Back in the 1960s the Costa del Silencio on the south coast of Tenerife was amongst the first of the resorts to be purpose built for the growing tourist market. Now, more than 50 years later, it may be beginning to show its age but it still offers a great budget option for anyone looking to make the most of the glorious sunshine of the Canary Islands.
Of course, there are reasons why the accommodation (mostly self-catering) is so much cheaper here than in nearby resorts like Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos: there is no beach actually in the town, there are few modern all-inclusive hotels, loud bars, nightclubs or a quaint town centre. But if what you are looking for is a relatively quiet holiday resort, where the restaurants serve UK food that you’ll recognise, pints in the local bars, and good cheap accommodation, then you’ll bag yourself a bargain in Costa del Silencio.
A Town Built With a Purpose
Having been built as a tourist destination, Costa del Silencio has a good, practical layout in which none of the accommodation is too far from one of its three commercial districts with their bars, restaurants and large supermarkets (most of which sell UK brands). Most of the town’s accommodation is found in the original 1960s complex known as Ten Bel, featuring self-catering apartments organised into four ‘zones’, each of which has its own communal outdoor areas with a communal swimming pool in each zone.
To Beach or Not to Beach
One of the great things about staying in Costa del Silencio is that you get the cheap prices because the resort has no beach, but the ten-minute walk to neighbouring Las Galletas will bring you to a good, local beach. Remember that Tenerife is a volcanic island so don’t expect golden, powder-soft sand. The sand in Las Galletas is coarse and black with quite a few pebbles but it is still a good place to spend the day, especially if you want to eat in one of the great seafood restaurants which line the seafront here. Las Galletas also has a good range of shops and bars so it is a lovely place to spend the evening before strolling back to Costa del Silencio.
Of course, if you’re not concerned with spending the day on the beach, then the communal pools of Ten Bel make a great alternative where you can soak up the sun and go in for a dip whenever you like.
Things To Do
Just because there is no beach doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of fun to be had here, on or off the water.
Out on the Water
Local boat trips include excursions to watch dolphins and whales off the coast. There is also a sailing and catamaran centre where you can take lessons or take out your own boat. The coast off Costa del Silencio is teaming with a rich variety of marine life so its worth venturing into one of the resort’s dive centres where you can take a beginners’ scuba diving course or – if you are already an experienced diver – join an organised dive.
Fun on Dry Land
For those who prefer to keep their feet dry there are a number of activities in and around the resort which offer an alternative to sunbathing. To the north of the town there is a sports complex which includes tennis courts, a bowling club and free gym equipment in the local park. Golf fans can visit the three golf courses in the area, and those who don’t take the game too seriously may enjoy the minigolf course in town.
If you’re looking for a serious challenge then try one of the hiking trails up to Montana Amarilla, a nature reserve where you can discover the stunning landscape of the island.
How to Get to Costa del Silencio
Getting to the southern coast of Tenerife can be very budget friendly if you take advantage of the cheap fares to Tenerife South Airport offered by the likes of easyJet and Ryanair. The journey time is around four and a half hours, but the good news is that the transfer from the airport to Costa del Silencio is just 20 minutes. Be warned, Tenerife South Airport gets extremely busy during the summer months. To avoid the stress of trying to work out the bus timetables in Spanish or haggling for a taxi at the airport, I would always advise booking your airport transfer with Shuttle Direct online before you leave home.
Where to Stay
Casa Summer – Just six minutes’ walk from the beach at Las Galletas, the apartment at Casa Summer offers self-catering accommodation with a lovely private terrace to enjoy your meals on. There is a shared pool with a sunbathing terrace area and free WiFi throughout the property.
Leicht & Freunde – With stunning sea views from the balcony, and only a short walk to the beach, the apartment at Leicht & Freunde offers a tranquil location and elegant accommodation. There’s a large communal swimming pool with a poolside bar and free WiFi.
Los Moxaicos Tenerife – Stylish, quirky self-catered accommodation with a South American theme is offered at the Los Moxaicos Tenerife. A barbecue and communal pool are available for guests’ use. There’s free WiFi in the property.
About Shuttle Direct
The leading provider of airport transfers across Europe and northern Africa, Shuttle Direct has a range of budget options to get you from the airport to your holiday destination. Choose from a low-cost scheduled coach service, a shuttle bus or an economy private car service, for the perfect transport option for you.
