Tenerife Grants Icod Residents Free Access to Cueva del Viento to Boost Local Ties
The Tenerife Island Council has introduced free monthly access to the Cueva del Viento for local residents of Icod de los Vinos to strengthen community ties while maintaining strict conservation efforts at the volcanic site.
Cueva del Viento, Europe’s largest volcanic cave system, is working to build stronger connections with the local community. The Tenerife Island Council (Cabildo de Tenerife) has announced that residents of Icod de los Vinos can now visit the site for free on the last Sunday of every month. This initiative, introduced by island vice-president Lope Afonso and local officials, aims to make this unique geological heritage more accessible while balancing high tourist interest with the need to protect a fragile ecosystem.
The site is currently in high demand, reaching 96.5% capacity in 2025. Last year, 23,409 visitors from 63 different countries explored the caves. To protect the site—which was formed 27,000 years ago by the eruptions of Pico Viejo—the Cabildo limits tours to groups of 15 people. Conservation is the top priority, with the site using advanced LiDAR technology and gas sensors to monitor the stability of the tunnels.
Beyond tourism, the caves serve as a vital scientific and educational resource. Last year, the site hosted 154 organized groups and 24 schools, acting as an outdoor classroom where visitors can see Guanche archaeological remains and fossils of extinct species, such as the giant rat and giant lizard. Because the caves remain in their natural state without artificial lighting, visitors must wear helmets and carry their own lights. This authentic experience is highly rated, consistently scoring between 4.8 and 5 out of 5.
Looking ahead, the management company Ideco is exploring the possibility of adding new routes, including night tours and access to the lower gallery. Any expansion, however, depends on strict studies regarding ventilation, humidity, and environmental impact.
Standard ticket prices remain in place for the general public, ranging from 8.50 euros for minors to 25 euros for adults, with discounts available for Canarian residents. By offering free access to Icod residents, the Cabildo hopes to ensure that this underground treasure is seen not just as a tourist attraction, but as a core part of the local identity.