The northern coast of Tenerife is a lot different from the more tranquil south. On this side of the island, the Atlantic Ocean is angrier, the water is colder, and the sand is neither golden and soft, but black and volcanic. But that doesn’t mean the beaches of the north are never fun. We really enjoyed the small rocky beach of San Marcos, near Icod.
After having paid €5 apiece to look at a tree, we were a little wary of dropping the same amount on another “experience” in Icod de los Vinos. But I’m glad we did — the Casa de Plátano was definitely worth the price of entry. And not just for the delicious banana they give you upon entering.
The natural symbol of Tenerife is its unmistakable Dragon Tree… or “Drago”, if you’re Spanish… or “Dracaena draco”, if you’re some kind of horticulture geek. These trees are native to the Canary Islands, and known for the red “dragon’s blood” they ooze when cut. The largest example of their species can be found in Icod de los Vinos, though they’re easily spotted just about everywhere on the island.
Although they’re long gone, assimilated completely into the genetic lineage of their Spanish conquerers, the aboriginal inhabitants of the Canary Islands have a strong presence in Canarian culture. Before submitting to the Europeans, the Guanches lived on the islands for around two thousand years, and have left a large footprint.
