If you’re searching for a charming half-day trip on Tenerife, Garachico is the perfect destination for you!
Garachico is often described as the most beautiful town on the island, so you must include it into your itinerary. Keep reading this blog post to find out where it is, how to reach it, and what to do once you’re there!
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you.
WHERE IS GARACHICO
Garachico is a small town on the northern coast of Tenerife. This town is famous for its beautiful coastline, natural volcanic rock pools (El Caletón), historic architecture, and scenic landscapes.
While it was once the main port of Tenerife until a volcanic eruption in 1706, today it is a charming tourist destination with cobblestone streets, traditional Canarian houses, and various cultural attractions. Exactly because of those attractions, this town was named the most beautiful on the Tenerife.
Garachico is around 25 kilometers from Puerto de la Cruz, and 60 kilometers from the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
IS GARACHICO WORTH VISITING? WHY VISIT GARACHICO
Well, the town isn’t called the most beautiful for no reason—it definitely has something special worth visiting. You’ll really enjoy it if you love history, nature, and authentic Canarian culture.
Garachico is home to incredible natural volcanic pools formed by lava from the 1706 eruption. If you’re looking for a unique place to swim, this alone makes it worth a visit. This town also has a lovely historical fortress, historic buildings, plazas, and so on.
Read more >>> BEST THINGS TO DO IN LA OROTAVA, TENERIFE
On top of all that, you’ll get incredible scenic views from in and outside of the town, as well as excellent food and drink options, with great wines and cheeses. All in all, we really enjoyed our afternoon stop in Garachico and I would definitely recommend it.
HOW TO REACH GARACHICO
Wherever you are on Tenerife, it’s not hard to reach Garachico, especially if you have a car. Here are the best ways to reach this beautiful town on Tenerife
By Car
Having a car is a real lifesaver on Tenerife, and if you’re driving, reaching Garachico won’t be a problem. From South Tenerife (Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos) it will take around 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach it. If you’re staying in Santa Cruz, it will take you around an hour, and from Puerto de la Cruz only around 30 minutes.
We stayed at Puerto de la Cruz and this was a quick and easy drive. There is plenty of free parking around the town, so you won’t have a difficult time finding a spot.
By Bus
If you don’t have a car, you can use public transport, but you have to keep in mind that it’s going to be slower. If you’re staying in Puerto de la Cruz you need to take bus 363 and it will take you around 45 minutes to reach Garachico.
From Santa Cruz, take bus 108 or 106 to Icod de los Vinos, then Bus 363 to Garachico. It will take you around 2 hours. However, I would not recommend going to Garachico by bus from South Tenerife because it lasts too long, the average bus ride is around 2.5 hours one way.
WHERE TO STAY IN GARACHICO
If you like calmer holidays, staying in Garachico could be a great idea. Garachico has some fantastic places to stay, whether you’re looking for luxury, boutique charm, or budget-friendly options. Here are some great choices:
WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN GARACHICO
Garachico is a really special destination, and there are many great things to do and see there. Here are a few amazing things you can do and see while visiting!
Swim in the Natural Rock Pools (El Caletón)
One of the most exciting activities you can do in Garachico is go for a swim at El Caletón. These beautiful natural pools were formed by volcanic rocks and today they’re perfect for a refreshing swim in a safe, tranquil part of the ocean.
Read more >>> BEST TENERIFE BEACHES YOU MUST VISIT
Even if you visit in winter when they might not be open for a swim, you can still visit the pools and take incredible photos. The admission is free for everyone, and there’s a great restaurant right by the pools, where you can enjoy a coffee or a meal!
Visit Castillo de San Miguel
Only a few steps away from the natural pools you’ll find the Castillo de San Miguel. This fortress was built in the 16th century by order of King Philip II of Spain to protect Garachico from frequent pirate attacks.
Today it’s a museum showcasing the town’s history, volcanic events, and cultural heritage. You can enter it for a small fee of 2 euros, and it’s worth exploring. Right outside the fortress you’ll get some of the most amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Explore Plaza de la Libertad
Plaza de la Libertad is the heart of Garachico. This main square is where locals and visitors gather to relax, admire the historic buildings, and soak in the town’s rich history. The square is filled with palm trees, benches, and gardens, so it’s a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the surroundings.
See Iglesia de Santa Ana
The Church of Santa Ana is one of the most important historical landmarks in Garachico, and you’ll easily find it at Plaza de la Libertad.
The church was built in the late 1500s, and amazingly, it survived the 1706 volcanic eruption. The small parts that were damaged were later restored. The church is beautiful, with a mix of Canarian, Baroque, and Mudejar styles. It’s famous for its stunning bell tower.
You can see the church from the outside, or for a euro explore the interior as well. The church has impressive wooden Mudejar-style ceilings and many intricate altarpieces. You can also climb the bell tower for 2 euros per person.
Visit the Parque de la Puerta de Tierra
Parque de la Puerta de Tierra is a historic park located in the heart of Garachico. The park has the famous Puerta de Tierra (Land Gate), which is a remnant of the town’s 16th-century harbor entrance. Once upon a time, that gate was at the water’s edge, but now it’s inland due to changes in the coastline after the volcanic eruption. The park is situated near Plaza Juan González de la Torre and you can enter it for free. It won’t take you more than 15 minutes to explore it, but it’s still worth a visit.
Walk Along the Old Port & Roque de Garachico
The Old Port was once the most important port in Tenerife before the 1706 volcanic eruption buried it under lava. Today, it’s a scenic promenade with views of the ocean, cliffs, and volcanic rock formations. It’s a really charming spot for photos, peaceful walks, and enjoying the sea breeze.
While walking along, you’ll stumble upon the Roque de Garachico. That’s small volcanic islet just off the coast, formed by ancient eruptions. It’s absolutely stunning, and it’s the perfect backdrop for some great photos.
Mirador del Emigrante
For a gorgeous view of the ocean and the whole town of Garachico, visit the Mirador del Emigrante. It’s a scenic viewpoint just a few minutes away from the town, and you can easily reach it by car or on foot. At the viewpoint make sure to admire the statue “El Emigrante Canario” by Canarian sculptor Fernando García-Ramos. There are a few parking spots there, and you can come and spend a few minutes there to enjoy the views of the lovely town.
