The Cueva del Viento, located in the municipality of Icod de los Vinos, is not only one of Tenerife’s most remarkable natural attractions but also a reference point for volcanic caves across Europe. Despite its significance, it remains overlooked by many visitors to the island. As the longest volcanic tube in Europe and the fifth longest in the world, spanning an impressive 18.5 kilometres, it boasts unparalleled geological and ecological complexity.
A Remarkable Visitor Experience
Managed by Ideco, a public company under the Cabildo de Tenerife, the cave welcomed 5,371 visitors during the summer season, achieving an impressive 95.2% occupancy rate for available tours. The Tenerife Councillor for Culture and Museums, José Carlos Acha, highlighted the exceptional satisfaction of visitors, with an average rating of 9.5 out of 10, based on over 3,000 surveys.

Acha noted that the wildfires in Tenerife last August temporarily closed the facility, resulting in 405 missed visitor opportunities. Despite this, the cave successfully hosted 376 guided tours between July and September in three languages: Spanish (242 tours), English (76 tours), and German (46 tours). These included visits by students, journalists, and tourists coordinated by tour operators. Interestingly, 20% of visitors were Canary Island residents, illustrating the local community’s interest in exploring the island’s unique geological wonders.
Unique Geological and Ecological Features
The Cueva del Viento was formed approximately 27,000 years ago by lava flows from Pico Viejo, a volcano near Mount Teide. Its name, which translates to “Cave of the Wind,” derives from the powerful air currents that flow through its interior. What makes this cave particularly fascinating is its network of galleries, which span three superimposed levels and feature unexplored branches. These galleries include striking formations such as:
- Lava drops
- Lava cascades
- Lateral terraces
- Lava lakes

Beyond its physical beauty, the cave holds ecological, scientific, and archaeological importance. It is home to unique species such as the subterranean eyeless cockroach (Loboptera), and it contains archaeological remains from Guanche burials as well as fossils of extinct vertebrates like the giant rat, the giant lizard, and the houbara bustard.
Enhancements and Safety Measures
Recent improvements include the updating of the Self-Protection Plan, a drill involving personnel from multiple entities, first-aid training for staff, and aesthetic upgrades to the Visitor Centre. These efforts ensure both visitor safety and a high-quality experience.
Booking Your Visit

Visits to the Cueva del Viento can be booked via its official website. Ticket prices are:
- Adults: €20 (reduced to €10 for Canary Island residents)
- Children over 5: €8.50 (reduced to €5 for residents)
A Unique Destination Worth Exploring
The Cueva del Viento is more than a natural wonder; it is a journey into Tenerife’s geological and cultural history. With its combination of natural beauty, ecological significance, and archaeological treasures, it is an essential stop for anyone visiting the Canary Islands.