Los Gigantes, Tenerife: 6 Unique Things To Do

Things to do in Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes is one of the most unique places in Tenerife, famous for its ‘ancantilados’ – the massive 600-meter basalt sea cliffs that rise out of the Atlantic. The Guanches, the indigenous people of Tenerife, believed these cliffs were highly sacred and called them the ‘wall of hell’, as if they marked the end of the world. We were blown away when we saw them for the first time – the scale is hard to put into words! 

Note: While Los Gigantes is very relaxed, it is one of the more touristy places on the island, so you’ll find more resort-style hotels here. There’s not a massive amount of sightseeing, but there are plenty of activities in nature, like whale watching tours, kayaking, and snorkeling.

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1. Los Gigantes Beach

Los Gigantes Beach (Playa de los Guios) is one of the most scenic beaches in Tenerife. It’s a black volcanic sand beach, but what makes it unique is its breathtaking proximity to the Los Gigantes cliffs! 

I loved how wild Los Gigantes Beach felt, yet it’s also convenient as it’s located next to the town. There’s a pretty palm-tree promenade behind, which meant we could easily have a bite to eat afterward. We recommend Los Gigantes Beach Club: home to a tropical atmosphere with a fantastic view of the beach and cliffs. 

Best time to visit: Due to its size, there is limited space on Los Gigantes Beach, so we recommend arriving early in the morning or late afternoon to get a spot. Late afternoon is our favorite as Los Gigantes is west-facing, so it’s the best place for sunset on the island!

2. Piscina Natural Acantilado de los Gigantes, Tenerife

Tenerife is home to many incredible natural volcanic rock pools, which make the perfect refreshing swim spot! You’ll find one of the most scenic spots in Los Gigantes, with cliffside views and crystal clear turquoise waters, which are great for seeing marine life.

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Important note: While there is a protective barrier at this pool, the Atlantic Ocean is very unpredictable, and there have been reports of big waves crashing over the walls. When we visited, it was closed because the ocean was too rough. If the pool is open, only swim at low tide, when the water is calm.

3. Coastal Cliff Walk

We discovered this beautiful coastal cliff walk by chance when exploring Los Gigantes. The pretty paved path hugs the coast and gives the best views of the mammoth cliffs. It’s an easy walk, suitable for most visitors.

The best time to do this walk is in the early evening as the sun sets. Watching the sky change color alongside the sheer wall of cliffs was a standout memory for us on our Tenerife itinerary! (Here is the exact location of the path)

Tip: For something longer, try this 9km one-way Coastal walk from Los Gigantes to Playa San Juan. You’ll pass alongside pretty towns, gigantic cliffs, natural pools, and lush banana plantations. Afterward, take the bus back to Los Gigantes from San Juan (lines 473 and 477).

4. Los Gigantes Viewpoint (Mirador Archipanque)

Set higher up in town, discover the best Los Gigantes viewpoint: Mirador Archipanque! Because of its elevation, you can see the Los Gigantes cliffs from a distance and truly admire their colossal size.  On a clear day, you can even see the island of La Gomera on the horizon.

Best time: We recommend visiting at sunrise or sunset for the softer light and great photos! 

You’ll have to visit by car as it’s a bit far from the main town, but there’s parking when you arrive. There’s also a cute cafe next to the viewpoint where you can grab a drink to appreciate the views. (Here is the location)

5. Whale Watching Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes is the best place for whale and dolphin watching on the island, home to huge pods of bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, and pilot whales year-round. In the winter months between December and April, larger whale species appear, including humpback! 

We recommend joining a boat tour to see these majestic creatures in the wild; you’ll find plenty leaving from the marina, including speedboats and catamarans. However, please always research carefully and choose an ethical operator with a ‘Barco Azul’ certification. This means they follow eco-friendly guidelines. 

Many of these tours include swimming stops in secluded coves, with snorkeling as an option. This allows you to see the incredible aquatic life living around the shores of Tenerife, such as sea turtles and sting rays.

Note: Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to go whale watching in Los Gigantes as the ocean was too rough. However, we would book this tour if we had the opportunity again! Remember, December–April is the best time to spot the migratory whale species.

Other Water Activities in Los Gigantes, Tenerife

While a boat trip is one of the most popular things to do in Los Gigantes, there are other ways to see wildlife on these western shores. 

• Kayak Tour: Paddling along the base of the Los Gigantes cliffs looks truly out of this world! It gives you a totally unique perspective of their scale as you look up from the water. Many of the tours also include snorkeling stops, so you can get a chance to see some colorful marine life up close.

• Scuba Diving: Want to do your PADI in Los Gigantes? You can complete the course over several fantastic dive sites. The area is known for its volcanic underwater landscapes, such as caves and arches deep below the cliffs. We didn’t try scuba diving, but we imagine seeing the Canary underwater world, full of stingrays, octopus, and even turtles, is magical. Note: The best time is May to October for better temperatures and clearer visibility. 

Best Cafes and Restaurants

With such a scenic coastal location and lively marina, Los Gigantes is home to some excellent seafood restaurants. Try delicious seafood paella and grilled catch of the day, as you enjoy sensational views of the Los Gigantes cliffs. Here are some of our favorites:

• Aqua Restaurant: Located within the Royal Sun Resort, this upmarket restaurant has fantastic views of the cliffs. 
• Charlie’s Bistro: A delicious French diner serving excellent seafood. We hear the crab cakes are delicious.
• The Tea House and Bar: Book ahead for English afternoon tea with freshly baked scones and clotted cream.
• Pejeverde Los Gigantes: A modern take on traditional seafood dishes from the Canaries. The seafood croquettes and ceviche are delicious.
• Los Gigantes Beach Club: This fun beach club serves cocktails and food and has the best views of the cliffs. This was our favorite place in Los Gigantes!

Where to Stay in Los Gigantes, Tenerife

We visited Los Gigantes on a half-day trip from Puerto de la Cruz, which was perfect. The town is relatively small, so you only need a morning or an afternoon to enjoy all the things to do in Los Gigantes.

However, if you’re looking for somewhere to base yourself while you follow our Tenerife itinerary, Los Gigantes is also a great option, as it’s close to Masca and Teide National Park. While it’s a charming town, it is on the touristy side, but that means that there are plenty of accommodations to choose from. (See all hotels in Los Gigantes)

Our favorite hotels in Los Gigantes 😴

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Klayman Diamond Aparthotel

Los Gigantes

Royal Sun Resort

Los Gigantes

Apartamentos El Sombrero

Los Gigantes

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Check available hostels

Tip: If you want the best views, select the elevated hotels built into the hillside, such as the Royal Sun Resort.

How to Visit Los Gigantes, Tenerife

Visiting Los Gigantes is really easy! If you’re following our Tenerife itinerary and staying in Puerto de la Cruz, it’s just over an hour’s drive, or you can take a direct bus (line 325).

From the Airport

If you’re staying in Los Gigantes for your vacation, here’s how to reach the town from both airports in Tenerife:

• South Airport: 40 minutes drive. There is also a bus, but you must change in Costa Adeje. The first bus to Costa Adeje takes 40 minutes (line 40 or 711). Then take line 473 or 477 to Los Gigantes (50 minutes). 
• North Airport: 1 hour drive. Unfortunately, the bus isn’t an option, taking around 3-4 hours with multiple changes. 

Note: Another option is to see if your hotel can arrange to collect you or book your own airport transfer.

Budget for Los Gigantes

While Los Gigantes is a popular tourist destination, the prices are still very reasonable! It’s cheaper than bigger resort towns like Costa Adeje, although we did find it slightly more expensive than Puerto de la Cruz.

We had amazing fresh seafood and other local dishes for an excellent price; we never paid more than 30 EUR for a starter, two mains, and two drinks (15 EUR pp!). Remember that accommodation prices will rise during peak season, so consider that when booking your trip.

Weather in Los Gigantes, Tenerife

The beauty of Tenerife is that it’s a year-round destination because of its sub-tropical climate. Los Gigantes is even warmer because it has a unique micro-climate on the island (300+ days of sun a year!).

We visited in March and it was perfect. It can be a little on the breezy side, which can affect the ocean and whether you can swim or not, but apart from that, it was ideal for hikes and sunsets, because of its west-facing location! Spring (or Fall) is also the perfect time for whale watching in Los Gigantes. 

Best time to visit: If you’re visiting on a half-day trip to Los Gigantes, like we were, we recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid crowds, or the late afternoon for the best sunset in Tenerife! Check the weather forecast beforehand and/or the live webcams.