Icod de los Vinos & Garachico

Icod de los Vinos

The historic wine-growing village in the northwest is especially famous for the Drago Milenario — the oldest and largest Canarian Dragon Tree (Dracaena draco) in the world. Age estimates range from 500 to over 1,000 years, but the silhouette is unmistakable: 16 meters high, a massive trunk, and an umbrella-shaped crown. The tree stands in the Parque del Drago (admission: 5€), but the best free view is from Plaza Andrés de Lorenzo Cáceres.

Icod is also one of the oldest wine-growing areas in the Canaries. The Malvasía wine from here was famous even in Shakespeare's time (he calls it "Canary Wine" in various plays). In the bodegas on the outskirts, you can taste the local wine.

Cueva del Viento: The largest lava cave in Europe and the fifth largest in the world — a 17-kilometer-long system of lava tunnels, formed by the eruption of Pico Viejo 27,000 years ago. Guided tours (2h, max. 16 people) show a small part of the spectacular tunnels with lava formations, stalactites, and endemic fauna. Reservation required: 20€.

Garachico

Garachico was once the most important port in Tenerife — until the volcanic eruption of 1706 buried half the town under lava and destroyed the harbor. Today, what remains and has been rebuilt is one of the most charming coastal villages in the Canaries:

• El Caletón — Natural Pools: The absolute highlight. Where the lava of 1706 flowed into the sea, natural pools of black volcanic rock were formed, filled with crystal-clear seawater. Swimming in these natural pools with a view of the historic old town is an experience like no other. Free admission.
• Castillo de San Miguel: The small fortress at the harbor survived the volcanic eruption and is now a museum with an exhibition on the dramatic history of the town.
• Plaza de la Libertad: The pretty main square with a centuries-old laurel tree and historic buildings. Here you can sit in a café and look out to sea.
• Roque de Garachico: A striking rock cone in the sea right in front of the town — it is the landmark of Garachico and a dream photo motif at sunset.