Mariposario del Drago

The Drago Butterfly Garden, next to the Ancient Dragon Tree in Icod de los Vinos, is an unexpected gem in Tenerife. Opened in 1997, it's the first center in Spain dedicated exclusively to butterflies. Inside its 400 m², seven-meter-high greenhouse, a controlled tropical climate reigns—between 24 and 29°C and 80% humidity—allowing some 800 butterflies of more than 150 species to fly freely as if they were in their natural habitat.

The cool thing is that you can see the entire life cycle: from eggs and caterpillars to chrysalides and adults ready to fly. New butterflies are born every day, and if you're in the right place, you can watch the hatching in its "laboratory"—a magical moment. I myself was amazed when I saw a monarch butterfly just emerging from its cocoon, its body larger than its still-folded wings.

The walk through the tropical garden is beautiful: small bridges over an artificial stream, a waterfall, and nectar-bearing and soft plants so butterflies can land on you if you're wearing light-colored or scented clothing. The large Attacus atlas, with wingspans of up to 30 cm, is one of the most striking specimens. Of course, you can't touch its delicate wings, but you can take photos or record videos with a flash without any problem. The grounds are fully accessible for people with reduced mobility.