A lovely coastal town on the northern side of Tenerife, Garachico was the island’s very first port, and has been welcoming travellers since the 15th Century. Characterised by terracotta-tiled roofs, this little Atlantic Ocean community is ideal for those seeking to combine a laid-back beach holiday with a real sense of heritage. Most of the best places to stay in Garachico are intimate historic residences, converted into affordably priced little hotels.
Founded by Genoese trader Cristóbal de Ponte in 1496, Garachico was once a trading port between Europe and the Spanish settlements in the Americas. Destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1706, the town was carefully rebuilt and now boasts small, curving cobbled streets lined with heritage homes, churches and boutiques. Declared a Site of Cultural Interest thirty years ago, the town’s architecture has been carefully preserved, and guided walking tours are now the best way to get a real sense of its historic importance. Don’t miss the Church of Santa Ana on the Plaza de la Libertad, or the Castillo de San Miguel.
Framed by the rock of Garachico and a craggy Atlantic Ocean coastline, Garachico is not the place to go for sandy beaches. It does, however, boast some unusual rock-hewn natural saltwater pools for cooling dips or summer sunbathing. Head out on the water for fantastic snorkelling and diving excursions, as well as superb sailing trips. This is a wonderful destination for those seeking to experience a more tranquil side of Tenerife, and the best places to stay in Garachico will delight quieter, relaxed visitors.
