Tenerife Holidays in Garachico - What To See
If you are planning your holiday to Garachico, the following information may give you some ideas on what you can do in this traditional town located on the north coast of the island of Tenerife.
For a small town [with a population of around 2,500] there are lots of things to see and do on your holiday in Garachico, and we have set out below what you could do in a typical day in this traditional Tenerife location.
In the Morning : Garachico Mirador. Located on the C820 road towards Icod de los Vinos above the town. This is undoutedly the best place to get a view of Garachico and the lava field with engulfed it in 1706. To reach it, you will need to drive along 9km of winding roads via the pretty village of el Tanque. However, this trip if worth it for the Mirador [or viewing point] offers a spectacular and much photographed view of the town and the famous offshore Roque de Garachico. Note the cross on top of the rock which was erected by the local people to ward off another volcanic catastrophe. Having seen the town from high above, you will now be ready to take a more detailed tour of Garachico.
Just Before Lunch : Tabacos Arturo. Located in Avenida Republica de Venezuela, if cigars are one of the souvenirs of your holiday to Garachico you wish to take home, then visit Tabacos Arturo and observe the paintaking process of hand-rolling cigars in this small shop. There is also advice at hand to help you decide which cigar is right for you and then are certainly plenty to choose from.
Stop for Lunch : Cafe Plaza de la Libertad. Located in Plaza de la Libetad, this cafe is in Garachico's leafy central square and is surrounded by outdoor tables and chairs. A favourite place for friends and families to gather and socialise at any time of the day.
Spend the Afternoon : Plaza de Arriba. This is a tree-shaded park where you can spend a leisurely afternoon in Garachico. You will find the Igelsia Santa Ana on one side which was resorted following the volcanic eruption [only the 16th century facade survived the molten lava]. You will find a Baroque font and a crucifix attributed to Martin de Andujar [a craftsman from Seville]. On the other side of the park you will find the Convento de San Francisco with a grand staircase and an elaborate Mudejar ceiling. Also you will find a map here which shows the exact path of the lava which you can still follow when you explore Garachico. You will find a selection of bars and cafes in the side streets off the park which will tempt you for a well-deserved break.
Time to Visit A Museum : Museo de Arte Contempraneo. Located in Plaza de Santo Domingo, the museum is open 10:00-13:00 and then 15:00-18:00 Mondays to Saturdays and then on Sundays from 10:00-13:00. There is a small admission charge. This museum lies on the edge of Garachico and comprises mostly of works of art by Spanish artists.
Alternatively, visit a small museum in the Convento de San Francisco - the Casa de la Cultura. This is open Monday to Friday 09:00-19:00 and Saturday/Sundays 09:00-15:00 with an admission fee of approximately 1 euro. Here you will find a collection of shells, stuffed birds and a exhibition of locks and keys through the ages.
Dine Out in the Evening : Casa Gaspar. Located in Avenida Republica de Venezuela [closed on Mondays]. This is one of the more expensive and grander restaurants in Garachico with a good choice of seafood, including the local catch.
Alternatively Dine at : Pizzeria Rugantin. Located in Calle de Esteban de Ponte this small and packed restaraunt arguable serves the best pizzas in Tenerife. However, don't be surprised if you have to wait for a table, but you should find the wait worth while.
End the Evening : Tasca La Quinta Roja. Located in Plaza de la Libertad, you will be able to spend time in this traditional bar until late in the evening. The bar is located at the rear of the Hotel La Quinta Roja [a lovely 2 star hotel].
You have spent the day and evening looking around the sights and sounds of the traditinal town of Garachico. Now for a good night's rest before looking at more of the delights on offer in Garachico.
Gail Hewitt writes articles on behalf of Canary Islands holidays specialists - Corona Holidays. Visit their website for information on Tenerife holidays and holidays to Garachico. Take a look at hotel offers in this popular resort.