This article belongs to the Bucket List category. It’s a place I’d love to visit, so I’ve done detailed research on information and visitor experiences in advance.
The impressive Los Gigantes rock formation on the west coast of Tenerife is part of the Teno Rural Park nature reserve. Their name in Spanish means “giants.” And they truly are giant. These cliffs reach heights of up to 800 meters. The only way to admire them up close is by boat from the sea. You might even be lucky enough to spot dolphins or whales.
The impressive basalt overhangs are remnants of ancient volcanic activity that shaped this landscape millions of years ago. They stretch 10 kilometers along the coast and form the side wall of the Teno massif. Previously, the island’s original inhabitants, the Guanches, also called them the “Wall of Hell” or the “Devil’s Wall.” The cliffs are impassable from inland. Only a few small ravines lead through them, opening onto natural black beaches.
The view of these cliffs is especially beautiful at sunset. On clear days, you can even see the neighboring island of La Gomera from the beach in the adjacent resort. You can also view the cliffs from the air by booking a helicopter tour from Costa Adeje.
Los Gigantes Resort and Beach
The neighboring resort of Los Gigantes is named after these rocks; it has a black sand beach and its own harbor, from which you can set out to explore the rock giants. Boats also depart from here for dolphin, whale, flying fish, and hammerhead shark watching, snorkeling trips, or excursions to the famous Barranco de Masca gorge. Cruises usually last 2–3 hours and cost around 40 euros. It is not necessary to book in advance; you can just go to the harbor and buy a ticket on the spot.
The seabed around Los Gigantes is only about 30 meters deep, making this area a paradise for divers and fishermen. You can also enjoy pleasant snorkeling here, especially in the bays between the cliffs. You can also rent a kayak or jet ski in the harbor and set out to admire the cliffs from the water’s surface on your own.
In the resort, you will also find a small square with a church, restaurants where you can have fresh fish, or souvenir shops. The town is quite hilly and is not easily accessible for strollers or people in wheelchairs. For nightlife in Los Gigantes, you can head to the Highland Paddy club, which offers live music and karaoke nights.
Los Gigantes offers a pleasant coastal promenade with wonderful ocean views, perfect for quiet walks. Along it, you will find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops. It has the most beautiful atmosphere at sunset, when the sky over the Atlantic turns into warm shades and the whole place takes on a special charm.
This area is an ideal starting point for exploring western Tenerife, including Teide National Park and other impressive natural sites.
Playa de la Arena: Black Sand Beach Below the Los Gigantes Cliffs
The resort of La Arena is adjacent to Los Gigantes, and from its black sand beach, you can enjoy the view of the Los Gigantes rocks. The beach, surrounded by rocks, is a pleasant place to spend the day. You can get from Los Gigantes to La Arena via a pleasant coastal promenade.
Natural Pools Around Los Gigantes
Piscinas Naturales de Los Gigantes
In the center of the Los Gigantes resort at the end of Calle Magnolia, you will find a natural pool created from lava rocks, which is partially protected by a low concrete wall. Here you can swim for free without worrying about ocean waves, yet still be in nature.
Charco del Diablo
Charco del Diablo is a natural pool hidden in the rocks near Los Gigantes, created by the ocean’s action on the lava coast. It is one of the lesser-known spots where you can swim in seawater surrounded by a wild volcanic landscape. You can park above it for free. It’s a good idea to have water shoes.
Charco del Diablo Chico
A smaller and less visited natural pool near the main Charco del Diablo pool. A very quiet place, but without facilities.
Charcos along the coast between Los Gigantes and Playa de la Arena
Several smaller natural pools created by lava are located along the coast. Not all have an official name, but they are often used by locals. Access is usually via rocks or coastal paths.
Cueva el Tancón: Hidden Sea Cave near Los Gigantes
In the town of Puerto Santiago, which belongs to the Santiago del Teide area, lies a remarkable spot known as Cueva el Tancón. This sea cave was formed in the lava rocks and is accessible through a narrow opening from above. Although it is one of the most interesting natural sites in the area, it is known mainly to locals and few tourists stumble upon it by chance.
Inside is a natural pool with crystal clear seawater. However, swimming here is not recommended because the currents can be very strong and dangerous, and they can pull you deeper into the cave. Several swimmers have already died here.
Mirador Archipenque: Breathtaking View of the Los Gigantes Cliffs
Following the road to Puerto Santiago, you will reach the Mirador Archipenque viewpoint, from which you can admire the Los Gigantes cliffs and the town below them. To the right, you will see the Teno Point lighthouse. There is a free parking lot at the viewpoint and a small cafe where you can have a pastry or buy souvenirs. A nice, roughly 4-kilometer-long hiking trail to the village of Tamaimo starts here.
Getting to Los Gigantes
By Car
Traveling by car is the most convenient way to get to Los Gigantes and allows you to explore the surrounding coast and mountain areas at your own pace. From the southern part of Tenerife, such as Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos, the drive takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes via the TF-1 highway and then the TF-46 road, or via the TF-1 and TF-46 through Guía de Isora. From the north of the island, such as Puerto de la Cruz or Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. The roads leading to Los Gigantes are high quality and well-maintained, but the final sections involve winding stretches with beautiful views of the ocean and cliffs. In town, you will find parking near the harbor, the beach, and in the surrounding streets, although finding a spot can be more difficult during the high season.
By Bus
In addition to a car, you can easily reach the area by bus, as it is served by several regular lines:
- Line 325 connects Puerto de la Cruz, Icod, Santiago del Teide, and other municipalities along the way.
- Line 473 offers frequent connections to the resorts of Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos and also stops at smaller beaches along the coast.
- Line 477 provides a connection to Costa Adeje with stops along the coastal route.
- Line 462 is a local line connecting Santiago del Teide and Guía de Isora.
- Lines 493 and 494 serve as local connections between Playa San Juan, Guía de Isora, and surrounding municipalities.
Los Gigantes is a great choice for those looking for beautiful natural scenery, quiet beaches, and water activity options. It offers pleasant accommodation, an authentic atmosphere, and a unique combination of the ocean and dramatic rock cliffs that are among the most beautiful on the island.
Accommodation in Los Gigantes
Hampton Ocean View Tenerife offers guests an apartment with a kitchen, balcony, and views of the mountains and sea. Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels are included. Playa de Los Gigantes is 200 meters away, and the Los Gigantes resort center is also 200 meters away.
Unique Buenavista is a four-star apartment with a terrace overlooking the sea and an outdoor pool. The apartment also offers a kitchen with a refrigerator and free Wi-Fi. Los Gigantes beach is 800 meters away.
A budget accommodation option is Casa Fina, a quiet country house in Santiago del Teide. Casa Fina offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and a kitchenette with modern equipment. You will find a washing machine and a dishwasher here. Guests can use the mini-market, outdoor seating, picnic areas, and barbecue.
Tenerife Guide
What to see and experience in Tenerife? Read my exhaustive guide to the island of eternal spring: Tenerife Guide – 46 best tips on what to see and do in Tenerife
Downloadable map of Tenerife with interesting places and recommended accommodation marked
I’ve prepared a detailed digital map for you, where you’ll find over 50 things worth seeing in Tenerife. These are the ones I write about in this article. You’ll also find various accommodation options in it. You can download it for the price of one beer in Prague 🙂
Trip to Tenerife
Don’t want to worry about anything? Buy a trip to Tenerife with yoga by the Atlantic and a climb up El Teide flying from Prague. You’ll explore the historic center of Puerto de la Cruz, head to the Las Cañadas del Teide National Park, and experience an adrenaline-filled drive across the crater floor and through the Masca mountain gorge. You’ll go on a trek around the El Chinyero volcano, see the beautiful corners of Orotava, enjoy a trek in the Anaga Mountains with a visit to the cave village of Chinamada, and discover San Cristóbal de la Laguna with its UNESCO-listed historic center. And in between, you’ll enjoy a nice stretch with a yoga instructor.
Frequently Asked Questions about Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes is located on the west coast of Tenerife in the Santiago del Teide area. The town is primarily known for its massive rock cliffs, Acantilados de Los Gigantes.
The main attraction is the impressive cliffs, which reach heights of up to 800 meters. The area is also popular for dolphin and whale watching, swimming, and boat trips.
Yes, right in the town is the smaller Playa de Los Gigantes, and nearby is also Playa de la Arena. Other options include natural pools and hidden swimming spots, such as Charco del Diablo.
Yes, but conditions depend on the weather and waves. For safe swimming, the local natural pools are ideal as they are partially protected from the ocean.
Los Gigantes has a pleasant climate all year round. The best periods are spring and autumn, when temperatures are pleasant and there are fewer tourists, but the area is suitable for visiting anytime.
You can get to Los Gigantes by car, by bus from Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos, or via an organized tour. The journey from the south airport takes approximately 45 minutes.
Yes, Los Gigantes is ideal for those looking for a quieter atmosphere, beautiful nature, and an authentic environment away from the large tourist resorts.
One day is enough for a basic visit, but if you want to take boat trips, go hiking, or relax, two to three days are ideal.
Ahoj, já jsem Hela. Cestování je pro mě radost i detektivní práce zároveň. Před každou cestou totiž nadšeně prozkoumávám všechno, co se o daném místě dá zjistit, od zajímavostí a historie až po praktické detaily, které se při plánování opravdu hodí.
Právě proto vznikla Všudybylka. Sdílím tu přehledné průvodce, tipy na ubytování, nápady kam vyrazit v různých částech roku i recenze cestovatelského vybavení, které mi na cestách skutečně pomohlo.
Když zrovna necestuji, najdete mě zabranou do dobré fantasy nebo sci-fi knihy s některou z mých pěti potkanek na rameni.
