Garachico is situated on the north side of Tenerife, one of the seven islands which form the Canary Islands. It is 62km. from Santa Cruz, the capital.

According to popular tradition, its name derives from the Guanche word GARA which means island in reference to its rock, and of the Castilian (Spanish) word CHICO which means small islet.

It has unbeatable natural conditions, the least variable thermal climate on the planet and so we can enjoy a spring sun all year round (See actual weather conditions)

Before its foundation, in 1496 by the Genoese banker Cristobal de Ponte, these places were inhabited by the Guanche population. In a short time prosperity came to the town, owing to the port which was the first and one of the most important in the Canary Islands and the construction of rich family mansions and aristocratic houses of who had installed themselves there.

In 1575 the San Miguel Castle was built as a defence against the growing piracy. During the 17th century the noblest constructions (religious and civil) were built and although there were several catastrophes (flooding in 1645, a locust plague and a huge fire in 1697) a prosperous period continued.

On the 5th May 1706 a volcanic eruption from La Montaña Negra (Black Mountain) or Trebejo which lasted 40 days covered the beautiful bay and burnt the main monuments. The people started the hard task of rebuilding edifices, squares and all that had been covered by the lava.

Today, Garachico is a villa that still maintains its rich past between the walls of its historical buildings of a great beauty and surprising tranquillity 

Garachico was declared Bien de Interés Cultural (of cultural interest) in 1994 by the Canary Island government and by the UNESCO, a Humanity Cultural Patrimony. The villa processes La Medalla de Oro de las Bellas Artes (the Fine Arts Gold Medal) conceded in 1980, as well as other distinctions and awards of national prestige.

Its geography distinguishes two larges areas: the urban or coastal zone and the mid highlands. The first goes from La Caleta until El Guincho.

In the six kilometres length of coast you can enjoy small coves and the natural swimming pools of El Caletón, an amazing place for any tourist where you can swim surrounded by a magnificent setting.

From El Guincho until La Caletas de la Interián beach the coast is followed by coves warmed by calcined lava and volcanic sand in its original appearance.. 

Garachico has always been famous for its port, its houses, its sweet wines, its cultivation and the varied terrain.

Another place we should mention is the National Park of Forested Crown (summit) and the extended areas of pines;

The mid highland which includes the districts of San Juan del Reparo, Genovés and San Francisco de la Montañeta is mainly dedicated to agriculture, but is where the enjoyment of nature and beautiful scenery is at its best.

For nature lovers there is a trail from Garachico to Arenas Negras, a beautiful walk which is very interesting.

The Castle of San Miguel

 San Francisco convent and church

Palace home of the Earls of La Gomera

Santa Ana Church

Juan Gonzalez de la Torre Square which still conserve their stone structure (where they controlled the entrance and exits of passengers and merchandise into the port)

One of the most important fiestas of this area, which is celebrated every five years on the last Sunday of August, is the Compassion of Christ (La Misericordia). 

Also on the 16th of August is the day of the local patron saint San Roque, this is a huge celebration in the town, many people come to take part in accompanying the saint to the local shrine of San Roque in a traditional pilgrimage. A very merry celebration helped by local wine! This fiesta was declared of National Tourist Interest.

This began in the 17th century, with the arrival of pilgrims to the shrine and transferring the saint to the central church of saint Ana to celebrate mass and then returning San Roque to his shrine again.sa. 

Diseño

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