Icod de los Vinos has one of the world’s largest and oldest dragon trees. Visit this pretty town set in a valley bordered by the sea. It is also part of Tenerife’s historic wine district.
Founded in the 16th century, Icod de los Vinos was among the first towns established in Tenerife. Grapes, bananas and other fruits were grown in the surrounding valleys, helping the town’s economy to thrive and its citizens to prosper. Today, Icod de los Vinos produces a variety of white, rosé and red wines. Sample these at local bodegas.
Don’t miss the town’s most famous attraction, an ancient dragon tree in Parque del Drago. The dragon tree’s sap, which turns deep red upon contact with air, was once tapped for healing purposes and used to create dyes. The massive tree weighs more than 330,000 pounds (150 tonnes) and stands 56 feet (17 metres) high with a diameter of 66 feet (20 metres). The tree is said to be more than 3,000 years old, although recent estimates place its age between 800 and 1,000 years.
See another perspective on the iconic dragon tree from the square near Iglesia de San Marcos. Look inside this lovely Baroque church and admire its silver 7-foot-tall (2-metre) cross.
Venture outside the town centre to see the eerie El Viento Cave, one of the longest volcanic tunnels in the world. Stretching more than 11 miles (18 kilometres) in length, the tunnel was formed more than 27,000 years ago by the eruption of nearby Pico Viejo. Sign up for a guided cave tour, which takes you through these ancient subterranean passages, as well as aboveground to explore traditional farms, foothills and pine forests.
Icod de los Vinos is located in northwestern Tenerife. Reach the town by bus from Santa Cruz, Puerto de la Cruz or Playa de las Américas. The Icod de los Vinos bus stop is located just northeast of the city centre.
