Los Silos

Travel Agent's View

a quiet picturesque town with traditional architecture as well as narrow cobbled streets close quotes

ideal for those wanting a quiet relaxing holiday or to use as a base for exploring close quotes

Los Silos is located on the North Western coast of Tenerife in the area known as Isla Baja or the Lowlands, an emerald carpet at the feet of the Teno Mountains. The resort is a quiet picturesque town with traditional architecture as well as narrow cobbled streets with a few bars and restaurants.

It is ideal for those wanting a quiet relaxing holiday or to use as a base for exploring. A great place to explore is the Teno Rural Park which is home to the forests and fields of Monte del Agua and La Tierra del Trigo. Both of these areas are very important for the wildlife living there.

Los Silos was once considered to be one of the richest parts of the island by its Hispanic conquerors. There are 2 main beaches in Los Silos, Charco de la Arana and Playa de Agua Dulce, perfect for scuba diving.

Los Rodeos Airport is approx 55 km from the resort.

Insider's View

Los Silos is one of Tenerife's hidden gems as far as I'm concerned close quotes

Los Silos gives you a two-centre holiday in one; coastal resort combined with traditional village life close quotes

Los Silos is one of Tenerife's hidden gems as far as I'm concerned. The streets in the centre of the village are too narrow for the big tour buses so there are very few day trippers and it feels like you've just discovered it. The plaza is my base for people watching, accompanied by some croquettes and Russian salad from the little kiosk under the bandstand. Over the road, the Convento de San Sebastián has some interactive tourist information in English and nice toilets in the courtyard. Pop into the Town Hall beside the Plaza and up to the first floor to see The Martyrdom of San Sebastián, it's an ugly thing if you ask me but it's one of Tenerife's most priceless paintings.

If like me, you're a tapas fan, you'll love Tasca La Escuela on Calle Estrella; the former village school is now a quaint little tasca full of character and delicious jamon Serrano. Another compulsory stop-off point for me is the farmer's market where they grow much of Tenerife's organic produce; follow the signs from behind the Convent.

The coast is a ten minute stroll from the village and although there's not much of a beach, there's a great swimming pool complex with loads of sun terraces and a good restaurant. There's also a gym run by a former Mr Universe for those who like muscles with their tans, and the only nightclub for miles which gets busy at weekends. The sculpture on the headland is a real whale skeleton; over 20 tonnes of it.

My advice? Los Silos gives you a two-centre holiday in one; coastal resort combined with traditional village life, but it won't set the pulse racing and you might feel isolated on non-sunbathing days. Hire a car and explore the area; you're well placed for Garachico, Buenavista, Icod and Puerto de la Cruz.