Garachico In Tenerife - Things To See And Do

If you are on your Tenerife holidays, why not visit the resort of Garachico on the north coast and take a look at the historical buildings and traditional houses with intricate wooden balconies

For a small town [with a population of around 2,500] there are lots of things to see and do on your holiday in Garachico, and we have set out below what you could do in a typical day in this traditional Tenerife location.

In the Morning : Garachico Mirador. Located on the C820 road towards Icod de los Vinos above the town. This is undoutedly the best place to get a view of Garachico and the lava field with engulfed it in 1706. To reach it, you will need to drive along 9km of winding roads via the pretty village of el Tanque. However, this trip if worth it for the Mirador [or viewing point] offers a spectacular and much photographed view of the town and the famous offshore Roque de Garachico. Note the cross on top of the rock which was erected by the local people to ward off another volcanic catastrophe. Having seen the town from high above, you will now be ready to take a more detailed tour of Garachico.

Just Before Lunch : El Caleton Rock Pools. Located to the rear of the Castillo de San Miguel, these are one of Garachico's unique attractions and comprises a series of rock pools. The pools were formed as a result of the volcanic eruption in 1706 when lava flowed to the sea and cooled on contact. They are fed and cleaned by the tidal action of the sea, and walkways have been created between the natural pools and steps have been cut down to them where you will also find areas to sunbathe. The pools vary in depth ranging from shallow areas for children to paddle in, to a long deep channel which can be used for diving.

Stop for a Light Lunch : El Caleton Cafe. Located in Avenida Tome Cano between the Castillo de San Miguel and the lava rock pools, this is an ideal place to stop for a drink and a light snack while you enjoy the views. If you are after something a bit more substantial, then you can select from the fish and meat dishes on offer.

Spend the Afternoon : Plaza de Arriba. This is a tree-shaded park where you can spend a leisurely afternoon in Garachico. You will find the Igelsia Santa Ana on one side which was resorted following the volcanic eruption [only the 16th century facade survived the molten lava]. You will find a Baroque font and a crucifix attributed to Martin de Andujar [a craftsman from Seville]. On the other side of the park you will find the Convento de San Francisco with a grand staircase and an elaborate Mudejar ceiling. Also you will find a map here which shows the exact path of the lava which you can still follow when you explore Garachico. You will find a selection of bars and cafes in the side streets off the park which will tempt you for a well-deserved break.

Time to Visit A Museum : Museo de Arte Contempraneo. Located in Plaza de Santo Domingo, the museum is open 10:00-13:00 and then 15:00-18:00 Mondays to Saturdays and then on Sundays from 10:00-13:00. There is a small admission charge. This museum lies on the edge of Garachico and comprises mostly of works of art by Spanish artists.

Alternatively, visit a small museum in the Convento de San Francisco - the Casa de la Cultura. This is open Monday to Friday 09:00-19:00 and Saturday/Sundays 09:00-15:00 with an admission fee of approximately 1 euro. Here you will find a collection of shells, stuffed birds and a exhibition of locks and keys through the ages.

Dine out in the Evening : La Almena de San Miguel. Located in Avenida Republica de Venezuela, this restaraunt is situated on the first floor with an excellent choice of fresh seafood at low prices [there is a regular presence of locals here which suggests that it a good choice].

Alternatively Dine at : Casa Ramon. Located on Calle Esteban de Ponte, this is a basic restaurant which is recommended for the atmosphere as ell as its excellent seafood dishes and the spicy home-made mojo sauce.

End the Evening : Tasca La Quinta Roja. Located in Plaza de la Libertad, this bar is open until late in the evening. Built of traditional wood and tile, the bar can be found at the back of the La Quinta Roja Hotel and is possibly the best location for an evening drink.

You have spent the day and evening looking around the sights and sounds of the traditinal town of Garachico. Now for a good night's rest before looking at more of the delights on offer in Garachico.

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