Icod de los Vinos is a classic stop in northern Tenerife, but it deserves more than getting out of the car, taking a photograph of the ancient dragon tree and hurrying onwards. It has a historic centre, squares, local wine, views towards the coast, Cueva del Viento very close by and a perfect location for combining with Garachico or Isla Baja.
What to see in Icod de los Vinos
- Ancient Dragon Tree: the municipality’s symbol and one of the most famous trees in the Canary Islands.
- Parque del Drago: the garden where you can visit the dragon tree and its botanical setting.
- Plaza Andrés de Lorenzo Cáceres: one of the most pleasant places in the town centre.
- Church of San Marcos: a heritage landmark in the historic centre.
- Casa del Plátano: an interesting visit for understanding one of Tenerife’s key crops.
- Cueva del Viento: a nearby volcanic tube that requires advance booking.
- San Marcos Beach: the municipality’s sheltered beach, where you can complete your visit if the weather is suitable.
Ancient Dragon Tree: admission price and opening hours
Tenerife Island Council lists general admission to Parque del Drago at €5, with a €3 rate for students and pensioners, €2.50 for children under eight and free access for Icod residents. The opening hours published by Tenerife Tourism are 09:00 to 20:00 from April to September and 10:00 to 18:00 during the rest of the year.
You can also see the dragon tree from the area around the square without entering the park, but a visit inside helps you understand the garden better and lets you see the tree at a more relaxed pace.
Cueva del Viento
Cueva del Viento is one of the major attractions near Icod. It is not a place for an improvised visit: you need a reservation and suitable footwear, and must follow the centre’s instructions. If you are interested in Tenerife’s volcanic geology, it is one of the most special visits in the north.
My recommendation is not to try to fit the dragon tree, old town, Cueva del Viento, Garachico and Masca into the same day. It sounds impressive in a list, but you will enjoy very little of it. Icod with Garachico, or Icod with Cueva del Viento and a relaxed lunch, is better.
Half-day route
- First stop: Parque del Drago and the main square.
- Walk: the historic centre, Church of San Marcos and nearby streets.
- Lunch or coffee: in the town centre or on the route towards Garachico.
- Extra: Cueva del Viento if you have a reservation, or San Marcos Beach if you want the sea.
Icod works very well on a northern route with La Orotava, Garachico or Los Silos. If you have a car, allow time for parking and do not drive into the centre in a rush.
Practical tips
- Book Cueva del Viento in advance.
- Check the Parque del Drago opening hours before going.
- Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets and slopes.
- Do not park where you obstruct local traffic.
- Try local wine or produce, but do not drive if you drink.
- Combine Icod with Garachico for a well-rounded route through the north.
If you come from Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava or Garachico, Icod works very well as a central stop. If you travel from the south, allow more driving time and do not combine it with too many visits. The north is more enjoyable when you accept its bends and leave some room in the day.
Frequently asked questions
How much does admission to Parque del Drago cost?
The general admission price listed by Tenerife Island Council is €5, with reduced rates for students, pensioners and children, and free access for Icod residents.
Can you see the ancient dragon tree for free?
Yes, you can see it from the area around the square. Entering Parque del Drago lets you see it from closer and explore the botanical garden.
What else is there to see in Icod de los Vinos besides the dragon tree?
The historic centre, Church of San Marcos, Plaza Andrés de Lorenzo Cáceres, Casa del Plátano, Cueva del Viento and San Marcos Beach.
How much time do I need to visit Icod de los Vinos?
A relaxed half day is enough for the dragon tree and town centre. If you add Cueva del Viento or Garachico, set aside a full day for the area.
If you are going to explore this part of the island, it will help to keep our guide to what to see in North Tenerife and the option to hire a car in Puerto de la Cruz close at hand, so you can travel without depending on timetables.
How to fit this visit into a route
My favourite way to approach these towns and cities is to choose one main visit and two gentle stops around it. This avoids turning the day into an endless list and leaves room to walk, eat well or take a detour if you encounter a beautiful viewpoint.
When possible, park outside the most central area and enter on foot. In historic centres, saving five minutes in the car almost never makes up for narrow streets, one-way systems and the search for a space.
If the day is clear, combine heritage with scenery. If it is cloudy or windy, concentrate on the town centre, market, cafés, museums or restaurants. Tenerife varies greatly from one area to another, and adapting the plan to the weather is usually better than fighting it.
