Villa de Arico – Historic Old Town, Church Art and Hiking Trails
The historic old town of Villa de Arico showcases Canarian architectural history with clearly recognizable details. The historic ensemble of Villa de Arico is protected as a “Bien de Interés Cultural” in the “Conjunto Histórico” category. The oldest houses are examples of traditional Canarian architecture and are generally arranged around rectangular courtyards.
Culture and History
The development of the old town began with the construction of the Ermita de San Juan Bautista between 1590 and 1610. The oldest buildings in Villa de Arico, also known as El Lomo or “Lugar de Arriba”, date from before the settlement was founded in the 1590s. In 1916, Villa de Arico was granted the title of a villa.
The historic old town is characterized by single-storey houses with framed doorways, cornices and decorations made of local stone. An old paved path connects the church square with Calle Benítez de Lugo and the public fountain. The Oficina de Información Turística de Arico is located at Calle Benítez de Lugo 1 in the municipality of Arico.
The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, together with its surroundings, forms the most important architectural ensemble in Villa de Arico and was declared a Monumento Histórico-Artístico in 1985. The present building dates from the 18th century. Its floor plan is in the shape of a Latin cross with a single nave, a main chapel and two side chapels; the church also has a Mudéjar-style coffered ceiling. Since 1761, it has housed the valuable Castilian-Gothic carved figure Nuestra Señora de la Virgen de Abona, also known as Virgen del Mar. The art treasures include depictions of the Virgen de Abona, the Virgen del Rosario and the Virgen del Carmen.
A small chapel stands on Calle del Calvario, with a gabled roof made of French tiles, a stone entrance arch and a mosaic floor. Nearby, in Arico Nuevo, a protected historic ensemble, there are numerous old houses from the 18th and 19th centuries arranged in a linear layout.
Hiking Trails
The PR-TF 86 hiking trail begins in Villa de Arico and ends at the Parador Nacional. A hiking route from Plaza de los Condes de Santa María de Abona in Villa de Arico follows old paved paths to the hamlet of El Río. In the surrounding area, the PR-TF 86.1 variant is listed as 1.6 km long and taking 1 hour. This variant allows you to explore the La Puente climbing area in full.
The PR-TF 86 Villa de Arico - Cumbre de Arico hiking trail is 23.0 km long, follows a linear route and is classified as very difficult; its homologation status is still being processed. The different trail lengths, durations and route types help you compare options for your own planning.
Landscape
The PR-TF 86 leads from cultivated areas into the pine forest near Ortiz and the La Puente climbing area. It also passes through Corona Forestal Nature Park and Teide National Park.
Other Places
Further places to explore include Poris De Abona, Jaca and Punta Cueva De Los Moñigos.
Local Character
The Ruta de la Miel includes a visit to traditional apiaries, explanations of honey production and a tasting of products. On the second weekend of May, the Ruta de la Miel takes place in the higher part of the municipality of Arico—a hike centered on the variety of honey produced in Tenerife.
For the broader travel overview: Tenerife.
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