Tenerife, Canary Islands: Slow Mornings, Big Adventures, and the Perfect Home Base in Las Galletas – Costa del Silencio
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Tenerife has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute you’re sipping a drink by the sea; the next, you’re winding through volcanic mountains, standing on dramatic cliffs, or floating in a thermal pool under the stars. It’s an island of contrasts, and choosing the right home base makes all the difference. For us, that place was Las Galletas in Costa del Silencio and it couldn’t have been more perfect.
Las Galletas & Costa del Silencio: Where Tenerife Feels Like Home
Tucked along Tenerife’s southern coast, Las Galletas is one of those rare places that still feels authentic. It’s not flashy or overbuilt; it’s relaxed, ocean-facing, and genuinely welcoming. Life here unfolds at a slower, sunnier pace.
One of the highlights is the seaside promenade running along the water. Morning walks are a joy, with fishing boats bobbing in the harbor, locals greeting each other by name, and the Atlantic stretching endlessly ahead. The walkway is lined with small shops, cafés, bakeries, and casual restaurants perfect for stopping in for fresh pastries, tapas, or seafood caught that same day.
What really stands out is the down-to-earth feel. This isn’t a place trying to impress; it just is and it does so beautifully. People are friendly in a way that feels natural, not tourist-polished. Shop owners chat with you, servers remember your order, and evenings are filled with families strolling by the sea as the sun dips low. Costa del Silencio lives up to its name: calm, peaceful, and effortlessly charming.
As a base for exploring Tenerife, you’re perfectly positioned. From beaches to mountains to historic towns, everything feels accessible without the chaos of more crowded resort areas.
Masca: Tenerife’s Most Magical Village
A trip to Tenerife wouldn’t be complete without visiting Masca, a tiny mountain village that feels like it belongs in another century. The drive alone is an adventure, with narrow, winding roads climbing through rugged volcanic terrain and jaw-dropping views around every bend.
Once there, Masca feels almost unreal. Stone houses cling to the cliffs, palm trees rise from deep ravines, and the silence is broken only by wind and birds. Wander the village paths, stop for a coffee overlooking the gorge, and take in one of Tenerife’s most iconic landscapes. It’s humbling, dramatic, and unforgettable.
Los Gigantes: Nature at Its Most Dramatic
From quiet mountain beauty to raw coastal power, Los Gigantes delivers one of Tenerife’s most awe-inspiring sights. Massive volcanic cliffs rise straight out of the ocean, towering hundreds of meters above the water. Spending time on the beach here is incredible simply staring at these natural giants all day feels like meditation.
The town itself is easy and welcoming, with shops, cafés, and solid places to eat. Whether you admire the cliffs from shore or take a boat tour along the coast, the scale is astonishing. The contrast between the deep blue Atlantic and the dark volcanic stone feels cinematic. It’s also one of the best places on the island for whale and dolphin watching.
Mount Teide: Standing on Top of Tenerife
No Tenerife experience is complete without a visit to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak and the heart of the island. The drive alone feels otherworldly as landscapes shift from coastal greens to pine forests and eventually to stark, lunar-like volcanic terrain.
As you ascend, the air cools and the views stretch endlessly across the island. Teide National Park feels vast and surreal, with lava fields, rock formations, and colors that don’t look real until you’re standing among them. Whether you take the cable car, hike, or simply explore the viewpoints, there’s a quiet power to being this high above the ocean.
For an unforgettable experience, consider joining Night Skies Tenerife: Teide Sunset & Stargazing Tours. Watching the sun dip below the clouds from the mountain, hopefully followed by a night sky filled with stars, is one of the most magical moments Tenerife has to offer.
La Laguna: History, Culture, and Color
San Cristóbal de La Laguna offers a complete contrast to the coast. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s Tenerife’s cultural and historic heart, filled with colorful colonial buildings, churches, courtyards, and lively plazas.
This is a place to wander slowly. Browse independent shops, explore museums, and settle into a café for people-watching. There’s a youthful energy thanks to the university, layered beautifully with centuries of history. La Laguna feels refined yet alive, revealing a deeper side of Tenerife beyond beaches and resorts.
Siam Water Park: The Best in the World (and It Shows)
Adventure takes a different form at Siam Park, officially named the best water park in the world and it lives up to the hype. From the moment you enter, you’re transported into a Thai-inspired paradise with immaculate landscaping and flawlessly designed rides.
Whether you’re chasing adrenaline on towering slides, floating along the lazy river, or relaxing on the white-sand beach with wave pools that rival the ocean, Siam Park is pure fun. It’s not just a water park it’s a full-day experience.
Aqua Club Termal: Pure Relaxation, Tenerife-Style
After days of exploration, Aqua Club Termal is the perfect reset. Thermal pools, hydrotherapy circuits, saunas, steam rooms, and peaceful surroundings make it easy to slow down and truly relax.
Moving between warm pools and cool plunges, letting tension melt away, feels both indulgent and necessary. It’s the ideal balance to Tenerife’s more adventurous side.
Why Las Galletas Makes It All Even Better
What ties all these experiences together is coming “home” each evening to Las Galletas. After dramatic cliffs, mountain views, and busy day trips, returning to a calm seaside promenade, friendly faces, and the sound of the ocean feels grounding.
Las Galletas and Costa del Silencio don’t try to steal the spotlight and that’s exactly their charm. They let Tenerife shine while giving you space to relax and experience the island like a local.
Where I Ate (and Loved Every Bite)
Restaurante O Pazo – Las Galletas
A standout for classic seafood done exceptionally well. We started with some of the best octopus I’ve ever had, perfectly tender and deeply flavorful. The fried baby squid was crisp and light, the garlic shrimp rich and aromatic, and the pan-fried fresh fish of the day—served simply with fries—let the quality of the catch speak for itself. Honest cooking, excellent execution, and a must-visit.
Restaurante La Gaviota – Las Galletas
Right on the oceanfront, this is the place to linger. The grilled sardines were smoky and fresh, the fried baby squid spot-on, and the langoustines absolutely outstanding. A board of local Canarian cheeses added a perfect regional touch. The spaghetti with shrimp was comforting and satisfying, best enjoyed with the sound of the waves just steps away.
Happy World Flavors of Tenerife – Las Galletas
A casual spot with big flavors. The steak and fries were cooked well and hearty, while the stewed goat with potatoes delivered deep, traditional flavor. A side of croquettes rounded things out perfectly. Comfort food done right.
Cafetería Mencey’s – Las Galletas
A truly local hangout where residents gather. We grabbed a to-go order of baked chicken with vegetables and rice, and it was simple, satisfying, and full of home-style comfort. This is everyday Tenerife at its best.
Chinatown Restaurante – Las Galletas
An absolute surprise and a standout meal. The Peking duck was excellent, paired with curry chicken, fried rice, ribs, spring rolls, and sizzling beef. Every dish was flavorful and well-prepared. If you’re craving something different, this place delivers across the board.
Ona Alborada – A Destination on Its Own
Don’t overlook Ona Alborada as both a place to stay and a dining destination.
- Mordisco Pool Bar serves some of the best rotisserie chicken and fries around—simple, juicy, and incredibly satisfying.
- La Lanza Breakfast Buffet is generous and well-rounded, offering everything you could want to start the day right.
The property itself is relaxed, comfortable, and well-located perfect for longer stays in Las Galletas.
Sweet Treat Stop: Heladería Pizzería Valentino – Las Galletas
End your day here. The gelato is outstanding, creamy and full of flavor, and easily some of the best you’ll find in town. A perfect evening ritual after a seaside walk.
Mountain Stop: Asador El Teide – Chío
On your way to Mount Teide, this is an ideal stop. The grilled chicken with rice and potatoes is hearty, satisfying, and exactly what you want before or after exploring the mountain.
Tenerife is an island of many personalities. And from the welcoming waterfront of Las Galletas, you get to experience them all—slow mornings, big adventures, unforgettable meals, and evenings by the sea—at your own pace. 🌊🌴
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