Los Gigantes is the best-known resort in Santiago del Teide: a village of just 1,487 residents built at the foot of the cliffs it is named after, with a marina, a black volcanic-sand beach and the municipality’s largest concentration of restaurants, bars and view accommodation. This guide brings together everything you need to understand the destination at a glance, with links to detailed information on each topic. Checked on 15 September 2026.
Quick facts about Los Gigantes
Location
West coast of Tenerife, Santiago del Teide municipality.
Main beach
Playa de Los Guíos, volcanic sand.
Marina
Los Gigantes marina, 362 moorings, in service since 1975.
Recommended viewpoint
Mirador de Archipenque, free, in Puerto de Santiago.
Distance to the village centre
14 km from Santiago del Teide.
Tourist designation
National Tourist Interest Centre since 1964.
From fishing hamlet to tourist resort
Los Gigantes did not exist as a settlement until the 1960s, when British investment drove its development. The government declared the area a National Tourist Interest Centre in 1964 for its spectacular setting, and in 1975 the construction of its marina was approved — the first ever built in Tenerife. It has since grown as a residential and hotel area, though its registered population has fallen from 2,134 in 2000 to 1,487 in 2020: most of the people filling it every day are visitors, not residents.
The cliffs, the great icon
The cliffs that give the village its name are the main reason most visitors come here: an almost vertical volcanic wall dropping into the Atlantic, visible from the marina itself. It is a subject in its own right — real height, geology, best viewpoints, when to go for photos — with its own dedicated guide: see the Los Gigantes cliffs in detail.
The marina, the heart of sea activity
Los Gigantes marina has 362 moorings and is the departure point for almost every sea excursion in the municipality: scenic boats, kayaking towards Masca, jet skis, sailing, diving and whale watching. To compare prices and activities from a specific operator, see our Los Gigantes Blue guide; for the rest of the options, browse the full activities archive or our things to do in Los Gigantes guide.
Playa de Los Guíos
At the foot of the marina and the cliffs themselves, Playa de Los Guíos is the village’s reference beach: volcanic sand and calm water, sheltered from the swell. It is small, so in high season it is worth arriving early for a spot near the water.
Where to stay
Los Gigantes has much of the municipality’s accommodation with sea and cliff views, from apartments by the marina to hotels higher up the village, with more of a climb but wider views. Browse the full accommodation listing.
Where to eat and drink
The dining scene concentrates around the marina and the beach. The municipality’s premium listings here include Los Gigantes Beach Club, a restaurant and beach club by Playa de Los Guíos, and Puravida Bar, the municipality’s highest-priority bar listing. For everything else, browse the restaurants and bars listings.
Climate and best time to visit
Tenerife’s west coast has a stable microclimate for most of the year, with dry spells recorded from January through September. November to May brings the mildest temperatures, generally 20-23°C with less chance of rain; July and August are the hottest months, with highs that can top 30°C. There is no bad month to visit, but if you want to avoid heat and crowds, the shoulder seasons (autumn and spring) tend to be the most comfortable.
A day in Los Gigantes
Start at the marina and a viewpoint
Walk along the marina, then drive up to Mirador de Archipenque, a few minutes away, for the full cliff front in morning light.
Book your sea activity mid-morning
Kayaking, boat trips and snorkelling work best while the sea is calm, before the afternoon wind picks up.
Eat near the beach
Playa de Los Guíos and its surroundings hold the most convenient dining after a morning of activity.
Close the day with sunset
The marina itself or Mirador de Archipenque both catch good afternoon light on the south-west-facing cliffs.
Getting there and parking
Los Gigantes is about 14 km from Santiago del Teide village, connected by bus routes 325, 473 and 477, and reachable by road from both airports. See our full how to get to Santiago del Teide guide and, once there, our Los Gigantes parking guide: it is by far the usual weak point of a visit here.
Los Gigantes and its neighbours
The village links directly to Puerto de Santiago, with which it shares a seafront promenade and much of the dining scene, and to Playa de la Arena, the municipality’s largest urban beach. Masca, the mountain hamlet, is further away and is best treated as a separate trip.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is Los Gigantes?
A resort in Santiago del Teide, on Tenerife’s south-west coast, developed since the 1960s at the foot of the cliffs it is named after. It has a marina, a beach, and the municipality’s largest concentration of restaurants and view accommodation.
Does Los Gigantes have a sand beach?
Yes, Playa de Los Guíos, with volcanic sand and calm water, right at the foot of the marina and the cliffs.
Do I need a car to visit?
Not essential: there are bus connections from several points on Tenerife, but a car makes it easier to combine with Puerto de Santiago, Playa de la Arena or Masca on the same trip.
When is the best time to go?
November to May, for mild temperatures and a lower chance of rain. Summer is hotter but still a valid option, especially for sea activities.
Are the cliffs in the village itself?
Yes, they are visible from the marina and several points in the village; the best free viewpoint, Mirador de Archipenque, is a few minutes away by car, in Puerto de Santiago.