The Cliffs of Los Gigantes is one of those must-visit destinations in Tenerife. Located in the western part of the island, between the municipalities of Buenavista del Norte and Santiago del Teide, they are part of the Parque Rural de Teno.
Their fame is mainly due to their imposing vertical walls that reach approximately 600 meters in height, combined with the 30 meters of marine depth. The irregular shapes of the cliffs are the result of erosion processes, and the dark color of their walls is due to solidified lava. To give you an idea of their grandeur, the Guanches called them the Wall of Hell, as they believed they represented the end of the world.
In addition to admiring the cliffs, which are truly spectacular, Los Gigantes de Tenerife offers many other attractions and activities. We enjoyed whale watching and took a kayaking tour, although snorkeling, paddleboarding, and much more are also possible.
In this guide, I detail what to see in Los Gigantes so you can make the most of your visit.
1. Playa de los Guíos, a must-see in the Cliffs of Los Gigantes
Playa de los Guíos is one of the most beautiful corners of Los Gigantes, Tenerife. It is a small beach with brown sand and rocks located at the foot of the cliffs, offering stunning views of them.
Despite being one of the most visited places in Los Gigantes, Tenerife, it is usually not too crowded, or at least that was what we noticed during our visit. We especially loved this spot, as it is sheltered by the cliffs and the fishing port, which prevents strong winds and keeps the water calm.
The beach has lifeguards, umbrella rentals, showers, and more. Additionally, it is the ideal place for snorkeling and scuba diving. For all these reasons, it is one of the best beaches in Tenerife, also standing out for its views of the Cliffs of Los Gigantes.
2. Mirador Archipenque, one of the places to visit in Los Gigantes, Tenerife
Mirador Archipenque is another spot you cannot miss visiting in Los Gigantes, Tenerife. It is located in Puerto de Santiago and can be accessed via the TF-454 road or by walking if you are exploring the town on foot.
This viewpoint, considered one of the best in Tenerife, offers spectacular views of the cliffs and the entire coast of Puerto de Santiago, with the island of La Gomera in the background.
Undoubtedly, it is one of the essential places to see in Los Gigantes, especially during sunset, the perfect time to capture incredible photographs.
3. Charco de Isla Cangrejo, a natural pool to visit in Los Gigantes
Charco de Isla Cangrejo, located in the homonymous urbanization, is one of the best natural pools in Tenerife and one of the places to see in Los Gigantes.
This natural pool, protected by a concrete wall that acts as a breakwater, is perfect for enjoying a peaceful swim without waves. However, during high tide, waves may crash strongly against the wall, so it is advisable to be cautious, especially if traveling with children.
The best part of this pool is, without a doubt, the views of the Cliffs of Los Gigantes, Tenerife, so I highly recommend visiting it.
4. Whale and Dolphin Watching, one of the best activities to do in Los Gigantes
Whale and dolphin watching is one of the standout activities in Los Gigantes and one of my favorites, so I recommend booking this excursion, just as we did.
You will tour the Los Gigantes area aboard a sailboat, enjoying stunning views of the cliffs, and sail towards areas with higher chances of spotting dolphins, pilot whales, and other cetaceans. This excursion is the best of Los Gigantes, as you will also have time to swim in open sea and snorkel.
It is important to know that cetaceans live in the wild, so each excursion is different and there is no guarantee of sightings. However, in our experiences in Tenerife, we have always seen dolphins and pilot whales, so I am sure you will be lucky.
You can check our guide on whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife for more information.
5. Kayaking, a different way to see the Cliffs of Los Gigantes
Another way to enjoy the Cliffs of Los Gigantes is through kayaking. We booked this excursion, which departs from Punta de Teno and follows a maritime route to Los Gigantes, Tenerife.
There are some kayaking excursions that start directly at the cliffs, but we preferred this option because the views are much more spectacular. Additionally, you will enjoy incredible panoramas of some of the most emblematic places in the Parque Rural de Teno, such as the lighthouse. As you move away from Punta de Teno, the views of the cliffs become even more impressive. During the trip, the guide will provide information about the marine species that inhabit the area.
Undoubtedly, it is one of the best ways to appreciate the Cliffs of Los Gigantes, as from the sea they appear even more majestic and large. I assure you that you will feel tiny in comparison.
If you have never kayaked before, don’t worry, as before starting the route you will be given brief instructions on how to use the paddle and some safety measures.
6. Masca Gorge Route, the best trail near Los Gigantes, Tenerife
Descending through the Masca Gorge is one of the best hiking trails in Tenerife and is close to Los Gigantes.
When we did it, it was possible to walk down the gorge to Masca Beach and take a boat back to Los Gigantes. This way, you avoided the ascent, which is much more demanding, and could enjoy incredible views of the cliffs. However, for several years now, the dock has been closed, so it is currently not possible to leave the gorge by boat, although there are plans for its reopening. When this happens, you can check the companies that offer this route at this link.
For now, it remains one of the most interesting activities near Los Gigantes, Tenerife, especially if you are in good physical condition, as the route features curious geological formations and hosts unique plants and animals. It takes approximately 3 hours to descend and 4 hours to ascend.
If you decide to do it, I recommend checking our guide on the Masca Gorge to have all the necessary information and fully enjoy the route without surprises.
Where to Stay in Los Gigantes, Tenerife
Finding hotels in Los Gigantes, Tenerife, won’t be a problem, as it is a very popular and touristy area.
If you are looking for apartments in Los Gigantes, I recommend the Aparthotel Los Dragos del Sur. We stayed here on one of our trips and, in addition to an excellent location, they have very friendly and attentive staff. As an aparthotel, you have access to both hotel facilities and the comforts of an apartment.
Another option is to book in one of the rural hotels in Tenerife located in Los Gigantes, such as the Hotel Rural El Navío. It is an ideal accommodation for couples looking for a good location and plenty of tranquility, as they only accept adults. A similar alternative is the Finca Los Frontones, one of the best rural houses in South Tenerife, suitable for both couples and families.
If you are traveling with children, I recommend the Landmar Costa los Gigantes, considered not only one of the best family hotels in Tenerife but also one of the best all-inclusive hotels in North Tenerife.
I am sure you won’t have difficulties finding accommodation in Los Gigantes, but for more information, you can check our guide on where to stay in Tenerife.
Where to Eat in Los Gigantes
You will find numerous places to eat in Los Gigantes, but I definitely recommend Casa Edu. They are open from Wednesday to Sunday and offer a wide variety of dishes with an excellent quality-price ratio. Here you will mainly find dishes made with meats and fish. It is very close to Mirador Archipenque.
Another excellent option is Taberna Santa María, a traditional tapas bar where you will find more locals than tourists. The atmosphere is very close and family-like, and the tuna salpicon is delicious. Additionally, it is a good place to eat in Los Gigantes if you are visiting Playa de los Guíos, as it is right next to it, facing the Puerto de Los Gigantes.
In short, there are many restaurants in Los Gigantes, so you won’t have trouble finding a good place to eat.
How to Get to Los Gigantes, Tenerife
If you don’t know how to get to Los Gigantes, Tenerife, one of the best options is to rent a car. We always choose to have our own vehicle, which we rent through DiscoverCars, as it offers greater freedom and allows access to more remote places.
If you prefer not to drive, there are other ways to get around Tenerife and reach Los Gigantes from almost any point on the island, such as booking some of the best excursions available in Tenerife. You will find tours to Los Gigantes from practically any city on the island, which is also an excellent option.
Another alternative is to reach Los Gigantes by bus, which are the Canarian buses. This mode of transportation is very economical and its network connects all the localities on the island. This means that, wherever you are, you can reach the Cliffs of Los Gigantes by public transport. Just keep in mind that the travel time can be considerable depending on your location. You can check schedules and routes through this website.
Map of Los Gigantes in Tenerife
To help you find all the mentioned points of interest, below is a map of Los Gigantes, Tenerife:
If you have any questions or want to share your experience visiting Los Gigantes, Tenerife, you can leave a comment below. I would love to read it!
And now, that’s it. Enjoy the Cliffs of Los Gigantes!
