Los Gigantes—“The Giants”—is one of Tenerife’s most iconic sights: a sheer wall of volcanic rock rising up to ~600 m from the Atlantic along the coast of the Teno Rural Park. The basalt cliffs run between the municipalities of Santiago del Teide and Buenavista del Norte, forming a dramatic backdrop to boat trips, beach days, and coastal viewpoints. The island’s first inhabitants, the Guanche people, called them the “Wall of the Devil” for their intimidating height and scale.
You can admire the Los Gigantes cliffs by sea (catamarans, yachts, kayaks), from land (several viewpoints), and even underwater—divers find a rich marine world down to ~30 m. Below you’ll find how to see them, the top activities, and essential tips for planning your visit.
Playa de los Guíos (Los Gigantes Beach)
Playa de los Guíos is the main beach at Los Gigantes and the easiest place to swim beneath the cliffs. This Blue Flag cove combines black volcanic sand with typically calm, clear water sheltered by the marina. It has lifeguards in season, basic services, and cafés and restaurants a few steps away in the harbour area.
Bring your own shade (sunbeds and umbrellas are limited), arrive early for parking in the harbour, and keep an eye on flags for sea conditions. For snorkellers, the rocks at the ends of the cove often hold shoals of fish and occasional rays.
Best Viewpoints of Los Gigantes
Mirador de Archipenque
Arguably the most famous viewpoint, just above Puerto de Santiago on the TF-454. It frames the cliffs, the marina, and—on clear days—La Gomera on the horizon. Easy roadside access with a small car park; sunset is spectacular.
Vistas de Los Gigantes Viewpoint
The closest elevated viewpoint to the beach. Reachable on foot if you’re fit: a steep zigzag staircase with benches and shade leads to a lofty platform overlooking the entire bay and the vertical walls.
Punta de Teno Lighthouse
At the far western tip of Tenerife, Punta de Teno offers a side-on panorama of the whole cliff line. The lighthouse is automated and uninhabited, but the location is magical for landscape photography. Access by road can be restricted at certain times—check locally and consider the shuttle bus from Buenavista del Norte.
Boat Trips: The Classic Way to See “The Giants”
For most visitors, a boat trip from Los Gigantes marina is the highlight: you’ll cruise right beneath the walls to feel their scale and textures up close.
Options include catamarans, glass-bottom boats, yachts, and eco-sail experiences. Typical cruises last 2–3 hours and may include a swimming stop in a secluded cove, soft drinks, and commentary about the geology and wildlife.
Whales & Dolphins
The channel between Tenerife and La Gomera is a renowned sanctuary for marine life. Year-round, you can often spot pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins; at times, turtles and migrating species pass through. Morning sailings tend to have calmer seas; late afternoons can deliver golden light on the cliffs.
Water Activities
Los Gigantes is a natural playground for the ocean-inclined:
- Kayaking: Paddle along the base of the cliffs for unique perspectives; many tours add a snorkel stop in clear water.
- Stand-Up Paddle: Calm mornings are best; hug the coast for the smoothest conditions.
- Diving: Lava ledges, drop-offs to ~30 m, and good visibility attract both certified divers and first-timers on try-dives.
- Jet-ski safaris: For speed and scenery combined, guided routes skirt the cliff base (respect distances to wildlife and boats).
Hire a Boat or Join a Tour
If you prefer privacy, consider a private boat charter in Los Gigantes for families or small groups. Skippers know the calmer coves, the best angles for photos, and how to keep responsible distances from wildlife. Shared catamaran tours are great value and run frequently from the marina.
Tip: In high season, pre-book your boat trip Los Gigantes Tenerife to secure a good time slot, especially if you want morning calm or sunset light.
Masca Gorge to the Sea
Another classic way to connect with the cliffs is to hike the Barranco de Masca down to Masca Bay and return by boat to Los Gigantes. The walk is ~5 km, rocky and demanding (around 4 hours down), and may require a permit and booked return boat. Check trail status and conditions in advance. After the trek, a swim beneath the walls and a scenic ride back along the coast make for an unforgettable day.
Los Gigantes for Families & First-Timers
The resort area around the marina is compact and walkable, with cafés, small supermarkets, and a relaxed vibe—quieter than Costa Adeje or Playa de las Américas. It suits couples and families who value scenery and ocean time over nightlife. If you’re after clubs and late bars, base yourself further south and visit Los Gigantes on a day trip.
Is Los Gigantes Lively?
It’s laid-back rather than lively. You’ll find friendly pubs and sea-view terraces, but the real star here is the landscape. For nightlife, plan evenings in Costa Adeje or Las Américas and keep Los Gigantes for sunny days on the water and cliff views.
Practical Guide
- Where is Los Gigantes? On Tenerife’s west coast, in the municipality of Santiago del Teide.
- Is it north or south Tenerife? South-west/west coast, facing La Gomera.
- How far from Costa Adeje? About 30–40 minutes by car (traffic dependent). From Los Cristianos: similar.
- Public transport: Buses connect via Costa Adeje and Santiago del Teide; allow extra time vs driving.
- Parking: Harbour/marina parking (paid) is most convenient for Playa de los Guíos and boat tours; free street parking in Puerto de Santiago if you don’t mind a walk.
- Weather: The west enjoys sun and a mild microclimate; mornings are usually calmer at sea. Always check the day’s wind/sea state if boating or paddling.
Safety Notes
- Respect warning flags and lifeguards at Playa de los Guíos.
- Only swim in designated areas; surge and swell increase near rocks and natural pools.
- On boats/kayaks, follow skipper/guide instructions and keep safe distances from wildlife.
- For Punta de Teno, verify current access rules and sea conditions.
Why Los Gigantes Is Unmissable
Los Gigantes cliffs Tenerife deliver a raw, vertical drama you won’t forget—towering walls, black-sand coves, dolphins and pilot whales, and golden sunsets washing the rock in colour. Whether you want a gentle beach day at Playa de los Guíos, a kayak beneath the walls, or a catamaran cruise at sunset, this coastline is a must on any Tenerife itinerary.
