We all know that Spain and the Canary Islands are one of the UK's top tourist destinations and Brits travel here all year round, but did you know that one of the country's most beautiful villages is in Tenerife?
The Los Pueblos Más Bonitos de España campaign finds the most beautiful villages in Spain, and one of them on the list is Garachico, in the north of Tenerife.
The campaign said: “Its beautiful cobbled streets invite you to explore the heart of the town, its churches, and historical buildings.”
Garachico was almost completely destroyed in 1706 by lava flows from a volcanic eruption on the island, but several families who lived there decided to rebuild it, capturing its former beauty.
Tourists can visit the San Francisco Convent which was saved in the process and dates from 1526, and on the coast, they can relax by the natural pools of El Caleton, one of the top natural tourist attractions in Tenerife.
Visitors have expressed how much they like them on Tripadvisor: “The natural pools are a lovely place to sit and people watch. Several people swimming in the pools, youngsters jumping in off the high lava rocks and waves coming in from all angles! Lovely place!"
Another person added: “I really like this place, beautiful views, many cafes and restaurants, natural water with a very beautiful colour.”
As well as the convents and monasteries in the historic town, there are also a few surprises. Garachico even has a monument to a curious wine rebellion that took place in the town in 1666. During the Derrame del Vino, ‘Wine Spill’, local wine producers poured gallons of wine down the drain in protest against the British monopoly of the wine sector, and the event is commemorated with a statue on the seafront road.
As the majority of tourists travel to the south of Tenerife, northern towns such as Garachico are generally less crowded, and you can sample some of the best Canarian delicacies at the local restaurants in the beautiful town.
Popular dishes include ‘papas arrugadas’, a simple potato dish using local potatoes which have a specific flavour due to the islands’ volcanic ash, and ‘Puchero Canario’ which translates as Canary Island stew. The dish is made from pumpkin, cabbage, and sweet potato with pork and beef. It is especially popular during winter.
All in all, Garachico is a hidden gem on the Tenerife coast just waiting for you to discover it next time you visit the island.
