Cueva del Viento – Private Tour of Europe’s Largest Lava Cave

Exclusive guided tours for guests of Villa ARTE.

Cueva del Viento – Private Tour

Europe’s largest lava cave – exclusive for guests of Villa ARTE.

Cueva del Viento Guided Tour
Lageplan Teneriffa

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Cueva del Viento: A Natural Wonder Underground

For families with older children, it’s a true adventure. For geology lovers, an unforgettable highlight. If you’re looking for a truly unique nature experience on Tenerife, don’t miss the Cueva del Viento.

This underground tunnel system near Icod de los Vinos stretches over 17 kilometres, making it one of the longest lava tubes in the world – and the longest in Europe. A global rarity: the cave has a three-level structure of stacked lava tubes. Formed around 27,000 years ago during an eruption of Pico Viejo, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Tenerife’s volcanic origins.

Where else can you walk inside a frozen lava flow?

The “Cave of the Wind” isn’t a classic cave, but a vast network of interconnected lava tubes. These structures are formed during volcanic eruptions with thin, fast-flowing lava. As the lava cools, the outer layer solidifies faster than the core. Once the flow stops completely, a system of hollow tunnels remains – leaving behind impressive multi-level tube formations.

Cueva del Viento

Exclusive Tour for Guests of Villa ARTE

The cave is a protected natural monument and can only be visited with a guided tour. Tickets are limited and often sold out weeks in advance. But we can offer something special: Jochen Isler, a long-time guide at Cueva del Viento, now retired, offers exclusive private tours for our guests.

Your adventure begins with a short walk along a traditional path – the Camino Real – through a peaceful pine forest. Along the way, Jochen shares stories about Tenerife’s history, its volcanology, and the unique nature of the island. Did you know, for example, how many litres of water a Canarian pine can harvest daily from the trade winds? You’ll be surprised!

Once you reach the cave entrance, your underground explorer experience begins. Unlike many tourist caves, Cueva del Viento has no artificial lighting or effects – just you, your guide, and a torch. A truly authentic insight into this remarkable volcanic tunnel system.

The tours are free of charge, but Jochen greatly appreciates a fair tip.

If you’re interested, please contact Jochen directly via WhatsApp to arrange a date.

cueva del Viento 3

Wear long trousers, a jumper and/or jacket, and sturdy closed shoes with a good grip. Inside the cave, the temperature ranges between 10 and 14 degrees Celsius, with around 80% humidity.

What to Expect in the Cueva del Viento

The Guanches already knew about the Cueva del Viento over 2,000 years ago and used it as a burial site. The first written mention of the cave appeared in the 18th century, but real scientific exploration didn’t begin until 1969. Mountaineering clubs, speleologists and university researchers began mapping the tunnels and shafts of this vast system — much of which remains unexplored to this day. A small section was finally opened to the public in June 2008.

The first thing you’ll notice: total darkness. No light means no plant life. Biologists have discovered around 190 species in the cave that are perfectly adapted to the underground environment, as well as subfossil bones of extinct animals that were preserved during a volcanic eruption.

You’ll follow tunnel walls marked with lava flow traces, and admire lava stalactites, cascades and undulating lava lakes. With Jochen’s vivid storytelling, you’ll learn how the lava from Pico Viejo flowed down the mountain, cooled and formed the visible tubes, shafts and natural sculptures.

The tour isn’t just a fascinating experience for geology enthusiasts – it’s also great for kids! Jochen adapts the tour to your pace and interests, and makes it accessible for children and teenagers. There’s so much to discover – you’ll be amazed.

And after your trip into the cool underworld of Tenerife, the sun-drenched rooftop terrace at Villa ARTE is waiting to welcome you back.

Villa Arte Azotea

Villa ARTE is located in the picturesque coastal town of Garachico, in the lush north of Tenerife. Perfectly situated for excursions to the Cueva del Viento, the Teno Mountains or Mount Teide.

There are 1,000 reasons to visit Tenerife!

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