6 Unforgettable Experiences You Can’t Miss: Our Expert Recommendations

Los Gigantes, which translates to ‘The Giants’ in Spanish, truly embodies its name; you can find the tallest sea cliffs in Europe right here in Tenerife! During our Tenerife trip, we took a half-day excursion to explore this charming village, appreciate the impressive cliffs, and check out the renowned viewpoints. But there’s so much more to discover in Los Gigantes! The western coast of Tenerife is ideal for activities like dolphin and whale watching, snorkeling, and kayaking. Read on for our recommendations on must-visit places, places to eat, and tips for your visit.

Activities in Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes is a truly distinct destination in Tenerife, renowned for its ‘ancantilados’ – the towering 600-meter basalt sea cliffs that rise dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean. The Guanches, the island’s native inhabitants, held these cliffs in high regard, referring to them as the ‘wall of hell’, believing it signified the world’s edge. We were astounded upon our first sighting – the enormity of the cliffs is simply breathtaking!

Scenic coastal village with red-roofed homes and palm trees in the foreground, set against the dramatic cliffs of Los Gigantes Tenerife and the sparkling ocean behind.

1. Los Gigantes Beach

Los Gigantes Beach (Playa de los Guios) ranks as one of the most picturesque beaches in Tenerife. It features black volcanic sand, and its remarkable closeness to the Los Gigantes cliffs sets it apart!

Waves crashing onto the dark sandy beach of Los Gigantes, with turquoise waters and a tall rocky cliff in the background under a clear sky.

I enjoyed the wild atmosphere of Los Gigantes Beach, despite its convenience of location next to the town. There’s a charming palm-lined promenade behind the beach which allowed us to grab a bite afterward. For a great dining experience, we suggest Los Gigantes Beach Club, which offers a tropical vibe and stunning views of the beach and cliffs.

Tip: It’s a small cove, making it generally safe for swimming. But if the water seems choppy, consider trying the nearby natural pools instead. (Here is the location)

Guests enjoying drinks at an outdoor restaurant in Los Gigantes, set against beautiful views of turquoise water and towering cliffs, surrounded by lush greenery and wooden beams.

Individuals enjoying drinks at an outdoor restaurant in Los Gigantes, Tenerife, with stunning views of the clear blue water and towering cliffs, surrounded by lush greenery and wooden structures.

Optimal visiting hours: Los Gigantes Beach offers limited space, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. We recommend late afternoon since the beach faces west, making it the perfect location to watch the sunset on the island!

A mural shows a child with a VR headset depicting a nature scene, wearing a shirt that says Chinyero, on a textured outdoor wall in Los Gigantes, Tenerife.

Important advisory: Although there is a safety barrier at the pool, the Atlantic Ocean can be quite unpredictable. There have been instances of large waves crashing over the barriers. When we visited, the pool was closed due to rough seas. If it is open, only swim during low tide when the water is calmer.

A woman in white stands on a balcony, looking over the rocky cliffs of Los Gigantes, Tenerife, with palm trees and ocean waves below under a clear sky.

3. Coastal Cliff Walk

We stumbled upon this stunning coastal cliff walk while exploring Los Gigantes. The charming paved trail hugs the coastline and offers spectacular views of the massive cliffs. It’s an easy stroll, perfect for most visitors.

The ideal time to take this walk is during early evening as the sun sets. Experiencing the changing colors of the sky alongside the dramatic cliffs was a highlight of our time in Tenerife! (Here’s the exact location of the path)

Two individuals enjoy a coastal walk near modern white properties perched on the rocky Los Gigantes cliffs, offering views of the ocean on a sunny day.

4. Mirador Archipanque (Los Gigantes Viewpoint)

Located higher in the town, Mirador Archipanque offers the finest view of Los Gigantes! Its height provides a perfect vantage point to appreciate the immense cliffs. On clear days, you might even spot the neighboring island of La Gomera.

Ideal Time: We suggest going during sunrise or sunset for the most beautiful light and photo opportunities!

Scenic viewpoint at Los Gigantes, Tenerife, featuring palm trees overlooking striking cliffs and the ocean; visitors near a sign and benches, surrounded by flowers and a small decorative boat in the area.

You will need a car to reach this spot since it’s a bit distant from the town center, but parking is available once you arrive. Nearby, there’s a charming café where you can enjoy a drink while taking in the views. (Find the location here)

A street scene in Los Gigantes, Tenerife showing parked cars, palm trees, and pedestrians, with majestic steep cliffs rising in the background under a clear sky.

5. Whale Watching at Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes is the prime destination for observing whales and dolphins on the island. It hosts large groups of bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, and pilot whales throughout the year. From December to April, you might even encounter larger species like humpback whales!

A woman in a yellow dress sits on the edge of a boat during a whale watching tour in Los Gigantes, Tenerife, gazing down at a dolphin swimming in the clear blue ocean below.

We suggest going on a boat tour to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat; you’ll find many options available at the marina, including speedboats and catamarans. Just make sure to do your research and choose a provider that has a ‘Barco Azul’ certification, indicating they adhere to eco-friendly practices.

A dolphin gracefully swims just beneath the water's surface near Los Gigantes, Tenerife, creating splashes as it glides through the ocean waves.

Many of these tours offer swimming stops at hidden coves, with snorkeling available for those interested. This provides a chance to explore the fascinating marine life around Tenerife, including sea turtles and stingrays.

Note: Unfortunately, we were unable to go whale watching in Los Gigantes due to rough sea conditions. However, we would definitely sign up for this tour again if given the chance! Keep in mind that the best time to spot migratory whales is between December and April.

An aerial view of a single sailboat floating in crystal-clear turquoise water, with dark patches of underwater vegetation visible near Los Gigantes, Tenerife.

Additional Water Activities in Los Gigantes, Tenerife

While taking a boat tour is among the most popular activities in Los Gigantes, there are additional options for experiencing wildlife along these western shores.

Kayak Tour: Gliding along the base of the Los Gigantes cliffs is an incredible experience!

Viewing the scale of the cliffs from the water offers you a completely different viewpoint. Many of the tours also feature snorkeling stops, giving you an opportunity to see vibrant marine life up close.

Scuba Diving: Interested in earning your PADI certification in Los Gigantes? You can complete your course across several amazing dive sites. The region is recognized for its volcanic underwater features, including caves and arches beneath the cliffs. Although we didn’t go scuba diving, we can imagine that witnessing the underwater beauty of the Canary Islands, filled with stingrays, octopuses, and even turtles, is truly enchanting. Note: The optimal time for diving is from May to October for milder temperatures and better visibility.

Top Cafes and Restaurants

Los Gigantes boasts a picturesque coastal setting and a vibrant marina, featuring some wonderful seafood eateries. Enjoy mouthwatering seafood paella and the fresh catch of the day while taking in stunning views of the cliffs. Here are a few of our top picks:

Aqua Restaurant: Situated in the Royal Sun Resort, this upscale eatery offers breathtaking views of the cliffs.
Charlie’s Bistro: A fantastic French diner known for its seafood, especially the crab cakes.
The Tea House and Bar: Be sure to reserve spots for a traditional English afternoon tea with freshly made scones and clotted cream.
Pejeverde Los Gigantes: A modern twist on classic Canarian seafood dishes, with delicious seafood croquettes and ceviche.
Los Gigantes Beach Club: A lively beach club famous for its cocktails and food, boasting the best views of the cliffs—this was our favorite spot in Los Gigantes!

A scenic outdoor café with colorful furniture, a curved concrete bench, and greenery in a town square surrounded by charming white and yellow buildings with balconies, showcasing the quaint atmosphere of Los Gigantes village in Tenerife.

Accommodations in Los Gigantes, Tenerife

We explored Los Gigantes during a half-day trip from Puerto de la Cruz, which was just right. The town is quite compact, so a morning or afternoon is sufficient to experience everything Los Gigantes has to offer.

However, if you’re searching for a place to stay while following our Tenerife itinerary, Los Gigantes is a wonderful choice. Its proximity to Masca and Teide National Park adds to its appeal. While it is a charming destination, it can feel somewhat touristy, meaning many accommodation options are available. (See all hotels in Los Gigantes)

Tip: For the best views, opt for hotels perched on the hillside, like the Royal Sun Resort.

A charming traditional white building with wooden balconies and windows, topped with a tiled roof and framed by a potted palm, embodies the essence of Los Gigantes village in Tenerife.

How to Get to Los Gigantes, Tenerife

Getting to Los Gigantes is quite simple! If you’re adhering to our Tenerife itinerary and staying in Puerto de la Cruz, it’s just a little over an hour’s drive away, or you can take a direct bus (line 325).

Traveling From the Airport

If you’re planning to stay in Los Gigantes during your holiday, here’s how to get to the town from Tenerife’s two airports:

South Airport: A 40-minute drive. There is a bus service available, but you’ll need to change at Costa Adeje. The initial journey to Costa Adeje takes about 40 minutes (line 40 or 711). After that, take line 473 or 477 to reach Los Gigantes, which takes another 50 minutes.
North Airport: A one-hour drive. Unfortunately, the bus is not a good choice, taking around 3-4 hours with several transfers.

Search for flights to Los Gigantes ✈️

Tip: Consider asking your hotel if they offer transportation services or arrange your own airport transfer for convenience.

A green bus and several vehicles driving on a palm-lined road in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, with mountains and buildings in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Budgeting for Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes is a well-liked tourist spot, but you’ll find that prices remain quite affordable! It’s more budget-friendly compared to larger resort areas like Costa Adeje, although it may be a bit pricier than Puerto de la Cruz.

We enjoyed delicious fresh seafood and other authentic local meals at very reasonable prices; we never spent more than 30 EUR for a starter, two main courses, and two drinks (about 15 EUR per person!). Keep in mind that accommodation rates can increase during peak season, so plan accordingly when making reservations.

An outdoor café with white furniture next to a tree near Los Gigantes, Tenerife. Customers are seated, and a person stands at a red counter outside a building named Asturias.

Climate in Los Gigantes, Tenerife

Tenerife is a fantastic year-round travel destination thanks to its sub-tropical weather. Los Gigantes has an even warmer atmosphere due to its special micro-climate (over 300 sunny days each year!).

We went in March, and the weather was ideal. It can get a bit breezy, which might affect swimming conditions, but overall it was perfect for hiking and enjoying sunsets, especially because the town faces west! Spring and fall are also great seasons for whale watching in Los Gigantes.