·5 min read
Things to Do in Costa del Silencio, Tenerife
A local guide to the best beaches, walks, day trips, and activities around Costa del Silencio — one of Tenerife's most underrated corners.
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Costa del Silencio is not the kind of place that shouts for attention. There are no mega-resorts, no strip clubs, no all-inclusive complexes. What it has is a quiet stretch of volcanic coastline, clean air, warm winters, and enough to keep a group of adults or a family busy for two weeks without having to try very hard.
Here's an honest guide to what to do here.
The Beaches
Costa del Silencio doesn't have a sandy beach of its own — the coastline is volcanic rock and natural pools. That's actually part of its charm.
Playa de Montaña Amarilla is the natural beach a five-minute walk from the centre of Costa del Silencio. It's a small rocky cove with clear, calm water and interesting rock formations. Good for snorkelling.
Las Galletas is a proper beach town 10 minutes on foot to the east. There's a harbour, a long promenade, and a sandy beach with gentle waves. Relaxed atmosphere, local restaurants, a Tuesday market.
El Médano is 15 minutes by car — the best beach on the south coast and one of the best kitesurfing spots in Europe. Two kilometres of sandy beach, consistent wind, and a good selection of beach bars. Even if you're not into watersports, it's worth a trip for the beach and the atmosphere.
Getting to El Médano
No need to rent a car — a taxi from Costa del Silencio to El Médano costs around €12–15 each way. The 111 bus also runs regularly along this route.
Walking and Nature
The volcanic landscape around Costa del Silencio is genuinely dramatic once you get into it.
Montaña Roja Natural Reserve is a protected volcanic cone rising 171 metres above the shore, right next to El Médano. The walk to the summit takes about 40 minutes and offers some of the best views on the south coast — you can see the whole of southern Tenerife and, on a clear day, La Gomera and El Hierro. Free to visit, no facilities.
The Coastal Path from Costa del Silencio to Las Galletas follows the shoreline for about 3 km and takes under an hour each way. It's mostly flat, paved, and accessible. Good for early mornings before the sun gets too strong.
Punta de la Rasca is the southernmost point of Tenerife, about 4 km west of Costa del Silencio. The walk from the resort takes about an hour along dirt tracks. Lighthouse, dramatic cliffs, and completely deserted. Bring water.
Day Trips from Costa del Silencio
The location in the south puts you within easy reach of Tenerife's best sights.
Mount Teide and the National Park — The drive takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Go early to avoid crowds and haze. The cable car to the summit needs advance booking. Even without the cable car, the lunar landscape of Las Cañadas is extraordinary. Free to enter the park; cable car tickets around €28/person.
Los Gigantes — The 600-metre sea cliffs on Tenerife's west coast are unlike anything else on the island. A 45-minute drive. Combine with whale watching — several operators run 2-hour trips to see resident pilot whales and dolphins. Book in Los Gigantes harbour.
Siam Park — One of the best water parks in the world (genuinely — it's been ranked #1 in Europe multiple times). 30 minutes from Costa del Silencio. Worth it for a day, especially with kids or a group. Book tickets online to save money.
Santa Cruz and La Laguna — The capital and the colonial UNESCO heritage town are an hour north. Worth a day if you want culture, good restaurants, and a complete change from the beach. February is exceptional — the Santa Cruz carnival is one of the biggest in the world.
Water Activities
The calm, clear water around the south coast is excellent for water activities.
- Snorkelling — Montaña Amarilla and the rocky pools around Costa del Silencio have good visibility and plenty of fish. Bring your own mask and fins or rent in Las Galletas.
- Kitesurfing and windsurfing — El Médano is the spot. Multiple schools operate on the beach; lessons from around €50/hour.
- Boat trips — Regular whale and dolphin watching trips leave from Los Cristianos (20 minutes by car). 2–3 hour trips cost around €30–40/person.
- Diving — Several dive centres operate in the south. The volcanic seabed around the south coast offers interesting dives, and you can sometimes spot angel sharks.
Eating and Drinking
Costa del Silencio itself is small — there are a handful of restaurants and bars, mostly good value. For more variety:
- Las Galletas has the best selection of local Canarian restaurants in the area. Look for "papas arrugadas" (wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce) and fresh fish.
- Los Abrigos is a small fishing village 15 minutes east — known as the best seafood destination in southern Tenerife. Several restaurants serve the catch of the day on the harbour.
- El Médano has beach bars and good pizza and tapas options around the main square.
For groups staying at a villa, stocking up at the supermarket and cooking in is a great option for lunches and casual evenings — especially at the end of a beach day.
How Long Do You Need?
Two weeks is ideal — enough time to do the day trips without rushing, spend proper time on the beaches, and settle into the rhythm of the place. One week works too if you're focused on relaxing rather than exploring.
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