San Miguel de Abona covers 42 square kilometres of southern Tenerife, from the Atlantic shore up to the town itself at about 580 metres. Most visitors know it by its coast. Golf del Sur is a golf course with a holiday and residential village around it, and it has hosted professional events including the Tenerife Open and the Tenerife Ladies Open. Amarilla Golf & Country Club also sits on this shore. More than a third of residents were born abroad.
San Miguel de Abona
- Currency
- Euro (EUR, €). ATM withdrawals often incur charges of €1–8; bringing some cash (€50–100) can help avoid fees. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas. Bizum (a Spanish payment app) is popular with locals and some businesses but requires a Spanish bank account. The islands are outside the EU's standard VAT area.
- Language
- Spanish (specifically Canarian Spanish dialect) is the native language. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions, but understanding outside these areas is very limited. In smaller towns and rural areas, English proficiency is minimal. Hotel and restaurant staff generally know basic English.
- Power plug
- Europlug (Type C) and Schuko (Type F) sockets; 230 V, 50 Hz
- Visa
- Schengen area: EU, EEA and Swiss nationals enter on national ID card or passport. Many non-EU nationalities have 90-day visa-free access. Non-EEA citizens staying longer than 90 days require an advance visa.
- Time zone
- Atlantic/Canary (UTC±00:00 in winter, UTC+01:00 in summer); one hour behind mainland Spain.
- Tap water
- Safe to drink throughout Spain. In some southern regions it has high mineral content and may taste unfamiliar; locals often drink bottled water instead. Bottled water is inexpensive and widely available.
- Tipping
- Not mandatory or customary. In restaurants: not expected for simple meals or basic establishments; 5–10% in mid-range or upscale venues if service was exceptional. Always pay cash to the server, not on card. Taxi drivers and hotel staff may appreciate small tips in upscale settings but it is not expected.
- Emergency
- 112
When to go
High season
Nov – Apr
Mild, dry winter weather on the south coast brings golfers and winter-sun visitors, and the resorts are at their busiest.
Shoulder
May – Oct
The hot months: the bare southern slope has little shade at midday, so rounds of golf and walks in the old town are best early or late.
How long to stay
A day is enough for the old town up the slope and a look at the coast below. Golf is what keeps people longer: players base themselves at Golf del Sur or Amarilla Golf for several days of rounds, and use the TF-1 motorway to reach the rest of southern Tenerife.
Getting around
The municipality runs uphill from the sea. Golf del Sur and Amarilla Golf lie on the coast, the TF-1 motorway crosses the southern part of the municipality, and the town of San Miguel de Abona stands inland at about 580 metres. Plan every trip between the resorts and the town as a climb.
What to see
Destinations in San Miguel de Abona
Frequently asked questions
Is the town of San Miguel de Abona on the coast?
No. The town stands inland at about 580 metres. The coastal part of the municipality, with the golf resorts, lies below it, and the TF-1 motorway crosses the southern part.What is Golf del Sur?
A golf course with a holiday and residential village around it, on the coast in the south of the municipality.Are there other golf courses in San Miguel de Abona?
Yes. Amarilla Golf & Country Club is also on the San Miguel de Abona coast.Has Golf del Sur hosted professional tournaments?
Yes, several, including the Tenerife Open and the Tenerife Ladies Open.How big is San Miguel de Abona?
The municipality covers 42 square kilometres and has about 24,000 inhabitants. In 2021, 37% of them had been born abroad.