
Drago Milenario Tenerife: A Natural Treasure of Icod de los Vinos
The Drago Milenario de Icod de los Vinos is an emblematic tree and one of the most significant natural symbols of Tenerife, and even of all the Canary Islands. It is an specimen of drago (Dracaena draco), an endemic species of Macaronesia, estimated to be between 600 and 800 years old, although some popular legends attribute it with over a thousand years.
The Impressive Drago Milenario Tenerife
This majestic tree is located in the Parque del Drago, in the municipality of Icod de los Vinos, and is visited by thousands of tourists every year. Its imposing size, with a height of approximately 18 meters and a trunk circumference of about 20 meters at its base, makes it an impressive natural spectacle. The Drago Milenario de Tenerife is recognized for its peculiar shape resembling an inverted umbrella, with its branches rising towards the sky forming a dense and rounded canopy. This characteristic shape develops after the first flowering, when the trunk bifurcates into two branches, a process that repeats successively.
The Blood of the Drago Milenario: Medicinal Treasure
The Drago Milenario is known for its red sap, called "dragon's blood," which has been used since ancient times for medicinal purposes and for dyeing. This resin has healing, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties that were utilized by both the aboriginal Guanches and later by European colonizers. In addition to its historical and cultural value, the drago is also an important element of the local ecosystem, providing shelter and food for various species of native fauna and flora of the Canary Islands.
Visit to the Millenary Tree of Tenerife
Visiting the Drago Milenario de Icod is a unique experience that allows one to connect with the nature and history of Tenerife. The surrounding park offers a pleasant stroll through botanical gardens and other endemic plant species, complementing the visit to this exceptional natural monument.
Attractions of the Parque del Drago Milenario
The tour includes:
Botanical gardens with Canarian species
Viewpoints with panoramic views
Interpretation center
Exhibitions on the history and biology of the drago
Rest and contemplation areas
Information for Visiting the Drago Milenario Tenerife
The Parque del Drago is open every day of the year. Opening hours vary by season, but generally it is open from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Admission costs approximately €5 for adults, with discounts for children, students, and Canarian residents. It is recommended to combine the visit to the Drago Milenario de Tenerife with other attractions in Icod de los Vinos, such as its traditional wineries or the Museo del Malvasía, to make the most of your stay in the northern part of the island.
Links of Interest
For more information about this and other natural treasures, you can consult the Official Tourism Guide of Tenerife. You can also explore more about emblematic Canarian trees or other destinations in northern Tenerife.
The Drago Milenario in the Culture of Tenerife
This millenary tree is not only a tourist attraction but a cultural symbol deeply rooted in Canarian identity. It appears in numerous legends, popular songs, and local crafts, representing the longevity and resilience of the island people. Discovering the Drago Milenario de Icod de los Vinos is to delve into a living piece of Tenerife's natural history, a silent witness to the passage of time that continues to amaze all its visitors.
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