Things to Do Around Golf del Sur by Car
From Golf del Sur a hire car reaches Siam Park in twenty minutes, the kitesurf beach at El Médano in fifteen and the whale-watching harbour at Las Galletas in twelve. Parking is mostly free.
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On the Doorstep: Marina, Las Galletas and Costa del Silencio
You barely need to drive for the first day out. Marina San Miguel — also called Amarilla Marina — sits between the two golf courses, a five-minute hop with a large free car park, and is the base for the yellow Submarine Safari, dive centres and waterfront restaurants. From there the quiet coast unfolds south-west.
- Las Galletas — a working fishing village about 12 minutes away, with a dark-sand beach, a long promenade, fresh-off-the-boat seafood and easy harbour parking
- Costa del Silencio — roughly 13 minutes on, with natural sea pools and the striking Montaña Amarilla volcanic cone for snorkelling
- Los Abrigos — a short drive for its Tuesday-evening market and renowned fish restaurants
These south-east villages are where Tenerife still feels local, and parking is generally free and stress-free compared with the big western resorts. It all starts with the right car, so check the Golf del Sur car hire overview first.
Beaches and the Windswept East
Drive ten to fifteen minutes east and you reach El Médano, Tenerife's windsurf and kitesurf capital and a regular World Cup venue, with more than three kilometres of natural beach and over 300 breezy days a year. Beside it lies La Tejita, the island's longest natural beach, backed by the protected Montaña Roja reserve and with a clothes-optional section at its eastern end.
Despite what many travel blogs claim, La Tejita does not hold a Blue Flag — the historic flag belonged to neighbouring El Médano and was lost around 2016 to 2017. It is still a superb beach; just don't expect lifeguard-flag amenities.
Parking at both beaches is free but informal — dirt lots off the TF-643 that fill by mid-morning in peak season, so arrive early or park further back and walk. Families after still air for small children often prefer the sheltered south-west coast instead. Golfers, meanwhile, have the golf courses near Golf del Sur on the doorstep.
Family Days: Siam Park and Whale Watching
A car turns the island's big attractions into easy half-days. Siam Park, regularly voted the world's best water park, is about 20 minutes west on the TF-1 — leave at the San Eugenio and Costa Adeje exit and follow the signs. The on-site car park costs around 7 euros a day, but the nearby Siam Mall and Magma centre offer free parking a short walk away.
| Trip | Drive from Golf del Sur | Parking and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Siam Park (Costa Adeje) | About 20 min | Paid on-site park or free Siam Mall lot; adult ticket around 44 euros |
| Whale watching, Las Galletas | About 12 min | Closest and quietest harbour, free parking, small eco boats |
| Whale watching, Puerto Colón | About 22 min | Busiest hub, paid marina parking, arrive early |
| Loro Parque (Puerto de la Cruz) | About 70 min north | Pair with Siam Park on a Twin Ticket for the best value |
The waters off the south-west are a designated Whale Heritage Site, home to around 200 resident pilot whales plus bottlenose dolphins. Look for the official Barco Azul (Blue Boat) flag, which marks operators that keep a safe distance. Buy Siam Park tickets and any Twin Ticket online ahead, then compare cars so the whole family fits comfortably.
Markets, Towns and Inland Drives
Inland, the hills above the coast hide the real Tenerife. The big Las Chafiras farmers' market is about ten minutes away and runs on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, with its own car park, while the old towns of San Miguel de Abona and Granadilla reward a slow wander.
- Las Chafiras market — Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, roughly 08:00 to 14:00, free parking; bring cash
- San Miguel de Abona old town — a pretty historic Canarian centre about 12 minutes uphill
- Guachinches — rustic farmhouse eateries serving home-cooked food and the family's own wine, best at weekends and often cash-only
For the big inland adventure — the climb to Mount Teide through Vilaflor — see the route, altitude and permit details in our guide to driving in south Tenerife, or collect the car first with the airport pickup guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Tejita a Blue Flag beach?
How far is Siam Park from Golf del Sur?
Where is the best place to go whale watching near Golf del Sur?
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