Garachico

Travel Guide

Garachico showing waves, a coastal town and rugged coastline
Garachico which includes a coastal town and rocky coastline
Garachico which includes a coastal town and general coastal views
Garachico showing boating, mountains and general coastal views
Garachico which includes a sunset

Wander along the cobbled streets of this charming fishing village, where whitewashed houses and brightly colored cottages belie a surprisingly turbulent history. 

Garachico in Tenerife is known for its natural volcanic rock pools and distinctly Canarian culture. Bordered by the rocky coast and packed with well-preserved colonial buildings, the town is remarkably beautiful in spite of the disasters it has suffered over the years.

The city was Tenerife’s most important port until it was struck with an unlucky series of floods, fires, storms and epidemics. Although Garachico managed to survive these initial calamities, it was then hit with a major volcanic eruption in 1706. The eruption destroyed the port and half the town, leaving it unfit for commercial shipping.

Today the natural pools, formed when the destructive eruption reached the ocean, are a major tourist attraction. Known as El Caléton, this beach and its pools are surrounded by walkways for sunbathing or simply enjoying scenic coastal views. Swim in the warm waters and watch fish swimming below the surface.

Next to the volcanic rock pools, find Castillo San Miguel. One of the few buildings to survive the 1706 eruption, this modest fortress was originally constructed in the 16th century to protect the city from pirates. Look for a crucifix attributed to Spanish sculptor and architect Martín de Andújar. Appreciate the picturesque views from the castle’s ramparts, noting the two solidified rivers of lava that cling to the mountainside. 

Explore the small nature museum inside Convento de San Francisco. Constructed in 1524, this former Franciscan monastery is the oldest building in Garachico. Notice the old photographs and maps in the building’s House of Culture (Casa de la Cultura), which provide interesting insight into the city’s history. 

Admire the intricate ceiling design in the nearby Church of San Francisco. Look inside 18th-century Church of Santa Ana to see its gorgeous Baroque altarpiece. 

One of the most exciting times of year to visit Garachico is during the San Roque Festival in August. Reach Garachico by bus from nearby destinations like Puerto de la Cruz, La Laguna and Santa Cruz.

Gara Suites Golf & SPA
Gara Suites Golf & SPA
4 out of 5
Calle Landa 2, Playa de las Américas, Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Arona. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.8/10 Good! (641 reviews)
"Surrounded by the golf course made it quiet and pleasant. It's about a 15 minute walk to the sea front but the walk is pleasant. Also an option for Taxi scooters which hang around by reception. Hotel itself had plenty to do. The room was incredible, plenty of space, great bed and slept well. Would ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jun, 2025

Gara Suites Golf & SPA
The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama
The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama
5 out of 5
Calle María Zambrano, 2, Carretera General Tf 47 Km 9, Guia de Isora, Tenerife
The price is S$484 per night from 25 Jul to 26 Jul
S$484
25 Jul - 26 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Guia de Isora. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (689 reviews)
"A truly exceptional stay. Rooms are beautifully designed, spotless and tranquil.Service was second to none, We were lucky enough to be up graded to the retreat which was perfect. Breakfast was a treat, with a huge buffet to select from as well as off the menu choices. Cant recommend highly enough ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama
Barceló Tenerife
Barceló Tenerife
5 out of 5
Avd. Grenamora, No. 1, Urb. San Blas, Golf del Sur, San Miguel de Abona, Tenerife
The price is S$381 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
S$381
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in San Miguel de Abona. Enjoy free WiFi, 7 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (885 reviews)
"We arrived late and had already decided to upgrade to Royal Level, which late at night proved a little troublesome. We tried again in the morning and after a small discussion with reception decided to stay in Deluxe Room (which was great) and just upgraded to the RL service which we thought was well ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Barceló Tenerife
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Santa Barbara Golf And Ocean Club
Santa Barbara Golf And Ocean Club
4 out of 5
Avenida del Atlantico, s/n, Golf del Sur, San Miguel de Abona
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in San Miguel de Abona. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,690 reviews)
"Fantastic holiday. Complex clean, staff all friendly and plenty of restaurants within a max 20 min walk away. We stayed 12 days and didn’t eat at the same place twice. We managed the walk to los abrigos in 15 minutes with a 7&10 year old. We used taxis for beach days, water park and money world. ..."

Reviewed on 13 Jun, 2025

Santa Barbara Golf And Ocean Club
Palm Beach - Excel Hotels & Resorts
Palm Beach - Excel Hotels & Resorts
3.5 out of 5
Avda. V Centenario, Playa de las Americas, Adeje, Tenerife
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Adeje. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
7.4/10 Good! (749 reviews)
Palm beach
"Generally a positve experience front desk were friendly and helpful. Apartments were fairly spacious and hotel had pretty good facilities. Location is excellent close to everything you need."

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

Palm Beach - Excel Hotels & Resorts
Ona los Claveles
Ona los Claveles
3 out of 5
Andorra, 2, Los Cristianos, Arona, Tenerife
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Arona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (314 reviews)
"Great weeken"

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

Ona los Claveles
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Garachico

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Easy parking in disused tarmac football pitch off promenade 100m from hotel.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Great restaurants and quiet .

4/5 - Good

Verity

A charming, quiet town - perfect for relaxing. Gets quite busy round the rock pools on weekends though so try to find other things to do then.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

No supermarket! But lovely restaurants