Garachico

Garachico was one of the centers of commerce on the island of Tenerife in the XVI century, among the elements that can be found in this charming town is the Castillo de San Miguel. The Castillo de San Miguel is a defensive fortress located on the coast of Garachico, its construction dates back to the 16th century between the years 1575 and 1577 with the intention of protecting the city from the continuous pirate attacks suffered by the island at this time, it should be noted that during that time, Garachico, was the commercial capital and the main port of the island of Tenerife. The Castillo de San Miguel is Good of Cultural Interest with the monument category from 1985, later, in 1999, BIC was also declared as a whole. The fortification has a Renaissance style, it has a square floor plan and is distributed in two chambers covered by half-barrel vaults, it has a belfry and a sentry box. Currently the Castillo de San Miguel is municipal property and in its facilities is the Heritage Information Center which depends on the Museums Network From the Tenerife Island Council e, but on some occasions the building hosts artistic exhibitions.

Garachico is one of the prettiest villas in the northern part of the island of Tenerife, a charming municipality, which was the most important port on the island. Among the jewels kept by the city is the church of Santa Ana which began to be built in 1520 on an old site that was ceded by the founder of the Garachico villa., Cristóbal de Ponte. In 1706 Garachico suffered the eruption of a volcano, so the Church of Santa Ana was seriously damaged, after this misfortune the temple was reconstructed again. The Church of Santa Ana is located in the historic center of the town, on Calle Francisco Montesdeoca, it is one of the most beautiful and rich temples in the city. north of Tenerife, the construction is attributed to Manuel de Penedo, Plateresque and Renaissance elements are mixed. The Interior of the Church of Santa Ana is composed of three naves, with a set of columns and arcades. Perhaps the highlight of the church is the Santísimo Cristo de la Misericordia, which was the work of Mexican indigenous people in the 16th century. Other elements are the altarpiece of the Christ Tied to the Column, the Altarpiece of the Virgin of Carmen or Altear Major, the Christ of Mercy and the Museum of Sacred Art.

In what is now the center of Garachico is the Parque de la Puerta de Tierra. An attractive green area with beautiful gardens that invite you to rest and enjoy a quiet time. At first glance it may turn out to be another park, but it should be noted that a few years ago this was the gateway to the old port of Garachico, a port that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption . Currently in the Parque de la Puerta de Tierra still remains what was said door. Besides being able to see the old door of what was the most important port of Tenerife it is possible to admire an old winery that was located in the Hacienda de San Juan Degollado and in another part of the park there is a small corner in which the great Cádiz writer Rafael Alberti is honored who visited the municipality in 1991. The old port was destroyed in 1706 After the aforementioned eruption of the volcano, through the door that was conserved, all the goods and people arriving or departing to Garachico had to pass. The Parque de la Puerta de Tierra is a charming place, after 30 years of waiting it was inaugurated in 2004 making this place a corner of reference in Garachico

Garachico is one of the jewels of Tenerife, where we can find the San Francisco Convent in the roundabout of the same name. The Convent was built in 1524 when don Cristóbal de Ponce yielded the land to the Seraphic Order, lands that were adjacent to the hermitage of Our Lady of the Angeles, property of the same of Ponte. The Convent of San Francisco is a building with a ground floor and a superior one in which the two enormous cloisters stand out. They were made in wood of tea in which both the right feet , gargoyles and balconies highlight the aesthetic value of construction. The stone staircase, which in turn covers with a coffered ceiling of Mudejar roots, also attracts a lot of attention. Today the San Francisco convent has become the Casa de la Cultura de Garachico. In the facilities today is the public library and the municipal archive, also has rooms for explosions that houses permanent exhibitions such as " Canarias, volcanoes in the ocean", "Sample of old photographs of Garachico" and a collection of shells, fossils and rocks by Professor Walter Haehnel. It also serves as a venue for celebrations, banquets and events.

The Casa del Marqués de la Quinta Roja is one of the emblems of the Garachico villa, today this building located in the center of the municipality is a hotel. The construction dates from the late sixteenth century, but in the seventeenth century was rebuilt by the Marquis of the Red Quinta, initially served as accommodation for Franciscan nuns. The Casa del Marqués is easily recognizable when you are in one of the busiest squares of Garachico. A part of the building faces this square and another part towards the sea, the construction has all the typical elements of the traditional Canarian construction and is part of the historical set of the town.

Located in the urban center of Garachico, the Old Convent of Santo Domingo dates back to the end of the 16th century and today houses the Residencia de Ancianos Nuestra Señora de la Concepción Hospital, the Municipal Auditorium with capacity for 300 people and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

The Casa Palacio de los Condes de La Gomera is also known as Casa de Piedra. The construction draws attention for its stonework facade, commissioned between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, although as much of the buildings of Garachico had to be rebuilt after the eruption of the volcano that destroyed part of the villa. With the Casa Palacio de los Conde s you can see the characteristics of typical Canarian buildings, both rural and urban. As we have already mentioned, the quality of the façade is the first thing that stands out in this building. The Casa Palacio de los Condes de La Gomera or Casa de Piedra is located in front of the Plaza de La Libertad, the first owners belong to the Ponte family

Opposite the coast of the Villa de Garachico is the Roque de Garachico, one of the symbols of the municipality, in the northern part of the island Tenerife. The Roque de Garachico has an approximate size of 5 hectares and has been protected since 1987 under the denomination of Natural Area of National Interest of the Islet of Garachico, later, in 1994 acquired the name by which it is currently known, Roque de Garachico National Monument. The rock was formed from the basalt washes that was isolated by the retreat of the coastline Garachico by the erosive action of the sea. Speaking about the flora in the rock must be noted that it is scarce, but you can see quite a few teasels and tabaibas. It is a stopping point for many birds, you can see the Bulwer Petrel, the Pardela Chica or the Madeira paiño. The Roque is located about 300 meters from the coast, has steep walls and its highest part is 77 meters above sea level.

Marina that is located at the entrance of the municipality of Garachico, recently rebuilt, built on what was the historic and old port of the town. With capacity for 194 berths.

The population of the Canary Islands have had times of much emigration, due to the lack of opportunities of yesteryear in the archipelago. In Garachico, a monument was built in honor of those people who left the island in search of better opportunities or with the intention of leaving to go back and start their own businesses. In 1990 the call was inaugurated as Mirador el Emigrante to honor the people who left the island with the intention of having a better job and better future prospects. The initiative comes from the Chicharros Mensajeros association. The Mirador El Emigrante is located in the Risco Partido, within the municipality of Garachico and there is a monument in it created by the artist Fernando Ramos, is a human figure made of bronze about two meters high that is on a stone base, also about 2 meters and with a tombstone that refers to the emigration. From the viewpoint you can see an overview of the population, and it is possible to clearly see the two lava languages of the eruption of the Black Sand in 1706.

Before reaching the municipality of Garachico it is essential to stop at the Mirador del Guincho, from here you have a panoramic view of the town, with its unmistakable Roque de Garachico which is located about 300 meters from the coast and which is a protected natural area. From this viewpoint it is possible to see the steep coast that follows the whole line of the island, in addition you can see the cliff of El Guincho and the coquettish sports and fishing port of Garachico. It should be remembered that Garachico was the main port of the island until in 1706 a volcano destroyed part of the city and left part of the coast of the municipality unacceptable. The Mirador de Garachico also offers the opportunity to see the old abandoned terraces where farmers once cultivated. The viewpoint is also perfect to admire the immensity of the ocean that is placed before the eyes of visitors. The viewpoint is about 2 kilometers before entering Garachico just past a newly built tunnel. You can also see the Acantilado de la Culata, Playa Las Aguas and San Roque Beach very close to the marina.

Garachico is one of the most charming villages on the island of Tenerife, it has some charming corners and some very picturesque bathing areas where you can enjoy fantasizing days. One of the most recognizable places in Garachico and no doubt pride for its population is El Caletón, which is an area of natural pools where you can dive. The Caletón consists of several pools that were created in the wake of the eruption of the Trevejo volcano that took place in 1706. This volcano was responsible for destruction of the port of Garachico, the most important of the island until the eruption took place, in turn I create these natural pools that today delight the inhabitants of the municipality and visitors. The solidification of the lava has formed curious shapes in the area of the Caletón, has points to be able to throw the towel, area of showers and wardrobe, it is accessed through the walkways and stairs. The protection made by solidified lava flows makes the waters of these natural pools calm and crystal clear. A place with so much charm that will not leave any of the visitors indifferent.

La Piscina Municipal de Garachico está situada muy cercana a las piscinas naturales del Caletón de este municipio del Norte de Tenerife. Desde ella se puede divisar el Roque de Garachico, un lugar interesante para pasar el día si el mar se encuentra picado puesto que está resguardado del azote de la marea. Suele estar abierta durante toda la época estival.