If you want to enjoy the ocean during your stay in Tenerife, Puerto de Santiago is home to a number of small beaches, each offering a unique experience. But they all have 2 things in common: the incredible scenery of the imposing cliffs of Los Gigantes and the black volcanic sand of the Canaries.
Here’s our selection of the most beautiful beaches in Los Gigantes, Tenerife, with our own photos and useful tips in pictures!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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The best beaches in Los Gigantes – map
Here’s a map of the beaches listed in this article, to help you find your way around:
Where to go in Los Gigantes for the best beaches?
The beaches of Los Gigantes are divided between the 3 main districts of Puerto de Santiago: Los Gigantes, Puerto Santiago and La Arena. Each offers a different ambience, whether for swimming, scenic contemplation or water sports. The Los Gigantes area is home to the spectacular Playa de Los Guios, ideal for admiring the cliffs.
1. Playa de La Arena
Why we love it
Playa de La Arena is the largest beach in Puerto de Santiago. It offers a beautiful stretch of volcanic black sand, typical of Tenerife, surrounded by spectacularly shaped lava rocks. We loved its lively, family-friendly atmosphere, with restaurants all around to make the most of a full day on site. Be warned, however, that the waves can be impressive: during our visit, the ocean was particularly rough.
Access and useful information
- South of the city of Puerto de Santiago, in the La Arena district
- Parking spaces along the road above the beach
- If you’re staying in the city, it’s best to get there on foot.
- Fine black sand of volcanic origin
- Supervised beach in season (beware of strong currents)
- Rental of deckchairs and parasols
- Showers and public toilets
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility
- Nearby restaurants include Restaurant La Sirena and Restaurant Neptuno with sea views (although we didn’t try them out).
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
2. Playa de Los Guios
Why we love it
Located at the foot of the impressive Los Gigantes cliffs, Playa de Los Guios offers a breathtaking setting. We were fascinated by the volcanic rock walls overlooking the beach. One section was closed at the time of our visit due to falling rocks. Playa de Los Guyos is also the ideal starting point for water sports activities. The proximity of the marina makes it easy to set off on whale-watching or kayaking excursions.
Access and useful information
- North of Puerto de Santiago, in the Los Gigantes district
- Next to the marina, at the end of Calle de Los Guios
- Pay parking at the marina
- Black sand and rocks
- Supervised beach, but beware of currents
- Sunshade and deckchair hire available
- Showers and public toilets
- Disabled access with dedicated parking spaces
- Restaurant above the beach and several options around the marina, including Restaurant Tas-k, a tapas bar.
3. Playa de Las Conchas
Why we love it
Also known as Playa Neptuno or Playa del Volcan, Playa de Las Conchas is located right next to Playa de la Arena. We liked its more intimate atmosphere and relaxed ambience. The amphitheatrical steps facing the ocean provide an ideal vantage point. If you’re looking for a quiet spot to watch the surfers or the sunset, this small, unsupervised beach offers the perfect setting to contemplate the spectacle of the waves. Don’t miss the article we devoted to him.
Access and useful information
- In the town of Puerto de Santiago, adjacent to Playa de la Arena
- Limited parking spaces on Avenida Maritima
- Black volcanic sand with rock formations
- Unsupervised beach – swimming not recommended (strong currents)
- No deckchairs or umbrellas for hire, but amphitheatre with steps.
- Showers available
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility
- Neptuno restaurant nearby, between Playa de la Arena and Playa de las Conchas
WHERE TO STAY IN Tenerife
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Tenerife (coming soon)
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4. Playa Puerto de Santiago
Why we love it
Also known as Playa de Santiago or Playa Chica, this small urban beach offers convenient swimming in a small cove in the heart of the city. We appreciated its ideal location for a refreshing break between two visits. The locals have made it their favorite spot. The sea was rough at the time of our visit, making swimming impossible, but you can normally enjoy calm waters ideal for snorkeling.
Access and useful information
- In the heart of Puerto de Santiago, between the districts of Los Gigantes and Puerto Santiago
- Street parking above the beach (difficult in the evening and in high season)
- Recommended access on foot from hotels
- Mixture of black sand and pebbles
- Unconfirmed surveillance – watch out for tides
- No deckchairs or parasols for hire
- Showers and toilets nearby
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility
- Restaurant Da Yago and Restaurant Fisherman’s Inn nearby
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Other bathing areas around Los Gigantes
Charco de Isla Cangrejo natural pool
A unique site in Los Gigantes. Protected from the waves by a concrete wall, it can nevertheless be dangerous at high tide in the event of a heavy swell. We found the site closed during our visit for this reason. But the view from the Paseo Maritimo was splendid.
Playa de Masca
A small cove at the foot of Los Gigantes, accessible only by seaor at the end of the 6-hour hike from Barranco de Masca.
Frequently asked questions
What water sports activities are available on the beaches of Los Gigantes in Tenerife?
The beaches of Los Gigantes offer a wide range of water sports:
- Swimming and relaxing with spectacular views of the cliffs
- Water sports: kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, paddling
- Whale-watching excursion by boat. See prices, photos and availability.
What’s the best beach for admiring the Los Gigantes cliffs on Tenerife?
The cliffs are immense and visible from everywhere in Puerto de Santiago. However, 2 spots near the water stand out in particular:
- Playa de Los Guios offers majestic views of the cliffs.
- The natural pool Charco de Isla Cangrejo also has a beautiful view, but beware of sea conditions.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
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Things to do in Tenerife (coming soon)
Most beautiful beaches (coming soon)
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25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife (coming soon)
Getting around (coming soon)
Renting a car in Tenerife (coming soon)
Driving tips (coming soon)
Best excursions (coming soon)
Itineraries (coming soon)
- Where to stay
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