| Area | Best for | Facts from the tourist board |
|---|---|---|
| Los Gigantes | Cliffs, boats, a marina | Cliffs up to 600 m, part of the Teno Rural Park, main departure point for whale and dolphin cruises |
| Puerto de Santiago | Beach and sea views | La Arena, black sand, Blue Flag for 27 years, 140 m x 40 m |
| Playa de San Juan | Calm village beach | 360 m, Blue Flag since 2012, lifeguard, children's area |
| Costa Adeje | Resort hotels, Siam Park | 30 to 40 minutes by car from Los Gigantes |
Why Los Gigantes
- Boats. The cruise to the cliffs leaves from the port. A well-reviewed option is the Los Gigantes dolphin and whale cruise with a swim stop on GetYourGuide, rated 4.7 out of 5 from 5,881 reviews, from 25 euros (read 26 October 2026). The wider choice is in Los Gigantes boat trips and whale watching in Tenerife.
- La Arena beach. Black volcanic sand, 140 m by 40 m, with toilets, showers, loungers and a scuba-diving area, plus disabled access and a Blue Flag. Los Guíos, a small beach next to the port, is another option; the tourist board advises checking sea conditions before swimming in the small natural pools.
- Views. The best views from land are from Puerto de Santiago, especially the Archipengue viewpoint, and from the Punta de Teno viewpoint.
- Walks. PR-TF 65 runs from Santiago del Teide to Puerto de Santiago (8 km, intermediate); SL-TF 60 is 9 km and takes about four hours.
- Diving and fishing. The sea below the cliffs is about 30 m deep, which draws divers and anglers.
Getting around from Los Gigantes
| Destination | Travel |
|---|---|
| Tenerife South airport (about 45 km) | 35 to 45 minutes by car |
| Costa Adeje | 30 to 40 minutes by car |
| Puerto de la Cruz | TITSA bus 325 |
| Guía de Isora | TITSA bus 462 |
Masca, the village in the gorge just to the north, is covered in Masca, Tenerife.
How to choose
- Decide how much of the south you want. Costa Adeje has Siam Park, golf and 14 beaches; the comparison is in where to stay in Costa Adeje. Los Gigantes has fewer beaches and no water park.
- Pick your airport journey. Los Gigantes is 35 to 45 minutes from the south airport, longer than the 15 to 30 minutes of Los Cristianos.
- Look at the water. If calm sea matters, Playa de San Juan is sheltered by a harbour breakwater: see Playa de San Juan.
- Check the sea state for the pools. Los Guíos and the natural pools carry a warning from the tourist board.
Mistakes to avoid
- Choosing Los Gigantes for Loro Parque or Puerto de la Cruz, which are on the north coast: see Tenerife north or south.
- Planning to swim without checking the sea at Los Guíos.
- Assuming the airport is close. It is about 45 km away.
FAQ
Is Los Gigantes a good place to stay in Tenerife?
It suits boat trips, diving and a quieter west coast. It is 35 to 45 minutes from the south airport.
How far is Los Gigantes from Costa Adeje?
About 30 to 40 minutes by car, according to the tourist board.
Is there a beach at Los Gigantes?
Yes: La Arena in Puerto de Santiago, a 140 m black-sand beach with a Blue Flag, and Los Guíos by the port.
Where do whale and dolphin trips leave from?
Los Gigantes is the main departure point on the west coast. The tourist board also lists Los Cristianos and Puerto Colón for the south.
The Tenerife Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.
