Garachico

Written by Celine Fournier, David Garcia, Javier Garcia
31/08/2025
Aerial view of Garachico town along the rugged coastline of Tenerife, Spain, showcasing its charming architecture.
Atlantic Ambience, Pexels

Garachico is a historically rich coastal town in Tenerife, offering natural volcanic swimming pools and a beautifully preserved historic center, ideal for visitors seeking cultural immersion and tranquil natural beauty. It provides a peaceful retreat with a distinct Canarian character.

The main social hub is Plaza de la Libertad, a central square where locals and visitors converge to relax and enjoy the historic surroundings. For those specifically seeking to connect with other travelers, some hostels in the area provide common spaces.

Top 4 Things to do in Garachico

Visitors can enjoy the volcanic coastal landscape, explore a meticulously preserved historic town center, and delve into the local culture.

1. Swim at El Caletón Natural Volcanic Pools

Formed by ancient lava flows from the 1706 volcanic eruption, these natural rock pools provide a unique and safe environment for swimming, especially when the ocean is calm. The contrast of dark volcanic rock against the clear blue water creates stunning visual opportunities. Even outside of swimming, these pools are a scenic spot to observe the powerful Atlantic waves.

Cost: Access to the natural pools is free of charge.

Transport: The pools are located along the coastline, within easy walking distance from Garachico's town center.

2. Explore Garachico's Historic Town Centre

Wandering through the historic center reveals cobbled streets, traditional Canarian architecture with colorful facades, and charming squares. Plaza de la Libertad acts as the town's social heart, surrounded by significant buildings. Visitors can explore the Iglesia de Santa Ana, a church rebuilt after the volcanic eruption, and climb its bell tower for panoramic views of the town and coastline. The former Convento de San Francisco, now a cultural center, invites visitors to discover local history through its museum and temporary exhibitions. Near the waterfront, Puerta de Tierra Park showcases the original stone arch of the old port, which now stands inland due to the lava flows.

Cost: Strolling through the streets and parks is free. Entry to Iglesia de Santa Ana typically costs around €1, with an additional €2 to climb the bell tower. Admission to Convento de San Francisco is approximately €2. Free walking tours of the historic center are available, where a tip of €15-€50 per person to the guide is customary.

Transport: All components of the historic center are centrally located and accessible on foot.

3. Visit Castillo de San Miguel

This 16th-century volcanic stone fortress stands as one of the few structures to survive the devastating 1706 eruption. Originally built to defend against pirate attacks, it now hosts a small museum detailing Garachico's history and local flora and fauna. Climbing to the top of its tower provides excellent vantage points over the ocean and the adjacent natural pools.

Cost: General admission is €2.

Transport: The castle is situated by the sea, adjacent to El Caletón, and is easily reachable by foot from the town center.

4. Discover Scenic Viewpoints

Garachico is surrounded by elevated positions that offer breathtaking views of the town, its rugged coastline, and the Roque de Garachico islet. The Mirador del Emigrante is a popular spot, providing impressive vistas of the historic town. For a wider perspective of the natural landscape, including cliffs and agricultural areas, viewpoints such as Mirador El Guincho are recommended. These locations offer serene opportunities for photography and appreciating the island's unique geology.

Cost: Access to viewpoints is free.

Transport: Mirador del Emigrante is approximately a 15-minute walk from the town center. Other viewpoints, like Mirador El Guincho, may require a short drive, with taxi costs varying based on distance.

Check out our other pages on Garachico

Getting There icon Getting There Restaurants icon Restaurants Bars and Entertainment icon Bars and Entertainment Hotels icon Hotels Budget Stays icon Budget Stays

Discover destinations in Spain

Andalusia
Catalonia & The East Coast
Central Spain
Northern Spain
The Balearic Islands
The Canary Islands