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History of La Quinta Roja Manor House | Heritage Hotel in Garachico

La Quinta Roja — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 10:33:08 +0000

History of La Quinta Roja Manor House | Heritage Hotel in Garachico

Today we invite you to discover the history of the building that houses our hotel: the Manor House of the Marquises of La Quinta Roja.

The house is located in the heart of the monumental complex of the villa and port of Garachico, right next to the former Convent of San Francisco, the house of the Counts of La Gomera (the current Stone House), the Town Hall, and the Church of Santa Ana, constituting one of the main historical benchmarks of the entire urban environment.

Our walls have been privileged witnesses to more than four centuries of history of the Villa and Port of Garachico, which came to be Tenerife’s gateway to the world in the 15th and 16th centuries.

We invite you to join us on a journey through time to discover our history.

Noblesse oblige

The history of our house begins with the very origin of the Villa. Garachico was founded in 1496 by the Genoese banker Cristóbal de Ponte, who received these lands as a reward for his financial support in the conquest of the island. The Ponte family did not just found the port; they established a lineage of great landowners who ruled the area for centuries and still maintain weight in the local economy.

Our manor house was built by another elite landowning family, the Monteverdes, who erected it in the 16th century before it passed to the descendants of the Pontes.

It was rebuilt in the 17th century by Cristóbal de Ponte y Llarena, the first Marquis of La Quinta Roja, who consolidated this building—one of the most outstanding examples of traditional Canarian Baroque domestic architecture in Garachico. The mansion was not affected by the terrible eruption of the Trevejo volcano in 1706, but it later suffered a significant fire and had to be rebuilt once again.

This was the habitual residence of the first Marquis of La Quinta’s family, who also owned other properties, such as the banana plantation of La Quinta Roja, with a beautiful rural mansion that rivaled this one in beauty and currently belongs to the Cabildo of Tenerife.

These families were part of the select 1.7% of owners who controlled most of the land and water in the municipality, a power reflected in the sumptuousness of their residences.

The "First Squatters" of Garachico

One of the most curious anecdotes in our history occurred after the fateful volcanic eruption of 1706. Although the lava respected the basic structure of the mansion, fate had other plans. In 1709, a terrifying fire destroyed the neighboring San Francisco Convent.

At that time, due to the destruction of Garachico’s natural harbor by the volcanic eruption, maritime traffic and commerce shifted to the ports of Santa Cruz and La Orotava (now Puerto de la Cruz). Merchants and nobles, including the family of the Marquis of La Quinta Roja, moved their residences, leaving this house in disuse as the villa lost its economic weight.

Faced with the emergency, the community of Franciscan Conceptionist nuns was forced to find a new home, and the Marquis granted them the use of this house. This is how the nuns became the “first squatters” (in the most affectionate sense of the term) of this manor house. What was meant to be a temporary stay lasted 40 years (until 1749), transforming the noble halls into spaces for prayer and seclusion while their convent was being rebuilt.

Sister Martina, the Good Nun

From the nuns’ time in our house, one anecdote has survived the passing centuries: that of Sister Martina.

Martina was born in the village of Chipude, La Gomera, in 1650, into a humble family. When she was a child, Moorish pirates captured her mother, and her father sent her to Garachico to the care of a first cousin, Sister María de San Pedro y Mejía, to look after her education.

In 1687, she took her vows. Martina was a special woman as she had the ability to foresee future events and stood out for her kindness and love for others, which eventually sparked envy among her companions.

Sister Martina passed away at the age of 93 in the House of Quinta Roja, which the Marquis had granted her due to his friendship with her. Upon her death, she was buried there, but when the nuns moved back to their convent, they took her remains to be buried there.

At the foot of the Convent Church lies the lattice that separates the cloistered nuns from the rest of the faithful. If you look up at the high choir, you can still see the convent’s relic: the jawless skull of Sister Martina.

Legend has it that Sister Martina still appears from time to time around the hotel. If you encounter her, do not fear; she is a benevolent spirit who continues to watch over the living, just as she did throughout her life.

From Manor House and Convent to Emblematic Hotel

After the nuns’ stay, the house passed into the hands of other illustrious families until, in the early 90s, the Garachico Town Hall purchased it from its last owners, the Cabrera Revilla family, as part of a heritage rescue program for buildings in a clear state of deterioration.

This purchase was part of a strategy to shift Garachico’s economy toward the service sector to overcome the local agricultural crisis.

Once in the hands of the Town Hall, it received several purchase offers from a German investor and a businessman from Gran Canaria.

In 1997, hotelier José Moriana Santisteban, born in Garachico, along with his partners—four architects from the island—acquired the manor house to undertake a long and careful rehabilitation that restored its lost splendor, transforming it into the cozy hotel you can enjoy today.

The Renovation

The rehabilitation of this building, listed as a Site of Cultural Interest, for its adaptation to its new hotel use, was an arduous task that spanned 4 years between projects, permits, and execution.

A delicate balance had to be maintained between historical preservation and tourist functionality—adapting a 16th-century building to the needs of 20th-century travelers.

We can proudly state that we succeeded, as we preserved 80% of the original tea wood (Canarian pine) in the patio and ceilings, the early 17th-century stone staircase remained intact, as did the windows of the original facade, the coffered ceilings in some rooms, and unique elements like the aljimez (mullioned window) or the galleries.

Committed to Heritage Conservation

Thanks to its conversion into the Hotel La Quinta Roja, the conservation of this valuable property, one of the historical benchmarks of Garachico’s old town, has been guaranteed. Each year, we reinvest part of our profits into the maintenance and conservation of our Manor House so that its history and soul remain alive.

La Quinta Roja, a Hotel with Soul

The next time you enter our hotel, stop for a second to observe and imagine what life was like within these walls centuries ago, when the Marquis watched the arrival of ships from the aljimez or the cloistered nuns prayed in the courtyard.

We like to think that part of what was lived within these walls remains, and it moves us when guests describe the peace they feel in our patio. The history of our house and what has been lived in it is part of the soul of La Quinta Roja.

We invite you to come and feel it.

La entrada History of La Quinta Roja Manor House | Heritage Hotel in Garachico se publicó primero en La Quinta Roja.

A hotel with a creative soul

La Quinta Roja — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 12:22:48 +0000

Un hotel con alma creativa

Since we founded our hotel, back in 2001, we set out not just to be a charming hotel, but to be a living, creative hotel — a bridge between our guests and Garachico. A meeting place for culture, nature, music, art, traditions and history. What we call a natural way of living.

Over these nearly 25 years, we have worked hard so that those who visit us carry with them some of that essence that makes us unique — by sharing the story of our palace-house, creating authentic experiences, producing singular details, and promoting local craftsmanship and gastronomy.

La Quinta Roja is Garachico. We are another neighbor in this town, and we enjoy dressing up for the fiestas, hosting yoga and Pilates classes attended by local residents, or opening our doors for cultural or gastronomic activities.

Wanting to be more than a charming hotel involves developing a creative vision. We face the challenge of expressing it in our daily actions: in the recommendations we make to our guests, in the way we communicate, in the products and services we offer, and in the details of our décor… An objective that drives us to keep improving and to work each day to surprise and build loyalty with our guests.

Tenerife Creative Hotels

To continue developing our creativity, this year we have joined the Tenerife Creative Hotels project of the Spanish Network of Creative Hotels, which includes Ashotel (Hotel & Extrahotel Association of Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro), Gremi d’Hotels de Barcelona (GHB) and the Madrid Hotel Business Association (AEHM).

A group of hoteliers united with the common goal of redefining hotel tourism through unique experiences that highlight local talent and heritage in each destination, just as we have been doing since our beginnings.

This project is backed by financial support from the European Union via the Next Generation EU program, and it is part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan of the Ministry of Industry and Tourism.

Creative Hotels Growing Together

Throughout various gatherings, we have trained in techniques of creativity, design, and marketing sustainable experiences, and reflected on the opportunities for collaboration between tourism and culture along with our partner hotels in this project: Iberostar Heritage Gran Mencey, MYND Adeje, Hotel Tigaiga, Baobab Suites, La Laguna Gran Hotel, La Casona del Patio, La Quinta Roja, Barceló Tenerife, Hotel Botánico & The Oriental Spa Garden, Bancal Hotel & Spa, and Meliá Hacienda del Conde.

Coffee, Fashion and Sustainability with Yuima Nakazato

As part of this partnership, on May 30, 2025, within the framework of the International Environmental Film Festival of the Canary Islands (FICMEC), we created a first experience under the Tenerife Creative Hotels project.

Under the title “Coffee, Fashion and Sustainability”, we transformed our patio into the stage for a multisensory experience in which we combined taste, artistry and environmental awareness, through specialty coffee, fashion and sustainability.

The experience began with a tasting of sustainable specialty coffees offered by the renowned Cafés Dromedario. Together with a professional barista, we discovered the different types of sustainable coffee, their characteristics, and learned how to taste them through a unique gustatory experience in which nuances, origins and ethical processes behind each cup were emphasized.

Then, our patio became a space for dialogue and inspiration with an interview conducted by journalist Leticia Dorta with the Japanese designer Yuima Nakazato, winner of the 2025 Brote Artistic Award at FICMEC, recognized for his futuristic vision of fashion and his firm commitment to sustainability. During the encounter, we had the opportunity to learn his innovative approach to design, reuse of materials, and creation of garments that steer away from the ephemeral.

It was a real privilege to host such a fashion reference — the only Japanese designer to walk in Paris Fashion Week. This first experience invited us to reflect on our consumption habits and our impact on the planet through coffee and fashion.

La Quinta Roja once again with FICMEC

La Quinta Roja has long supported the various festivals held in Garachico such as FICMEC. This year we renewed our support by hosting some guests, welcoming the nature photography workshop taught by Marta Bretó and the Creadoc meetups, and serving as a backdrop for interviews and photo shoots of guests, and hosting the Café con Brote which took place over three sessions.

Café con Brote

During these meetings, a coffee-tertulia was held with some of the 2025 Brote Award recipients, including the aforementioned designer Yuima Nakazato, activist Hilda Nakabuye (Brote 2025 for activism), and José M. Morales (Brote 2025 Faro de Cine). These encounters allowed the public to meet and talk directly with these professionals while enjoying a cup of sustainable coffee.

Commitment to Canarian talent

Supporting local creators, artisans and artists is part of our identity.

This summer, for the fiestas, we decorated our restaurant and patio with colorful paper lanterns and handcrafted paper flowers, like those that decorated the whole town.

Rooms with singular details

In our rooms you will also find unique details created by local artists, such as the murals that decorate each room, painted by artist Pedro Rodríguez, and which depict the different types of lacework and local flora of the island, or hand-painted lamp shades showing scenes of Garachico.

A unique souvenir

As part of our commitment to creativity and support for Canarian talent, this summer we launched a fun collection of T-shirts and tote bags, designed exclusively for “La Venta de lo de Aquí,” our shop, by Tenerife artist Lucía Matallana.

One design is dedicated to the Lustral Festivals of the Most Holy Christ of Mercy. The second design is dedicated to our beloved San Roquito and his pilgrimage. Souvenirs that convey the essence of Garachico.

An experience with local flavor

DIY Canarian Mojos Workshop

The second experience developed this year under the Tenerife Creative Hotels project was held on September 18, 2025.

It consisted of a mojos (traditional Canary Islands sauces) workshop led by Isla Baja locals Flora Delgado and Eulalia González (known as “Chacha”). They opened their books of family recipes to teach us how to prepare the different types of Canarian mojos as they do in their homes.

Guests who attended the workshop followed step by step the preparation of three types of mojos: saffron mojo, red mojo and green mojo, and prepared their own version to take home.

Then came the moment to taste them accompanied by a glass of Canarian wine, wrinkled potatoes, kneaded gofio and bread. A fully immersive experience in the gastronomy of our islands.

In the coming months we will continue developing new experiences and activities to bring culture, art and local gastronomy closer to our guests.

You can stay informed of all our updates through our newsletter: Cartas desde Garachico, which we launch this autumn. Subscribe here.

La entrada A hotel with a creative soul se publicó primero en La Quinta Roja.

A summer of rock pools along the Isla Baja

La Quinta Roja — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 11:36:45 +0000

A summer of rock pools along Isla Baja

Summer arrives, and with it, the rock pool season begins across Isla Baja. In July and August, the trade winds bring the panza de burro (donkey’s belly) cloud cover to this part of the island, shielding it from the heat and high temperatures, while the tides return black sand to the beaches, inviting us to enjoy a pleasant and refreshing summer unlike that of the island’s south.

Instead of white sand beaches, our volcanic coastlines offer a unique landscape dotted with rock pools and natural swimming areas, sheltered bays, and black sand or pebble beaches where we can cool off while enjoying the Atlantic Ocean.

The coast of Isla Baja holds many surprises for those who dare to explore it. Today, we invite you to join us on a journey through some of our favorite spots to take a dip in Isla Baja.

Buenavista del Norte

Charco de las Mujeres

We begin our journey in Buenavista del Norte. We search for Las Arenas Beach on our GPS and park at the far left end, to take the coastal path toward Playa del Fraile and Charco de las Mujeres.

This stretch of coast lets us enjoy various volcanic formations and sea access points, along with stunning views of the Punta del Fraile cliffs.

We stop at Charco de las Mujeres to cool off. It’s a natural pool protected from the waves by tongues of lava. The path leads us directly to its stone steps, inviting us to step into its crystal-clear waters.

Playa del Fraile

We continue our walk along the trail nestled between banana plantations and the sea, enjoying the various access points to the water we encounter along the way and taking breaks on the benches scattered along the path to soak in the views.

At the end of the trail, we reach Playa del Fraile — a spacious pebble beach located at the foot of the impressive Punta del Fraile cliff.

It’s a quiet and wild beach with no services, so caution is advised when swimming. If the sea is calm, you’re in for an unforgettable swim.

Playa de las Arenas

We retrace our steps back to the parking area at Playa de las Arenas and head toward the coast to explore it.

The beach, which in summer lives up to its name with its sandy shore, is surrounded by several bathing areas. Watch the locals before venturing in — this way, you’ll know which spots are the most suitable.

In the distance, you’ll see a structure with some hanging nets. Head towards it.

It’s El Burgado Restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh fish or a cold drink while taking in priceless views.

Los Silos

We leave Buenavista del Norte and head toward Sibora, one of the coastal areas of Los Silos.

To the left of Playa del Puertito, along the promenade, you’ll be surprised by a striking sculpture made from the skeleton of a sei whale — a great migratory whale that crosses the oceans each year from the cold Arctic waters to the warmer tropical zones to mate. A powerful reminder of the impact human activity has on ocean life.

Next to it, we find two popular bathing spots: Playa del Puertito and Charco de los Chochos. This coastline is also home to some of the most popular surfing spots in the area.

Charco de los Chochos

Charco de los Chochos is a natural pool separated from the ocean by a stone wall. In its deepest part, it reaches up to two meters. A stone staircase with a wooden handrail makes access easier.

Its name comes from the use farmers once gave it: salting chochos (lupins) with seawater.

From here, you can enjoy a swim with views of the Culata cliffs, Mount Teide on clear days, and the entire northern coast.

If you continue walking along the coast, you’ll come across some curious rock formations where natural salt flats form, and further ahead, you’ll reach Charco de Don Gabino.

Playa de Agua Dulce

At the other end of this coastline, leaving behind the Sibora housing development, we take the road that follows the shoreline and connects this area with La Caleta de Interián, arriving at Playa de Agua Dulce. This beach gets its name from a freshwater spring that once existed on this coast.

It’s a popular beach that hides a bed of fine volcanic sand beneath the water. In summer, the tides bring the sand up to the shore, revealing the beach at its finest.

This beach is also very popular among surfers due to its waves.

On the right side of the beach, you’ll see a small building — it’s the old telegraph hut.

Further ahead stands the stone chimney made of millstone and volcanic tuff, part of the former Daute sugar mill, founded in the late 19th century by the British company The Ycod & Daute Estate Company Limited.

After the First World War, banana cultivation definitively replaced sugarcane, and these facilities began to be used for banana packaging — a purpose they still serve today.

Playa Gomeros

As we reach the town of La Caleta de Interián, we come across Playa Gomeros, which is accessed via a stone staircase. To its right, you’ll find another pebble cove.

A cross on the rocks reminds us that we are on an open coastline, with wild beaches where the waves crash forcefully — so caution is advised when swimming.

Very close by is the Restaurant Mundial 82, one of our favorite places to enjoy fresh, quality fish.

Playa de la Caleta

The neighborhood of La Caleta de Interián is divided between two municipalities: Los Silos and Garachico. Within the village, there is a pebble beach about 300 meters long, equipped with lifeguard services, showers, and changing rooms. It’s a popular spot among surfers due to its waves and is located next to a pedestrian promenade, perfect for enjoying a pleasant walk along the coast.

Garachico

We begin our swims in Garachico by driving to the coast of one of its neighborhoods, Las Cruces.

There, at the foot of the cemetery, we find a rock pool area known as El Gomero, a spot often visited by locals and also popular among fishermen.

From this stretch of coast, you can enjoy views of the Roque de Garachico.

Piscinas naturales de El Caletón

One of the main tourist attractions of our town, the natural pools of El Caletón, were formed by the lava flows that destroyed the port of Garachico during the eruption of the Trevejo volcano in 1706.

What was once a tragedy in the history of the Villa and Port of Garachico has become one of the favorite spots for both locals and visitors.

We love walking toward the pools furthest from the entrance, which are usually less crowded, in search of a quieter spot to enjoy a refreshing swim with views of our Roque.

El Guincho

We end this journey a few kilometers from the center of Garachico, in El Guincho — a peninsula of banana plantations that hides one of our favorite spots for a swim.

It’s a natural bay with crystal-clear waters and a rocky seabed — a true delight for swimming and snorkeling.

To access this small pebble beach, park your car next to the old school and walk down the dirt path. You can use the rural house La Baja as a reference point.

After descending the trail, you’ll find a small pebble beach and a concrete platform with a shaded area and a sun deck, as well as a ladder into the sea.

Enjoy your swim!

Tips for Safe Swimming

The coast of Isla Baja is wild and untamed, and the ocean can be rough. Before entering the water, please consider these recommendations:

Observe the sea before getting in

The volcanic coast of Isla Baja is exposed to the Atlantic Ocean, and conditions can change quickly. Take a moment to watch the waves, the current, and whether others are swimming.
If the sea is rough or the waves are breaking hard, it’s best to enjoy the view from land that day.
If the red flag is up, do not swim.

Choose natural pools with easy access

To start, go for pools with stairs or adapted entry points, like:

El Caletón (Garachico): well-marked and with comfortable entry areas.
Charco de la Araña (Los Silos): small, protected, and easy to access from the promenade.
Piscinas de la Maceta (Buenavista del Norte): among the safest and most family-friendly.

Wear water shoes

The seabed is rocky and may have sea urchins, slippery stones, or sharp lava. Water shoes help prevent slips and protect your feet.

Never swim alone

If you’re not familiar with the area, go with someone or make sure others are nearby. In case of a slip or strong current, it’s safer with company.

Avoid jumping from rocks

Even if you see locals doing it, don’t jump unless you know the depth, currents, and underwater terrain.

Respect the rhythm of the place

Swimming in these pools is a way to connect with nature. Enter slowly, enjoy the silence, the texture of the lava, and the water’s temperature. It’s a sensory experience.

Take care of the environment

Don’t leave trash, avoid stepping on algae or lichens, and don’t touch marine animals. These ecosystems are fragile and part of the soul of this place.

La entrada A summer of rock pools along the Isla Baja se publicó primero en La Quinta Roja.

A Walk Through Garachico: Living History in Tenerife

La Quinta Roja — Mon, 26 May 2025 15:57:03 +0000

A Walk Through Garachico: Living History in Tenerife

Garachico is a beautiful town full of history. And we’re not the only ones saying it. Its value is recognized by its designation as a Site of Cultural Interest in the Historic Ensemble category by the Government of the Canary Islands in 1994, its Gold Medal of Fine Arts awarded in 1980, and its inclusion on the list of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain, among other distinctions.

Strolling through Garachico is a journey of slow discovery, revealing the treasures hidden within one of the most iconic and best-preserved historic quarters in the Canary Islands. You’ll come across stately manor houses—like the one that now hosts our hotel—convents, churches that guard treasures within, and the Castle of San Miguel, a survivor of the Trevejo volcanic eruption, which once defended the town from pirate attacks during the golden age of this port.

Explore the Town and Port of Garachico

Today, let yourself wander through Garachico’s timeless streets. Slow down, take in the charm of every façade, and imagine a different era—when carriages carried wealthy merchants, and horses pulled carts filled with barrels of Canary wine, ready to be shipped across the seas on galleons anchored in the bay.

Step into the story of one of Spain’s most beautiful villages: Garachico.

The Heart of Garachico

The Manor House of the Marquises of La Quinta Roja

If you’ve had the good fortune to wake up within these centuries-old stone walls, you are now part of the living history of one of Garachico’s most important buildings: the Manor House of the Marquises of La Quinta Roja, a prime example of Canarian Baroque domestic architecture.

You’re among the lucky few who can wander its interiors—climb its noble stone staircase, admire its ancient tea wood balconies that have stood the test of time, or ascend to the ajimez, where the Marquis once watched the ships arrive in the port. Perhaps you’ve awoken beneath the Mudejar coffered ceilings of the upper rooms, where the Marquis and his family once lived.

A Manor House Steeped in History

The location of this building—facing the Town Hall and surrounded by the Church of Our Lady of the Angels, the former Convent of San Francisco, and the Stone House, residence of the Counts of La Gomera—reflects the importance of its first owner: Don Cristóbal Ponte y Llarena, the first Marquis of La Quinta Roja and a direct descendant of Garachico’s founder, the Genoese banker Don Cristóbal Ponte.

Construction of this house began in 1689, during the golden age of the Town and Port of Garachico. After the devastating volcanic eruption of 1706, which severely damaged the port and much of the town, commercial activity shifted to the ports of La Orotava and Santa Cruz. With it, many of the island’s most influential families also relocated—including the Marquis of La Quinta Roja, who generously offered this house for several years to the Poor Clares after their convent was destroyed in a major fire.

The Former Convent of San Francisco and the Church of Our Lady of the Angels

Your journey through the history of Garachico begins the moment you step through the entrance of our hotel. To the left of the Glorieta, framed by three slender palm trees, you’ll find the Church of Our Lady of the Angels and the former Convent of San Francisco. Construction of the convent began in 1524 on land donated by Don Cristóbal Ponte—the founder of this town—to the Franciscan Order. Next to the land stood a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels, owned by Don Cristóbal himself, which later became part of the monastic complex.

On the façade, you’ll notice two twin doors adorned with stonework. The one on the left leads to the Chapel of the True Cross (Capilla de la Vera Cruz), a side chapel commissioned in the 17th century by the brotherhood of the same name, which included members of Garachico’s most prominent families.

Next to the bell tower is the main entrance to the Church of Our Lady of the Angels, where Don Cristóbal Ponte and his wife, Doña Ana de Vergara, are buried.

Mass is held here on the first Friday of every month at 6:30 p.m.—a unique opportunity to enter and admire its interior, as the church opens only for religious services and special occasions.

The Convent of the Two Cloisters

The former Convent of San Francisco is a two-story building featuring two spacious cloisters made of tea wood. We highly recommend walking through them—admiring the balconies, wooden columns, gargoyles, and the stone staircase covered by a beautifully crafted Mudejar coffered ceiling.

After the Mendizábal Disentailment in the 19th century, the convent was secularized and today serves as a cultural venue. It houses the public library and municipal archives, as well as several permanent exhibitions: Canary Islands, Volcanoes in the Ocean; Historical Photographs of Garachico; and a Collection of Shells, Fossils, Minerals and Rocks by Professor Walter Haehnel.

Each year in late May, during the Canary Islands International Environmental Film Festival (FICMEC), one of the cloisters is transformed into a cinema, with a temporary roof covering the courtyard.

The Stone House

The stately home of the Counts of La Gomera—popularly known as The Stone House—stands out at one end of the Glorieta. Its striking black stone façade and finely carved columns framing the entrance are sure to catch your eye.
It was built by master stonemasons brought over from Gran Canaria.

This manor house is another of Garachico’s architectural landmarks. It was built in 1666 by order of one of the noble families from Castile and later passed into the hands of the Counts of La Gomera through marriage alliances.

The building suffered severe damage during the volcanic eruption of Trevejo in 1706 but was later rebuilt following the original design.

Today, it has been restored by the Town Council and serves as an art space, although there are plans to convert it into a museum dedicated to the Garachico eruption. Inside, you’ll find a series of panels telling the story of the house and its past.

Liberty Square

Just across from the Stone House lies the lively Plaza de la Libertad, once part of the orchards belonging to the Marquis of La Quinta Roja’s estate.

At its heart stands a charming music pavilion, designed in 1912 by Don Ramón Arocha, inspired by a model he discovered in Mexico and wished to recreate in his hometown.
Its surrounding café tables are always in demand—a favourite gathering spot for both locals and visitors.

Simón Bolívar and Garachico

At one end of the square stands a statue in honor of Simón Bolívar, the Liberator of the Americas. Garachico has a deep connection with Venezuela, as a significant part of its population emigrated there over the years.
The monument was commissioned in 1970 by the Friends of Garachico Association in Venezuela and sculpted by Juan Jaén, a renowned artist from Gran Canaria.

Recent genetic studies have confirmed that Simón Bolívar was a direct descendant of Cristóbal de Ponte and carried Guanche blood, the result of an extramarital relationship between the founder of the town and an Indigenous woman named Juana Gutiérrez. This historical connection further strengthens the enduring bond between Garachico and Venezuela.

From here, you can continue your walk toward the Church of Santa Ana, whose bell tower presides over the square.

Main Parish Church of Santa Ana

The Parish Church of Santa Ana began construction in 1532 and is considered one of the most beautiful and richly adorned churches in northern Tenerife. It was severely damaged during the volcanic eruption and later rebuilt following the original architectural plans.

Inside its harmonious interior stands an outstanding 17th-century artwork: The Crucified Christ by Martín de Andújar, a Sevillian sculptor who settled in Garachico. The piece was later polychromed by the Flemish painter Juan Excroft.

This lifelike and intensely dramatic sculpture occupies the central place on the main altar.

The Corn Christ

Another of the church’s treasures is the altarpiece and image of Christ of Mercy, a 16th-century work crafted by the Tarascan people of Michoacán, Mexico, using corn paste. This image inherits the ancestral techniques used by Indigenous Mexicans to create representations of their pre-Hispanic deities. These figures, made from lightweight materials, were easy to transport—even to the battlefield.

After the arrival of the Spanish conquerors, these techniques were adapted to Christian iconography, giving rise to what are now known as “Corn Christs.”

The Christ of Mercy is deeply venerated in Garachico. It is carried in procession every Holy Week and during the town’s Lustral Festivities, held in its honor every five years.

The Port of Garachico

La Puerta de Tierra

The volcanic eruption of 1706 devastated much of the town and its once-thriving port, dramatically altering the landscape and economy of Garachico, and cutting short its promising future.

In the Parque de los Poetas, at the foot of the mountain where traces of the lava flows are still visible, and several hundred meters from the sea, stands a powerful reminder of how the eruption of Trevejo reshaped the Port of Garachico.

La Puerta de Tierra, now located inland in the heart of a charming tropical garden, was once the main gateway through which all goods and people entered and left the bustling Port of Garachico.

As you stroll through the garden, you’ll also come across an old wine press—a reminder of Garachico’s historic role in the production and export of the renowned Canary wine.

Overlooking the space stands the bust of the Genoese banker Cristóbal de Ponte, who helped finance the conquest of Tenerife and went on to found the town of Garachico.

The Castle of San Miguel

Now walk the path from La Puerta de Tierra to the current shoreline. As you go, you’ll notice how much land was gained from the sea by the lava flows.

Let your imagination take flight and picture the bay as it was in the 16th century, when ships from Africa, the Americas, and Europe lined up to load and unload their cargo.

From the seafront promenade, you can admire San Miguel Castle, built in 1575 to defend the Port of Garachico from the increasing threat of pirate attacks.

The Guardian of Garachico

This square-shaped fortress displays several coats of arms above its entrance, including the heraldic emblem of Emperor Charles I of Spain and V of Germany—father of Philip II, who also adopted the same symbol.

The only castle ever built in Garachico still stands today. A survivor of the volcanic eruption and a silent witness to the town’s long and storied past. Once the guardian against pirate attacks, it now houses a Heritage Information Centre where visitors can learn about the Arenas Negras volcano.

The Old Pier

Garachico’s bay was once a natural harbor, perfectly sheltered and strategically positioned. During the 16th and 17th centuries, it became the main hub for trade between Tenerife and the Americas, Africa, and Europe—turning Garachico into the island’s economic capital.

This thriving port led to a flourishing period of economic and cultural growth. At its peak, Garachico boasted a castle, a hospital, five convents, several churches, and numerous manor houses.

However, after the volcanic eruption, the port was rendered unusable. Trade routes shifted to the ports of La Orotava and Santa Cruz, triggering the town’s economic decline.

The pier we see today was built after the eruption and still preserves its original paving stones.

The Door Without a Door

At the end of the pier stands the sculpture Tensei Tenmoku (The Door Without a Door) by Japanese artist Kan Yasuda.

Carved from Carrara marble, the piece was originally intended for the Ramblas de las Tinajas in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, as part of an open-air collection of works by international sculptors. After the city’s mayor rejected the installation, Yasuda returned to the island in search of a new setting—and found it at the breakwater of Garachico’s pier. “There’s no better place for one of my sculptures than this,” he said upon seeing it.

Over time, the sculpture has become a symbol of Garachico, and one of its most photographed and beloved spots.

The Fires of the Cliff

If you turn your back to the sea, you’ll see the slopes of the mountain still marked by ancient lava flows. This dramatic setting becomes the stage for one of the most iconic events of Garachico’s Lustral Festivities, taking place this summer: Los Fuegos del Risco (The Fires of the Cliff).
Fiery balls roll down the mountainside, recreating the rivers of lava that descended during the eruption of the Trevejo volcano in 1706.

The night ends with a spectacular pyromusical show that lights up the entire bay.

A spectacle that has transformed one of the most dramatic episodes in the town’s history into a display of beauty—turning Garachico into a symbol of resilience.

La entrada A Walk Through Garachico: Living History in Tenerife se publicó primero en La Quinta Roja.

Festivities of the Holy Christ of Mercy of Garachico, 2025 – A Summer of Celebrations!

La Quinta Roja — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 16:29:36 +0000

Festivities of the Holy Christ of Mercy of Garachico. 2025, a summer of celebrations!

2025 is a year of festivities in Garachico. From July 23rd to August 3rd, our town will once again be filled with color and joy to celebrate the Festivities of the Holy Christ of Mercy — the only lustral festivities in Tenerife. A deeply rooted religious and cultural celebration in Garachico, where the entire town takes part, from children to the elderly.

For months, the people of Garachico devote themselves selflessly to the preparations, so that their streets and squares burst with color. Keep reading and discover these truly special festivities.

The Miraculous Christ of Mercy

The Festivities in honor of the Christ of Mercy are the most important celebrations of our town, Garachico, and the only lustral festivities on the island of Tenerife. They are held every five years, although the pandemic prevented their celebration in 2020, so the last edition took place in 2015.

For a whole week, Garachico’s streets and squares are adorned with lanterns and flowers to venerate the Christ of Mercy and commemorate an episode that marked the history of our town.

The origin of this festival dates back to 1706, after the eruption of the Trevejo volcano, which destroyed part of the town and Garachico’s port. According to tradition, the faithful took the Christ of Mercy out in a procession, and a miracle happened. The fury of the volcano subsided, and the lava flows stopped, putting an end to the destruction that plagued the town.

Since then, this festival has been celebrated, with only the date and frequency changing over time. Originally held in October, it was moved decades ago to summer due to bad weather affecting the festivities and to coincide with the celebrations of Saint Anne and Saint Roch.

Devotion and History

During Garachico’s Lustral Festivities, tribute is paid to the Christ of Mercy, while remembering one of the most tragic and decisive moments in Garachico’s history — the eruption of the Trevejo volcano, which ended the economic prosperity the town and port enjoyed during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Yet, despite recalling the devastating power of nature, the Lustral Festivities are full of joy, color, and art. Religious ceremonies blend with popular celebrations that reflect the creativity and dedication of our people, who put their hearts into building colorful floats and decorating squares and façades with cheerful flowers and handcrafted paper lanterns.

A Community United by Its Festivities

The Festivities of the Holy Christ of Mercy come to life thanks to the involvement of the entire town. Children, adults, and the elderly — everyone contributes their part to make the celebration possible.

Months in advance, in homes, neighborhood associations, and senior centers, the paper flowers that will decorate façades, streets, squares, and floats begin to take shape. Thousands of colorful flowers, carefully handcrafted, become part of the decorations designed by those in charge of adorning the squares and the floats — ideas that are brought to life by everyone and kept secret until the festivities begin.

Manolo and Berni are just two of the many neighbors who take part in preparing the festivities. He has lived them since he was a child — it’s in his blood — growing up making flowers and helping his parents in any way he could. She, originally from Icod, got involved over 25 years ago when they moved to the town.

They recall how, back in 2015, they would gather with other neighbors in their garage to make the flowers. They spent hours chatting, sharing homemade cakes and coffee, while threading wire through the paper and shaping the flowers. As the days passed, they ended up surrounded by flowers, colorful paper balls, and ribbons. Tourists walking by were amazed by the vibrant scene and would often ask if they could come in and take a look.

This year, the Town Hall has provided each group with a space where they can work and store all the materials that will become part of the decorations: wood, cardboard, paper, paint… There, they also keep boxes of paper flowers and materials that were left unused in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Berni and her friends are currently making white flowers for Manolo’s project to decorate the door of the Church of Santa Ana, through which the Christ will pass during the procession.

More than 25 years ago, Manolo Baute volunteered to adorn the church door for the feast of San Roque, and this year he wants to create something special for the Christ. A decoration that will rise over 20 meters high — a design he keeps secret.

Until the festivities begin, they will continue crafting the flowers and elements needed to bring to life the vision of Miguel Velázquez, who is in charge of decorating Plaza de la Libertad, or Plaza de Arriba. About forty-five people make up this working group, including Minguín — a true all-rounder who helps with everything.

Other groups of neighbors will be responsible for decorating La Glorieta, Plaza de la Cruz Roja, Plaza de Abajo — next to Siux bar — and Plaza del Muelle. In each square, the creative mind behind the design works hand in hand with a group of neighbors who create the elements and assemble everything to bring it to life. A great team effort.

In addition to the squares, the streets are also beautifully decorated for the occasion. Every neighbor takes care of decorating their own façade with flowers and lanterns, making Garachico even more beautiful.

The Floats of Garachico

The Lustral Festivities are unique on the island, especially because of their floats. Unlike the traditional ox-drawn carts seen in local pilgrimages, Garachico’s floats are motorized and decorated with allegorical themes that transport us to fantastic worlds, distant cultures, or the classical world.

Manolo Baute recalls how, during his childhood around 70 years ago, an event took place that remains in the town’s memory as a true example of the solidarity and dedication of Garachico’s people. The day before the parade, part of the flower float being built by the Benítez family caught fire while it was being welded. The entire town of Garachico — even the cloistered nuns — came together to help. In just one day, they crafted new paper flowers to rebuild the float, and it was able to parade as planned.

The float parade is one of the most important moments of these festivities. Every edition, groups of friends, clubs, or associations create the five or six floats that make up the parade — each one designed around a free theme, with one float made entirely from paper flowers. It is a true showcase of the town’s creativity, artistry, and dedication to its celebration.

Every five years, the float designers face the challenge of impressing the thousands of people who fill the streets with their designs and themes. For months, they keep their creations secret, assigning tasks to team members without revealing the final design, which only becomes known when the float is assembled just days before the parade.

In the last edition, held in 2015, a very young designer, Raul Pérez, surprised everyone with his first creation, The Most Powerful Night, inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia. Another designer, Rubén González, amazed the crowd with a float created using the art of origami.

In addition to the adults who design and build the floats, children and young people also play a fundamental role in the parade, becoming the main characters who bring these creations to life. Tere, the accountant at our hotel, took part in the parade twice, riding on one of the floats — an unforgettable experience that, years later, her children also got to live.

She remembers how her mother made her a beautiful traditional dress from Panama. The families of the participants had to cover the cost of fabrics and accessories and make the costumes — a task often carried out at home, thanks to the sewing skills of many women in the town.

Program of the Lustral Festivities

This year, the Lustral Festivities will take place from July 23rd to August 3rd, with a program of activities that includes religious celebrations, cultural events, and folklore performances. We recommend checking the Town Hall’s website for the latest updates on the schedule.

The main events will be concentrated on the weekend of August 2nd and 3rd: the float parade and the procession of the Christ of Mercy, which will conclude with a unique fireworks display recreating the volcanic eruption. But throughout the week, visitors can enjoy exhibitions, concerts, open-air dances, children’s activities, and an extensive religious program.

The Lustral Festivities are framed between the Feast of Santa Ana and San Joaquín and the celebration of San Roque, making Garachico one big celebration throughout July and August.

The Allegorical Float Parade

One of the highlights of these festivities is the allegorical float parade, which takes place in two moments: on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.

This year, five floats will participate: the floral float, the children’s float, and three others featuring different allegories.

The first parade is held on Saturday night and concludes with an open-air dance at La Glorieta, right in front of the hotel.

To fully enjoy the floats in daylight and appreciate every detail, we’ll have to wait until Sunday afternoon, when they will once again parade through the main streets of the historic center, accompanied by the town’s marching band.

Procession of the Christ of Mercy

The image of the Christ of Mercy is one of the treasures preserved in the Church of Santa Ana, located just a few steps from La Quinta Roja and one of the most venerated images in the town. It dates back to 1547 and was crafted from corn paste by the Tarascan indigenous people of Michoacán, Mexico.

It is a very lightweight image because it is hollow inside. According to legend, this type of figure was used to hide gold and valuable objects, which were smuggled from the New World.

As part of the festivities held in His honor, the Christ is carried in procession through the town on Sunday morning and again in the afternoon, ending at the bay, where a spectacular display of natural and artificial fireworks takes place, marking the grand finale of the celebrations.

The Risco and La Atalaya Fire Spectacle

The volcanic eruption that devastated Garachico in 1706 is reenacted every five years with the launch of fireballs from the cliffs of La Culata and a pyromusical show set in Garachico’s bay as the Christ of Mercy arrives at the pier after the procession.

The spectacle begins with the launch of huge fireballs from the top of the cliff, recreating the lava flows of Garachico’s volcanic eruption and the tongues of fire that reached the bay.

Today, these fireballs are made with burlap sacks soaked in kerosene, but in the past, wooden barrels once used for storing salted fish were used. Along the bay, sacks filled with pinecones and drenched in kerosene are also placed.

The sight of the fireballs bouncing down the cliffside sends shivers through the crowd watching from the pier. Behind this impressive scene is the hard work of another group of neighbors who, days before, climb up the cliff to prepare the fireballs — and on the night itself, light and launch them, pushing them down with iron hooks.

Once the natural fire show ends, the fireworks set to music take over this natural amphitheater. A pyromusical spectacle that serves as the grand finale of the Festivities of the Holy Christ of Mercy. And so, the countdown begins for the next Lustral Festivities.

The Christ bids farewell, making way for Saint Roch. It’s summer, and Garachico is in full celebration!

La entrada Festivities of the Holy Christ of Mercy of Garachico, 2025 – A Summer of Celebrations! se publicó primero en La Quinta Roja.

Trevejo Volcano, discover its history

La Quinta Roja — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 11:09:22 +0000

Trevejo Volcano,
discover its history

The Trevejo volcano is located in the upper part of the municipality of Garachico and is one of the main natural attractions of the area.

In 1706, it became a tragic protagonist in the history of this municipality when it erupted and disrupted the economic prosperity of what was then Tenerife’s economic capital, the town and port of Garachico.

This eruption, also known as the Garachico or Arenas Negras eruption, is one of the five historical eruptions of Tenerife and had the greatest socioeconomic impact on the island.

A bit of history of the Garachico eruption

For forty days, the pahoehoe lava tongues descended the slopes you can see from the solarium and the windows of our hotel, devastating the island’s main port and much of Garachico’s buildings.

The Palace House of the Marqueses de La Quinta Roja, where our hotel is located, remained intact, but the house of the powerful Counts of La Gomera, located in the square, just steps from here, was practically destroyed, with only a few details of its facade surviving. The church of Santa Ana, whose bells greet us every morning, was also a victim of its fury.

A stroll through Garachico

If we go for a walk through the town and let our imagination work, we can get an idea of how the main source of income of this village, its port, the main one on the island, the center of Tenerife’s international trade with Europe and America and the main economic engine of the island was affected.

A few meters from the Church of Santa Ana, descending Francisco Montesdeoca and Garcia Street, is the Puerta de Tierra. This was the gate through which all the goods that entered and left this port had to pass. Here, Malvasia wines left in galleons bound for Europe and America, and works of art from Flanders were imported.

If you turn towards the sea, you will see that the coastline is now far away. All the land that separates us was gained by the ocean due to the eruption.

Go closer to the coast. Next to the castle of San Miguel, which miraculously remained intact, you will see the natural pools of Caletón. These pools were created by lava tongues that reached the sea and changed the destiny of this town, destroying the natural harbor’s roadstead and putting an end to an era of splendor and prosperity.

Hiking Route by the Trevejo Volcano from San José de Los Llanos

After this walk through the history of the town, we suggest a plan: put on your walking boots and join us in meeting the protagonist of this story, the Trevejo volcano, also known as Montaña Negra.

You will need to drive 30 minutes towards the municipality of El Tanque and then follow the signs directing you to San José de Los Llanos.

You can park your car in the recreation area and follow the signs for the Chinyero trail, another of the most beautiful volcanoes in the area.

The trail starts narrow, surrounded by shrubs. As we climb, we see the vegetation clearing, allowing us to see the vast landscape. Pay attention to the trail markers, as there are some moments where the path splits, and you can get confused.

As we ascend, the pine forest takes over the landscape. We see burnt bark, a result of the last fire in August 2022. You are in front of a natural survivor, the Canary pine, a unique pine species that can withstand fire. Look closely, and you will surely see some green shoots sprouting. Life finds a way.

The Trevejo Volcano and its Black Sands

After a while of ascending, a great reward awaits us. Among the pine forest, to our left, the silhouette of the Trevejo volcano appears with Teide in the background.

You have to reach the foot of the volcano to discover an otherworldly landscape.

The volcano is surrounded by the “black sands” that give this area its name (lapilli or picón), dotted with young pine trees of an intense green.

It’s truly impressive.

In the Vergara canal, which supplies water to the area, we stop to take a break to contemplate the landscape and to give Otto a drink.

Once we reach this point, we have several options to continue exploring. We can decide to take a circular route to go around the volcano and return to San José de Los Llanos; take a trail to the right and continue to the Chinyero volcano; or descend through the Arenas Negras recreational area. The ascent to the volcano is prohibited to protect it from erosion, so we are content to enjoy it from here.

We decided to follow the path that runs along the side of the volcano towards Arenas Negras.

The view of Teide with Pico Viejo and the blurred pine forests we see from here is impressive.

I have come here many times, but today we are very fortunate as the day is completely clear and we can enjoy this priceless view. A gift that is not always received because this area is often shrouded in fog.

We took the opportunity to take many photos so that those who come and are not so lucky can also enjoy it.

Towards Chinyero

When we reach the Arenas Negras turnoff, we decide to turn towards Chinyero and make a small circular route that will take us back to the Vergara canal.

The landscape transforms again. We pass by enormous tongues of lava covered with lichens where large solitary pines have found a home. Next to them, we feel small. This is one of my favorite spots on this route.

On the way back

We navigate the volcanic rocks and rejoin the trail that takes us back to the Trevejos volcano.

As we get closer, we can see again, among the pines, the view of Montaña Negra and Teide.

The beauty and calm that this landscape conveys do not suggest that this volcano was the cause of the volcanic eruption that caused the most damage in Tenerife.

We descend again through the pine forests along the same trail we climbed.

The landscape looks different when you see it from another perspective. Otto keeps walking ahead of us, clearing the way.

The finishing touch

Back to civilization, we stop at the gas station bar in El Tanque to recharge. After some tapas of roasted pork leg and goat meat, we review the route. We have walked nine kilometers in two and a half hours, and we were fortunate to enjoy this landscape with such a clear and bright day.

It’s time to return to Garachico. La Quinta Roja and a relaxing bath in the volcanic pools of El Caletón await us.

La entrada Trevejo Volcano, discover its history se publicó primero en La Quinta Roja.