Los Gigantes: one of Tenerife’s must visit attraction

One of the most incredible sights to behold on the island is located on its westernmost tip: the cliffs of Los Gigantes in Tenerife. The whole area boasts jaw-droppingly stunning landscapes, fantastic wild swimming spots and beaches, and a host of other activities.

Diving, whale watching, kayaking, paddle surfing… Read on for an utterly unforgettable holiday, guaranteed. So come on, discover Los Gigantes with us!

Plans, plans and more plans in Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes is the last coastal town you reach on the island of Tenerife. It’s in Santiago del Teide municipality, and is part of the incredible Parque Rural de Teno. It’s famous for its imposing cliffs – not to mention its wonderful weather, all year round.

These impressive basalt stone barriers formed when several volcanic eruptions created a natural ‘wall’ towering up to 600 metres and reaching as far as Punta de Teno, the westernmost tip of Tenerife.

In fact, the ‘guanches’ – the aboriginal people of the Canary Islands – called the Los Gigantes cliffs the ‘Walls of Hell’, considering them a sacred place. They believed they marked the end of the world, and that nothing existed from them on.

And this magnificent spot is also home to unique fauna on land, air and sea, making it all the more special. Tenerife’s giant lizard, the fish eagle and sperm whale are just some species who have made their homes there, creating its diverse protected areas.

So, where can you get the best views of the cliffs?

Archipenque viewpoint is an idyllic spot that gives you prime views of this natural monument – ideal for snapping some photos. You’ll find it on the main road to the town of Los Gigantes. There are also some information panels telling you all about the local flora and fauna, as well as a café and a small shop.

Lower down, there’s Los Guíos beach. Nestled in the cliffs, it also gives you a spectacular panoramic view. When you get there, just let yourself be carried away by your tranquil surroundings. And of course take a dip in front of the stunning views, along with other locals and visitors.

And if you take a stroll through Los Gigantes marina (also located just opposite the cliffs) you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of this natural beauty spot. The marina has shops, several restaurants serving national and international cuisine, water sports centres, as well as car hire firms.

Fun and nature in the waters of Los Gigantes

One of the best ways to get the most out of Los Gigantes is to take to the water. Whether you’re on a boat or fully submerged, you’ll notice one of the best sea beds in Tenerife. Why not add an adrenaline fix for a truly memorable holiday?

Here’s our pick of some water activities you can try. We guarantee they’ll give you a unique experience of these impressive cliffs:

See the ‘Walls of Hell’ from a kayak

Whether you’re with family, friends or visiting with your partner, going on a kayak trip with the stunning cliff backdrop is one of the best activities on offer.

You’ll find plenty of officially authorised companies in the marina offering a range of adventures, all with specialist guides who know the area inside out. They’ll tell you all sorts of interesting facts about life – and wildlife – in Los Gigantes.

We recommend booking your excursion a few days beforehand to secure a spot. Our tip: make sure you get there early, and you can enjoy the gorgeous landscape and terraces on the beach before you head out on your adventure.

The route usually takes around two hours. As well as rowing, you’ll have time to cool off and swim in the Atlantic waters and do a bit of snorkelling. Guides generally offer drinks during the activity, so there’s time to gather your strength and take some photos.

Get up on a SUP board

If kayaks aren’t for you, paddle surfing is another amazing way to see the magnificent Los Gigantes cliffs. The sport is trending on the island, and no wonder. Suitable for over 12-year-olds, it’s easy to get the hang of, and you can do it from the beach itself.

You’ll find a number of specialist companies in the port. You can hire the equipment you need per hour, and they can also arrange semi-guided routes. Your instructors will explain the basics to help you stay upright and use the paddle, and when you’re ready to go, they’ll be right behind you with a support boat to guarantee you stay safe.

Travelling with friends or family? Companies often offer paddle surf excursions to private groups – make sure you ask! We recommend reading up and booking in advance.

Get your adrenaline soaring from a jet ski

Is speed your thing? Maybe you’re a bit more daring and that all sounds too sedate? Jet skis are for you. You must be 16 years old or over to hire or drive a jet ski, and the minimum height to go on one accompanied is usually 1.30 metres.

You’ll be able to cover more distance and see Los Gigantes at your own pace – you’ll be the one taking the wheel after all. We recommend going with an instructor who can keep you safe and show you where you’re permitted to go.

If you’re on a jet ski, your best route is to come out of the port and go in the direction of the impressive natural walls of Los Gigantes cliffs until you reach the Masca bay and Barranco Seco beach. You’ll get time to enjoy a swim in the sea, snorkel and have a whole lot of fun with your jet ski comrades.

This activity takes between two and three hours, and you don’t generally need any type of licence or permit. The price usually includes your initial training, equipment required, drinks and snacks, and photos.

Cetacean watching experience

Seeing the cetaceans (whales and dolphins) is a must when you visit the southern coast of Tenerife. The Los Gigantes area is ideal, with various species such as bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales. You’ll find several companies offering excursions.

If you’re travelling with family this is a great activity – it’s suitable for all. Little ones will love setting sail on the high seas and seeing the beauty of these magnificent creatures!

Tours usually take around two hours, on officially authorised boats for whale watching – look out for the flag with a ‘Barco Azul’ sign. That guarantees that the tourism service is respectful of the animals, with a minimal impact on the marine environment and animals.

Generally speaking, your route will go as far as the beautiful bay of Masca, where a specialist guide will tell you all about the natural environment and marine species. And you’ll have stops along the way to take a dip, snorkel and snap some photos.

Dare to jump from a rope? On some boats, you’ll get the chance to hurl yourself into the sea on a rope swing, making for an even more fun experience you’ll never forget.

Plunge to the depths of one of Tenerife’s best seabeds

Los Gigantes boasts one of the most beautiful seabeds on the island, ideal for scuba diving, feeding the ray fish or swimming with sea turtles. The water temperature is perfect for diving. It ranges from 18ºC to 25ºC all year round, making it the perfect activity whatever time of year.

Ready to take the plunge? Whether you’re an old hat or taking your first diving baptism, you couldn’t fail to be impressed by the unique underwater landscape and rich flora and fauna. With depths reaching up to 30 metres, the crystal clear waters guarantee a unique diving experience, giving you a glimpse of species such as gorgona, moray eels and bream.

Several companies work with certified instructors, offering diving courses tailored to all levels and adapted to your needs for a safer experience.

Tours mostly leave the port, heading for dive-ready zones, and the activity lasts around two hours. You’ll be accompanied by a guide at all times. This not only guarantees you stay safe, but means you’ll get to see the most impressive diving locations. You’ll also get lots of interesting information about the various species, conservation and the volcanic origin of the seabed.

We recommend always going for approved, PADI and BSAC registered centres. They will have all the right compulsory insurance, and it confirms they are members of the Canary Islands Government’s Tourism Department.

Remember, when you’re diving in the European Union you must take out insurance, protecting you and guaranteeing recompense for any damage to third parties. So, before you go diving, check this insurance is included in the price and don’t hesitate to ask any questions that come to mind.

Other activities in Los Gigantes

There’s more than cliffs when you visit Los Gigantes. You’ll also get the chance to take a dip in the iconic Charco de Isla Cangrejo. Over time, volcanic activity on the island has created beautiful rock formations, turning them into stunning natural swimming pools.

The pool is really close to the marina, so after you’ve been on one of the excursions you can relax and enjoy the sun, basking in an out-of-this-world landscape. But if the access gate is closed at high tide or when the waves are high, it means swimming is prohibited.

Hiking is another wonderful way to take in the Los Gigantes surroundings. There are endless trails in the area.

One of the most famous walks is the one to the Barranco de Masca. Lasting around three hours, the walk ends at a small but beautiful beach with crystal clear waters. You can take a water taxi back to Los Gigantes. A unique experience of nature!

After an adventure-filled day, you’ll be ready to enjoy our adults-only hotels in Costa Adeje. The Princess Inspire Tenerife and Guayarmina Princess are located about 25 minutes by car from Los Gigantes. End your day in the speciality restaurant or with a glass of wine by the pool.

Come and discover our hotels in the south of Tenerife, where you’ll be close to lots of the island’s treasures, including Los Gigantes.

Categories: Tips, Be inspired, Tenerife