The indigenous people of Tenerife called ‘guanches’ believed that existed vertical windows that reflected the end of the world which they called “Walls of Hell” or “Walls of Devil”. This name was given to what today we call ‘cliffs of Los Gigantes’. If you’d see them up close, you wouldn’t be surprised why they thought so, since their majesty makes them imposing.
The location of Los Gigantes (Santiago del Teide) has the privilege of having one of the biggest cliffs in Spain carrying its name. They can be found inside the Teno Rural Park, and have a height of 600 metres as a consequence of erosion. Have you ever visited a building that measures the same? Cause we haven’t. Imagine the vertigo!
Their 30 metre depths, are home to a great natural wealth that attracts numerous divers and fishing enthusiasts. In fact, it’s a meeting point for water sports lovers since many companies operate there due to its maritime variety. If you like scuba diving, want to have a unique nature experience or practice Stand Up Paddle Board, Los Gigantes is the right place for you.
Its privileged situation has made thousands of people visit the southern municipality. The not very wide beach of Los Gigantes, called Los Guíos, is quite visited since from there the cliffs can be observed in a panoramic view.
Can you imagine laying over the towel and when you get up, you’re able to see the immense rock walls while listening to the sound of the sea and breathing in serenity? You’ll wish to wake up to that place every day.
The beach is accessible and at the dock next to it, you can see all the different water sport rental kiosks like the cetacean sighting, one of the most requested ones. To breathe the sea breeze from there must be a privilege.
However, don’t you forget your flip-flops! We suggest that if you go swimming you take your trainers along or ‘cholas’ (flip-flops) as we like to say here, to avoid burning your feet from the volcanic sand. Believe us when we tell you that for us locals, the worst of going at the beach is getting off the towel and walking towards the sea.
Would you like, though, to be able to see the cliffs from a wider perspective? If you do, don’t hesitate visiting the Archipenque lookout point, where you’ll be able to observe the cliffs and the village from above and have a nice beer surrounded by palm trees.
The lookout can be found before entering the village, next to a siding with some parking spots. From there, you’ll also be able to enjoy the view towards La Gomera and one of the prettiest and most romantic sunsets of the island.
Also the variety of restaurants will complete a perfect stay in Los Gigantes. You’ll be able to eat in a bar around the area, some even with a michelin star such as El Rincón de Juan Carlos. In this case however, you’ll have to book your reservation in advance. Additionally, there are other places where you’ll be able to enjoy excellent canarian dishes at a really good price. You can’t leave without trying the fish recently brought from the port.
The experience you’ll enjoy in Los Gigantes is one of the most special ones the island has to offer. Possibly the view from there is the best one in Tenerife, and the water sports the place provides, surely the most requested ones. Will you be able to resist this unique natural beauty? Let’s wait and see!
How to arrive at Los Gigantes
The access to Los Gigantes is not a complicated one, however it is a long one. If you have an available car and you’re anywhere close to the south of Tenerife, the best solution is to drive from TF-1 in the direction of Guía de Isora. You have to take the first exit of Vera de Erques, then at the roundabout the third exit to TF-46. Reaching the next roundabout, you can get out from the highway TF-47 in the direction of Alcalá, that will lead you to Los Gigantes.
But you can also access Los Gigantes by bus from different spots of the island. From Puerto de la Cruz, you can use the line 325. If you’re coming from Intercambiador of Santa Cruz with the line 102 or 103, you can transfer to the 325 bus. Also from Los Cristianos you can use the 477 line or from the station in Costa Adeje the direct line 477.
Taxis can be another solution to arrive at Los Gigantes if you’re looking for more comfort and don’t bother to pay a bit more for your trip. Taxis can be requested from any taxi stop or by calling at the taxi service depending on the municipality you are at.
Water sports in Los Gigantes
There are various water sports companies that operate in the location of Los Gigantes. You can always purchase your tickets from the kiosks found at the dock or in advance from sites like Yumping.com. Don’t miss out on the best activity offers all over Tenerife from webs like Bonosvip or Groupon.