square. Surrounded by historic buildings of colonial architecture.
Puerta de Tierra
In the Puerta de Tierra Park you will find one of the access entrances to the old Garachico dock. Remember that this municipality, until 1706, had one of the main ports of the Canary Islands, which was devastated by the volcanic eruption.
Castillo de San Miguel
Next to the Natural Pools of El Caletón you will find the Castillo de San Miguel, the defensive tower built in order to protect the old port of Garachico from pirate attacks. It currently serves as a museum, and can be visited from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Viewpoints!
Mirador del Emigrante
A viewpoint over the bay of Muelle Viejo from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the historic complex, El Roque and the entire northern coast of Tenerife.
Mirador de La Atalaya
“La Atalaya” is located in the neighboring municipality of El Tanque, on the edge of the La Culata Cliffs and with dizzying views of Garachico.
Bathing areas!
The most sought after bathing area in the town is Las Piscinas Naturales de El Caletón, but on the coast of Garachico you can find different beaches and natural pools. If the day is good, you can take a bath in any of these corners.
Charco de Los Frailes
El Charco de los Frailes is the ideal place to take a bath while enjoying magnificent views of Garachico and El Roque.
La Consolación Beach in El Guincho
. Playa de la Consolación is a small cove located in the El Guincho neighborhood, between Icod and Garachico. A quiet corner ideal for a relaxed bath.
La Playa del Muelle
La Playa del Mielle is a good option for those looking for something central and accessible. In the historic center, next to the old dock and with easy parking nearby.
A gastronomic tour!
Despite being a small town, its gastronomic offer is incredibly large and varied. We recommend the following restaurants:
Ca´n Aya Restaurant
Pizzeria Rugantino
Tasca el Muelle Viejo
Casanova Pizzeria
Aristides Restaurant
Restaurant El Rebojo
In addition to the restaurants, we recommend visiting these legendary establishments in town.
Heladeria Fragola
El Trueque Gourmet (Local wines and craft beers)
Esencia Canaria Cheese Factory