Things to Do in Garachico
1. Ermita de San Roque
Start your day with a visit to the Ermita de San Roque, a small chapel dedicated to San Roque of Montpellier. This simple one-nave church with a four-sided roof was built back in the 17th century, when the people of Garachico asked San Roque to help put an end to the bubonic plague that had devastated much of the town between 1601 and 1606.
Nowadays, every year on 16 August, Garachico celebrates one of the Canary Islands’ most important traditional festivals: the Romería de San Roque, a lively pilgrimage with music, food, and colourful costumes.
2. Monument to the Wine Riot
Not far from the Ermita de San Roque, you’ll come across the Wine Monument, also known as the “Wine Spill” – as mentioned on the sign next to it. Back in 1666, local wine growers rose up against the English wine trade monopoly and stormed the wine cellars at the port of Garachico.
This striking sculpture was created by Gran Canarian artist Luis Montull. Standing 5 metres tall, it’s made from white Carrara marble, with a base crafted from volcanic lava from the area.
It shows a man holding a barrel of wine, with his right foot resting on another barrel, from which litres of purple wine seem to spill out.
3. Garachico Natural Monument Viewpoint
Since this is a walking route, how about taking a little break at the Garachico Natural Monument Viewpoint? From here, you’ll get one of the best views of the Roque de Garachico – a little islet formed by volcanic erosion and cut off from the rest of the island as the coastline receded due to the sea.
Standing 77 metres tall, this rocky islet is home to birds like the grey heron and the Madeiran storm-petrel.
Fun fact: Garachico gets its name from this islet. In Guanche, the ancient language of the Canary Islands’ native people, “gara” meant mountain, rock or water.
It’s easy to get lost in the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks, but don’t linger too long – there’s still loads more to see in Garachico!
4. Natural Pools “El Caletón”
Garachico’s natural pools were formed in 1706 when rivers of lava from the Arenas Negras volcano cooled down as they reached the sea.
I recommend visiting these pools in summer and during high tide – they’re often closed in winter. Still, they’re a must-see while you’re in Garachico.
The natural pools of Garachico are safe and well equipped, with lifeguards, steps to get in and out, and areas to lay down your towel. Taking a dip here is definitely one of the top things to do in Garachico before continuing your walk.
5. San Miguel Castle
We keep walking through Garachico’s must-sees in a day with a visit to San Miguel Castle.
Back in the 16th century, Garachico had the busiest port in Tenerife. To protect it from potential sea attacks, San Miguel Castle was built.
Above the main entrance, you’ll spot several coats of arms, including the one belonging to Emperor Charles I of Spain and V of Germany.
These days, San Miguel Castle is listed as a Site of Cultural Interest and houses the Heritage Information Centre, which showcases the history of the castle, the town and the volcanic activity in the area.
Entrance Fee
- General admission: €2
Opening Hours
- Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00
6. Tensei Tenmoku
Time to stretch your legs a bit. Don’t worry though — everything worth seeing in Garachico is close by.
Created by Japanese artist Kan Yasuda, Tensei Tenmoku is a pair of square-shaped sculptures located on the Garachico pier.
Made from Carrara marble, this minimalist piece — which the artist calls a “Gate Without a Gate” — plays with overlapping shapes. Try walking from one side to the other to line the two ‘doors’ up. It’s a unique little stop and definitely something different to check out in Garachico.
7. Puerta de Tierra Park
The Puerta de Tierra (Gate of the Land) was once part of Garachico’s major port in the 16th century. Everyone and everything entering the town passed through this gateway.
Today, it’s a lovely park filled with exotic plants, and besides the gate itself, you’ll also find a statue of Rafael Alberti, the Spanish poet who visited the town in 1991.
Entrance Fee
- Free
Opening Hours
- Every day from 08:00 to 20:00
8. Santa Ana Parish Church
Inaugurated in 1542, the Santa Ana Parish Church was heavily damaged during the 1706 volcanic eruption — but it was later rebuilt using the original plans.
Inside, you’ll find a 16th-century statue of Saint Anne, the town’s patron saint, as well as a sculpture of the Crucified Christ by Martín de Andújar Cantos. But what really stands out is the Holy Christ of Mercy, created by Mexican artisans in the late 16th century using the soft inner core of maize stalks.
Opening Hours
- Sunday to Friday from 10:30 to 13:00
- Saturdays from 18:00 to 20:00
9. Plaza de La Libertad
The last stop on this walking tour around Garachico is Plaza de La Libertad. Over the years, this square has had many names — it’s also been known as Plaza de Santa Ana, Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza de la República and even General Franco Square.
This is where you’ll find some of the town’s most important buildings. Around the square are the former Convent of San Francisco (now the local cultural centre), the stately House of the Counts of La Gomera, the Town Hall, and the Casa de la Quinta Roja (which is now a hotel).
You’ll also spot a bandstand built in a Mexican style and a bronze statue of Simón Bolívar — a gift from the Garachico community in Venezuela in the 1970s.
10. San Francisco Convent
Located in Plaza de La Libertad, the San Francisco Convent now serves as a cultural centre. Inside, you’ll find a museum, a library and the town’s historical archives. It’s also a venue for exhibitions, art shows and cultural events.
The church was originally built in 1524 after Cristóbal de Ponte donated the land to the Franciscan Order.
The convent is laid out in the shape of a Latin cross with various chapels inside. You’ll recognise it easily thanks to the tall palm trees casting shade over its bright white façade.
Day Trips from Garachico
From Garachico, it’s easy to explore La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz or Punta de Teno. They’re all fairly close, and getting there by bus or rental car is simple.
As you’ve seen, there’s plenty to do in Garachico. But if you’re up for discovering more of the island, here are some day trips I really recommend:
Take the Cable Car up Mount Teide
You can’t leave Tenerife without going up Mount Teide. If you’d rather enjoy the experience without any stress — and with a guide to explain everything along the way — this tour is a great option.
Book a Teide Tour with Cable Car
How to Get to Garachico
Although Tenerife has two airports, the best way to get to Garachico is by flying into Tenerife North Airport. It’s about 51 kilometres away and is your most convenient option.
That said, don’t worry if you find a good deal flying into Tenerife South. In that case, the easiest way to get around the island is by hiring a car — you’ll have the freedom to explore without relying on guaguas (buses). You’ll find car hire offices at both the airport and the port. The company I always use and recommend in the Canary Islands is CICAR.
If you don’t drive or don’t have a licence, you can always take the local buses (guaguas) run by Titsa. You’ll first take a bus from Tenerife North Airport to the main station in Puerto de la Cruz — it takes just over 30 minutes. From there, you’ll need to catch another bus to La Orotava, and finally another one to Garachico. I’d recommend downloading the Titsa App to check all the lines and timetables. Even though you’ll need to change buses, it’s a great option if you’re not driving.
Where to Stay in Garachico
Garachico is one of the best places to stay in Tenerife if you’re looking to escape the big crowds. This pretty little town — often called one of the most beautiful in Spain — is close to places like La Orotava and Puerto de la Cruz, and not too far from Masca and Punta de Teno either.
Where to Eat in Garachico
If you’re just grabbing a quick bite, there’s a 100 Montaditos near El Caletón. But if you’re after something a bit more special, here are three of the best spots to eat in Garachico: Caletón Chill Out, Cañada de Garachico Espacio Gastronómico, and Tasca El Muelle Viejo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garachico
Still have some questions about your trip to Garachico? Here’s a quick round-up of the most frequently asked ones, along with a recap of the must-see spots in Garachico.
Is Garachico worth visiting?
Absolutely. Known as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, Garachico was once the commercial capital of Tenerife.
What can I see in Garachico in one day?
If you only have one day, start at the Ermita de San Roque and walk to the Monument to the Wine Riot.
Follow the coastline to the Garachico Natural Monument Viewpoint, then take a dip in the “El Caletón” natural pools. Visit the 16th-century San Miguel Castle, and check out the Tensei Tenmoku sculpture nearby.
Next, stop by Puerta de Tierra Park and the Santa Ana Church.
Finish in Plaza de La Libertad, the heart of the village, and stroll around the San Francisco Convent.
What can I do in Garachico for free?
If you’re looking for free things to do in Garachico, don’t miss: Ermita de San Roque, Monument to the Wine Riot, Garachico Natural Monument Viewpoint, “El Caletón” natural pools, San Miguel Castle, Tensei Tenmoku sculpture, Puerta de Tierra Park, Santa Ana Church, Plaza de La Libertad and the San Francisco Convent.
What to do in Garachico with kids?
Taking a dip in the “El Caletón” natural pools is one of the best things to do in Garachico with children.
How long does it take to visit Garachico?
You can walk around Garachico in an hour — but that’s without stopping for a swim, lunch, or going inside the churches. If you want to do any of those, I’d suggest planning for a couple more hours.
What are Garachico’s natural pools called?
They’re called “El Caletón”.
Map of Places to Visit in Garachico
Here’s a custom Google Map with all the spots mentioned in the guide, so you can easily add them to your itinerary.
What to See in Tenerife in One Week
If you’re planning to visit the largest island in the Canary archipelago, here’s a 7-day itinerary around Tenerife to make sure you don’t miss any of the highlights.
