If you’re visiting Tenerife, don’t miss out on Los Gigantes – one of the most iconic views on the island!
Los Gigantes is one if the most popular attractions on Tenerife. This blog post will help you plan out the perfect visit to these magnificent cliffs. Keep reading to find out where they are, how to reach them, and what to do once you’re there!
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WHERE ARE THE LOS GIGANTES CLIFFS
Los Gigantes Cliffs are located on the western coast of Tenerife, near the town of Puerto de Santiago. These enormous cliffs rise between 500 to 800 meters (1,640 to 2,625 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean. Because of that, they are one of the most popular naturals attractions on the island. The name Los Gigantes translates to “The Giants,” which will seem pretty self-explanatory once you see them!


ARE THE LOS GIGANTES CLIFFS WORTH VISITING?
If you’re wondering whether the Los Gigantes cliffs are worth adding to your itinerary, the answer is YES. Los Gigantes Cliffs are definitely worth visiting, especially if you love stunning natural landscapes, outdoor activities, and ocean views.
These cliffs are absolutely breathtaking, so if you enjoy gorgeous scenery, seeing cliffs rise dramatically from the ocean will definitely blow you away. There are also a few excellent viewpoints you can stop at, to enjoy the views from different perspectives!
Furthermore, if you enjoy marine life, this attraction will be your favorite out of all on the island. The waters around Los Gigantes are home to resident whales and dolphins, so whale and dolphin watching boat tours are extremely popular. It’s worth coming just for that!

HOW TO REACH LOS GIGANTES
Reaching Los Gigantes is easy, whether you’re driving or taking public transport. Tenerife is not a big island, so wherever you’re staying, you can reach these stunning cliffs quite quickly.
By car
If you have a car, that will be the easiest way to reach these stunning cliffs. From South Tenerife you can reach Los Gigantes in around 30-40 minutes. If you’re coming from North Tenerife it will take you around an hour and a half.
We stayed in Puerto de la Cruz and combined a visit to Masca with Los Gigantes.
When it comes to parking, you can park in Puerto de Santiago for free. From there, walk 10-20 minutes to the cliffs. You can also park in the Marina, which is much closer. The parking there is paid but it’s less than a euro for an hour so I would say it’s worth it.


By bus
If you don’t have a car, you can use the buses. Public transport is quite well-connected and frequent, so you won’t have any problems. Here are some of the buses you can take to Los Gigantes from:
- Costa Adeje – Titsa bus 477 (around 1 hour) or a slower bus 473 (1.5 hours)
- Puerto de la Cruz – bus 325 to a small town of Santiago del Teide, and then transfer to Bus 461 together, this is around 2 hours)
- Santa Cruz – Titsa bus 110 or 111 to Costa Adeje, then transfer to bus 477 or 473 (this is around 2.5 hours)
As you can see, buses are a much slower option than the car. You’ll have to dedicate a significant part of your day to Los Gigantes if you’re taking public transport.


BEST THINGS TO DO AT AND NEAR LOS GIGANTES
Playa de los Guíos
If you ever wanted to swim beneath magnificent cliffs, this beach is the perfect place to do it. Playa de los Guíos is the main beach in Los Gigantes, and it’s stunning. It’s a small but beautiful black-sand beach located right next to Los Gigantes.
The beach is amazing, with black sand, calm waters, and insane views. There aren’t many amenities on the beach except showers, but there are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the Marina, only a few steps away.
Read more >>> THE BEST TENERIFE BEACHES
Keep in mind that it can get quite crowded, as many people want to enjoy the beautiful backdrop of the cliffs while swimming. However, if you come in the morning, you’ll avoid most of the crowd. On top of that, there aren’t any umbrellas or sunbeds, so make sure you bring with you all you need.

Kayaking
Kayaking at Los Gigantes is one of the best ways to experience the towering cliffs up close. The calm, clear waters and incredible views make it a top outdoor activity in Tenerife.
People love kayaking because paddling right beneath the 500-800m high cliffs really gives you unique perspective. On top of that, the waters are so clear you can see marine life – fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins.
There are plenty of kayak tours you can book in Los Gigantes Marina. Most tours start there, and they usually last 2-3 hours. The tours often include snorkeling and swimming at secluded caves and beaches. If you don’t want to kayak in a group, you can also rent a kayak and go by yourself.
Dolphin/Whale Watching Boat Tour
Los Gigantes is one of the best places in Tenerife for whale and dolphin watching. The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are home to resident species like pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, and you can see them year-round!
There are plenty of boat tours that start at the Los Gigantes Marina and many of them offer a 90-100% chance of spotting whales or dolphins. You can choose from catamarans, yachts, speedboats, and even eco-friendly sailboats. So, no matter what kind of experience you want to have, you’ll find the best one for you.
The best time to go on one of these tours is in the morning (better for wildlife spotting) or late afternoon (gorgeous sunset views).
If you plan on going on one of these boat tours, make sure you book it in advance because they can easily sell out, especially in high season. Also make sure you bring sunglasses and sunscreen because the sun reflects on water and you’ll spend a few hours on a boat. Finally, take a pill if you’re prone to seasickness.
The Masca Gorge
If you want to experience the Los Gigantes cliffs in another way, you can combine it with a trip to Masca. This gorgeous village is one of the oldest on the island, and it’s a must-visit while you’re on Tenerife.
Masca offers an incredible hike from the top of the mountain, where the village is located, down to the stunning Masca Beach. From there, you can catch a boat which will take you to Los Gigantes, giving you the most stunning views on the way.
You need a permit to do this hike, so check out my Masca guide for more information.

Punta de Teno
If you want to see the Los Gigantes cliffs from another point of view, make sure you visit Punta de Teno. This stunning viewpoint is located at the Teno rural park, and it’s an incredible experience. You can reach it easily, by your own car early in the morning or late in the afternoon, or by bus from Buenavista del Norte during the day.
If you want to include Punta de Teno in your itinerary, check out my guide to Punta de Teno where you’ll learn all you need to know about this attraction.



Puerto de Santiago
Only a short walk or drive from the gorgeous Los Gigantes cliffs, you find Puerto de Santiago – a charming coastal town on the west coast of Tenerife. This town has grown into a laid-back tourist destination with beautiful views, local restaurants, and easy access to beaches. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds, since it’s much quieter than Costa Adeje or Playa de las Américas.
This town is close to Playa de la Arena, a stunning black-sand beach where you can relax and enjoy yourself for a day. Make sure you check out the currents before visiting as this beach can have quite strong waves and currents, making it unsafe for less experienced or weak swimmers.
Mirador Archipenque
If you’re looking for a great viewpoint, check out this one. Mirador de Archipenque is one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Tenerife, and it offers breathtaking views of Los Gigantes Cliffs, the Atlantic Ocean, and the town of Puerto de Santiago. It’s easy to access, right off the main road, with a parking area. It’s especially charming during the sunset.
