Garachico

Garachico is a municipality and town on the northern coast of Tenerife, about 52 km West of the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 50 km from Tenerife North Airport and 67 km from Tenerife South Airport. The town itself nestles below a 500m+ (1500 ft) cliff.

Country Spain

Elevation

^[1]

10 m (33 ft)

ClimateCsa

Quick facts Country, Autonomous community ...

Garachico
Municipality
Flag Coat of arms
Municipal location in Tenerife
Garachico Location of the town in Tenerife Show map of Tenerife Garachico Garachico (Canary Islands) Show map of Canary Islands Garachico Garachico (Spain, Canary Islands) Show map of Spain, Canary Islands
Coordinates: 28°22′20″N 16°45′50″W
Country	Spain
Autonomous community	Canary Islands
Province	Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Island	Tenerife
Area [1]
• Total	29.28 km2 (11.31 sq mi)
Elevation [1]	10 m (33 ft)
Population  (2025-01-01)[2]
• Total	4,940
• Density	169/km2 (437/sq mi)
Climate	Csa

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The city of Garachico with its port was founded by a Jewish Genoan banker Cristóbal de Ponte after the conquest of Tenerife in 1496.^[3][4]

On 5 May 1706, the eruption originating from the northwest rift zone of the Trevejo volcano was a major event in the town's history. Before then, Garachico was an important port exporting Malmsey wine and other local produce. However, a several-week-long eruption poured lava into the old bay and effectively destroyed the town's livelihood. The town itself was partially destroyed. (Contrary to the 'Tourist trade' myth, which will tell you that the town was completely destroyed, except for the church where the townfolk took refuge.)^{[citation needed]}

Garachico has always taken care of its environment and protected the most diverse cultural manifestations. For all these reasons, the Spanish government awarded the town the Gold Medal of Fine Arts, which was presented in 1980 by the King.