Arico - yet another picturesque Tenerife village

Like so many place names in Tenerife, Arico is both a village and a municipal region, this time found in the southeast of the island.

Photo: RHaworth

The village itself is set in a secluded valley and has three main centres: the one we are concerned with here, the new village, with two others on either side, the old village and Villa de Arico.

Consisting mainly of a collection of whitewashed houses and narrow streets, the village can seem strangely deserted and quiet, but is one of those out-of-the-way, timeless places that you can find in Tenerife, if you look hard enough.

Dating from the 18th century, its economy relies primarily on farming - specifically potatoes and tomatoes, wine and cheese. It is also notable as an excellent place to indulge in activity pastimes such as rockclimbing and the its beaches offer important locations for SCUBA diving.

Along with the striking, ususual white buildings, the village has several plazas with churches, schools and a gymnasium.

Photo: Berthold Werner

Eating Out

Tasquita El Pimentón is the only restaurant in the village, so it's just as well that it's an excellent one. It serves up superb Canarian cuisine in a charming rustic setting.

It's open from 1pm till 10pm, Wednesdays to Sundays.

contact details: Telephone: (+34) 922 768486

Sightseeing

First of all, as you enter the village, there's a viewpoint, with a vista to take your breath away.

Check out the pretty, whitewalled church (pictured above). Inside, you'll be able to see a valuable sculpture, La Virgin de Tajo y Niño - the Madonna and Child - a Gothic work of art dating from the 16th century.

return to towns & cities

return to homepage