Los Gigantes

A resort town named for the towering sea cliffs that plunge dramatically into the Atlantic beside it. Boat trips from its marina offer chances to spot dolphins and whales against a stunning cliffside backdrop.

Things to do

• Boat trip along the cliffs — Take a catamaran or small boat from Los Gigantes marina to see the sheer cliff face from the water and spot resident pilot whales and dolphins.
• Playa de los Guios — Relax on this small black volcanic sand beach that sits right at the foot of the towering cliffs.
• Los Gigantes Marina — Stroll the harbor, browse boat trip kiosks, and watch fishing boats unload beside the yachts.
• Barranco del Infierno hike — Drive a short distance to Adeje for this dramatic gorge trail leading to a waterfall, one of Tenerife's best-known hikes.
• Playa de la Arena — Head to this popular black-sand beach in nearby Puerto de Santiago for swimming and sunbathing with cliff views.
• Scuba diving beneath the cliffs — Dive centers here offer trips to underwater volcanic reefs and caves right beneath the towering Acantilados de los Gigantes.
• Sunset viewpoint at Mirador de la Hondura — Catch golden-hour light hitting the cliff faces from this scenic overlook above town.
• Paragliding over the coast — Tandem paragliding flights launch from nearby hills for aerial views of the cliffs and Atlantic coastline.

Food to try

• Papas arrugadas con mojo — Small wrinkled potatoes boiled in salty water and served with spicy red mojo picón or green mojo verde sauce, a Canarian staple found in every local restaurant.
• Fresh grilled vieja — Try this local parrotfish, a Canarian favorite, grilled simply and served with mojo at harborside seafood restaurants.
• Pescado fresco del día — Marina restaurants serve the day's catch, often cherne or sama, grilled or baked whole with olive oil and garlic.
• Gofio-based dishes — Sample dishes made with gofio, a toasted grain flour unique to the Canary Islands, used in soups, desserts, and as a bread substitute.
• Queso asado con mojo — Grilled local goat cheese served with mojo sauce makes a popular tapa in Los Gigantes eateries.
• Barraquito coffee — Finish a meal with this layered Tenerife specialty coffee made with condensed milk, liqueur, cinnamon, and lemon zest.

Local customs & good to know

• Book whale watching trips with certified operators — Look for boats displaying the Blue Boat certification to ensure responsible, low-impact wildlife viewing in this protected marine area.
• Expect late Spanish dining hours — Restaurants typically don't fill up until 8pm or later, following mainland Spanish dining customs.
• Sun protection is essential — The Atlantic sun and coastal winds here are stronger than they feel, so use sunscreen even on cloudy days.
• Respect the cliffs' protected status — The Acantilados de los Gigantes are a protected natural monument, so stick to marked paths and viewpoints rather than climbing on the rock faces.