Plaza de La Luz
This square was historically the heart of Los Silos and the area's most important buildings were erected around it. In 1923, the square was revamped…
Los Silos
A visit to Los Silos is a gift of peace and relaxation. It is equally enjoyable to take a stroll along the seafront, which is full of lovely bathing spots, or to wander through the countryside on one of the many trails. The town itself is home to several gems such as the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Luz and the former Bernadine convent of San Sebastián.
The municipality of Los Silos is located in north-west Tenerife and covers a surface area of 24.23 km2 (9.35 miles). It borders with Santiago del Teide, Garachico, El Tanque and Buenavista del Norte. The highest point in this municipality is Piedras Altas, at an altitude of 1,273 m (4,176 ft) above sea level. Los Silos was founded after the conquest of Tenerife and its name (meaning The Silos) comes from the three granaries that were built in the area. In the mid 16th century Los Silos already had a chapel, but work began to build a new church in honour of Nuestra Señora de la Luz in the region's main town, which eventually became a parish church in 1605. Farming was the main source of income in Los Silos, especially cereals, sugar cane and vineyards.
The mountain of Aregume protects the historic quarter from the north winds and this encouraged people to settle here and all along the Royal Road that linked Garachico to Buenavista. The most important buildings were erected around Plaza de La Luz and many of them can still be seen today. The municipality of Los Silos covers part of Teno Country Park and the Interián Site of Scientific Interest, as well as the Las Aguas y Pasos Public Utility Mountain.
The town of Los Silos is surrounded by nature and houses most of the area's historical and cultural heritage. Its streets were already cobbled in the mid 19th century and are flanked by buildings of great architectural interest. One of them is at number 20 on Calle Félix Benítez de Lugo, with a symmetrical façade, a wrought iron balcony and a distinct Neo-classical style, while other houses on the same street are more typically Canarian. Calle Doctor Jordán has several houses in a slight state of disrepair but at number 23 there is a Neo-Canarian regionalist building. Opposite Placeta de la Constitución stands the house of Casa de Caraveo, with a noteworthy balcony in the middle with flat balusters. There are also several buildings on Calle del Olivo that represent 20th century urban architecture alongside other more traditional Canarian houses.
Approved trails in the municipality
For nature lovers, Los Silos has a number of trails across the hillsides that reveal some of the secrets of its lovely forests. The PR-TF 55 Los Silos - Talavera - El Palmar is an intermediate trail that takes about 4 hours. The route explores some stunning landscapes formed by a series of volcanic eruptions. It starts by the ravine of Los Pasos then wanders through the dense Monteverde vegetation to El Palmar, where the journey ends. Another approved trail is the PR-TF 54 Los Silos - Las Moradas - Monte del Agua, starting at Plaza de Erjos and journeying along the track of Monte del Agua. It meanders down the hills for about 3 km (1.86 miles) to Las Moradas de Arriba and then on towards Las Moradas Bajas. The rest of the walk borders several farm estates and although it is only an intermediate trail, hikers will need to be in good shape to face the slopes.
We answer to your frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Los Silos
What is the weather like in Los Silos?
The weather in Los Silos is mild and temperate throughout the year, with an average annual temperature of approximately 20 °C and variations between 16 °C and 26 °C. As it is located on the northern slope, the municipality may experience slightly more cloud cover and humidity than the south of the island, especially in the midlands and areas close to the Teno massif, allowing outdoor activities throughout the year.
How to get to Los Silos?
Getting to Los Silos is easy via the northern road network of Tenerife.
- By car: the main access route is the TF-42 road, which connects Icod de los Vinos with Buenavista del Norte and passes through the municipality. From Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the journey usually takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- By public transport: several TITSA guagua (bus) lines connect Los Silos with municipalities in northern Tenerife and with Puerto de la Cruz.
How to get to Los Silos from Tenerife’s airports
- From Tenerife North Airport: the distance is approximately 60 km and the journey by car usually takes around 1 hour, mainly via the TF-5 motorway and the TF-42 road.
- From Tenerife South Airport: it is located around 65 km away. Travel time usually takes 1 hour and 15–20 minutes, mainly via the TF-1 motorway.
Where to eat in Los Silos?
In Los Silos, bars and restaurants serving traditional Canarian cuisine predominate, mainly located in the historic centre and coastal area. There it is common to find dishes prepared with local products such as fresh fish, meats, papas arrugadas, island cheeses and traditional recipes from northern Tenerife. It is also possible to find cafés and small bars where you can take a break during your visit.
Where to find official information from Los Silos Town Hall?
To consult institutional information, municipal services, events or administrative procedures, you can contact Los Silos Town Hall, located in the centre of the municipality. Its official website and information channels publish news, cultural activities, services for residents and visitors, as well as practical information about the municipality: https://www.lossilos.es/
Where is Los Silos?
Los Silos is a municipality located in the northwest of Tenerife, between Buenavista del Norte and Garachico, in an area where the landscape combines volcanic coastline, agricultural midlands and protected natural spaces. The historic centre of Los Silos is protected as a Historic Site, with quiet streets, traditional squares and buildings that reflect the typical architecture of northern Tenerife. Its natural surroundings form part of the Teno massif area, one of the most distinctive natural spaces on the island.
What events and festivals are held in Los Silos?
Los Silos is known for its cultural life and several events throughout the year. Among the most notable is the Los Silos International Storytelling Festival, a cultural event dedicated to oral storytelling that brings together storytellers, artists and audiences from different places. In addition, the municipality organises cultural activities, local festivities and traditional events that reflect the identity of northern Tenerife.
What to do in Los Silos?
A visit to Los Silos can include nature, culture and local gastronomy:
- Walk through the historic centre and its squares.
- Explore the coastline and its natural pools.
- Go hiking in the surroundings of the Teno massif.
- Visit the Los Silos farmers’ market, where local products are sold (open only on Sundays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm).
- Enjoy Canarian gastronomy in bars and restaurants in the municipality.
It is also a good starting point for exploring Garachico or Buenavista del Norte.
What to see in the municipality of Los Silos?
Among the most interesting places in Los Silos are:
- Los Silos historic centre, with traditional Canarian architecture.
- Former Convent of San Sebastián de Monjas, founded in 1649, which preserves part of its original architecture.
- Plaza de La Luz, one of the municipality’s most representative spaces, with the Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de la Luz.
- Ermita del Calvario, notable for its neo-Gothic enclosure.
- The coastline of Los Silos, with natural pools and volcanic rock pools.
- Ravines and landscapes of the Teno massif, ideal for excursions.
- La Caleta, a coastal area with volcanic beaches and natural pools.
The municipality is a peaceful destination, perfect for discovering northern Tenerife at a relaxed pace.
Can you go hiking in Los Silos?
Yes, Los Silos is a well-known destination for hiking in Tenerife. One of the most popular routes is the Cuevas Negras – Los Silos – Erjos trail (PR-TF 53), a route of about 5.7 km that crosses ravines, old paths and vegetated areas until reaching the hamlet of Cuevas Negras. This trail forms part of the natural surroundings of the Teno Rural Park and connects with other routes in the area. You can also enjoy the PR-TF 55 Los Silos - Talavera - El Palmar and PR-TF 54 Los Silos - Las Moradas - Monte del Agua trails.