In Icod de los Vinos, be sure to visit one of Tenerife’s landmarks: the Dragon Tree Park. We were impressed by this garden, which is home to one of the oldest and largest dragon trees in the Canary Islands.
In this article, check out our photos and all our tips for making the most of your visit to Parque del Drago.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why Visit Dragonnier Park
Is Parc du Dragonnier worth a visit? Our opinion:
Yes, the Parque del Drago is worth a visit during a stay in Icod de los Vinos. We were struck by the sheer size of the thousand-year-old dragon tree that stands majestically in the center of the garden—a truly impressive specimen. In addition to the tree, you can enjoy views of the city and Mount Teide, as well as a botanical trail where you can learn about the traditional uses of Canarian plants.
It’s one of the best things to do in Icod de los Vinos and one of the most beautiful gardens in Tenerife.
Our favorite moments
- The imposing, thousand-year-old dragon tree is, of course, the highlight of the tour—especially when you get close to its roots! It is one of Tenerife’s symbols.
- The observation points that offer views not only of the dragon tree but also of the Atlantic Ocean, the city, and Mount Teide,
- The ethnobotanical trail enabled us to discover the traditional uses of Canary Island plants, a deep insight into local culture.
- >> Buy your ticket to enter the botanical garden directly and see the dragon tree
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Directions: Parque del Drago, Icod de los Vinos
Where is Parc du Dragonnier located?
- In downtown Icod de los Vinos,
- 30 minutes from Puerto de la Cruz
- A 1-hour drive from Costa Adeje
- Near the church square, from which you can actually see the dragon tree without entering the park.
How to get there?
Icod de los Vinos is located on the north coast of Tenerife. We recommend heading straight to downtown, where the park is easily accessible on foot from the main streets.
A car allows you to explore the city at your own pace and also visit Garachico or other nearby attractions.
Parking
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.
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.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
We recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the day, when it’s less crowded. You can also take advantage of the extended hours from April through September to plan your visit for late afternoon, when the light is softer.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow between 30 minutes and 1 hour and 30 minutes to explore the garden, depending on your interest in plants. We recommend that you take your time on the ethnobotanical trail, which is full of information about the traditional uses of Canarian plants.
There are a few slopes, and the ground isn’t always flat.
The ground surfaces vary greatly: cobblestones, dirt, gravel…
Steps leading up to the cave.
But there are no major difficulties (except for wheelchair users).
>> Buy your ticket to enter the garden directly
Advice on how to visit
We recommend starting with the dragon tree before continuing on to the rest of the garden, the grotto, and then the lookout points, ending with a panoramic view.
The information signs are in Spanish and English.
Schedules and rates
- Opening hours: 9am-8pm (April-September), 10am-6pm (October-March)
- Price: €5
- See the latest news on the official page here.
- >> Buy your ticket to enter the garden directly
Catering
There are no restaurants inside the park. However, you’ll find several options in downtown Icod de los Vinos, just a short walk away.
The thousand-year-old dragon tree, the park’s star attraction
The tree and its impressive roots
The imposing, thousand-year-old dragon tree is, of course, the highlight of a visit to Parque del Drago. As soon as we arrived, we were struck by the sheer size of its roots, which spread out widely across the ground before rising up toward a massive trunk from which numerous branches extend.
Legend has it that when dragons died, they turned into drago. Given its shape, it’s no wonder that the ancient inhabitants of the Canary Islands regarded it as a divine tree.
Until recently, Dracaena draco was considered endemic to Madeira, the Canary Islands, and Cape Verde; however, wild populations have been discovered in Morocco.
The dragon tree, or Dracaena draco, is an iconic species of the Canary Islands, known for its particularly slow growth, which partly explains the venerable age of this specimen. You’ll no doubt be surprised by its unique shape, which is somewhere between a tree and a giant succulent.
It is 17 meters tall and has a circumference of 20 meters at the base. Its weight is estimated at 150 metric tons, not including the roots. The age of this drago has been the subject of much controversy. According to recent estimates, it is believed to be no more than 800 to 1,000 years old.
Take a moment to look at the base of the trunk and its gnarled roots—a view that gives you a sense of this tree’s power. And look up to see the branches parting and creating little ripples.
>> Buy your ticket to enter the garden directly
The Botanical Garden and Its Hidden Treasures
The rest of the garden
Beyond the dragon tree, the rest of the garden is also worth seeing. We enjoyed strolling among the various plant species on display along the trail, which complement the tour of the thousand-year-old dragon tree.
The ethnobotanical trail, in particular, allowed us to discover the traditional uses of Canarian plants—a true immersion in the local culture. There, you’ll learn how the island’s inhabitants used certain plants in their daily lives—whether for food, medicine, or to make objects.
The Lava Cave
The park also features a cave, another must-see attraction during your visit. We recommend that you include it in your tour, between the dragon tree and the garden. This is another stop that adds variety to the tour, offering a mix of nature and geological attractions.
It is a lava tube that was adapted by the Guanches (the indigenous people of the Canary Islands) for funeral rites (according to the signs at the site).
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
Breathtaking views from the park
The observation points set up in the park offer views that aren’t limited to the dragon tree. We especially enjoyed these panoramic views, which take in the Atlantic Ocean, the town of Icod de los Vinos, and Mount Teide, Tenerife’s famous volcano.
Take a moment to sit down and enjoy this panoramic view, which puts the thousand-year-old dragon tree back into its island context. Then you’ll understand why this site is so popular.
>> Buy your ticket to enter the garden directly
See the dragon tree without entering the park
If you don’t want to pay the admission fee or if you’re short on time, keep in mind that you can catch a glimpse of the thousand-year-old dragon tree from outside the park. Head to the square in front of the church in Icod de los Vinos, a spot that offers an unobstructed view of the tree without having to enter the botanical garden. Of course, this isn’t comparable to a full tour of the park, but this option is still useful for travelers passing through.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
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