Cliffs of Los Gigantes in Tenerife

The mountains of the Teno massif, which form the westernmost tip of the island of Tenerife, fall to the sea from a height of 600 metres. These colossal vertical walls are known as the cliffs of Los Gigantes and form one of the most spectacular places on the island between the municipalities of Buenavista del Norte and Santiago del Teide.

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The cliffs of Los Gigantes plunge into the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean from heights of between 300 and 600 metres. The rugged coastline they form encourages numerous tourists every year to visit the town of the same name, which has now become an important economic centre of Santiago del Teide.

On the winding road that descends to the towns of Puerto de Santiago and Los Gigantes, there are viewpoints from which it is possible to make out the formidable vertical walls that stretch along 20 km of coastline; however, the best way to appreciate the magnitude of the cliffs of Los Gigantes is by boat.Cliffs of Los GigantesBoat trips departing from the marina in the town of Los Gigantes often combine the panoramic views of this volcanic geological feature with sightings of whales and dolphins feeding in these rich waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Some also include a stop at Masca beach.

The geography of dark lava is practically impassable and only certain ravines such as Carrizales, El Natero or Barranco Seco open their way, leaving small coves of sand or gravel at their mouths. These are true paradises for lovers of tranquillity, which can only be reached by small pleasure boats.

The seabed in this area is only about 30 metres deep, but due to its difficult access, it is home to a natural wealth that attracts many scuba diving and fishing enthusiasts. Its waters also allow the practice of other water sports such as skiing, wakeboarding and kayaking.

The cliffs of Los Gigantes attract many tourists to the towns of Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago. The latter has a beautiful beach of black volcanic sand, framed by a pleasant park, La Arena beach. There are cheap flights to Tenerife from mainland Spain, with the southern airport being the closest to our destination, the cliffs of Los Gigantes, just 45 km away.