- Getting to Know Los Gigantes
- Acantilados de Los Gigantes: Fact File
- Magnificent Views
- Energetic Hiking
- An Ancient History
- Fascinating Biodiversity
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
Set in the Santiago del Teide municipality, on the west coast of the Canary Island of Tenerife, Los Gigantes is a popular resort town perfect for couples craving some winter sun.
Get to Know Los Gigantes
The name “Los Gigantes”, translating to “The Giants”, is a nod to the Acantilados de Los Gigantes, or “cliffs of the giants”, an awe-inspiring rock formation that rises from the ocean and reaches a height of up to 800m. Adjacent to the cliffs is the Los Gigantes marina, the lively hub of the town, which is dotted with quayside bars and restaurants serving authentic Spanish cuisine. You’ll find pleasure boats moored here, as well as tourists meeting at the harbour to depart on diving trips.
Los Gigantes is also home to Playa de los Guios, a dramatic black sand beach favoured by jet skiers, water skiers, and paragliders who take to its choppy waters. When the tide is out, however, the waves can be slightly unpredictable, so those looking for calmer waters should head to the local lido.
It’s the natural wonders of Los Gigantes that make this seaside resort really stand out from the crowd, so here’s everything you need to know about the Acantilados de Los Gigantes ahead of your trip to Tenerife.
Acantilados de Los Gigantes Fact File
The Acantilados de Los Gigantes are one of Tenerife’s most iconic landmarks. These mystifying dark rock cliffs soar from the ocean, creating a magnificent geological spectacle right on the edge of Los Gigantes.
Magnificent Views
To kick things up a notch, visit during sunset and watch as the cliffs are bathed in golden hues. The views are particularly spectacular from out at sea. There are plenty of options for dolphin and whale watching cruises leaving from the port, where you’ll be able to spot pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and soak up sweeping vistas of the cliffs — talk about two birds with one stone! If you’d prefer to stay on land, however, head down Calle Tabaiba, where you’ll find a natural lookout point over the marina below. Exercise extra caution when you’re getting around as the rock is loose here.
Energetic Hiking
Some people choose to walk along the rough trails that lead down to the cliffs, but I’d advise against doing this unless you’re a seasoned hiker and fully aware of the risks involved. Take note: this hiking route is not for the fainthearted.
The trail starts from the village of Tamaimo, and includes a steep climb up to the Cruz de Los Misioneros. It takes you through a secluded gorge, a tunnel, and an incredible cliff walk 100m above the coast. The hike’s duration is seven hours and 40 minutes, but likely closer to eight and a half hours if you factor in breaks. The total elevation gain is 1,342m, so this trail isn’t recommended for inexperienced hikers or people who suffer from vertigo. The trail goes along a very narrow and slippery path and there are some extreme drop-offs, so it’s worth checking the weather forecast before you head off.
One of the best hikes Tenerife has to offer is the Masca Gorge hike, which takes you through the Barranco de Masca, a deep ravine carved into the volcanic landscape. The trail begins in the picturesque village of Masca in the Teno Mountains in northwestern Tenerife, winds down the narrow ravine, and finishes up at the rocky beach Playa de Masca, where the ravine meets the Atlantic Ocean. The combination of uneven terrain and loose rocks means that hikers should have good physical fitness and suitable footwear when attempting this trail.
An Ancient History
The aboriginal people of Tenerife, the Guanche, referred to the Acantilados de Los Gigantes as the “Wall of Hell”, or “Devil’s Wall”, because of their imposing height and their basaltic composition creating dark lava, which for the Guanches marked the edge of the world. The cliffs are believed to have been formed seven to ten million years ago during the Miocene epoch, as part of the volcanic processes that created Tenerife.
Fascinating Biodiversity
The region is rich in biodiversity and if you’re lucky you might spot a Tenerife speckled lizard, an endangered species that was discovered in the late 1990s in Teno Country Park, in the northwest of Tenerife. If you go out to sea, you’re likely to encounter hammerhead sharks, rays, jellyfish, ratfish, and urchins.
The Acantilados de Los Gigantes have earned the status of a protected site, as they fall within the boundaries of the Teno Rural Park, a dedicated conservation area. The cliffs are also part of the Special Protection Areas for Birds (SPAs), due to their importance as a habitat for various seabird species including the rare Cory’s shearwater, peregrine falcons, and yellow-legged gulls.
There’s no denying that Los Gigantes is a jewel in Tenerife’s crown. The Acantilados de Los Gigantes are a must-visit for travellers who enjoy getting out there and exploring nature firsthand.
The cliffs might be top of your to-do list, but what about sorting out accommodation? Read on to find out the best places to stay in Los Gigantes.
Where to Stay
Penthouse de Roca: Few can compete with the way this stylish apartment does Mediterranean chic. Penthouse de Roca is right on the doorstep of Playa de los Gigantes, and being a stone’s throw away from the beach comes with its perks. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains as you sip on complimentary champers in the outdoor dining area. This spacious apartment is fitted with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views, so you can unwind in style after a day of sightseeing.
Top View Acantilados de Los Gigantes: If you’re looking for an apartment with Canarian style architecture and modern furnishings, Top View is the property for you. Not only are you guaranteed a room with a view, but you’ll also have access to all the amenities you could possibly need, such as air conditioning, free parking, and a local minimarket. One of the most appealing features of this property is that it’s within easy reach of various beaches, including Playa de la Arena, Playa de Santiago, and Playa Puerto de Santiago, which are all less than two miles away.
My Ocean: From the sleek wooden furnishings to the pops of colour from the garden’s greenery, this apartment certainly has the wow factor. There’s nothing like waking up in the morning, the sun streaking in through the curtains, and enjoying a glass of fresh orange juice on the terrace as you look out upon an uninterrupted view of the sea. The apartment was recently renovated, so you can rest assured everything is in tip-top shape. Guests can make use of the outdoor pool and the picnic area; a refreshing swim and then a tasty bite to eat is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in the Spanish sun.
How to Get There
To get to Los Gigantes, fly from the UK to Tenerife South Airport (TFS) and pre-book a transfer with Shuttle Direct to get to your accommodation. Various airlines offer direct flights from the UK to Tenerife South Airport, including British Airways, BA Euroflyer, Jet2.com, Ryanair, TUI, Qatar Airways, and Iberia. The cheapest month to fly is in January, so consider booking early to take advantage of the best deals and treat yourself to a winter getaway in sunny Spain.
By pre-booking with Shuttle Direct, gone are the days of worrying about arranging transport after you’ve landed. Instead, your pre-booked taxi, shuttle bus, or minibus will be waiting for you at the terminal and your driver will whisk you away without delay. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and let us take care of the heavy lifting.
Overview
UK to TFS flight time: 4 hours 32 minutes
TFS to Los Gigantes distance: 45 kilometres
Shuttle Direct transfer time: 41 minutes
Types of Transfer
As market leaders in affordable airport transfers, at Shuttle Direct we understand that every traveller is unique. That’s why we offer a host of different transfer services so that every type of traveller is catered for. Choose from the following options.
Taxi: A pre-booked taxi is one of the most convenient travel solutions for your Tenerife South Airport transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at the airport upon arrival, saving you the hassle of waiting in a taxi queue or negotiating fares after a long flight. By pre-booking with Shuttle Direct, your fare is fixed, so you won’t have to worry about unexpected charges or fluctuating rates. Shuttle Direct is known for punctuality and professional drivers, so you can guarantee you’ll get to Los Gigantes hassle-free.
Shuttle bus: If you’re looking for the most affordable airport transfer, a shuttle bus is your best bet. As you’ll be sharing the ride with other passengers, the cost is significantly reduced compared to taxis or private transfers. Our shuttle buses operate on a regular schedule, so you can rest assured that you’ll get to your accommodation in good time. Although this isn’t a door-to-door service, you’ll be dropped off at a central point close to your accommodation. This is the best option for budget-conscious travellers.
Private transfer: If you’re keen to upgrade your travel experience, consider booking a private transfer from Tenerife South Airport to Los Gigantes. Your vehicle will be reserved exclusively for you and your group, so you can travel in comfort and privacy and there’ll be no other stops along the way, so you’ll get to your destination quicker. You’ll travel in a clean, modern vehicle and receive top-tier service from a helpful, professional driver who will deliver you right to the door of your accommodation. Start your holiday the right way!
Minibus transfer: If you’re travelling with a group of friends or extended family, a minibus transfer from Tenerife South Airport to Los Gigantes is the most sensible option. The minibus will have ample space for luggage, and our experienced drivers will be on hand to help you load and unload. Pre-booking guarantees that your minibus will be ready upon arrival, saving time and eliminating the stress of coordinating multiple vehicles. Travelling together in a larger-capacity vehicle also reduces your group’s carbon footprint compared to using several taxis.
Choosing the Right Transfer
When deciding on which type of airport transfer to go for, your decision will likely rest on cost and convenience, and which one is a greater priority. The good news is that there are options to suit every kind of traveller and budget.
Cost: If value for money is your primary concern, opt for an economical shuttle bus. Because the cost is shared between multiple passengers, this option is budget-friendly without compromising on safety or reliability. While this isn’t a door-to-door service, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll be dropped off at a central point a short distance from your accommodation.
Convenience: On the other hand, if travelling alone is your top priority and you value having your own space, consider going for a taxi or private transfer. You’ll pay a little extra, but the upside is that you’ll be taken directly to the door of your accommodation in Los Gigantes, you won’t have to share the ride with anybody else, and you’ll earn bragging rights for arriving in style!
About Shuttle Direct
When you need a safe, reliable, and comfortable way to get from the airport to your accommodation, Shuttle Direct is your answer. As one of the most trusted providers of airport transfers in the world, we pride ourselves on offering a seamless travel experience. Our fleet of well-maintained vehicles and friendly, local drivers will get you to wherever you need to go at a fraction of the cost of our competitors. Booked your flight? The next step is to pre-book with Shuttle Direct and leave the details to us.