Visit Icod de los Vinos
Icod de los Vinos is a charming small town a few kilometers inland from the north west coast of Tenerife. Icod de los Vinos is famous for its 800 year old dragon tree.
Explore Icod de los Vinos
Spain This Way comment: Icod de los Vinos is not one of the key destinations of Tenerife but has a pretty main square and the oldest tree on the Canary Islands.
Icod de los Vinos has a charming main square, the Plaza de la Pila, also known as Plaza Constitucion, which is surrounded by attractive mansions including the Casa de los Caceres which is now a museum. The trees in the square offer some shade and nearby is the famous dragon tree of Icod de los Vinos.
The Plaza de la Pila has a small botanic garden and is considered to be one of the prettiest Plazas in the Canary Islands.
The nearby dragon tree (Dracaena draco) is thought to be 800 years old and was made a national monument in 1917. Dragon trees are found all over the Canary Islands and are some of the oldest trees on the planet. The dragon tree at Icod is the oldest of these on the Canary Islands. There is a 600 year old example in the English Garden of Puerto de la Cruz.
The trees are called dragon trees because they have a bright red sap said to be the 'blood of dragons' and which potentially has healing properties. The resin was once harvested to make lacquer and varnish and as a result their numbers were decimated and they are now a protected species.
From the Plaza de la Pila you can get great views of the tree. Alternatively if you do not want the uphill walk to the plaza you can drive to a car park next to the tree and pay 2 euros to park and see the tree up close. The tree is in the Parque del Drago.
The Plaza de Lorenzo Caceres, also known as Plaza de San Marco is home to the 16th century Iglesia de San Marcos, a pretty, white-walled church with an elaborately decorated silver alter. Leading from the plaza are a number of narrow streets which are pleasant to explore.
Icod de los Vinos is named for its wine industry and the area around Icod is planted with vines and banana palms and from the town you can get lovely views over the vine covered hills and it is one of the best locations for views of the majestic Mount Teide.
Down the hill from the centre of town is the Playa de San Marco, the beach of Icod de los Vinos. It is a black sand beach sheltered by high cliffs
Where to visit near to Icod de los Vinos?
Near to Icod de los Vinos is the Cueva del Viento which has an 18 kilometer long larva tunnel which is the fifth longest in the world. The cave has a labyrinth of tunnels on three levels.
Neighbouring Garachico is a very pretty town and lovely to explore and stop in one of its restaurants for lunch or dinner.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Western Canary Islands guide.
Photos of Icod de los Vinos
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Map of Icod de los Vinos and places to visit
Icod de los Vinos places to visit
Garachico
Garachico is a lovely jewel of a town, tiny but very elegant with colourful stucco buildings, elegant plazas, convents and mansions.
Garachico guide
Park Teide
In Park Teide is Mount Teide, a dormant volcano and the highest peak in Spain. The park is a treat and not to be missed.
Park Teide guide
Masca
Masca is the most beautiful village on Tenerife. It is set in a stunning mountain location.
Masca guide
Loro Park
Loro Park is one of the top attractions of Tenerife. It is a large zoo with a dolphin display and tree-tops jungle walkway.
Loro Park guide
Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is a lovely little harbour town situated at the foot of Mount Teide. It has colourful stucco buildings and lots of attractions nearby.
Puerto de la Cruz guide
Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes resort sits at the bottom of the huge Los Gigantes cliffs - one of Tenerife's top natural sights.
Los Gigantes guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Western Canary Islands