GARACHICO
Area: Tenerife
Country: Spain


Location:
At the W end of Tenerife's N-facing coast, 39 miles W of Santa Cruz. 43 miles N of Reina Sofia airport by winding W-coast road or 87 miles the long way round by motorway via Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz.

Telephone code from UK:
34

Position:
On the rugged lower slopes of a volcanic mountain, Mt Teide, which rises almost sheer behind.

Description:
Formerly the island's principal port, Garachico was partly destroyed by volcanic eruption in 1706. It has been preserved as something of a backwater yet serves as a cultural and administrative centre for the surrounding villages. This sleepy little town has retained many of its old churches and mansions and avoids much of the traffic congestion found elsewhere on the island. A few fishing boats still operate from the harbour, weather permitting, and there is an ever-busy banana-packing plant on the seafront.

Suitability:
Those with a preference for quieter, quainter places or with an interest in local history and culture. Winter holidaymakers should be aware that Tenerife usually gets one severe Atlantic storm each year _ often in early January. Garachico, with its exposed seafront, often suffers badly.

Accommodation:
A handful of private apartments and one outstanding hotel.

Shopping:
Some souvenir and artisan shops of superior quality.

Beach:
Naturally formed rock pools in front of the promenade supplemented by a small public lido pool. A patch of volcanic gravel at the rear of the natural harbour on the edge of town.

Entertainments:
Daytime: the principal pastimes are strolling and people-watching, especially along the seafront promenade. Sightseeing round the well-preserved old buildings _ fine examples of Canarian architecture including palaces, mansions and convents. The town also boasts a collection of sculptures from the Canaries, Andalucia, the Americas and even the Philippines. Nightlife: some good bars; the bandstand in the main square doubles as an outdoor bar. Occasional recitals at the Hotel San Roque or at a venue in town.

Eating:
Modest local restaurants specialise in fish and local cuisine.

Public-transport:
Six buses daily to Santa Cruz; four each to Puerto de la Cruz and Playa de las Americas.

Local-excursions:
Icod de los Vinos, La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, Mount Teide and Santa Cruz are all easily accessible.