Free walking tours in Los Gigantes and what to see

Must-sees

Los Gigantes is a coastal village in the municipality of Santiago del Teide, in the west of Tenerife. It takes its name from the cliffs that drop vertically into the sea and are more than five hundred metres high in places. The best way to see them is from the water, but they are also impressive from the marina and from the small black-sand beach of Los Guíos, at the foot of the wall.

Next door is Puerto de Santiago, with La Arena beach, also of volcanic sand and well equipped. Inland, the road climbs to Masca, a hamlet wedged between mountains with views of deep ravines. Teide National Park is less than an hour away by car.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no street free walking tours here, as it is a coastal destination. Trips are the usual format. The classic is the boat trip from the port to see pilot whales and dolphins, which live all year between Tenerife and La Gomera, with a stop for a swim below the cliffs. There are also guided hikes through the Masca gorge, where access is regulated, and trips to Teide with the cable car or a visit to the national park. Another common option is kayaking along the base of the cliffs.

How long to spend

Two or three days are enough to enjoy Los Gigantes without rushing. Keep a morning for the boat trip, when the sea is usually calmer, and spend the rest of the day on the beach. Another day can be for Masca and Teide. If you stay longer, the area is a base for exploring the south and north-west of the island, such as Garachico.

Where to stay

The most practical choice is to stay in Los Gigantes, near the marina, where the boat trips leave from and there are restaurants within walking distance. Bear in mind that the village is quite hilly. Puerto de Santiago and the La Arena beach area are a little flatter and have more apartments and hotels with pools. To get around the interior of the island, a car is best.