Stays in Los Gigantes
1 property
Los Gigantes is a small resort on Tenerife's west coast, in the municipality of Santiago del Teide, built below the Acantilados de Los Gigantes: sea cliffs that rise up to 600 m straight out of the Atlantic. It suits couples, walkers and anyone who wants scenery and a calmer pace over big beaches and nightlife. It is about 43 km from Tenerife South airport (TFS), typically 38–48 minutes by car, and the closest resort to Masca.
Los Gigantes, Tenerife: Where to Stay Below the Cliffs
Who is Los Gigantes best for?
Los Gigantes is best for couples, hikers and boat-trip fans who want a quiet base with dramatic views. Evenings revolve around the marina and its restaurants rather than clubs, and it is the most practical base for Masca and Teno.
It is less suited to anyone who struggles with slopes: the town climbs steeply from the marina. For flat promenades and bigger beaches, look at Costa Adeje.
Area
Costa Adeje
1 stay · from €420 per night
How high are the Los Gigantes cliffs?
The cliffs reach up to 600 m above sea level, according to both the Tenerife tourism board and Santiago del Teide's municipal tourism office. They run north from the resort towards Punta de Teno and sit within Teno Rural Park, so on land you can only use signposted routes.
On land, the Archipenque viewpoint, the La Hondura promenade and Playa de Los Guíos give good views; for the full scale, go out by boat.
Which boat trips leave from Los Gigantes marina?
Whale- and dolphin-watching trips leave from Los Gigantes marina all year, lasting from about 2 hours to 4.5 hours depending on the operator. Longer trips continue past the cliffs to the bay below Masca for a swim stop. They look for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, but wild-animal sightings are never guaranteed. Guided kayak trips also start here.
Is there a beach in Los Gigantes?
Yes: Playa de Los Guíos is a small black-sand beach right below the cliffs, next to the marina. It has adapted access and showers, but the municipality warns of strong currents, rough seas and rockfalls, so check conditions before swimming.
For a larger beach, drive a few minutes south to Playa de la Arena in neighbouring Puerto de Santiago. The municipality's coast also has natural pools, such as Isla Cangrejo.
| Beach | Where | Sand | Length | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playa de Los Guíos | Los Gigantes, next to the marina | Black | Small | Cliff views; currents and rockfall warnings |
| Playa de la Arena | Puerto de Santiago | Black volcanic | 140 m | Lifeguards, loungers, showers, diving area |
How do I get from Tenerife South airport to Los Gigantes?
By car, Los Gigantes is about 43 km from Tenerife South airport (TFS), typically 38–48 minutes via the TF-1 motorway past Costa Adeje. From Tenerife North airport (TFN) it is about 79 km, typically 76–95 minutes.
There is no direct bus: take TITSA line 111 from TFS to Costa Adeje bus station, then line 473 or 477 to Los Gigantes. Allow over an hour and a half.
| From | Distance | Typical drive |
|---|---|---|
| Tenerife South airport (TFS) | 43 km | 38–48 min |
| Tenerife North airport (TFN) | 79 km | 76–95 min |
| Teide cable-car base | 50 km | 56–70 min |
| Masca village | 21 km | 27–35 min |
Do I need a car in Los Gigantes?
Yes, a car is strongly recommended, because buses from Los Gigantes to the airports and other resorts are slow and need changes. With one, Masca, the Teide cable car and the southern beaches are all within about an hour. A small car copes best with the steep streets; ours come with a stay and are collected at TFS or TFN airport.
Car rental
Seat Ibiza or similar
from €32 per day
How do I visit Masca from Los Gigantes?
Masca village is about 21 km by road, typically 27–35 minutes' drive; hiking the gorge follows strict 2026 rules:
- Book a time slot at caminobarrancodemasca.com; prices start at €40.66 (checked September 2026).
- Reach the trailhead on the compulsory TITSA 355 shuttle from Santiago del Teide.
- Children under 8 are not allowed, and closed hiking boots are compulsory.
- Return from the bottom by a separately booked boat to Los Gigantes.
Where to stay in Los Gigantes
Most accommodation here is hillside apartments with sea or cliff views. Our Risco Azul Apartment sleeps two, with a balcony facing the cliffs and a shared pool.
For a quiet west-coast alternative closer to Costa Adeje, see Callao Salvaje.
Area
Callao Salvaje
1 stay · from €290 per night
Frequently asked questions
How high are the Los Gigantes cliffs?
The Acantilados de Los Gigantes rise up to 600 m above the sea, according to the Tenerife tourism board and Santiago del Teide's tourism office.
Is there a beach in Los Gigantes?
Yes, Playa de Los Guíos is a small black-sand beach next to the marina, right below the cliffs. Playa de la Arena, a 140 m black-sand beach with lifeguards, is a few minutes' drive south.
How long is the drive from Tenerife South airport to Los Gigantes?
It is about 43 km, typically 38–48 minutes by car via the TF-1. By bus you change at Costa Adeje station.
How long are boat trips from Los Gigantes?
Trips from the marina usually last between 2 and 4.5 hours. Longer ones add a swim stop in the bay below Masca.
Is Los Gigantes hilly?
Yes, very. The town rises steeply from the marina, so expect uphill walks from many apartments.
Can I walk from Los Gigantes to Masca?
Not directly. The Masca gorge trail must be booked in advance, you reach the top on the compulsory TITSA 355 shuttle from Santiago del Teide, and you return from the bottom by boat to Los Gigantes. Children under 8 are not allowed.