Cueva del Viento, the Drago and the cobbled streets reveal different sides of Icod de los Vinos. When planning a stay, it helps to distinguish the attractions by their character: the cave offers a guided tour exploring the area’s volcanic origins, Parque del Drago combines botanical information with traces of history, and architecture and cultural heritage shape the experience of the historic centre. This makes it possible to consider nature, culture and local traditions as distinct areas of interest.
The Volcanic World of Cueva del Viento
Cueva del Viento was formed around 27,000 years ago by an eruption of the Pico Viejo volcano. The volcanic tunnel stretches for about 18 kilometres from Pico Viejo to the coast of Icod de los Vinos. The time of formation and the tunnel’s extent describe two different aspects: one gives an indication of when it formed, while the other conveys its approximate length and identifies the tunnel’s endpoints.
The official visit is a guided, interpretive tour. It begins at the visitor centre and passes through a lava field and along an old royal road to the cave entrance. The tunnel’s approximate total length and the specific route of the tour are therefore two different points of reference. Check the booking conditions before your trip.
The Drago and the Park Landscape
The Drago of Icod is a specimen of the Dracaena draco species and was declared a National Monument in 1917. Parque del Drago covers three hectares and includes paths and botanical signs, as well as traditional irrigation channels, old cultivation walls and historic remains. Alongside botanical information, the park therefore also contains structural traces of its former use.
The GuarderĂa de Dragos is an educational area where the development of the species is shown through specimens of different sizes and ages. This offers a different focus from the individual Drago as a National Monument: in the park, visitors can observe its development across several size and age groups. Those interested in plants can thus distinguish between the individual specimen and the park’s presentation of the species.
Old Town and Cultural Heritage
The historic centre of Icod de los Vinos is an urban ensemble designated as a Bien de Interés Cultural, with cobbled streets and traditional architecture. Iglesia San Marcos is also a monument classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural; it received this designation in 2006. The designations refer to different things: the centre as an ensemble and the church as a monument.
The figure of San Marcos, after whom Iglesia San Marcos is named, is a Gothic sculpture with Flemish influence and is believed to date from the 15th century. A silver filigree cross is also on display there. It is 2.40 metres tall and weighs 47 kilograms; access to the display may vary. The figure and the cross offer different art-historical points of interest: the sculpture is notable for its style and presumed date, while the cross is distinguished by its material and dimensions.
Beach, Banana Growing and Local Tradition
Playa de San Marcos offers a distinct coastal attraction: the beach has black volcanic sand and lies in a horseshoe-shaped bay with calm water. Visitor services are also available; individual services may change. The beach thus complements the themes of volcanic landscapes and cultural heritage with a different kind of landscape.
A former hacienda in Icod de los Vinos has been converted into a museum. A self-guided tour takes visitors through exhibitions about banana cultivation and a small banana plantation. After the tour, visitors can sample local banana products such as mojos, sweets and liqueurs; this offer may vary.
A recurring tradition in Icod involves sliding down steep streets on boards made from Tea wood. The exact details may vary from year to year. If you would like to include this tradition in your travel plans, check the dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Santa Barbara, La Florida, Vega Alta, Cueva Del Viento, El Amparo, Charco del Pino, Santa Cruz De Tenerife, La Zarza.
For the main travel overview: Tenerife.
