| By :
Gail Hewitt
If you are on your Tenerife holidays, why not visit the resort of Garachico on the north coast and take a look at the historical buildings and traditional houses with intricate wooden balconies For a small town [with a population of around 2,500] there are 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 : Visit the Castillo de San Miguel [St.Michael's Castle]. Located in Avenida Tome Cano you will be able to visit Monday to Friday 10:00-18:00 and on Saturdays and Sundays 10:00-14:00 [There is an admission fee which is approximately 1 euro]. The Castillo de San Miguel is a harbour-side fort and is one of Garachico's oldest and most striking buildings. The fort was one of the few buildings to survive the volcanic eruption of 1706, with its immense walls proving to be impervious to the molten lava. Originally built in 1575 to defend the port against pirates, it will reward you with spectacular views across the village and out to the Roque de Garachico from the ramparts. Inside, you will find a collection of fossils and rocks. Just Before Lunch : Tabacos Arturo. Located in Avenida Republica de Venezuela, if cigars are one of the souvenirs of your holiday to Garachico you wish to take home, then visit Tabacos Arturo and observe the paintaking process of hand-rolling cigars in this small shop. There is also advice at hand to help you decide which cigar is right for you and then are certainly plenty to choose from. Stop for a Light Lunch : El Caleton Cafe. Located in Avenida Tome Cano between the Castillo de San Miguel and the lava rock pools, this is an ideal place to stop for a drink and a light snack while you enjoy the views. If you are after something a bit more substantial, then you can select from the fish and meat dishes on offer. Spend a Leisurely Afternoon : Calle Esteban de Ponte. Located in the Old Town [a 5-minute walk inland] this narrow street runs through the centre of Garachico and lead to Plaza de Juan Gonzalez de la Torre. Walk along here and you will be rewarded by traditional built houses with wooden balconies - a photographers dream. You will come across a small park in the square which contains the Puerta de Tierra which was once the gate to Garachico's harbour. You will also find a huge 17th century well-preserved wine press which serves as a reminder of the times when Garachico was famous for its locally producted Malvasia wine which once made Garachico rich. Time to Visit A Museum : Museo de Arte Contempraneo. Located in Plaza de Santo Domingo, the museum is open 10:00-13:00 and then 15:00-18:00 Mondays to Saturdays and then on Sundays from 10:00-13:00. There is a small admission charge. This museum lies on the edge of Garachico and comprises mostly of works of art by Spanish artists. Alternatively, visit a small museum in the Convento de San Francisco - the Casa de la Cultura. This is open Monday to Friday 09:00-19:00 and Saturday/Sundays 09:00-15:00 with an admission fee of approximately 1 euro. Here you will find a collection of shells, stuffed birds and a exhibition of locks and keys through the ages. Dine Out in the Evening : Casa Gaspar. Located in Avenida Republica de Venezuela [closed on Mondays]. This is one of the more expensive and grander restaurants in Garachico with a good choice of seafood, including the local catch. Alternatively Dine at : Casa Ramon. Located on Calle Esteban de Ponte, this is a basic restaurant which is recommended for the atmosphere as ell as its excellent seafood dishes and the spicy home-made mojo sauce. 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, you have undoubtedly spotted other places you wish to see over the next few days.
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