Inside Cueva del Viento, Europe’s longest lava tube near Icod de los Vinos
The system runs for 17 kilometres, and guided tours cover about 190 metres of it. Groups travel by minibus to the entrance after a briefing at the visitor centre, where guides explain how the tubes formed.
Johannes Bornewasser is an author, journalist and editor-in-chief of Teneriffa News. He is regarded as a recognised expert on the Canary Islands. Bornewasser is also responsible for the editorial content of the website.
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Photo: Inselverwaltung TeneriffaDuring the guided tour, the formation of the approximately 27,000-year-old tunnel system is explained in a very entertaining way.
Photo: Johannes BornewasserVisitors to Europe’s longest lava cave on Tenerife can explore parts of the tunnel. Here is a view of the ceiling of the lava cave. The roots visible there are the only plant-based source of food for the approximately 120 living creatures within this almost completely closed ecosystem.
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Photo: Johannes BornewasserBefore the expedition, theoretical knowledge is provided at the Cueva del Viento information centre. Here, cave guide Dragan explains how the underground passages were formed.Photo: Johannes BornewasserThe tour then sets off in minibuses towards the starting point. Along the final stretch of the walk there, there are informative displays at various points explaining volcanoes and how lava caves are formed. One such stopping point on the ascent is this 27,000-year-old basalt rock.Photo: Johannes BornewasserInside the cave, thousands of water droplets form on the ceiling during the winter rainy season. In the beam of the headlamps, it looks like a breathtaking starry sky.Photo: Inselverwaltung TeneriffaDuring the guided tour, the history of the tunnel system is explained in a very entertaining way.Photo: Inselverwaltung TeneriffaAround 190 metres of the system, which stretches for many kilometres, are open to the public.Photo: Inselverwaltung TeneriffaThe basalt rock takes on the strangest shapes in some places. The qualified cave guides explain exactly how these are formed in a very entertaining way.
The lava cave in the north of Tenerife is a wonderful place to learn more about the formation of the Canary Islands and to get to know the natural surroundings of this marvellous spot better. Click on the link below to find lots more information, opening times and full details about the Cueva del Viento in Tenerife.
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