Let’s discover Icod de los Vinos, north of Tenerife. This historic town is home to the mythical Drago Milenario, a tree that is almost a thousand years old and for which the town is famous. But we were also seduced by its cobbled streets, museums and panoramic views of the Teide volcano.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in Icod de los Vinos, Tenerife, a map and useful tips for planning your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Is the town of Icod de los Vinos worth a visit?
Yes, Icod de los Vinos is well worth a visit. This picturesque town in northern Tenerife is home to the majestic Drago Milenario, an 800-year-old dragon tree classified as a National Monument. And all around, we were charmed by its authentic historic center with its shady squares and other cultural activities.
It’s one of Tenerife’s most beautiful towns.
1. Admire the mythical Drago Milenario
The Drago Milenario is the landmark of Icod de los Vinos. And since we love trees, we couldn’t miss it. In the heart of a botanical garden, we were impressed by this majestic dragon tree, which rises to a height of 18 meters with a circumference of 20 meters. At over 800 years old, it is the largest and oldest specimen of its species in Tenerife. In the surrounding park, you can discover other endemic species of the Canaries, as well as an ancient Guanche sacred cave.
- Parque del Drago
- Opening hours: 9am-8pm (April-September), 10am-6pm (October-March)
- Price: €5
- Allow 30 minutes to 1h30 to explore the garden, depending on your interest in plants.
- Buy your ticket for direct entry
- See the latest news on the official website here
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
2. Marvel at the Mariposario del Drago Butterfly Park
Located right next to the Parc du Drago, this butterfly garden is a very pleasant experience. We were fascinated by the 800 exotic butterflies flying freely in this tropical greenhouse. You can observe these magnificent creatures at different stages of their lives, from chrysalises to adult butterflies. Carefully selected plants recreate the natural habitat of these species from Bali, Costa Rica and Thailand.
- Right next to Parc du Dragonnier
- Opening hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Price: €10
- Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your passion, to admire them flying around you.
- See the latest news on the official website here
3. Visit Casa del Plátano
Another of our favorites in Icod de los Vinos is the Maison de la Banane. We were made to feel very welcome in a relaxed, tropical atmosphere.
In this small museum, you can learn more about the importance of banana cultivation in the Canary Islands. And in the garden, you can observe different varieties of banana trees and the traditional tools used in planting.
And best of all, a tasting of local bananas and banana liqueur completes the visit. And you’ll find plenty of other banana products too. Yummy!
- Opening hours: daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Price: €5
- Right in the center, under the church square
- Buy your ticket for direct entry
- See the latest news on the official website here
WHERE TO STAY IN Tenerife
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4. Plaza Andrés de Lorenzo Cáceres and free view of the Dragon Boat
In the heart of the historic town, we particularly enjoyed the 16th-century main square. The majestic San Marcos church dominates the square, surrounded by beautiful Indian laurel trees offering pleasant shade. The kiosk and fountains add to the charm of this lively meeting place.
In the same square, you can enjoy a free view of the Drago Milenario from the vantage point. Photo above. But if you visit the botanical garden, you can see it from every angle.
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5. Visit San Marcos church and museum
In the same square, we recommend taking the time to visit the main church and its associated museum.
Inside, we admired the magnificent coffered ceilings and the high altarpiece adorned with a Gothic sculpture of San Marcos. It has the typical charm of Canary churches.
You can also visit the sacred museum, which exhibits embroidered ecclesiastical vestments and a remarkable filigree cross.
- Opening hours vary from office to office.
- Small entrance fee.
6. Plaza de la Pila
Many tourists settle for the Place de l’Eglise and Place du Dragonnier, but don’t miss this other historic square. Also known as Plaza de la Constitución, it takes its name from its central 18th-century fountain. We were seduced by its vegetation and the magnificent traditional houses surrounding it, with their wooden windows and balconies.
- Free access
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7. Casa Lorenzo-Cáceres
Around the square mentioned in the previous point, you’ll particularly notice Casa Lorenzo-Cáceres, a superb example of early 19th-century Canary architecture with its yellow façade and wooden windows. It now houses the municipal music school. According to local legend, the house has 365 doors and windows, one for each day of the year!
It regularly hosts temporary exhibitions. If you get the chance, be sure to visit its charming inner courtyard.
8. Wine tasting at the Malvasía Museum
Also located on the Plaza de la Pila, this family-run winery-museum introduced us to Tenerife’s rich winemaking tradition. In an authentic setting, we enjoyed tastings of local wines accompanied by Canarian cheeses and mojo sauce. You can take advantage of the charming patio to savor the wines while listening to the winemaker’s fascinating stories about the region’s viticultural history.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. – closed on Sunday and Monday
- Various tastings on offer
- See the official website here
9. Explore the Cueva del Viento
Grotte du Vent is a must-see for geology enthusiasts. After a short nature walk, you can descend into a volcanic tube. You’ll only see a small part of it, but it’s the longest in Europe and the sixth longest in the world. Formed over 27,000 years ago by lava flows from Pico Viejo. For exploration, you’ll be equipped with a helmet and headlamp, adding a touch of adventure to the experience.
If you’ve never seen a lava tube, you’ll be fascinated. On the other hand, if you’ve been there before, you may be a little disappointed. There’s less to see than in Lanzarote or Iceland, in our opinion.
- Be careful, the access road by car is very, very, very steep!
- Guided tour only.
- Opening hours: daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Price: €25
- There’s a lot of walking on uneven ground. And it’s not recommended for claustrophobics.
- Reservations required on the official website here
10. Artlandya
Artlandya is a unique museum located in the hills above Icod de los Vinos, about 10 minutes’ drive from the town center. This traditional Canarian house has been transformed into a museum of handcrafted dolls and teddy bears. The impressive collection features over 600 pieces created by artists from all over the world, in different themed rooms.
- Access road with large holes, drive slowly
- Buy your ticket
- Latest news on the official website here
Other attractions in Icod de los Vinos
- Guanche Museum
Unfortunately, the Guanche Museum in Tenerife is closed. - Playa San Marcos
3 kilometers from the historic center, black sand beach, next to the small San Marcos church - Old Convent of San Francisco
Founded in 1641 by Franciscan monks, this historic building boasts a Renaissance cloister adorned with a fountain featuring a statue of Poseidon. - Hiking
The area around Icod de los Vinos offers superb hiking opportunities with spectacular views of Teide or adventurous paths through the vegetation.
Nearby attractions
You can spend a day at Icod de los Vinos, or combine it with :
- The coastal town of Garachico and its natural pools
- Views from Punta de Teno over the Los Gigantes cliffs
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How to get to Icod de los Vinos: map + parking
Where is Icod de los Vinos – map
- In the north of Tenerife
- 45 km from Nord airport
- 30 minutes from Puerto de la Cruz
- 1 hour’s drive from Costa Adeje
- Here’s a map to help you find your way:
How to get there
The easiest way to get there is by car.
But as it’s a city with a lot of locals, you’ll also find buses from the big cities.
Organized tours of Tenerife often stop off at Icod de los Vinos during the day, to at least see the dragon tree from a distance. See options.
Beware, it’s a very hilly town with a lot of traffic. If you’re not comfortable with side-starting, look for other options.
Parking in Icod de los Vinos
We recommend the Parking del Drago in the center of town, which has a charge but is very practical. Right next to all the center’s attractions.
Useful tips for visiting Icod de los Vinos
How long and when?
Allow half a day to explore the main attractions, or a full day if you want to visit all the museums and go hiking. We recommend you come early in the morning to enjoy the Drago Milenario without the crowds. Thanks to its mild climate, the town is pleasant all year round, but it’s busiest in summer.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
Start at Plaza Andrés de Lorenzo Cáceres to admire the Drago, then explore the historic center around Plaza de la Pila.
We advise you to see the butterflies before the botanical gardens, as the park exit is not at the same level as the entrance.
The streets are sometimes steep and cobbled, so wear comfortable shoes.
Visiting with children
Icod de los Vinos is family-friendly. They particularly like the dragon tree, the banana house and the butterfly park.
But beware: the Cueva del Viento is forbidden to the very young.
Restaurants
We haven’t tried every restaurant in Icod de los Vinos yet, but here are a few recommended addresses:
- Restaurant La Parada for authentic Canarian cuisine
- Restaurant El Guacho for its empanadas
- Restaurante El Mortero
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
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Amusement parks
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track (coming soon)
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How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
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Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 1 week – 10 days
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife (coming soon)
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava (coming soon)
Garachico
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
