Los Gigantes - it's got more than just big cliffs!

Situated on the south-west coast, Los Gigantes, or "the Giants", is a town named after the huge, imposing cliffs that rise straight out of the sea next to it.

Photo: Werner Hölzl

The part of Tenerife where this town is situated is generally regarded to be one of the most picturesque and the small metropolis is itself very attractive. Building height has been controlled and, as there is little room for town expansion, it has remained quaintly small and idiosyncratic.

Photo: Porao

Los Gigantes is known as a holiday resort of an unusually tranquil and exclusive nature. There are hotels, bars and restaurants. A characteristic aspect of the main tourist area is the narrow roads, so much so that most of them are one-way.

If you make your way down to the sea, you'll find the marina, where there are many privately owned boats moored. There's also a black sand beach, which, although small, is rarely crowded. This could possibly be because, just a bit further along the coast, there is Playa de la Arena, a beautiful golden sand beach that has been awarded the Blue Flag.

Things To Do

Some of the boats in the marina operate a commercial business and will take you out to see the whales and dolphins. There is also scuba diving on offer and the waters in the bay are ideal for this pursuit, with visibility under the waves of up to 100 feet.

For shopping, there is the Commercial Centre, with the usual collection of outlets, selling quality merchandise.

Eating Out

As Los Gigantes is right next door to another small town, Puerto de Santiago, practically merging with it, this restaurant list includes some businesses found there. All establishments have been spoken of glowingly by customers.

• El Meson
  The host Domingo provides great food in a great atmosphere. The restaurant is found just near the Tamaimo Tropical aparthotel.
• El Pescadoro
  Also near the Tamaimo Tropical, this comes highly recommended.
• La Paloma del Puerto
  Run by a married couple, Conny & Dietmar. Try the wild boar. Yes, seriously.
• San Francisco
  Another eating place next to the Tamaimo Tropical. Excellent food.
• Chicken Shack
  One of three restaurants grouped together in the Paseo (passageway) in Puerto de Santiago. Well recommended.
• Las Brasas
  The second of these restaurants. Run by hosts German and his wife Georgette, a good selection of wine and food is provided, at excellent prices.
• Fettucine Inn
  The third one of these. It looks a little rough and ready from the outside, but the food is excellent and really cheap.
• Sinatra's
  Found just behind the church, excellent food, but a bit pricey.
• El Dique
  As this restaurant is situated at the far end of Los Gigantes marina, it generally missed by tourists and can be considered, therefore, a "hidden gem". It's very popular with the locals, which is as good a recommendation as any.
• Los Goteros
  Found above Piedra Hincada in the small, neighbouring village of Tejina de Guia, this provides excellent meat dishes at reasonable prices.
• Ocean Drive Cafe/Bar
  Situated next to the Bar Calipso, this restaurant provides excellent food. Its only drawback is that it has a huge TV screen showing football. It is, therefore, needless to say, British run.
• El Lucero
  Found at Cuerva de Polvo, an English run restaurant, serving excellent curries. There is a "folk club" every Friday night, when the place is invariably packed out.
• Other Restaurants
  Mariposa - top quality food with friendly service
  Juan Carlos - a little pricey, but worth it
  Pancho's - at Playa de la Arena - good for fish
  Krishna's - excellent Indian cuisine
  Miranda's
  Harbour Lights - admittedly, mixed reviews
  Mistinguett
  El Guanche

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