Garachico, the harbour town that lava reshaped in 1706
Founded in 1496, the northern port lost its basin to a volcanic eruption and rebuilt itself around fishing and farming. Castillo de San Miguel, the Convento de San Francisco and a six-storey bell tower draw visitors today, with Icod de los Vinos minutes away by bus.
Johannes Bornewasser is an author, journalist and editor-in-chief of Teneriffa News. He is regarded as a recognised expert on the Canary Islands. Bornewasser is also responsible for the editorial content of the website.
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Ein Blick über die Hafenstadt Garachico im Norden Teneriffas. Foto: Johannes Bornewasser
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Garachico is one of the most beautiful places on Tenerife. The town in the north of the Canary Island was founded in 1496. Before long, not only sailors but also military personnel, clergy, politicians and aristocrats began to settle around the natural harbour. The town flourished and was regarded as the place to be on Tenerife. That was until a devastating volcanic eruption struck in early May 1706.
Buried under masses of lava, not only did parts of the town disappear, but above all the spacious harbour basin vanished from the map. As a result, commercial shipping was relocated to Puerto de la Cruz, as it also had a harbour and numerous roads leading to all parts of the island. The remaining inhabitants of Garachico initially turned to fishing and agriculture, but soon began to rebuild the town.
Places of interest in Garachico, Tenerife
>>> Here are some pictures of Garachico <<<
Today, Garachico, with its numerous museums, churches and squares, is well worth a visit. From the main road, you’ll immediately spot the Castillo de San Miguel, situated right by the sea. It is a typical Canary Islands defensive fortress made of black lava stone, lined with cannons. Inside, you’ll find the Museo Naturales and its marine exhibition featuring shells, fossils and other marine creatures, such as turtles and seahorses (opening hours: daily from 10 am to 6 pm).
Just a few hundred metres away lies the Convento de San Francisco. To this day, Franciscan nuns live there in strict seclusion. The convent is also home to the Casa de la Cultura (the House of Culture). Inside the part of the Convento de San Francisco open to the public, two beautifully restored courtyards await visitors. Much of the convent’s daily life still takes place in one of them. A collection of ancient photographs traces the history of the town of Garachico (opening hours: daily from 9 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 7 pm).
The church Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles is part of the convent. If the church is open, you can admire a Nudéjar ceiling here that is well worth seeing.
Not far from the monastery stands the Igelisa de Santa Ana. The church had to be largely rebuilt following the volcanic eruption of 1706. Today, visitors can admire its six-storey bell tower. The church is also always well worth a visit.
Further information about Garachico on Tenerife
Once again, just a stone’s throw away, you can see the former Palacio de Ponte. Since 1997, it has been home to one of Tenerife’s most beautiful hotels, the „San Roque“. The hotel, with its 20 rooms and numerous lounges, is furnished with pieces by Charles-Édouard Le Corbusier and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It also features wicker armchairs by Antonio Citterio and lounge furniture by Josef Hoffman. Furthermore, it has been furnished with pieces by Gerrit Rietveld and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Added to this are various works of art of great value.
As well as these must-see attractions, Garachico has plenty of other lovely spots, streets and parks. It’s always worth a visit. Further information is available at the CIT at Calle Estebán de Ponte 5 (tel. 922 13 34 34).
Places of interest around Garachico on Tenerife
From Garachico, you can reach the beautiful town of Icod de los Vinos (see our travel guide) in just a few minutes by the bus. A visit to this town, home to the island’s oldest tree, can easily be combined with your trip. With good planning, both towns can be visited in a single day without any problems.
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