When we talk about Icod de Los Vinos, we are talking about one of the most beautiful municipalities in the north of Tenerife.
Icod, the capital of the municipality, has a star symbol that characterizes it: the famous Thousand-year-old Dragon Tree, a dragon tree specimen declared as a National Monument and a must for all nature lovers. Later we will talk about the Thousand-year-old Dragon Tree but now we will focus on getting to know a bit more about Icod de Los Vinos.
In the municipality of Icod de Los Vinos there are approximately 23,000 people living in an area of 96 square kilometers.
History of Icod de Los Vinos
History tells us that Icod was the first place on the island inhabited by the Canarian aborigines, the Guanches. Later and after the conquest, the population began to group in those places where there was greater availability of water, around the ravine of Caforiño.
At the end of the 18th century, the most serious fire in the history of the municipality took place, accidentally produced by embers lighted by a nun. In a short time it spread through a significant part of the municipality, affecting a total of 20 buildings. Finally it had to be nipped in the bud and additional houses had to be demolished, so that the fire would not continue spreading.
What to see in Icod de Los Vinos
Among the most important places to visit in the municipality of Icod de Los Vinos and that we certainly encourage you to discover during your visit to the island of Tenerife are the following:
Church of San Marcos
Located inside the Plaza de Andrés de Lorenzo Cáceres, which was once a small square, the Church of San Marcos is a place of convergence for the inhabitants of Icod, with a carved stone portal, declared together with the square Site of Cultural Interest in 2006. The altarpiece of the main chapel is of baroque island style.
The Church has a great artistic heritage, highlighting among its works the painting of the Holy Souls in Purgatory in the Altarpiece of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, work of José Tomás Pablo, famous inhabitant of Puerto de la Cruz, who reproduces in his work Saint Michael the Archangel, the Glory and the Holy Trinity, the Virgin Mary and her son, among others.
In addition there are also other outstanding works within it, such as a painting of Saint Anne and another referring to The Annunciation.
Plaza de la Constitución
It is the first square built in Icod, popularly known as Plaza de la Pila, around which the most illustrious and wealthy citizens’ homes began to be build in the years after the construction thereof. Here exotic species can be found.
Cueva del viento (Wind cave)
It is one of the most exotic and very interesting places for adventurers and lovers of geology. The Wind Cave is the largest volcanic cavity in Europe and the third in the world, since it has more than 18 kilometers in length. You can read in our blog a detailed analysis about the Wind Cave and what you can find there.
San Marcos beach
A beautiful beach with black sand, as is usual in this area of the island. In addition this beach is very accessible and is adapted for people with reduced mobility. It also has hammocks, umbrellas, toilets, telephones, showers… It is a perfect place to enjoy a pleasant day under the sun or the sunset in Icod de Los Vinos. In addition, the waters are usually quite calm on this beach.
Franciscan Convent of the Holy Spirit
The Franciscan Convent of the Holy Spirit has gone through many phases with different functions. For example, it is currently the location of the Municipal Library of Icod de Los Vinos. This convent was built thanks in large part to donations from the wealthiest families of the seventeenth century. It was exactly in 1641 when it was founded. Inside it keeps some beautiful surprises as a striking fountain with the god Neptune. Since the beginning of the nineteenth century the convent is no longer a convent as such, and has been transformed over the years in schools, theaters, cemetery, barracks, cinema… A very well-used space.
Thousand-year-old Dragon Tree of Icod de Los Vinos
As we told you before, this famous dragon tree was declared in 1917 as a National Monument. In the vicinity of the park where the Thousand-year-old Dragon Tree is located, we can also find different plant species, since it is designed for the study of the flora and vegetation of the environment, it also has a volcanic cave, picnic areas and coal bunkers.
Of all known dragon trees, it is currently the oldest in the world and also the largest of its kind, with its imposing 18 meters in height.
There is a debate about the exact longevity of this tree, since no study has been able to confirm it accurately, but it is estimated that it has around 1,000 years of history, although there are people who consider that it is even older.
You already have all the information you need to enjoy a pleasant and informed excursion to the beautiful town of Icod de Los Vinos. We are sure that your visit will not leave you indifferent, since it is one of the most attractive places of the whole island, and its visit is very worthwhile. We hope you like it and we have helped you to know a little more about the places to visit and its history.
