Los Gigantes – The Dramatic Cliffs of Tenerife’s West Coast

Stretching for nearly ten kilometers along the coastline, these truly gigantic cliffs live up to their name. The “Acantilado de Los Gigantes” ranks among the highest sea cliffs in Europe and was once called the “Wall of Hell” by the island’s original inhabitants, the Guanches.

Is Los Gigantes Worth Visiting?

The vertical basalt cliffs are the main attraction and a favorite photo motif — most impressive when viewed from the water, where the walls rise up to 600 meters. At sunset, the dark rock glows in shades of orange and red.

With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, Los Gigantes enjoys one of the most reliable climates on the island. If it’s raining elsewhere, chances are high you’ll still find sunshine here. The harbor also serves as the starting point for a wide range of water-based activities.

Although the former fishing village has not been spared from development, we believe Los Gigantes is definitely worth a day trip.

Where is Los Gigantes located?

Los Gigantes lies in the west of Tenerife, in the municipality of Santiago del Teide, directly beside the spectacular cliffs of the Acantilados de Los Gigantes, which form the flank of the Teno Mountains and stretch as far as Punta de Teno in the northwest.

Even the approach from Santiago del Teide along the winding TF-454 road offers breathtaking views. From here, the neighboring island of La Gomera also seems almost within reach.

If you’d like to visit Los Gigantes but prefer to stay somewhere less touristy, Garachico in the lush north is a wonderful alternative.

Boat Tours from Los Gigantes

From the harbor of Los Gigantes, numerous boat excursions depart — from catamaran and sailing tours to dolphin watching, whale watching, and deep-sea fishing. Hikers can also arrange a shuttle service here for pick-up after crossing the Masca Gorge.

The stretch of sea between Los Gigantes and La Gomera was the first Whale Heritage Site in Europe to be certified — a distinction awarded for responsible and sustainable whale and dolphin watching. With its unique, resident population of pilot whales, Los Gigantes has become a thriving hotspot for whale watching. Tip: Choose gentle whale-watching tours that maintain a respectful distance from the animals.

Hochseefischen in Los Gigantes, Teneriffa

Tip: Another impressive perspective of the Los Gigantes cliffs awaits you on a trip to the northwestern cape, Punta de Teno.

By and on the water in Los Gigantes

The Piscina Natural Acantilado de Los Gigantes is located in the Isla Cangrejo residential area — a large natural lava pool protected by a concrete wall. Spectacular, but for good reason often closed during high tide or strong waves.

A small, popular natural beach lies below the cliffs right next to the harbor. Playa de los Guíos offers fine black sand, sun loungers, umbrellas, and sanitary facilities, as well as restaurants and shops along the small promenade. At the harbor, you’ll also find jet ski rentals and kayak hire.

The coastline of Los Gigantes is a renowned diving hotspot — within minutes, you can reach dive sites up to 30 meters deep, such as Atlantis, Barranco Seco Arch, and Octopus Cove. The Los Gigantes Diving Centre provides a good overview of more than 15 dive sites in the area.

Hiking Around Los Gigantes

The area surrounding Los Gigantes offers a wide variety of hiking options — from the panoramic coastal path “Paseo Marítimo” and viewpoints such as Mirador Archipenque (often crowded!) to more challenging and secluded routes starting in Tamaimo, passing the rock arch El Bujero or leading up to Cruz de los Misioneros. Particularly rewarding are the trails above the cliffs, offering sweeping views across the Atlantic.

A highlight nearby is the Masca Valley with its spectacular gorge. The hike through the Barranco de Masca down to the sea is considered one of the island’s iconic routes (a permit is required). At the end of the trail, you can arrange a boat pick-up and let your day in Los Gigantes wind down. Prefer something more relaxed? Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the seafront promenade.

Are you a hiking enthusiast?

In our magazine feature “Hiking in Tenerife”, we present 20 of our favorite routes. On the TenerifeON website, you’ll find the official hiking trail network and numerous tour suggestions for all difficulty levels.

Feeling inspired to explore the area around Los Gigantes? Villa ARTE in Garachico is the perfect base for a day trip to Tenerife’s west coast.

Five Exclusive Apartments

Instead of anonymous hotel complexes, enjoy the perfect blend of comfort and the charm of a historic building in the five apartments at Villa ARTE. Located in the heart of Garachico, Villa ARTE is just a few steps from the natural lava pools “El Caletón” on one side and the historic town center on the other. A highlight is the spacious panoramic rooftop terrace with views over the sea and the old town.

Garachico is the ideal base for exploring Tenerife. The town offers everything you need for a memorable stay, yet remains peaceful — no party scene, just authentic atmosphere and character.

Enjoy the benefits of booking direct

When you book directly with Villa ARTE, you benefit from exclusive advantages that make planning your holiday easier and your stay even more enjoyable.