Icor can be considered from two distinct perspectives when planning a trip: the historic Caserío and the Barranco with its protected landscape. A self-guided route includes the Caserío as a recommended stop; workshops on cheese and gofio are also offered in the surrounding area. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Icor, this selection can help answer the first question: should your trip focus mainly on architecture and history, landscape and habitats, or a combination of both?

Historic settlement and Canarian architecture

The Caserío de Icor is protected as a Site of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) in the Historic Site category. Its protected status was established by a decree dated 17 May 2005. The settlement originated in the mid-16th century; its inhabitants grew wheat, grapevines and fruit trees, and kept goats and sheep. Agriculture and livestock farming are therefore part of the historic background of the settlement complex.

The traditional Canarian houses are arranged as individual blocks, in an L shape, or with sections grouped around courtyards. Their roofs are covered with Arab tiles; the floors and ceilings are made of wood. The Caserío is located on the main road at an altitude of about 330 metres above sea level.

Two dates should be kept distinct for historical context: the mid-16th century marks the settlement’s origins, while 17 May 2005 is the date of the decree establishing its protected status. The decree is therefore not a founding date; likewise, the settlement’s origins do not refer to the protection decision.

Barranco, habitats and a nearby stone arch

The Barranco de Icor is designated as Special Area of Conservation (ZEC) ES7020118. The deeply incised ravine faces southeast and contains a significant stand of juniper trees. The Barranco also includes the habitat type “Matorrales termomediterráneos y pre-estépicos” (thermo-Mediterranean and pre-desert scrub). This distinguishes the Caserío’s focus as a Historic Site from the Barranco’s focus on nature conservation and landscape.

Another point of interest in the landscape lies in the area around Icor, outside the settlement: in the neighbouring municipality of Fasnia, a natural stone arch formed by basaltic lava flows is located in the Barranco de la Linde. It lies on the Icor-Las Eras road and separates the municipalities of Arico and Fasnia.

How to plan your route and activities

The self-guided route “Ruta autoguiada por Fasnia y Arico” lists the Caserío de Icor as a recommended stop. Its estimated total duration is 3 hours and 10 minutes. This time applies to the route as a whole, not just the stop. When planning, you can therefore distinguish the total time for the route from the time you would like to spend at the Caserío.

Workshops on making artisanal cheese and gofio, among other things, are offered at Finca El Helecho in the area around Icor. If you would like to include a workshop in your stay, confirm its availability when planning.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Arona, El Sauzal, La Orotava, Almáciga, Los Carrizales, Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Icod De Los Vinos, Garachico.

For the broader travel overview: Tenerife.