Introduction

Beside Las Galletas the large COSTA DEL SILENCIO resort now forms a couple of miles of almost uninterrupted development containing numerous expat businesses - mostly restaurants and bars. In the absence of any real beach, growth here is spurred on by the success of the complex-oriented holiday, as begun at Ten-Bel in the 1960s, and an apparently boundless demand for holiday and retirement apartments in southern Tenerife.

Attractions

The focal point of Costa del Silencio is east of Las Galletas along Avenida Tavio Alfonso, the main road through the resort. The main centres of activity along this stretch are three charmless commercial centres: CC Trebol and CC El Chaparral, opposite each other and beside Ten-Bel at the western end of the road, and CC Coralmar Square, at the eastern end. Each mall contains a similar collection of shops and services, from small supermarkets and travel agents to restaurants and bars.

Nature

East of Costa del Silencio the development ends abruptly and the wild and rugged coastline affords a welcome break from the strip of development. It is the protected landscape around Montaña Amarilla that has prevented the eastward sprawl of the resort. The twisted striking landforms around its base border a sheltered bay where bathing ladders give access to clear waters. The short ascent of the hill itself is worthwhile for the view over both the resort and a rocky wasteland where magnificent cacti thrive.