Sunday 20 April 2014

Garachico in Tenerife : Ideas for your Holiday

 
Garachico is located on the north coast of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, and is well known for its historic buildings and traditional-style houses with ornate wooden balconies.

For a  relatively small town, you will still find lots of things to see and do on your holiday in Garachico, and we have set out below what you could do in a typical day in this traditional Tenerife location.

In the Morning:
Garachico Mirador : Located on the C820 road towards Icod de los Vinos. This is undoutedly the best place to get a view of Garachico and the lava field that engulfed it in 1706. To reach it, you will need to drive along 9km of winding roads via the pretty village of el Tanque. However, this trip is worth it as it offers a spectacular and much photographed view of the town and the famous offshore Roque de Garachico. Note the cross on top of the rock which was erected by the local people to ward off another volcanic catastrophe. Having seen the town from high above, you will now be ready to take a more detailed tour of Garachico.


Just Before Lunch:
El Caleton Rock Pools. Located to the rear of the Castillo de San Miguel, these are one of Garachico's unique attractions and comprises a series of rock pools. The pools were formed as a result of the volcanic eruption in 1706 when lava flowed to the sea and cooled on contact. They are fed and cleaned by the tidal action of the sea, and walkways have been created between the natural pools and steps have been cut down to them where you will also find areas to sunbathe. The pools vary in depth ranging from shallow areas for children to paddle in, to a long deep channel which can be used for diving.
 

Stop for Lunch:
The Terraza Restaurant Miramar offers a great lunchtime menu with wonderful views.  There are pizza establishments, traditional Spanish cuisine, or a mix of Mediterranean foods to choose from.  No doubt, however, you will find your own favourite. 

Spend the Afternoon:
Plaza de Arriba. This is a tree-shaded park where you can spend a leisurely afternoon in Garachico. You will find the Igelsia Santa Ana on one side which was resorted following the volcanic eruption [only the 16th century facade survived the molten lava]. You will find a Baroque font and a crucifix attributed to Martin de Andujar [a craftsman from Seville]. On the other side of the park you will find the Convento de San Francisco with a grand staircase and an elaborate Mudejar ceiling. Also you will find a map here which shows the exact path of the lava which you can still follow when you explore Garachico. You will find a selection of bars and cafes in the side streets off the park which will tempt you for a well-deserved break.

Time to Visit a Museum:
Museo Carpinteria Antigua. Located in Avenida Republica de Venezuela and open daily from 09:00 to 19:00 [entrance is approximately 1.5 euros].

Having looked at the balconied houses, you may like to visit this museum where old artesans' tools are displayed alongside photos of their work around Garachico. There's also a small shop selling local products and souvenirs.





Dine out in the Evening:
With so many restaurants to choose from, you will find it very difficult to decide on where to eat.   Try Espacio Gastronomico Canada de Garachico that has excellent reviews and offers traditional Spanish cuisine and you can either eat inside or out.  Alternatively, dine at Restaurante Ardeola which can be found on the square near the Town Hall. Here you will be able to try Spanish, Mediterranean and International cuisine with lovely views of the sea and the natural pools.

End the Evening:
Tasca La Quinta Roja. Located in Plaza de la Libertad, you will be able to spend time in this traditional bar until late in the evening. The bar is located at the rear of the Hotel La Quinta Roja [a lovely 2 star hotel].



So now you have had the opportunity of looking around the resort of Garachico in Tenerife, you have undoubtedly spotted other places you wish to see over the next few days.



Author : Gail Hewitt - Corona Holidays

No comments:

Post a Comment