We came to see the tree. Not any regular tree, but the one and only Drago Millenario. Previously in Tenerife, we encountered volcanic scars in Garachico, the gorgeous Masca valley, and the underwater world. Now it was time for Sunday brunch in Icod de los Vinos, where the mythical tree exists.

Garden of Knowledge

I do love botanical gardens. And the one that surrounds the Drago Millenario is really special. Tenerife, even though it's a small island, has plenty of microclimates, and the Drago botanical garden is one of the best places to learn about them.

After buying tickets near the parking lot, we walked to the narrow park entrance. Stepping inside felt like entering a magical garden. The vast Atlantic Ocean spreads to the right, while the cascades of the botanical gardens are beautifully presented in front. The winding path started at the iconic Drago Millenario and continued to other areas.

The educational boards written in Spanish and English showcased the variety of life in Tenerife. Visitors can understand how the altitude from sea level to 3,715 meters (12,188 feet) of Mount Teide affects fauna, flora, and fungi. Or which endemic lizard species live on the island.

Besides these richly illustrated metal boards, we loved the smells, not of the metal, but of the herbs. One section was dedicated to all edible plants, like refreshing peppermint, yummy oregano, sweet cinnamon, and calming fennel.

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The Ancient Dragon Tree

While the whole botanical park is charming, and I love coming back here, Drago Millenario was the main attraction. Named after a mythical creature because when the tree is cut, it releases a characteristic red sap.

It's also the oldest tree in the Canary Islands, estimated to be around 1,000 years old. However, the estimate fluctuates depending on who performed the measurement and when it was measured. For me, the ambiguity around its age adds even more mystery. As the Dragon Tree was already an important religious object for the Guanche, the indigenous people of the Canary Islands.

And we're all better off, as Drago Millenario started growing in pre-recorded history, then survived Spanish colonization, and island modernization. It's a national monument since 1917, and it was even featured on Spanish banknotes (before the introduction of the Euro).

Former 1000 Spanish pesetas with Dragon Tree | Jean Michel Etchecolonea, CC BY-SA 3.0

Casa del Drago

After a pleasant and informative walk around the Drago botanical garden, we sit down in Casa del Drago. Years ago, I came here for a digital nomad brunch. The event was spectacular, thanks to great interior design, an appealing courtyard, delicious food, and great company.

Once again, Casa del Drago delivered on all of these fronts, and it was a bliss to share a meal here with my partner. There's no better place for brunch after visiting the mighty Dragon Tree.