Where to stay in tenerife? Garachico!
Because we spend many months of the year in Tenerife, we are often asked: Where is the island at its most beautiful? This is our love letter to Garachico.
Entdecken Sie Garachico - den schönsten Ort auf Teneriffa!
Garachico is one of the most beautiful towns in Tenerife – because…
There are countless places worth seeing in Tenerife, from the picturesque mountain village of Masca to vibrant cities like the island’s capital, Santa Cruz. But anyone who explores the north-west coast will soon find their answer to the question of the most beautiful place in Tenerife. Garachico combines the flair of a historic old town with wild, unspoilt nature – without mass tourism. A small town with undeniable charm.
Is it the lovingly preserved architecture? The rich history? The landscape? The people?
Most likely, it is Garachico’s unique combination of all these elements – a place with character and a very special atmosphere.
Visitors stroll through narrow streets, admire ornate wooden balconies and discover quiet inner courtyards. In small restaurants, time seems to slow down. No hotel complexes, no loud entertainment. Instead, real life unfolds: locals chatting over coffee in the morning, children playing on the plaza in the evening.
By the way, Garachico is not only considered one of the most beautiful places in Tenerife – it is also regarded as one of the happiest towns in the Canary Islands. This is the result of the YouGov study “Los pueblos más felices de España 2025”, which ranked towns based on factors such as surroundings, climate, hospitality and overall atmosphere. We couldn’t agree more.
Garachico – a small town with a great history
Founded in the fifteenth century, Garachico was once Tenerife’s most important harbour, playing a key role in the flourishing trade between Europe and the Americas. In 1706, however, a forty-day volcanic eruption sent lava flows from Montaña Negra down the hillside, destroying large parts of the town and its port.
Trade subsequently shifted to Puerto de la Cruz, a few kilometres further east. The people of Garachico rebuilt their town, but it lost its former economic importance and gradually fell into a long slumber. Even today, the old town is rich in architectural heritage from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Strolling through its streets, visitors discover stately residences and charming details on colourful façades at every turn.
An important meeting point of daily life is Plaza de la Libertad, a tree-lined square with cafés and restaurants where locals and visitors alike enjoy an evening aperitif.
Just outside the town lies the Mirador del Emigrante, offering wonderful views over the bay. Here stands a monument by sculptor Fernando Garcíarramos, commemorating the many emigrants who once set out from the harbour into the wider world. Look closely: the statue bears a large round hole in its chest – symbolising the emigrant who leaves his homeland and part of his heart behind.
One of Garachico’s main attractions is El Caletón, the natural lava pools along the coast, formed by volcanic rock solidified in the sea. The town’s landmark – the offshore volcanic rock Roque de Garachico, rising seventy-seven metres above the water – is also a remnant of the eruption. It provides a dramatic backdrop for spectacular sunsets over the Atlantic.
In 2021, Garachico was officially included in the association “Los Pueblos Más Bonitos de España”, recognising it as one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. Its historic centre is considered a particularly valuable ensemble and was awarded the Medalla de Oro al Mérito en las Bellas Artes by the Spanish Royal Household.
Despite its history, Garachico is not an open-air museum or merely a backdrop for tourists. It is a living town, with an engaged local community and a wide range of events throughout the year.
Want to discover more about Garachico than your guidebook reveals? Our direct bookers enjoy a free, private walking tour with guide Jochen Isler.
Traditions in Garachico
Garachico is not only considered one of the most beautiful places in Tenerife, but also one of its most tradition-rich towns. The people of Garachico share a deep connection to their culture. Many celebrations are rooted in Catholic tradition and are marked by warmth and joie de vivre that quickly carry visitors along. Processions, brass bands, fireworks, decorated balconies and shared meals in the streets – all of this is part of local life. At these times, the otherwise tranquil town transforms into a place of celebration.
The highlight of the year is the pilgrimage in honour of the town’s patron saint: the Romería de San Roque. Authentic folklore and a vibrant atmosphere make it an unforgettable experience. In a colourful procession, the statue of the patron saint is carried through the streets, accompanied by music groups, pilgrims and countless festively decorated ox carts.
Equally impressive are Semana Santa, the Holy Week before Easter, and the celebration of the Three Kings, traditionally marked by spectacular fireworks. What many people do not know: Tenerife’s Carnival is the second largest in the world. And even if Garachico itself is not celebrating, visitors are guaranteed to find a fiesta somewhere in the surrounding area.
A thousand reasons to fall in love with Garachico.
A unique location on the Isla Baja
Garachico lies on the Isla Baja (“low island”) in the north-west of Tenerife – a gently sloping lava plain stretching from the Teno Mountains down to the sea. In the coastal towns and villages of the Isla Baja, time seems to slow down. Picturesque places such as Garachico, Buenavista del Norte, Los Silos and El Tanque define the landscape. The Isla Baja is the perfect starting point for travellers seeking authentic Tenerife and a softer, more mindful kind of tourism.
Garachico is not a place for those in a hurry, eager to tick off Tenerife’s hotspots or looking for party life. Instead, this small town holds a special appeal for travellers with an eye for the extraordinary. It is a place that invites the mind to rest. Perhaps it is the light, the Atlantic, the sense of openness – or simply the feeling that time moves a little more slowly here.
The Surroundings of Garachico
Not only the town of Garachico itself is captivating – its surroundings are equally remarkable. The landscape here is truly unique, shaped by the rugged Atlantic coast. Behind the town rise the lush green slopes of the Teno Mountains, easily reached by a short drive. Whether by car or on foot, Garachico sits at the meeting point of sea and mountains, where water, forest and volcanic terrain come together in a remarkably small area.
There is no shortage of rewarding excursions: the scenic route around the Chinyero volcano, the adventurous drive from Santiago del Teide to Masca, the north-western tip of Punta de Teno with views of the Los Gigantes cliffs, or the wild coastal stretch of Rambla de Castro. Places such as La Orotava, Icod de los Vinos with its ancient dragon tree Drago Milenario, and the harbour town of Puerto de la Cruz invite visitors to stroll, explore and discover countless photo opportunities.
The sandy beach of Playa Las Teresitas, the island’s capital Santa Cruz, the laurel forests of Anaga and the Teide National Park are all within about an hour’s reach – ideal for memorable day trips.
Garachico also delights on a culinary level: fresh agricultural produce from local farmers’ markets, fruit, vegetables, cheese and honey straight from the producers. After a day full of experiences, local restaurants invite guests to enjoy traditional Canarian cuisine.
We look forward to welcoming you in one of the most beautiful places in Tenerife!
Suite Azul
- Size: 44 m²
- Floor: Ground floor
- Guests: ~2
- Outdoor: Patio
Ático Exclusivo
- Size: 60 m²
- Floor: 1st
- Guests: ~4
- Outdoor: 2 Terraces
Apartamento Amarillo
- SIze: 59 m²
- Floor: 1st
- Guests: ~4
- Outdoor: Balcony