Garachico

Garachico was Tenerife's main port until 1706, when the eruption of the Trevejo volcano sent lava through almost the whole town and filled its harbour. The town was rebuilt on top, and the lava that reached the sea left El Caletón, a set of natural rock pools you can swim in when the sea is calm.

On the seafront stands the Castillo de San Miguel, a small stone fort from 1575 that survived the eruption. The streets behind are quiet and easy to walk in an hour or two, and the town makes a good stop between Icod de los Vinos and Masca.

The old town is best on foot. Start at the San Francisco monastery of 1526, opposite the Plaza de la Libertad, then walk on past the Casa de Piedra with its Renaissance stone front and the church of Santa Ana, rebuilt after the lava left only its two stone façades standing. The Santo Domingo monastery survived the eruption, and the town centre has been protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest since 1994. For a longer day, a trail climbs from Garachico to the Chinyero volcano in about five hours, with views of Mount Teide on the way.