Garachico Old Town

Tenerife's first port built in the 15th Century

Located in the north of the island of Tenerife, Garachico offers visitors the opportunity to explore one of the oldest villages in the Canary Islands. Founded at the end of the 15th Century by a Genoese banker, it was a key trading port for commercial traffic between Europe and the Spanish colonies in the Americas. Destroyed in 1706 by a volcanic eruption, visitors can now walk through Garachico's peaceful squares and along its pedestrianised streets near the seafront. The famous natural monument, the rock of Garachico, can be seen just off the coast.

A Site of Cultural Interest and Gold Medallist for Fine Arts

Garachico's past can be discovered by wandering around the old town's quaint streets. With its rich architectural heritage dating from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries it is one of the best preserved historical and artistic districts in the Canaries. It was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1994 and also holds the Gold Medal of Fine Arts for its artistic treasures. A visit to Garachico should be finished off with a walk around through the surrounding unspoilt landscapes of La Caleta de Interián, the Chinyero volcano and the cliffs at La Culata.

Historical heritage

Historic site

Tipo

Historic quarter

Public transport

Restoration

Shop/shopping

Touristic bus

Touristic info

Garachico

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Sustainability

- Never leave waste of any type lying around, including cigarette butts. Leftover food leads to a proliferation of rats and wild cats, which pose a serious threat to the fauna.
- Do not throw any waste or other objects into the sea.
- Respect the animals. Do not bother them or feed them. If you see an injured specimen, you can call the emergency number: 112. Do not pick flowers or plants.
- Do not pick up or take away stones or any other item from the natural environment. And do not move them to pile them up into sadly famous 'towers'.
- Respect and look after the area's historic and cultural heritage, along with the different items of public furniture (information panels, railings, seats, lighting, etc.).