The north of Tenerife is home to many tourist destinations and attractions; among them is Cueva del Viento (Cave of the Wind). This astounding lava tube system is the largest in Europe and 6th in the world, just behind those found in Hawaii. Offering a fascinating underground experience, it’s a must-visit for travelers who seek exciting adventures and those with a deep appreciation for natural geology.
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History
The eruption of Pico Viejo, Tenerife’s second-highest peak and neighbor to the great Teide, birthed Cueva del Viento over 27,000 years ago. While the first documented mention of this incredible lava tube only came in 1776, centuries after the Spanish conquest of the Canary Islands, evidence suggests that the cave was no secret to the indigenous Guanches, the island’s original inhabitants, who seemed to have used it a burial site and/or considered it a place of spiritual significance. In addition, the neighborhood where the cave’s main entrance is located shares its name, indicating that the locals were aware of its existence long before any formal exploration began.
Fast-forward to 1969, the systematic study of Cueva del Viento’s depths finally commenced, and it led to astonishing discoveries about its size and intricacy. The serious efforts resulted in the publication of the cave’s first-ever map the ensuing year, showing just over 6 kilometers of its passages. More exploration in the following decades revealed the immense scale of the cave system, which, at over 18 kilometers long, trumps any of its kind in Europe and places it as one of the most extensive in the world.
What to See and Do
Guided Cave Tour
As this is a highly protected natural attraction, a guided tour is required to experience Cueva del Viento. It takes you deep, deep into the lava tubes, traversing three extraordinary levels of passages where you’ll find interesting volcanic features that can only be found in very few places in the world, such as stalactites, lava lakes, frozen waterfall-like lava cascades, and lava terraces, which are similar to the prior but more horizontal in structure. Some parts of the cave also have natural skylights that add an otherworldly glow to rock formations nearby. Besides appreciating rare sights, visitors get to learn about volcanic geology, the formation of Tenerife’s awe-inspiring landscape, and the cave’s role in the island’s colorful history.
The over 2-hour tour includes safety helmets with headlamps, a 20-minute-long explanatory introduction with video at the visitor center, van transport to and from the cave, and a steep walk to the cave along an ancient stone path.
Unique Ecosystem and Fossils
Tenerife is biodiverse even under the surface, and this is evident in Cueva del Viento. Its rich ecosystem serves as home to blind beetles, eyeless cockroaches, and other unique species (190 in total), many of which are invertebrates, that have thrived and evolved in this place’s total darkness. You’ll also find fossils of extinct vertebrates, including giant lizards and rats, as well as skeletal remains of rooks, houbara bustards, and other species no longer seen on the island. These paleontological features especially appeal to people fascinated by natural history and those interested in learning about Tenerife’s prehistoric life.
Tickets and Operating Hours
Purchase your Cueva del Viento tickets in advance online using card payments, as on-site ticket sales are not available and it’s no longer allowed to just show up and jump on the next tour.
The prices are €20 for adult tourists and €10 for Canary Islands residents, who, of course, must present a valid ID. Children between the ages of 5 and 12 can join for only €8.50, while resident children pay a reduced fee of €5. As for kids under 5, they are understandably not allowed to participate due to the challenging terrain and conditions inside the cave.
The Visitor Center is open daily, but the hours vary. On Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, it operates from 9:00 to 19:00. For the rest of the days, it closes by 16:30. During the winter months (October to March), the center is open every day up to 17:00, except on Thursdays when it closes an hour later at 18:00.
Traveler Tips
- Wear sturdy, thick-soled footwear, ideally trainers or hiking boots, as the cave floor can be uneven, rough, and slippery. No sandals!
- Bring a light jacket/sweater, as temperatures inside the cave are cooler than outside.
- It’s best to book your tour at least a week in advance, especially during busy tourist seasons.
- There are plenty of photo opportunities inside the cave, so bring a camera or phone with a really good flash.
- The cave tour requires moderate physical activity, including walking and bending. It’s not recommended for people with mobility problems.
- Choose the right tour when booking to ensure optimal experience. It’s available in English, Spanish, and German.
- Backpacks are not allowed, but you can bring one and just leave it at the visitor center. They offer free lockers.
- For safety reasons, only take photos when stationary, not while moving.
- Consider timing your Cueva del Viento visit with a night tour of Mount Teide for a full day of incredible fun and learning.
- While the visitors center is in Icod, it’s not close to the Icod bus station. If you go by bus, you’ll have to go on a 30-minute to an hour of fairly steep, uphill walk. For this reason, we recommend driving or taking a cab to get there.
Dining Options Nearby
Taberna Cueva Del Viento
Taberna Cueva Del Viento is the only dining option near the Visitor Center, but don’t think customers only dine here out of convenience, as their lovely traditional Canarian dishes and cozy atmosphere make them an absolute must-try. After your cave tour, make sure to try their crowd-favorites, including queso asado (grilled cheese), pollo al ajillo (garlic chicken), and conejo al ajillo (garlic rabbit). Also don’t miss their homemade croquetas (croquettes) and barraquito (alcoholic coffee) to complete your meal.
Restaurante Pescados La Barca
Just a short 4-minute drive away, La Barca is a great stop for seafood lovers heading to or from Cueva del Viento. This humble yet charming restaurant specializes in dishes like fried salt cod, calamares en su tinta (squid in its ink), and fresh camarones (shrimp)—a true taste of the local waters in Canarian fare. Need a palate cleanser? Their ultra-refreshing maracuyá (passion fruit) liquor is just what you need.
La Parada Casa De Comidas
One of the most sought-after restaurants in the Icod municipality, La Parada is that place you’d have to either make a reservation or be willing to wait for a table. Their tapas menu is ultra popular for those looking to share, but you can also go for a full meal. Their best-sellers include rabbit stew, grilled goat cheese, slow braised goat meat, encebollado (onion-dressed cod stew), arroz caldoso (seafood rice), and Canarian ropa Vieja (meat stew with garbanzos). For dessert, don’t forget to save room for a slice of apple pie or their breaded aubergines with coconut honey.
How to Get There
By Bus
From Puerto de la Cruz, take bus 108 or 363 to Icod de los Vinos, and then switch to bus 360 or 358, which takes you to the nearest bus stop to the Cueva del Viento visitor center. From Costa Adeje, take bus 460 to Icod de los Vinos and then transfer to bus 360. As mentioned, the nearest bus stop to Cueva del Viento requires plenty of uphill walk, so you may need to get a cab from one of the stops.
By Car
If driving from Santa Cruz, take the TF-5 highway towards Icod de los Vinos and exit at 55, then simply follow signs to Cueva del Viento. For tourists coming from Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos, take the TF-1 northbound and connect to the TF-82 via TF-375, then follow the signs to the Visitor Center.
Explore Tenerife’s Subterranean World
Visiting Cueva del Viento means you get to explore one of the world’s most impressive and biodiverse volcanic lava tube systems. With its one-of-a-kind landscape and residents, this natural attraction is perfect for geology buffs, nature lovers, or basically anyone seeking a truly different island adventure in Tenerife.
