Things to Do in Garachico
1 Hermitage of San Roque
Start your day by visiting the Hermitage of San Roque, dedicated to San Roque of Montpellier. This small 17th-century temple, with its four-sloped roof, was built during the bubonic plague (1601–1606) to ask for San Roque’s protection.
Today, every August 16, Garachico celebrates one of the Canary Islands’ most important festivals: the Romería de San Roque.
2 Wine Revolt Monument
Not far from the Hermitage of San Roque, you’ll find the Wine Revolt Monument. This statue commemorates the “Wine Spill,” an event where, in 1666, Canarian farmers revolted against English control over the wine trade, storming the wine cellars of Garachico’s port.
The 5-meter-tall statue, made by Gran Canarian artist Luis Montull, uses Carrara marble and volcanic lava for its base. It depicts a man holding a wine barrel while another barrel spills wine at his feet.
3 Garachico Natural Monument Lookout
As part of your walking route, take a break at the Garachico Natural Monument Lookout. From here, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Garachico Islet, a volcanic formation separated from the main island by coastal erosion.
Standing 77 meters tall, the islet is home to birds such as herons and Madeiran storm petrels. Interestingly, the town’s name, Garachico, comes from the islet, as “Gara” in the Guanche language means mountain, rock, or water.
Don’t linger too long—there’s still plenty more to see in Garachico!
4 Natural Pools of “El Caletón”
The natural pools of Garachico were formed in 1706 when lava flows from the Arenas Negras volcano cooled down.
It’s best to visit these pools during summer and at high tide, as they might be closed in winter. These natural pools are a must-see in Garachico. They have lifeguards, stairs for easy access, towel areas, and are perfect for family fun. Taking a dip here is a must before continuing your journey.
5 San Miguel Castle
Continue your walking tour of Garachico with a visit to San Miguel Castle.
In the 16th century, Garachico had the most important port in Tenerife. To protect it from potential sea attacks, San Miguel Castle was built.
Above the main door, you’ll notice various coat-of-arms, including that of Emperor Charles I of Spain and V of Germany.
Today, San Miguel Castle is a Cultural Heritage Site and hosts the Heritage Information Center, where you can learn about the castle’s history, the town, and volcanic activity.
Entry Fee
- General Admission: €2
Opening Hours
- Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
6 Tensei Tenmoku
Time to stretch your legs! Luckily, everything worth seeing in Garachico is within walking distance.
Created by Japanese artist Kan Yasuda, the Tensei Tenmoku sculptures are two rectangular-shaped pieces located at the Garachico pier.
Made of Carrara marble, this unusual minimalist sculpture, described by the artist as a “Gate without a gate”, plays with overlapping shapes. To fully appreciate it, try walking back and forth to align the gates with each other. It’s definitely something unique to experience in Garachico.
7 Parque de la Puerta de Tierra
The Puerta de Tierra was once part of Garachico’s important 16th-century port. All goods and travelers who traded with Garachico passed through this gate.
Today, it has been transformed into a park with exotic plants, featuring the gate and a statue of Rafael Alberti, who visited the town in 1991.
Entrance Fee
- Free
Opening Hours
- Every day from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
8 Parroquia de Santa Ana
Opened in 1542, the Parroquia de Santa Ana was heavily damaged by lava during the 1706 volcanic eruption but was later restored to its original design.
Inside, you’ll find the 16th-century statue of Santa Ana, the patron saint of Garachico, and a carved crucifix by Martín de Andújar Cantos. However, the highlight is the Santísimo Cristo de la Misericordia, created by Mexican artisans in the late 16th century using corn cane marrow.
Opening Hours
- Sunday to Friday: 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM
- Saturdays: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
9 Plaza de La Libertad
The final stop on this walking tour of Garachico is the Plaza de La Libertad. Over the years, its name has changed several times, also known as Plaza de Santa Ana, Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza de la República, and Plaza General Franco.
This square is surrounded by the most important landmarks in Garachico. These include the Convent of San Francisco (now a cultural center), the Palatial House of the Counts of La Gomera, the Town Hall, and the Casa de la Quinta Roja (now a hotel).
You’ll also find a music kiosk designed in the Mexican style and a bronze statue of Simón Bolivar, a gift from Garachico’s Venezuelan community in the 1970s.
10 Convento de San Francisco
Located in Plaza de La Libertad, the Convent of San Francisco now serves as a cultural center. Inside, you’ll find a museum, a library, and the municipal archives. The convent also hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
The church was built in 1524 when Cristóbal de Ponte donated the land to the Seraphic Order.
The convent features a Latin cross nave with several chapels. Its white facade and surrounding palm trees make it easy to spot.
Excursions from Garachico
From Garachico, you can visit La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, or Punta de Teno. These spots are close enough to reach by bus or rental car.
If you’re looking to explore more of Tenerife, check out these excursions:
Visit Mount Teide by Cable Car
A trip to Tenerife wouldn’t be complete without ascending Mount Teide. For a hassle-free experience with a guide to explain everything, this excursion is perfect.
Book a Mount Teide Cable Car Excursion
How to Get to Garachico
Although Tenerife has two airports, the best option to reach Garachico is flying into North Tenerife Airport, about 51 km away.
If you find a deal for South Tenerife Airport, don’t worry. The best way to get around the island is by renting a car. Rental offices are available at both airports and the port. CICAR is a highly reliable rental company in the Canary Islands.
For those who prefer not to drive, the TITSA buses are a great alternative. From the North Airport, take a bus to Puerto de la Cruz station (around 30 minutes), then another to La Orotava, and finally one to Garachico. Download the TITSA App for route details.
Where to Stay in Garachico
Garachico is one of the best places to stay in Tenerife if you want to escape mass tourism. Known as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, it is close to spots like La Orotava and Puerto de la Cruz, and not too far from Masca and Punta de Teno.
Where to Eat in Garachico
If you’re looking for something quick, there’s a 100 Montaditos near Caletón de Garachico. For a more special experience, here are three great restaurants to eat in Garachico: Caletón Chill Out, Restaurante Cñada de Garachico Espacio Gastronómico, and Tasca El Muelle Viejo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garachico
If you still have questions about your trip to Garachico, here’s a summary of frequently asked questions and the key highlights of the things to see in Garachico.
Is Garachico Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Garachico is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and was once the commercial capital of Tenerife.
What to See in Garachico in One Day?
If you only have one day in Garachico, start at the Ermita de San Roque and walk to the Wine Rebellion Monument.
Stroll along the coast to the Natural Monument Viewpoint of Garachico and enjoy a swim in the “El Caletón” Natural Pools. Visit the San Miguel Castle, a 16th-century fortress. From here, you can admire the Tensei Tenmoku sculpture.
Head to the Puerta de Tierra Park, where the old harbor gate stood, and visit Santa Ana Parish Church.
Finish your day at Plaza de la Libertad, the town’s main square, and take a walk through the San Francisco Convent.
What to See in Garachico for Free?
If you’re looking for free things to see in Garachico, don’t miss these: the Ermita de San Roque, the Wine Rebellion Monument, the Natural Monument Viewpoint of Garachico, the “El Caletón” Natural Pools, San Miguel Castle, the Tensei Tenmoku sculpture, Puerta de Tierra Park, Santa Ana Parish Church, Plaza de la Libertad, and the San Francisco Convent.
What to Do in Garachico with Kids?
Swimming in the “El Caletón” natural pools is one of the best things to do in Garachico with kids.
How Long Does It Take to See Garachico?
You can see Garachico in about an hour if you don’t visit the churches, stop for lunch, or swim in the natural pools. If you do any of these activities, plan for a couple more hours.
What Are the Natural Pools in Garachico Called?
The natural pools in Garachico are called “El Caletón.”
Map of Things to See in Garachico
Here’s a Google Maps link to easily add all the points mentioned in the infographic.
Things to Do in Tenerife for One Week
If you’re planning to visit the largest island in the Canary Archipelago, here’s a 7-day itinerary for Tenerife so you don’t miss the must-see spots.
7-day itinerary for Tenerife
