Garachico on Tenerife’s northern coast is a picturesque town worthy of a visit. However, it is not a resort as such, but there are some excellent hotels, and the town does cater to tourists. There are some excellent restaurants and small bars the locals use.

Most visitors to Garachico only stop to visit and bathe in the lava rock pools created when the volcano Montana Negra erupted in 1706. But the town’s real charm is in the streets away from the seafront, where its historic streets and buildings are located.

Take a stroll around the cobbled streets and enjoy the old historic buildings dating back to the 16th century, stop to have a drink in the Plaza Gloriata de San Francisco by the church. Visit the Castillo de San Miguel, a fortress built in 1575 to defend the port against pirates. You visit the castle for a small fee where there is a small historical exhibition.

The town’s main attraction is the former Convent of San Francisco on the town’s main square of Plaza Gloriata de San Francisco. The building houses various exhibitions and houses the Museo de las Naturales, which has a fascinating account of the 1706 eruption of the nearby Volcano Negro.

You must also take a look at the beautiful Hotel La Quinta Roja, which is opposite the Convent of San Fransisco. The building has been restored to its former glory and is well worth splashing out to spend the night.

Approaching Garachico from the south has some dramatic scenery, the road down to the town is steep and very winding. Garachico was once north Tenerife’s principal port until it was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1706 from the Negra volcano and completely blocked up the harbour with lava. The area where the seaport was is now dry land and has been built on. The town has had its share of misfortune in the past, having been afflicted by earthquakes and the plague.

Places to Stay in Garachico

Bring your swimwear with you as there are refreshing natural lava rock pools where you can take a dip. The sea can become quite rough here, and it is not advisable to use these pools, or the ocean for that matter when the sea condition is rough. The rock pools can get a bit dangerous when the sea is rough, as the sea swell surges into the pools.

Also worth a visit is the Parque Puerto de Tierra in the Plaza Juan Gonzalez de la Torre. In these gardens stands the famous 16th-century gateway known as the "Puerta de Tierra" (Land Gate), marking the former entry to the once-thriving port of Garachio. It is all that is left of the original port after the volcanic destruction of 1706.

Garachico is full of charm and character, and makes an excellent base to explore the mountains of north Tenerife known as Teno Massif, however the town does not cater for tourists on the scale of the major resorts, and is really an ideal place to stay for just a few days.

Garachico is full of charm and character and makes an excellent base to explore the mountains of north Tenerife known as Teno Massif. However, the town does not cater to tourists on the scale of the major resorts and is really an ideal place to stay for a few days.

Garachico will appeal to walkers and those looking of peace and quiet away from the busy mass tourist resorts. The town is charming, peaceful and excellent for strolling around. Have a glass of wine, beer or coffee outside one of the cafes.

Where is Garachico

Garachico is located on the north west coast of Tenerife, its position is shown by the marker on the Garachico map. Garachico is in the region of the island known as “Isla Baja” that includes the districts of Garachico, Buenavista del Norte, El Tanque and Los Silos. The nearest large town to Garachico is Icod de los Vinos approximately 6km away by road.

Getting to Garachico

You can get to Garachico by bus from the resort of Puerto de la Cruz and from the southern resorts of Playa de las Americas and Los Gigantes. Bus services from these resorts go to Icod de los Vinos bus station where you will need to change buses.

From Playa de las Americas get the 460 to Icod bus station, from here get the 363 bus heading to Buenavista which goes through Garachico. From Puerto de las Cruz travel on the 363 bus heading to Buenavista and alight at Garachico, which is about 10 minutes after Icod bus station. From Los Gigantes catch the 325 to Icod bus station, then change to the 363 bus to Buenavista.

Tenerife South Airport to Garachico Transfer Times

The distance from Tenerife Reina Sophia Airport to Garachico is approximately 73km by road taking about 1 hour 15 minutes. Here is a map to show you the route by road from Tenerife south airport to Garachico.

Garachico Weather

Garachico is situated on the northern coast of Tenerife having its own microclimate. During the summer months, Garachico is sunny and warm, with the searing summer heat kept at bay by the cool breezes coming from the northerly ocean trade winds.

In winter the north of the island is generally somewhat cooler than the south of the island with higher rainfall and cool evenings.

You can read more about the weather in Garachico.