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The Canaries have a mild climate all year. The north coast is greener and a little cooler than the south. Summer is the best season for the sea pools. Winters are mild, with some rain. The Fiestas de San Roque in August and the Carnival in February are the main events.

• Garachico is the town center, with the Plaza de la Libertad and its old houses and palaces.
• The Castillo de San Miguel is a 16th-century fort on the shore, built to defend the port.
• El Caletón is a group of natural seawater pools formed by lava, the most popular place to swim.
• The Puerta de Tierra was the main gate of the old port, and the Parque de la Puerta de Tierra is next to it.
• Iglesia de Santa Ana is the main parish church, with a notable interior.
• The Convento de San Francisco is a former convent now used as a cultural center.
• The Monumento al Emigrante Canario and the Mirador del Emigrante look over the sea.
• Charco Las Damas and La Caleta de Interián are small coves to the west.
• The Montaña Negra is the volcano that erupted in 1706, with trails.

• Swim at El Caletón.
• Walk through the old town and the Plaza de la Libertad.
• Drive up to Masca or Teide.
• Eat fresh fish at a harbour restaurant.

• La Orotava (about 30 km): a historic town with wooden balconies.
• Teide National Park (about 40 km): Mount Teide and its volcanic landscapes.
• Masca (about 25 km): a mountain village in a deep ravine, with a famous walking trail.
• Puerto de la Cruz (about 30 km): a resort town on the north coast.
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife (about 65 km): the capital of the island.

Other places nearby:

• Tenerife: Tenerife, La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
• Other islands: La Palma and La Gomera.

• By air: Tenerife North airport is about 35 km away, and Tenerife South about 55 km.
• By bus: Buses (guaguas) run from Puerto de la Cruz, Icod de los Vinos and Santa Cruz.
• By car: The TF-82 and the TF-5 motorway. A rental car is the easiest option.

• On foot: The town is small and walkable, with a gentle slope.
• Bus and taxi: Limited, so a car helps.

• Is a car worth it?: Yes, for most of the north-west of the island.
• Parking: Paid and free parking near the center.
• Roads: Mountain roads are winding, and weather changes quickly at altitude.

Canarian cuisine uses fresh fish, potatoes and mojo sauces. Try papas arrugadas with mojo, gofio, grilled vieja (parrotfish) and queso asado (grilled cheese). The local wines come from the north of the island.

Garachico is a safe town. The Atlantic can be rough, so use the lifeguarded sea pools, and check conditions. Use sun protection and take care on mountain roads.

Garachico was founded in the 16th century and became the main port of Tenerife for trade with Europe and the Americas. In 1706 the Trevejo volcano erupted and lava filled the harbour and destroyed much of the town. The port was not rebuilt, and trade moved to other ports.

The lava formed the natural pools of El Caletón, and the town was restored in the 20th century as a heritage site.

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