Icod de los Vinos

Situated in the verdant north-west of Tenerife, Icod de los Vinos boasts a rich history that stretches back to its foundation in 1501, following the Castilian conquest of the island. The town’s name traces its origins to the Guanche word "Icod," referencing a pre-conquest settlement, and "de los Vinos," a later addition honouring the prolific wine production that flourished here from the 16th century onwards, contributing significantly to the island’s economy and reputation across Europe. Icod de los Vinos is internationally celebrated for the ancient Drago Milenario, an imposing dragon tree believed to be more than 800 years old, which has become a national monument and enduring symbol of Tenerife since the 20th century. The town’s historical centre, declared a Site of Cultural Interest, is a tapestry of traditional Canary Island architecture, with cobbled streets and stately houses like the Casa de los Cáceres, reflecting the prosperity brought by the wine trade. Religious and civic history intertwines in landmarks such as the Church of San Marcos, constructed in the 16th century atop an earlier Guanche site, and the Plaza de Andrés de Lorenzo Cáceres, a focal point for local gatherings, festivals, and political events since the 18th century. The town endured significant transformations following the eruption of the Trevejo volcano in 1706, which altered the surrounding landscape and impacted nearby settlements. In addition to its viticultural heritage, Icod de los Vinos has been a centre of cultural activity, celebrating the release of the new wine each November in the centuries-old festival known as the "Tablas de San Andrés," which traces back to the island’s early colonial days. The Cueva del Viento, one of the world’s most extensive volcanic tube systems, has been a subject of geological and archaeological study since its documented discovery in the 18th century, further cementing Icod as a location of scientific and historical intrigue. Through its blend of natural wonders, architectural heritage, and enduring customs, Icod de los Vinos stands as a living chronicle of Tenerife’s layered and vibrant past, continuing to attract scholars, connoisseurs and travellers in search of authentic Canarian history.