Icod de los Vinos

Founded in 1501, the city is a collection of ancient houses, palaces, churches and convents.

The city is surrounded by fertile valley, and its streets and corners offer views of the famous volcano, El Teide, as well as dense pine forests. It is full of banana plantations, orchards and vineyards. The valley is very fertile and agriculturally rich and beautiful to look at.

In Icod, close to the Church of San Marcos, stands a famous Dragon Tree, which is reputed to be a thousand years old (hence its local name, El Drago Milenario: the Thousand-Year-Old Dragon). It is the long-time symbol of Icod.

We were sightseeing around the island and wanted to show our friend this awesome tree--which is native to the Canary Islands.

Used to be you could drive right up to it, but now it has been converted to a Park and you have to pay 5 Euros (locals pay 3 Euros) to enter the park.

We didn't have time to do this so we went to the Gift Shop and the Outside Patio had a small bar where you could sit and have something to eat or drink and we were able to see the Drago Tree from the back. Our server was very friendly, personable and attentive and the prices were very reasonable. They also have a wine shop were they have a great selection of wines, cheeses and other items from the entire island.

You can also see El Teide in the background. And on a clear day it is impressive to see.