Los Gigantes may be one of the most iconic sights on Tenerife. The cliffs rise like a dark wall along the west coast and give the village below a dramatic silhouette. As you drive toward the shoreline, those huge rock faces appear straight away, towering high above everything around them.
The village at the base of the cliffs is filled with hotels, apartments, and restaurants, which made us wonder in advance if it might feel too busy or too touristy. In the end, it was nothing like that. We were completely taken by the beauty of the cliffs and the stunning coastline. That mix of comfort for travellers and breathtaking natural scenery makes this, in our view, one of the most beautiful places on Tenerife.
There is plenty to enjoy here, from viewpoints to natural pools, and from a lovely coastal path to boat trips that pass along the cliffs. In this blog, you will find the best things to do in Los Gigantes and the reasons why this place truly deserves a spot on your Tenerife wishlist.
What Are Rhe Los Gigantes?
The Los Gigantes cliffs are a striking rock formation that rises almost straight up from the ocean. In some places they reach a height of around six hundred metres. Standing beside them feels truly impressive, as you find yourself next to a huge wall of dark volcanic stone. These cliffs were created millions of years ago by ancient volcanic eruptions, and over time the wind and the sea carved them into even steeper shapes. The result is a coastline that looks solid and bold, very different from the sandy beaches you see in other parts of the island.
The name Los Gigantes means “the giants”, and it could not be more fitting. Whether you look at them from the beach, the harbour, or a viewpoint, one glance at the towering rock face makes the name instantly clear. The village with the same name itself is compact, with a black sand beach, a small marina, and streets that follow the dramatic coastline. Everything lies close together and always within sight of the high cliffs. That constant presence of the landscape gives Los Gigantes a distinct atmosphere, shaped completely by the nature that surrounds it.
Is Los Gigantes Worth a Visit?
Los Gigantes is absolutely worth a visit, especially if you love bold landscapes and dramatic coastlines. The cliffs shape everything here and give this destination a character you will not find anywhere else on Tenerife. The centre is small and pleasant, with a black-sand beach, a quiet harbour, and several places where you can enjoy the views. The coastal walk and the rock pools make the area even more appealing, along with the boat trips that leave from the harbour.
Admittedly: we hesitated at first about adding Los Gigantes to our Tenerife itinerary. The village was built mainly for visitors and is made up of a long row of resorts, hotels, and holiday apartments, mixed with restaurants and souvenir shops. Even so, we were pleasantly surprised. Los Gigantes feels far less loud and busy than other touristy places on Tenerife, and the focus everywhere is on the beautiful ocean views and the impressive cliff wall.
Whether you spend half a day or a full day here, it fits easily into your trip and allows you to combine several highlights without any trouble. We chose to stay for one night so we could watch the beautiful sunset, and it is something we can fully recommend.
Hotel tip: Barceló Santiago is by far the most popular adults-only hotel in Los Gigantes. Other lovely luxury hotels with pools include Ona el Marqués and Klayman Diamond Aparthotel. For a more budget-friendly option, the charming Vigilia Park is a great choice.
How to Get to Los Gigantes in Tenerife?
Los Gigantes is located on the west coast of Tenerife and is easiest to reach by car. From Costa Adeje, the drive takes around half an hour, following the TF-1 and TF-46 directly into the village. The route leads along the coast and through a few small towns, which makes it a pleasant and easy drive. If you are coming from the north, the journey takes a little longer, but the road is just as straightforward along the TF-5 and TF-82. We parked in Los Gigantes at this parking area.
You can also reach the village by bus, although the trip takes more time and often involves a transfer in Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos. The bus stop is close to the centre, so you can walk straight into the village from there. Travellers who prefer comfort and flexibility almost always choose to rent a car on Tenerife, not only for visiting this coastal area but also for exploring the island as a whole. Many of Tenerife’s most beautiful places are spread across the island and can be hard to reach by public transport.
If you plan to rent a car, Tenerife offers many options. Sunny Cars is ideal for travellers who want security and convenience. Their all-in formula includes insurance, damage cover, and local fees, so everything is arranged in advance. This means you will never face unexpected costs, and any issues such as damage or breakdowns are handled quickly. Discover Car Hire is another great option and a personal favourite. This comparison platform lets you choose from different rental companies, which often helps you find the best price, although you do need to check carefully what is and is not included.
If you want everything arranged clearly and simply, choose Sunny Cars. If your main focus is finding the lowest price, Discover Cars is the best place to look.
Best Things to Do in Los Gigantes: 8 Tips
#1 The Black Beach: Playa de los Guíos
Playa de los Guíos is the beach that immediately shows why Los Gigantes is such a remarkable place. The black sand sits right at the base of the towering cliffs that rise straight out of the sea. Here, you stand at the foot of a huge wall of rock. The water is usually calm because of the nearby harbour, which makes it easy to go in for a swim. For peace of mind, there is also a lifeguard on duty. The beach showers are a nice extra, perfect for rinsing the fine black sand off your feet.
The beach is small and close to cafés and terraces. Right beside it, you will find the lovely terrace of Los Gigantes Beach Club, which looks out over the sand. Parking can take a little effort, but the view more than makes up for it. Playa de los Guíos is not about spending an entire day on the beach, but about experiencing a place where the landscape makes an immediate impression.
#2 Miradors around Los Gigantes
Around Los Gigantes you will find several viewpoints that let you admire the cliffs from their most beautiful angles. Mirador Archipenque is the most popular spot and offers a wide view over the village, the harbour, and the dramatic rock wall. It is easy to reach, right along the main road into the village, and it is perfect for getting a clear overview of the whole area.
If you want that well-known photo of the cliffs framed by a rocky opening, visit Mirador El Trío Divina. This viewpoint is quieter and gives a direct, frontal look at the cliffs, allowing you to truly see how tall and dark the rock formations are. It sits along the relatively new coastal trail that runs from Los Gigantes.
Viewpoint Los Gigantes (here) and the Sunset Viewpoint (here) are also worth stopping by, especially at the end of the day when the light turns the cliffs a warm orange. The miradors are close to each other, which makes it easy to visit several in one short loop.
#3 Natural Rock Pools: Charco de Isla Cangrejo
Charco de Isla Cangrejo is a striking spot on the coast of Los Gigantes. The rocks form a natural infinity pool where seawater spills gently over the edge. On calm days, you can float in the salty water while taking in the views of the ocean and the cliffs.
The area is rocky, so sturdy shoes are a good idea. Do not expect a beach where you can stretch out comfortably, although you can relax on the rocks if you prefer. During our visit at the end of 2025, the rock pools were closed because of rough seas and earlier fatal accidents. The gate had been forced open and people were swimming anyway, but we found it far too dangerous. Waves can break over the edge without warning and pull you strongly toward the open ocean. It is important to check in advance whether the rock pools are safe and officially open.
#4 Coastal Walk from Los Gigantes to Playa San Juan
The coastal walk between Los Gigantes and Playa San Juan is a beautiful route that gives you a chance to stretch your legs between relaxing on the beach and spending time at the rock pools. You follow a well-maintained path that runs right beside the ocean. The route is flat and easy, which makes it ideal for a gentle, unhurried stroll.
The first section from Los Gigantes is the most impressive straight away. You walk with the cliffs in view and look out over the ocean at every turn. Along the way you pass resorts, hotels, small bays, and rugged stretches of coastline where the waves crash against the rocks. The path stays open the whole way, so you have stunning sea views almost constantly.
The route isn’t long and easy to do with regular shoes or even sandals if you prefer. There is very little shade, so it is best to avoid the walk during the hottest part of the day. We were there at sunset, and the colours from this stretch of coastline were truly beautiful.
#5 Boat Watching in the Harbour
The harbour of Los Gigantes is a place where there is always something happening. You can walk along the moorings lined with small fishing boats, sailing boats, and the larger tour boats that head out toward the cliffs. The atmosphere is relaxed, and it is a lovely spot to stroll around and watch the boats come and go. Our children especially enjoyed spotting the fish swimming in the clear water.
The terraces right beside the water make it an inviting place to stop for a coffee, lunch, or a drink at the end of the day. You will also find plenty of souvenir shops and, of course, tour companies ready to persuade you to book a boat trip with them.
#6 Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Los Gigantes
Boats leave the harbour of Los Gigantes every day for tours where you can see dolphins and sometimes even pilot whales. The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are known for their stable population, which means the chances of spotting animals are high. The tours range from small, quiet boats to larger catamarans with more facilities. During the trip, the boat usually follows the Los Gigantes cliff wall for a while before heading out to look for the animals.
The crew usually keeps a respectful distance from the wildlife and shares information along the way. The sea can be rougher than it looks from the shore, so bringing a light jacket or something to protect you from the wind is a good idea. A tour from Los Gigantes is a great way to experience the area from the water and to see the landscape in a completely different way than from the viewpoints or the beach.
#7 The Colourful Street Art
Along Calle Los Guíos you walk past a wall that is almost impossible to miss. The entire stretch has been painted by Sabotaje al Montaje and creates a long, colourful strip that leads you toward the beach. You will see a large bird, children painted in soft earthy tones, and abstract shapes that connect the whole mural. The style is instantly recognisable: realistic yet slightly distorted, as if the artwork shifts a little while you walk by. It is a real eye-catcher and something you simply cannot miss on your way to the beach.
#8 The Centre of Los Gigantes
At the heart of Los Gigantes is a small square that acts as the calm centre of the village. It sits between the church, a few cafés, and several shops, which makes it an easy place to stop for a moment. It is not a large or striking square, but it has the warm feeling of a cosy village hub. You can sit in the shade of a few trees, watch beachgoers wander by, and hear the sound of the water in the background. During the day, the square feels peaceful and mainly serves as a meeting point. In the evening, it slowly fills with people enjoying drinks and dinner on the terraces.
