Los Gigantes has the most dramatic setting of any resort in Tenerife. It sits at the foot of colossal sea cliffs — the "giants" that give the town its name — plunging hundreds of metres straight into the Atlantic on the island's sunny western coast. Add a pretty marina, calm black-sand beaches close by and some of the best whale watching in the Canaries, and you have a resort that trades brash nightlife for scenery, sunshine and a gentler pace.
What it's like
Los Gigantes is a compact, low-rise resort tucked into the far south-west of Tenerife, well away from the big southern strip. The town climbs the hillside above its marina, with whitewashed apartments and hotels stacked up to make the most of the views — and the views are the whole story here. The Acantilados de los Gigantes, the sheer cliffs that wall in the northern edge of the resort, rise dramatically from the sea and dominate every outlook, glowing golden at sunset.
The mood is relaxed and grown-up. This is a resort for scenery, boat trips and lazy days rather than clubs and crowds, and it draws couples, families and older travellers who want the west coast's reliable sunshine in a quieter, more characterful setting. The neighbouring villages of Puerto de Santiago and Playa de la Arena run seamlessly on from Los Gigantes, together forming a low-key coastal stretch that shares beaches, restaurants and marina.
Because it faces west and sits in the rain shadow of Tenerife's mountains, this coast is among the sunniest and driest on the island — noticeably brighter than the green, cloudier north around Puerto de la Cruz, and a dependable choice for winter sun.
The marina and boat trips
The marina is the heart of Los Gigantes — a sheltered harbour of yachts and excursion boats set right beneath the cliffs, ringed by restaurants and bars. It's the launch point for the resort's signature activity: getting out on the water. The sheltered waters off this coast are home to resident pilot whales and dolphins all year round, making this one of the finest spots in the islands for whale and dolphin watching. Boat trips also cruise along the base of the giant cliffs for the full, humbling sense of their scale — a view you simply can't get from land.
Choose a smaller, licensed whale-watching boat over the biggest party cruises if you want a calmer, more respectful encounter with the pilot whales and dolphins — and take something warm, as the Atlantic breeze picks up out on the water.
The beach
Los Gigantes has a small dark-sand and pebble cove beside the marina, sheltered by the cliffs, but the best beach is a few minutes away in the neighbouring village: Playa de la Arena, a striking, well-kept crescent of black volcanic sand that regularly flies a Blue Flag. The dark sand — entirely natural on this volcanic coast — soaks up the sun, so it can get hot underfoot, but the beach is clean, attractive and popular with families. As always on the exposed Atlantic coast, keep an eye on the flags and any lifeguard advice, as the sea can get lively.
Where to stay and who it suits
Accommodation is mostly mid-range hotels, aparthotels and apartments, many with cliff or marina views and generally lower-rise than the big southern resorts. Los Gigantes suits couples, families, walkers, divers and anyone drawn to scenery and boat trips over nightlife. It's a particularly good base for exploring the wilder west and the mountains behind. Anyone wanting more shops, big hotels and buzz will find them down the coast in Costa Adeje. Compare options in our where to stay guide.
Eating and nightlife
The marina and seafront are lined with restaurants, from fresh Canarian seafood to Spanish, Italian and international choices, many with a terrace over the water and that cliff view thrown in. It's a lovely place to linger over dinner and try papas arrugadas with mojo or a glass of Canary wine. Nightlife is low-key — relaxed bars, a quiet drink by the marina, hotel entertainment — rather than clubs, which is exactly how most visitors want it here.
Getting there and around
Tenerife South Airport (TFS) is the nearer of the two airports, a drive of around three-quarters of an hour along the coast and motorway. The resort is walkable but steep in places — the town rises sharply from the marina — so comfortable shoes help. Buses (guaguas) connect Los Gigantes with the southern resorts and the wider island, though a hire car opens up the west far more freely. Our getting around guide covers buses, car hire and connections.
Nearby
Inland, one of Tenerife's great drives climbs to the extraordinary mountain hamlet of Masca, perched in a plunging ravine and a highlight of the west. Beyond it lie the historic north-coast towns and, at the island's heart, the volcanic national park around Mount Teide. Down the coast are the big resorts of the south, and offshore the whales and dolphins are never far away. Start with our Tenerife hub to plan the rest of your trip.