Would you like to discover Garachico? This pretty commune nestles on the northwest coast of Tenerife, between volcanic cliffs and the Atlantic Sea. This small town with its merchant past is one of the most unspoilt on the island: its historic center, natural pools and tranquil atmosphere make it well worth a visit. Here we share all the options for how to get there, whether you’re arriving from the airport, from your accommodation or from elsewhere in Tenerife.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Summary: How to get to Garachico
If you don’t want to read the whole article:
- Garachico is located on the north coast of Tenerife, around 27km west of Puerto de la Cruz.
- 40min drive from Puerto de la Cruz – find a car
- 1h drive from Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- 1h15 drive from Costa Adeje
- The TF-5 main road runs along the north coast and easily connects the island’s towns to Garachico.
- Day trips available from several towns on Tenerife
- By cab or private transfer – see options
- By bus, line 363 runs from Puerto de la Cruz to Garachico, or from the south (Costa Adeje), take line 460 to Icod de los Vinos, then change to line 363 (or 325) to Garachico.
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Garachico location and map
Garachico lies on the north coast of Tenerife, around 27km west of Puerto de la Cruz. The town backs onto the first slopes of the Teno Massif, overlooking the Atlantic. Its geographical position gives it a dual character: a coastline carved out by the lava flows of the 1706 eruption, and a mountainous hinterland criss-crossed by winding roads.
- 40min drive from Puerto de la Cruz
- 1h from Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- 1h drive from Los Gigantes
- 1h drive from Costa Adeje
- 1h15min drive from Los Cristianos
Tenerife stretches approximately 80km from east to west. Garachico is located in the western third of the island. Here’s a map to help you get your bearings and visualize journey times from the main cities:
Good to know: the TF-5 road runs along the north coast and is the main route to Garachico from the east of the island. In high season, allow a little more time around Puerto de la Cruz.
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
Option 1: Day trip
If you’re staying elsewhere on the island and would like to visit Garachico for a day, here are the options depending on your point of departure.
From Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is the most convenient base for travelling to Garachico. The road runs along the northern coastline and the journey takes just 35 minutes by car. We particularly like this route: the landscapes of banana plantations and vineyards that line the TF-5 make it a pleasant road to travel.
If you prefer not to drive, guided excursions depart regularly from Puerto de la Cruz. See excursion options from Puerto de la Cruz.
From Santa Cruz de Tenerife
From the capital, it’s about a 1-hour drive west on the TF-5. The distance is reasonable for a day trip; we recommend an early start to enjoy the natural pools before the mid-day rush.
See excursion options from Puerto de la Cruz
From the south of the island (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos)
From the seaside resorts in the south, the distance is greater: allow 1h10 to 1h20 depending on your point of departure. The trip is still doable during the day. It’s also possible to combine Garachico with Icod de los Vinos and its famous thousand-year-old dragon tree, as the two towns are close to each other. See options from the south of the island here
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Option 2: by rental car
The car remains the most flexible means of reaching Garachico and exploring Tenerife’s north coast. We particularly recommend it if you want to stop off along the way – at Icod de los Vinos for the Drago Milenario, or at La Orotava for its gardens and architecture.
The main TF-5 road is well signposted and presents no difficulties. It is accessible from all the main entry points to the island. Rentals are made directly at the arrival airport.
Compare car rental deals in Tenerife.
Option 3: by bus from Puerto de la Cruz or Santa Cruz
The TITSA bus network serves Garachico from the main cities in the north. Line 363 runs from Puerto de la Cruz to Garachico. Buses are air-conditioned and fares are very affordable. However, frequency is limited: we recommend consulting the timetable in advance to plan your day without constraints.
Time from Puerto de la Cruz: about 50min to 1h
From the south (Costa Adeje), take line 460 to Icod de los Vinos, then change to line 363 (or 325) to Garachico (approx. 2h15min).
Check the timetable on the TITSA website before you leave.
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Option 4: by cab or private transfer
Cabs are available from Puerto de la Cruz and other towns on the north coast. Rates vary according to distance. A private transfer booked in advance can be a good option for groups or families: the cost is divided between the passengers and a driver drops you off directly at your destination.
FUN in Gran Canaria:activities
Dolphin watching
Buggy / Quad
Snorkeling
Kayaking in the Mogan caves
But also: Canyoning, Horse riding, Via Ferrata, Coasteering… See all options
Option 5: by plane
Tenerife has two international airports. The choice of one or the other has a direct impact on the journey time to Garachico.
Tenerife Norte Airport (TFN) – nearest to Garachico
Tenerife Norte – Los Rodeos Airport (TFN) is about 40km east of Garachico, a 45-50min drive. This is the most practical option if your stay is centered on the north of the island. This airport mainly serves domestic flights from Madrid and Barcelona, as well as a few European routes.
From TFN, the route to Garachico takes you directly west on TF-5. We like this route for its scenery: the road passes through agricultural areas and offers beautiful views of Teide on a clear day.
Compare available flights to Tenerife Norte.
Tenerife Sud Airport (TFS) – more international flights
Tenerife South – Reina Sofía Airport (TFS) handles the majority of charter and low-cost flights from Europe. It lies around 90km southeast of Garachico, a 1h10 to 1h20 drive. This distance is quite reasonable if airfares from TFS are cheaper.
Main connections from TFS:
- From France: Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nantes (Transavia, Vueling, easyJet)
- From Switzerland: Geneva, Zurich (easyJet, Edelweiss, Swiss)
- From Belgium: Brussels-Charleroi (Ryanair), Brussels-Zaventem (TUI fly)
- From Germany: Frankfurt, München, Düsseldorf, Berlin (Ryanair, Eurowings, Condor)
- From the UK: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh (easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, TUI)
- From Spain: Madrid, Barcelona (Iberia, Vueling, Air Europa) – year-round flights
Compare available flights to Tenerife South.
Transportation options from airports to Garachico
From either airport, there are several ways to reach Garachico, depending on your budget and the number of passengers.
By rental car
This is the solution we recommend first and foremost. Both airports have rental counters in the arrivals hall (Hertz, Avis, Sixt and local rental companies). Book in advance, especially in summer, as available vehicles are scarce and rates rise considerably. The road is well signposted from both airports to Garachico.
By cab
Cabs wait at the exit of each terminal. Rates are regulated and metering is compulsory. A surcharge applies at night and on public holidays.
Private transfer
A pre-booked transfer offers the comfort of a dedicated driver waiting for you on arrival, luggage included. This option is particularly interesting for families or groups: the price is fixed per vehicle, not per person. We appreciate this mode of transport for late arrivals, when other solutions become less practical.
FUN in Gran Canaria:activities
Dolphin watching
Buggy / Quad
Snorkeling
Kayaking in the Mogan caves
But also: Canyoning, Horse riding, Via Ferrata, Coasteering… See all options
Parking in Garachico
Garachico has two main parking lots: one near the beach, the other to the east of the historic center along the seafront. We advise you to arrive early, especially in July and August, as places quickly become scarce in the morning. It takes less than 5 minutes to walk from the parking lots to the city center.
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Getting around Garachico
The easiest way is to park your car in one of the two main parking lots and walk from there.
And once in Garachico
Garachico promises a wide range of things to do:
- visit San Miguel Castle
- enjoy the natural pools of El Caleton
- stroll through Puerta de Tierra Park
- discover Playa El Muelle de Garachico
- sleep in one of our charming hotels such asHotel San Roque or Quinta la Roja
And many other attractions to be foundin our dedicated article here!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
The most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful roads
Amusement parks
Best excursions in Tenerife
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife
How to get around
How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Where to stay in Tenerife
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 1 week – 10 days
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava
Garachico
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
