The city of Garachico with its port was founded by a Jewish Genoan banker Cristóbal de Ponte after the conquest of Tenerife in 1496.

Prior to then, Garachico was an important port exporting Malmsey wine and other local produce.

(Contrary to the 'Tourist trade' myth, which will tell you that the town was completely destroyed, except for the church where the townfolk took refuge.

)[citation needed] Garachico has always taken care of its environment and protected the most diverse cultural manifestations.

For all these reasons, the Spanish government awarded the town the Gold Medal of Fine Arts, which was presented in 1980 by His Majesty the King.