Garachico

Travel Agent's View

a small resort which is still very Spanish in character close quotes

There are areas for sun bathing and swimming as long as the sea is not too rough close quotes

Garachico is located on the Northern coast of Tenerife below a 1500ft cliff. It is a small resort which is still very Spanish in character. It's advisable for non-Spanish speaking people to take a Spanish phrase book with them to help.

There are no beaches of sorts here as the coastline is made up of volcanic debris from the lava in a volcanic flow which happened in 1706. Garachio was once the main port in Tenerife which was used for importing wines. This stopped when the harbour was partially blocked by lava in a volcanic flow in 1706. Due to this there are now some volcanic rock pools and walkways have been paved around the pools. There are areas for sun bathing and swimming as long as the sea is not too rough.

Garachico has many hidden shops, with many looking like houses. Most of the streets are cobbled and narrow with some good restaurants and bars along the sea front. Los Rodeos Airport is 50 km away and Reina Sofia Airport is 67 km from the resort.

Insider's View

Tenerife's unluckiest, and probably most picturesque, town. Garachico is top of the must-see locations close quotes

Welcome to Tenerife's unluckiest, and probably most picturesque, town. Garachico is top of the must-see locations for my visitors. For one thing, everyone likes the story of the fat monk who was driven out of town for being a sponger and as he left he cursed the place; the next day Garachico was destroyed by a volcanic eruption. The legend of the monk's most likely a myth but the eruption was real and it's how Garachico slipped from wealthiest town on Tenerife to popular day tripper destination.

For those who are left after everyone's gone home, the only entertainment options are the restaurants and watching the old guys play dominoes in the plaza. Don't bother packing your trapping-off gear.

First stop on my tour is always the rock pools hewn out of lava where on sunny days local lads dive, jump and belly flop into the deep pool to impress the girls. It's a great spot for exploring the marine life in the pools and pointing at sea cucumbers to a collective chorus of "Ewww!" Just don't make the mistake of exploring barefoot; many a blister has been gained on these sun-kissed stones.

Next stop is the plaza which I think is the prettiest on Tenerife. A quick nosey into the courtyard of the Quinta Roja Hotel via its shop and then onto the terrace of Aristides for some crispy, deep fried, tiny squid known as chopitos. Finally it's off to the little park of Puerta Tierra to see the only remaining piece of the original harbour, the toll gate, and to shout down the well and examine the wine press.

And the must-sees? If you're planning an August visit, don't miss the Romería de San Roque on the 16th. Goats, sheep, carts pulled by oxen and free barbecued meats and wine all served up by lads and lassies in traditional dress.