Los Gigantes is a picturesque resort town on the southwest of Tenerife, nestled at the foot of the cliffs of the same name, towering 600-800 meters above the azure waters of the Atlantic. The mild climate, charming landscapes, and relaxed atmosphere make Los Gigantes an ideal place for a peaceful getaway surrounded by nature.
Three remarkable resorts are merged into a single agglomeration here: the respectable Los Gigantes, the compact Puerto de Santiago, and the cozy La Arena. There are no clear boundaries between them, and the entire area is managed by the municipality of Santiago del Teide.
The pleasant resort town of Los Gigantes
Огромные скалы Лос Гигантес
Природная “ванна” с морской водой
Los Gigantes (Los Gigantes), located right at the foot of the cliffs of the same name, is considered the most attractive for tourists. The town is low-rise, built with fashionable and expensive apartments that rise amphitheater-like towards the cliffs. Only one snow-white hotel, Stil Los Gigantes, towers over the typical Canarian houses nestled in greenery and flowers.
Check out my drone video:
The town mostly attracts respectable European visitors, predominantly middle-aged and families; there are few young people. Yachts are moored in the town’s port, and sightseeing boats await tourists. Small vessels depart from here on excursions to the Masca Gorge and for fishing trips; kayaks and water scooters can also be rented.
Good hotels in Puerto de Santiago:
- Barceló Santiago with an excellent panoramic view of the ocean and mountains
The town of Puerto de Santiago
Puerto de Santiago has a different character. There are fewer tourists than in Los Gigantes, with only a few hotels built here. The town is primarily inhabited by Canarians. Puerto de Santiago is a very cozy town, with all its buildings constructed in a unified Mediterranean style. It originated from a fishing settlement, and the fishing trade still thrives today. Fresh catches end up in local restaurants. There are no developed beaches within the town limits, and visitors prefer to swim at the nearby resort.
The resort town of La Arena
Playa de la Arena is located south of its neighbors, in a sunny, rocky cove. This resort is preferred by the British and Germans, often families. The main attraction is La Arena Beach, the best and most crowded beach in the town.
Beaches of Los Gigantes with map markers
The beaches in this tourist area cater to those seeking tranquility, comfort, and warm waters.
Playa de los Guíos
Natural Pool
Playa Los Chocos
Playa de la Arena
Playa de la Arena Beach
La Arena (Playa de la Arena) is an excellent beach: sandy, the cleanest on Tenerife. A natural bay shields it with a wall of high cliffs, but there are waves here, and quite serious ones. For small children, only a strip two to three meters wide along the shore is safe – beyond that, it gets deep. In the second half of the day, it’s very crowded.
The sun here is intense (sunscreen is necessary on the beach and on regular walks). The black volcanic sand gets scorching hot by noon, making it difficult to walk on. For the comfort of beachgoers, wooden walkways have been laid all around, and umbrellas and sun loungers are available. The toilet is paid. The length of the sandy strip is 160 by 60 m. The Arena beach has been awarded the “Blue Flag” for its comfort. Lifeguards are on duty here at all times, safety flags for the water are posted, and medical assistance is available.
Hotels near La Arena beach:
- Landmar Playa La Arena with All Inclusive dining
- Hotel Blue Sea Lagos de Cesar – close to the beach, also all-inclusive.
Playa Los Chocos
In the town of Puerto de Santiago, there is only one small beach – Playa Los Chocos (Playa los chocos). The strip of volcanic sand occupies an area of 65 by 25 m. This miniature recreation area is located in the waters of the old fishing port of Puerto Santiago. Tourists rarely visit this natural sandy beach without any amenities, with mainly local residents relaxing here.
Playa de Los Guíos
This triangular-shaped beach with an area of about 2400 m² is located at the foot of rocky cliffs on the outskirts of Los Gigantes, between a small port and the rocks. It is not the most popular place for water recreation – only tourists staying nearby relax there. The Calle los Guios street leads to the beach.
Playa de los Guíos is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and unusually warm water. The coastal waves here are indeed a few degrees warmer than on neighboring beaches. The water is heated by the sun-scorched rocks submerged in the ocean for several dozen meters. Sun loungers, beach chairs, umbrellas, and catamarans are available for rent on the beach.
Good hotels in Los Gigantes:
- Barceló Santiago with an excellent panoramic view of the ocean and mountains
Natural Pool
The ocean, raging off the western shores of Tenerife, often deprives vacationers of the opportunity to swim – the waves become too dangerous. Locals came up with a worthy solution. Between the rocks and the ridge of the solidified lava not far from the shore, something like a huge “bathtub” was formed. People complemented the natural enclosure of the natural pool with a concrete curb. It became a barrier to the ocean’s elements.
The bathing area is located away from the road. A signpost leading to the gate to the beach is installed at the parking lot. You can sunbathe here on the concrete curb covered with algae, on a small stone platform, or on the rugged rocks. Inside the sea “bathtub,” it is calm and safe – high waves crash against the concrete barrier, flaring up in the sun with splashes and retreating, leaving thousands of bubbles in the pool. Both the sight and the sensations are stunning.
Weather in Los Gigantes
The climate of this place is ideal – very mild and stable. Temperature fluctuations throughout the year are no more than seven degrees (from +21 to +28 °C). The resort is well protected from the wind: from the north – by the huge Teide volcano, from the west – by the grandiose rock formations of Los Gigantes. The water temperature throughout the year ranges from +19°C to +23°C.
How to get to Los Gigantes?
Since there is no direct bus from Tenerife’s southern airport to Los Gigantes, you will have to travel with a transfer. Bus schedules and ticket prices can be checked on the titsa.com website.
From the Tenerife Sur airport, take bus 40 to the PEstacion Costa Adeje stop. The journey takes about 30 minutes. Then transfer to bus #473 or #477 (faster) and go to the Los Gigantes stop. The journey takes 45 minutes.
Or book a transfer.
Neighboring cities: San Juan, Alcala, Playa de las Americas, Costa Adeje.
