Garachico Advances Long-Delayed Historic Center Preservation Plan
Garachico’s City Council will vote on April 30 on a long-awaited urban development plan designed to balance the preservation of its historic center with modern infrastructure and traffic management improvements.
Garachico’s urban planning is entering a critical stage after years of administrative delays. On April 30, the City Council will vote on the progress report and environmental assessment for the Special Plan for the Protection of the Historic Center. This plan aims to balance the preservation of the town’s heritage with modern needs for mobility and sustainable growth.
The project has struggled since 2010, largely due to the need to comply with the 2019 Canary Islands Cultural Heritage Law. Mayor José Heriberto González noted that constant regulatory changes have made it difficult to establish a clear legal framework that supports both local businesses and the protection of one of the archipelago's most important historical sites.
The proposal includes three potential paths forward. The most ambitious option, "Alternative 2," focuses on a major traffic overhaul. It suggests building a new road connecting the El Volcán and Los Reyes neighborhoods to divert traffic toward Buenavista del Norte. This would keep heavy vehicles out of the historic center, particularly during times of rough seas.
Infrastructure plans include two key developments: a new parking area and public space behind the San Francisco convent, and a coastal project featuring a funicular to connect San Juan del Reparo and Genovés—a project already supported by the Tenerife Mobility Plan. Additionally, the plan proposes moving the municipal soccer field to behind the Plaza de San Roque. This would allow the current temporary parking lot on Avenida Marítima, created after the 2018 storm, to become a permanent park-and-ride facility for 400 vehicles.
The government also aims to gradually pedestrianize iconic streets like Esteban de Ponte and Pérez. However, this remains a technical challenge, as Avenida Marítima is classified as a regional road, which limits the council's authority to restrict traffic.
Following the April vote, the City Council plans to open a public consultation period between May and June. Residents will be invited to share their feedback on the plan, which represents a significant shift in how the town manages its heritage and connectivity. Details on how to participate, whether through in-person meetings or online, will be announced in the coming weeks.