A Tenerife shopping trip in charming Garachico

Tenerife shopping in Garachico, absolutely, had to be part of our private Tenerife trips when my kids were on the island for the first time, some time ago. Then, a friend told us that this little seaside town was a jam to find interesting craft works.

Please, look in the map  below to find locations of Garachico...

Besides, shopping in Tenerife was not our only objective, as we also felt like taking on a challenge in unknown surroundings. The compact, tiny town or rather village offered more than exotic attractions to us. Unfortunately, there was no time to dig deeper into the history of Garachico's former leading port or to explore its convent museum for its Guanche past. A tour of its special shops had been our priority to start with. Photos to take home with as memories suddenly gained importance while we were on the go. Mind, nobody can resist unusual charm down into intriguing memory lanes.

A pity, we knew nothing about the shop Arturo for hand rolled Tenerife Cigars. It's in one of the seaside buildings that are depicted.

Admire the tiny town's Garachico panorama as a preview... 

Opposite, Tenerife' most spectacular seashore was created by volcanic rocks when Mount Trevejo erupted in 1706 over a period of about an entire month.

The seaside's so-called rocky Caletón offers more than a romantic frame for a drink. There, watch the glowing sun, as it seems to sink into the dark blue Atlantic Ocean near la Gomera.

Mind, Spain's highest peak Mount Teide with a snow cap was another marvel behind the almost summerly Garachico when we were there in January. This made my kids think of the cold British capital, where they came from.

Free of charge saltwater swimming pools

And you know what?

There were people swimming in several  see-through Garachico rock pools  at the time which is not the case every Tenerife Winter, though.

They are real little paradise pools of crystal clear water for snorkeling where fish can be seen very easily.

Any Tenerife shopping by Beach Playa El Muelle Garachico?

Sorry to disappoint you. There isn't even a small bar selling you refreshments by this little black sand beach,  never mind souvenirs. Playa del Muelle the size of which depends on seasons is at the end of the rock pools near a big parking ground.  However, this seaside is by the only coastal road to the South. There, in Buenavista del Norte shopping of a different kind expects you.

Mountain forests descend in a rather steep way down to Garachico where not only bar and shop owners hold their breath whenever a fire breaks out. Nevertheless, commerce goes on always, eventually.

Tenerife shopping Garachico itinery

We took the Titsa bus 354 por la Montaña (over the mountains), although driving with a rented car allows for stopping at look-outs at your own leisure. Reach Garachico from the TF 5 by following the signs to Icod de los Vinos and Buenavista del Norte.

The mountain road rewarded us with tremendous views from the height of the bus. However, the hairpin bends are not ideal for sensitive stomachs.

A stopover allowed us to see what locals call the most famous tree on the island a Drago Dracaena Draco.
Close to it, we could have bought Shakespeare's famous Malvasia wine that was still easy to get in those days. However, our mind was set to catch a bus to Garachico quickly.

We arrived late in the morning for our Tenerife shopping stroll in Garachico. Time enough though,  to see its few shops before Siesta. Most of them are closed any time from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every day. This break is a good excuse to spend time by the Caleton the rock pool shore in Garachico. There, you can take refreshments or, sample the Tenerife cuisine in form of delicious little Tapas.

Garachico history

Tenerife history of Garachico was greeting us right by the seaside. It was the Castillo de San Miguel. It was built to fend off rather frequent pirate attacks.

Garachico's caves were occupied by Neolithic Guanches until the conquest of Tenerife when their territory called Daute became property of the Genovese Cristóbal de Ponte.

What a perfect place for Tenerife shopping where pedestrian roads make getting around so easy. Besides, find them all between the central town square and the coastal road. You feel the history wherever your steps lead you in this rather confined, orderly open-air market place for souvenirs with a breath taking olden days flair. 

Look at the light clothes which we are wearing on that Winter day but, we never felt cold.  That's me and son Marc by the way in the photo.

My son in law Andrew even walked on the cool cobble stones without shoes.

We so much enjoyed to stroll around on the look-out for shops within Garachico's old quarters.

Pot plants of red Geraniums lined the outside of some pastel coloured houses on the way to the main Garachico town square. There, old Pride of India trees offered shade on its Plaza de la Libertad.

Any Tenerife shopping for gifts and memorabilia around there? 

No, there's only a pavilion called Quiosco where refreshments can be bought.

We walked all around the town center and looked for a market or for stores. Also, no street stalls that offer any merchandise were there at the time. Later in 2019, I discovered a small Super Market shop to the left of Church Iglesia Santa Ana.  Many an open door invited for a glimpse of a charming patio when we searched for shops, by the way.

Marvel at this rather typical Canary Island house of Garachico. However, picturesque dwellings like that are seldom for sale.

Contrary to it is the former Aristocrat Hotel Quinta Roja which is of a very typical Canary architecture with its red color and the elaborately carved window shutters. It has a small curio shop now but had none when my kids and I were there.  We were facing and admiring this former Portuguese mansion when we sat down to eat by the Quiosco under the ancient South American trees.
  

We bought Cheese and Ham Bocadillo French loaves together with little Tapa salads and drinks at the Quiosco.

Admire my pictures of 2011 of the so-called haunted romantic Quinta Roja hotel whose Portuguese name translates into Red farm or Red country estate, by the way.
                        

Ocean view restaurant Rocamar instead of Tenerife shopping for a Take-away lunch

We could have had a proper meal at the Garachico ocean view restaurant Restaurante Rocamar, if we had known about its good seafood and exceptional panorama of the Caletón.

A gate to prevent unauthorized Tenerife shopping

Have you ever heard of Garachico's green oasis Parque Puerta de Tierra? (park of soil or earth gate)

Way back, this was an unattractive terrain which was reserved for  authorized people only.  It is now a beautiful botanical park of 5000 square meters. That is much considering Garachico's total size of about 28000 square meters. The place isn't only a  town recluse for poets. Its roses, trees and subtropical plants delight everybody. It dates back to century XVI when it had a gate made of earth. This was the heavily guarded La Puerta de Tierra. It prevented all  public Tenerife shopping from the ships in Garachico's rich harbor before Mount Trevejo next to Teide changed more than all that.

 Contrary to the charming double story Garachico townhouses are several large buildings by Plaza de La Libertad. They are the elegant Iglesia de los Angeles, the adjoining former Convent San Francisco de Asís and the much younger Neoclassic Town Hall beside them. The Palacio de la Piedra a gigantic mansion of La Gomeran Aristocracy rounds off the set of the historical buildings together with today's Hotel Quinta Roja. All buildings have a character of their own.  Marvel at their photos of Garachico by moonshine that were captured when local folks love to gather by the town main Plaza.

By the way, those buildings that were previously white washed house art galleries, exhibitions, a library and other public amenities, but nothing can be purchased in them. Only event space may be hired. 

There were many ravishing small shops in little, old buildings of Garachico, not that long ago.

Most of them were in a narrow road running parallel to the sea shore, such as Calle Esteban de Ponte. The latter which was painted red in 2018 used to be famous for its art inside. Ask if some of it is for sale or if they know artists who sell their works.

Almost 15 years ago, the small shops in this cobble stone street sold exceptional handicraft or artwork of all sorts which serve as beautiful souvenirs or gifts. Candles, pictures, drawings, paintings, little sculptures, metal art works, pottery and jewelry excelled. No entrance fee was charged by a Garachico gallery at the time, either.

Tienda Buganvilla Artesania a rediscovered treasure chest for exceptional souvenirs

I saw this shopping jewel at street C/Esteban de Ponte, 29 again in January 2023 when I took friends to Garachico. There is simply too much in this shop to list it all. Most remarkable are rare, small musical instruments of all sorts as well as Chaxiraxi sculptures of different sizes. They are red contrary to the black Puerto Cruz souvenir statues. I wonder about some which may be sold as memorabilia in Masca.

Garachico's shopping scene a decade later

Much later, I returned to Garachico with my artist friend Anand Rubai who also greatly admired its shops for their artistic bounty. We would never have believed that the Tenerife shopping qualities there could ever change. Mind that art and crafts for buying had been a symbol of the town. You most certainly will find this fact mentioned in Tenerife attractions Art Shopping.
Nevertheless, the situation with shops in Tenerife Garachico was very different by the end of 2011.

Our way back took us through more narrow roads.

There are not many.

We also passed by Iglesia Santa Ana or, church Santa Ana until we encountered the must see  top Artesania shop El Limonero of Garachico. It is a branch of the one by Casa de los Balcones of La Orotava which is government owned.

Before I forget it: A big advantage with Garachico is that little shops and galleries are open at night.  9 p.m. should be closing time,  while it was 10 p.m. before by Spanish custom.

Going back and forth in the little town is no problem at all. That way you can plan your whole Garachico Tenerife shopping well, beforehand. You may fit in as many other activities as you like.

Some similarity between Garachico and La Orotava

There is a strong similarity between Garachico and steep roads of the old part of La Orotava. Some of its charm can be seen in la Orotava townhouses. However, historic Garachico is on fairly flat grounds.
La Orotava by the way despite its much bigger town size than Garachico doesn't have so many more gifts, such as handicraft to sell. It's neighter a leader in attractions for art shopping. Not to forget are the Puerto de la Cruz souvenir options.

Garachico doesn't have the space for big clothes stores or many boutiques.  It couldn't accommodate large supermarkets, either.

Garachico Saturday arts and crafts market

Anyway, check out Garachico for Tenerife shopping yourself. This includes the street stalls where art and crafts by local artists are sold on Saturdays. Not to forget is that Garachico has been awarded the fine arts gold medal for its valued historic heritage for a reason.

Tenerife shopping at Garachico's arts and crafts fair

Then, there is the arts and crafts fair of Garachico by Plaza de la Libertad an event that is proudly presented by the Town Hall.

The date for the latest fair has not been set yet.

You may find things for your holiday home in Tenerife or a gift to take back overseas from your summer holiday.

Want a stall to exhibit yourself ? Contact aedl@garachico.es or call 922 830 000 (Ext.2233)

By the way about Garachico

Garachico had 5542 inhabitants in 2006. Just figure how small a place it is...

Also, you don't need street names to find shops in Garachico. They are all close to the beach aka Charcon and the town square. You will never get lost while browsing for Tenerife shopping in Garachico.

Depicted below is the Garachico beach veranda with bar. Nowadays, it serves quite a variety of meals for lunch or supper. But you may also just order a drink. 

Garachico shopping on holidays?

In the past,  all shop doors of Garachico were closed during public and all other holidays. This surely has changed like in all other tourist hubs on Tenerife. You are bound to find at least one souvenir shop that is open in Calle Esteban de Ponte, nowadays. 

Tenerife shopping during Fiesta Festival Garachico San Roque

Mind that most shops may be closed during this important celebration with street parades in most parts of the town. This Romeria or pilgrimage takes place on August 15th and 16th. It was introduced after the archipelago's Peste epidemic from 1601-1606.  The days for the church procession may vary. Call the Tenerife tourist information Garachico for the latest Fiesta schedule at: 922 133461. There usually are some market stalls that sell Artensania during Fiestas. However, Tenerife food from the floats during the processions is free to all. 

New Garachico shops discovered in September 2018

The innovative fashion boutique El Vestidor de Gara behind Iglesia de Santa Ana in Calle Martin de Andujar, 9 was recommended to me by a lady from the Puerto de la Cruz Dental Clinic Arte Dental. She said it has excellent service, interesting garments and good, free coffee on the premises. Unfortunately, they were closed for Siesta when I arrived there at 1p.m. However, exceptional trousers were displayed in one of the shop windows that looked like designer clothes to me.  Yes, this shop is online. I passed by again by Christmas 2019. Indeed, this shop is class.  

Artesania Garachico a small shop near La Puerta de Tierra

It was the little dog that drew my attention. I had made friends with it at the recommendable Restaurante Cosinera Candelaria nearby. The Artesania Garachico telephone is 922 830 876 or mobil: 647 885 805

A conclusion about Garachico culture shopping

Rich communities value culture with good art and handicrafts. Such tradition became an asset for Tenerife shopping when Garachico was wealthy. Now in 2011, business struggles a bit and is turning high shop rents into no-brainers. Nevertheless, good taste and creativity still meets the eye in Garachico. Mever mind how little is left of its souvenir shops as well as galleries.

Tourism Garachico to improve thanks to its new Marina

Marine gear is not featured in Tenerife shopping Garachico. However, it will be.

Why?

There is a Garachico harbor and Marina again, but shops and all sorts of amenities for its vicinity are still in the pipeline.

Had there not been the fatal Trevejo eruption in 1706, Garachico might be a much bigger Tenerife tourist resort, such as Los Gigantes. There, many a private holiday home in Tenerife may be found.

However, rural accommodation is offered at ancient Garachico Haciendas at El Guincho which reminds huge Middle and South American banana plantations on first sight. 

Bananas certainly come on the house if you vacation at El Guincho. No need to buy them there when ripe ones are available.

The Coastal road Garachico Puerto de la Cruz

We took a direct bus Titsa 363 back that went mainly along the coastal road. We all arrived in Puerto de la Cruz tired but, pleased. The bus ride by the coast didn't make anybody bilious. It also went much faster.

Distances related to Garachico

It is about 90 km from Garachico to the capital by the coastal road and the inland free way from Los Realejos onward, later. It takes about 80 km to Los Rodeos North Airport. Expect 50 km to get you to Puerto de la Cruz.

Find parking on your right 30 meters  (about 100 feet) after Arturo's cigar shop in direction of Buenavista del Norte. Parking could be a problem on week-ends, though. I wouldn't recommend Saturdays and Sundays for Tenerife shopping in Garachico, anyway.

Something on history Tenerife which is more like a legend in connection with Garachico.

Please, return from Tenerife shopping to shopping in Tenerife capital and on the island in general with shop tips as well as island shopping secrets revealed for many shops like Zara, malls like Ikea, departments stores like Corte Ingles and Carrefour, markets, shopping tax to be saved and more...

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