In this article we want to discover what to see in Garachico, one of the most remote municipalities of Tenerife away from the capital in the north of the island.
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A curiosity…
First of all, you may be interested to know that the term Garachico comes from the Guanche language of the Canarian aborigines. It refers to the small island that can be seen on its coast and has become the symbol of this area of the island since time immemorial.
This rock has about 5 hectares and is protected since 1987 as Natural Area of National Interest of the Rock of Garachico.
Where is Garachico?
The Municipality of Garachico is located between Icod de Los Vinos, a municipality we already mentioned in the blog, Santiago del Teide, El Tanque, and Los Silos.
Garachico, important trading point centuries ago
During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Garachico was a very relevant place on the island of Tenerife and the arrival and departure of ships from its port (one of the most important of the island at that time) was usual. The ships refueling here normally went to ports of America and Europe. This golden age of maritime trade in Garachico unfortunately ended with the eruption of the Trevejo volcano, which although did not cause casualties, it destroyed the town and the port. The town of Puerto de la Cruz was benefited this situation and from 1706 became the nerve point of maritime trade on the island of Tenerife.
Places to see in Garachico
Church of Santa Ana
The eruption in 1706 that ended with the port of Garachico also affected important structures of emblematic places, such as the Church of Santa Ana, which had to be rebuild. Inside you can find the Santísimo Cristo de la Misericordia, which was carved by Mexican natives using a very characteristic technique of the area with corn cane marrow. This type of sculptures are mainly found in Mexico and Spain. Inside you can also find Baroque altarpieces, Mudejar art and of course, the statue of Santa Ana, who is the patron saint of Garachico.
San Miguel Castle
Once again, the eruption of the volcano in 1706 left this fortress unused, which in later centuries had been used as a defensive tower to protect the town, the most important commercial municipality of the island, as we mentioned before. Currently San Miguel Castle is a Heritage Information Centre and is also protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest since 1985.
Church of San Pedro de Daute
This parish is located in the original place of the first settlements in the municipality.
El Caletón
For all those who like to have a swim in the most natural enclaves of the island, El Caletón is a perfect place, formed by several pools of natural origin that were created by the solidification of the lava of the Trevejo volcano when coming into contact with the sea. As we see, all natural events bring destruction, but sometimes the construction of new tourist attractions.
Viewpoints of Garachico
In the town of Garachico there are also two enclaves from which you can enjoy wonderful views, such as the Mirador de la Culata, located on the TF 820 main road, at an altitude of 460 meters above sea level and also the Mirador de El Guincho, from which you can see the famous rock of Garachico and the marina and fishing port of Tenerife.
Garachico Museums
You can find two museums in Garachico. If you want to make a cultural visit to this municipality, you can go to the Museo de Arte Sacro (Museum of Sacred Art), located in the back of the church of Santa Ana where you can enjoy works from the 17th century, and the Espacio de Arte (Art Center) “La Casa de Piedra”.
Beaches of Garachico
The coastal location of the municipality and its volcanic origin have created a large number of beaches, not only the natural pools of El Caletón mentioned above but also other beaches such as El Gomero Beach, La Caleta Beach and El Muelle Beach, with excellent conditions for swimming, El Guincho Beach, Las Aguas Beach and La Magdalena Beach.
La Puerta de Tierra
One of the most emblematic corners of Garachico is formed by a very picturesque park where you can find exotic species.
Celebrations in Garachico
The most emblematic celebration of the municipality of Garachico is definitely the Fiestas Lustrales del Santísimo Cristo de la Misericordia, held in July every five years in the years ending in 0 and 5. The carrozas (floats) and the Fuegos del Risco (Fires of the Risco) are among the most important events held during this celebration. This last celebration is an impressive fire show embraced by the mountainous cliffs of the town that give spectacular and special sonority to this event in this area of the island, which recall the historic volcanic eruption of Garachico. In addition, the floats are specially cared for to maintain their high quality that since ancient times give fame to these celebrations.
In short, you cannot miss the visit to the municipality of Garachico. Here we have only offered you a small sample of the most important places and events you can visit in this beautiful town, but there is still much more to see and we assure you that you will not be indifferent to this place, full of magic and places to enjoy and visit.
