Located in the south of Tenerife on Costa del Silencio is one of the most unique swimming spots on the island. When we first saw Playa Amarilla we couldn’t believe the massive wall of sunbathers hidden in the cliffs of the orange tinted mountain. Playa Amarilla is unlike any other place on Tenerife but honestly, it isn’t much of a beach at all!
The cliffs naturally form small platforms that from afar look like caves. Swimmers and snorkelers float in the water while there seems to be a constant day party at the small beach bar. Travel with us to one of our favorite Tenerife beaches, and also check out the hike to the top of Montana Amarilla above!
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The Cliffs of Playa Amarilla
When we first saw Playa Amarilla we immediately thought of the hippie caves of Matala Greece. However, these aren’t quite the same caves as we saw on Crete island! Instead they’re more like small rocky platforms which everyone spreads out their towels and sun baths on.
The rock wall has layers of people all who have their own uninterrupted view of the ocean and are enjoying the peaceful afternoon in Costa del Silencio. Expect to find more people relaxing and taking in the view than in the water because getting in can be a little tricky.
Swimming on Costa del Silencio
There are two ladders that hang off of the rocks and merge with the water below. At high tide the sea can be wild and crashes into the rocks, while low non-windy days make for much easier swimming. Our first experience at Playa Amarilla we arrived at high tide and watched as beachgoers one after another took turns plunging in.
After getting rocked gently by the waves they slowly swam back between the rolling water and climbed up the ladder. To go in the ocean here you do have to be a semi-strong swimmer.
If you’re not don’t worry though! There are plenty of less adventurous and demanding spots on the island, or even some awesome boat tours to enjoy.
→ The Best Beaches on Tenerife Island: Black Sand to Natural Pools
→ Tenerife Boat Tour: Sailing, Snorkeling, and Whale Watching
Taking the Plunge at Playa Amarilla
Not wanting to miss out, we both crawled down to the bottom and flung ourselves from the rocks into the wavy water below. Even at the end of November the ocean was refreshing from the hot afternoon sun.
After treading water for a while we fought the incoming waves and crawled back onto the safety of the rocks. Just as we got out we saw a group of scuba divers emerge from the water. We didn’t snorkel at Playa Amarilla, but on clear days it’s supposed to be amazing!
Playa Amarilla Mana Nui Chiringuito Beach Bar
Besides being naturally beautiful, what else draws travelers to Playa Amarilla? Well a beach bar of course! Tucked away in a small corner of the rocks is the Mana Nui Chiringuito beach bar.
Selling a large variety of drinks ranging from 2-4 euros, there wasn’t a time that we came here when it wasn’t packed with people. You can grab a drink of your choice and hang out on one of the small cushioned seating areas, or find your own place on the rocks. Some of our favorites were the fresh squeezed lemonade and Tinto de Verano. Cheers!
Hiking to the Top of Montana Amarilla
Don’t leave the area before making the short climb up to the top of Montana Amarilla which towers over the beach. After a quick, but steep 10-15 minute climb you’ll be rewarded with insane views of the southern and eastern part of the island.
You can even see down the coast to more of the Tenerife beaches, and there are hiking trails where you can continue along the coast from the top. Montana Amarilla is also an especially gorgeous place to catch the sunset over the town!
Just to recap… Epic views of Montana Amarilla, layered sitting platforms in the cliffs, clear and refreshing ocean water, and a fun beach bar? We were sold!
Playa Amarilla became our go to spot for a quick dip or sunset drink during out stay in Costa del Silencio. Hopefully you find time during your visit to explore this beautiful place in the south of Tenerife!
Have any questions about Playa Amarilla, or want to share your own experience visiting the Tenerife beaches? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
Where To Stay in the South of Tenerife
Ultra Luxury (High End) – Royal Hideaway Corales Beach – This ultra high end hotel in the south of Tenerife is an adults only escape with massive open concept rooms, onsite restaurant, spa, and an infinity pool you’ll never want to leave.
Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – H10 Atlantic Sunset – This new modern hotel and property is perfect for a fun vacation. Rooms are beautiful with large balconies and upscale amenities, with onsite pools, restaurants, spa, and gym. Quick dive to popular Tenerife beaches.
Hostel Life (Budget) – Hostel chillax costa Adeje – Set in the hills of Costa Adeje, this is one of the few hostels located on Tenerife island. Beautiful views, large balcony, shared kitchen, and washing machine are includec. Both private twin rooms and dormitory beds are available.
For more places to stay in the south of Tenerife you can explore the latest prices here!
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Explore Spain
Best of Spain: Planning a Trip – 40 Foods & Drinks – Visiting in Winter – Costa Del Sol – 13 Best Drinks – 22 Fun Facts – Plate of the Day – 11 Cities in Southern Spain – Vueling Airlines Tips
Granada: Best Tapas – 15 Fun Things to Do – Alhambra de Granada
Nerja: 15 Things to do – Best Tapas – 7 Beautiful Beaches – Playa Burriana – Nerja Caves
Small Towns: Mijas – Frigiliana – Rupit – Cadiz – Ronda
Gran Canaria: Agaete Natural Pools – Route of the Tapas – Volcano Hike
Fuerteventura: Aguas Verdes Natural Pool – Krabbenfelsen Natural Pool – Popcorn Beach
Spain Travel Planning
Flights: We always find the best flights using Skyscanner. Sometimes it’s cheaper to fly between cities in Spain than driving or taking the train!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Rental Car: We use Discover Cars to explore when traveling. Consider renting a car in one city and dropping it off in another for an epic Spain road trip!
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for thousands of activities around Spain. You can book a tour of the Madrid Royal Palace, skip the line and explore the Alhambra de Granada, or even jump on a Tenerife Dolphin cruise!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection! We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
