Garachico (Historic Coastal Town)

A beautifully preserved historic town on Tenerife's north-west coast that was once the island's most important port. In 1706, the Montaña Negra (Trevejo) volcanic eruption destroyed the harbour and much of the town with lava flows — the lava that filled the old harbour now forms natural volcanic rock pools (El Caletón) that are the town's main attraction, offering safe swimming in crystal-clear seawater. The town is a designated Site of Historic-Artistic Interest with cobblestone streets, the 16th-century Castillo de San Miguel (a fortress that survived the eruption), the Iglesia de Santa Ana (16th century), and the Convento de San Francisco (now housing a cultural centre and museum). Several traditional Canarian restaurants and craft shops line the pedestrian streets. The natural pools are free and open to the public, with facilities including changing rooms and a café. Sunset over the Atlantic from Garachico is one of Tenerife's finest.