Garachico: History, Lava Pools and the Most Charming Town in the North

Garachico is a town that wears its dramatic history on its sleeve. For two centuries after the Spanish conquest, it was the most prosperous port in Tenerife, its harbour bustling with trade between the Canaries, Spain and the New World. Then, on 5 May 1706, an eruption of Teide sent lava flows directly into the town, burying the harbour and destroying much of the settlement.

Rather than abandoning the site, the inhabitants rebuilt their town on top of the lava field. This geological catastrophe, paradoxically, left Garachico with one of its greatest modern attractions — El Caletón, a series of natural rock pools formed as the lava cooled and the sea carved channels through it. These pools, ranging from shallow paddling pools to deep swimming holes, are filled daily by the Atlantic and offer some of the most extraordinary open-water swimming in the Canary Islands. Entry is free.

The historic centre of Garachico is one of the best-preserved colonial ensembles in the Canaries, centred on the Plaza de la Libertad with its church, palm trees and excellent weekend market. The Castillo de San Miguel, a small 16th-century fortress, now houses a terrarium and occasional art exhibitions.

Garachico is an easy day trip from Puerto de la Cruz and makes a great combination with a visit to the Drago Milenario in nearby Icod de los Vinos.

Eating in Garachico

In the old town, Mesón El Monasterio serves classic Canarian dishes in a rustic setting beside the historic monastery — the perfect end to a day of swimming and sightseeing.