Garachico was our destination for a few days exploring the North coast of Tenerife. 

It is a 90 minute drive from Tenerife South airport past a lot of industry and the built up tourist areas of Playa las Americas and Los Cristianos. Nick did say ‘is it all going to be like this?’ I was really hoping not.

As you approach Garachico, you start to get an idea of what is ahead for the week.  Twisty turny roads, a mixture of lush green countryside and baron lunar landscapes, rugged cliffs and choppy seas.

Garachico was one of the main ports in Tenerife until it was total destroyed by a volcano eruption in 1706.

One of the major attractions to the town is the salt water pools created when the lava from the last eruption met the sea.  Having looked forward to swimming in them, our hopes were dashed by choppy seas, large swell and strong winds hitting the coast.  Maybe next time.

This town is charming.  Full of old buildings and traditional bars and restaurants, as well as modern facilities, including a Michellin star restaurant.

We developed a taste for eating and drinking in old school bars and got to chat with the waiters, who seemed pretty happy to have someone who spoke Spanish.  Veganism is impossible.  Nothing on any menu (apart from chips) is vegan and what would seem to be vegetarian options can come with meat.  The white bean, for example, came with a large lump of chorizo, black pudding and pork belly.