If you’re staying in Puerto de Santiago in Tenerife, don’t miss the Mirador Archipenque. It offers the finest view of the impressive Los Gigantes cliffs. It’s a natural balcony from which to admire these spectacular rock walls rising up to 800m above the ocean.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Why visit the Mirador Archipenque?
Is the Mirador Archipenque worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, the Mirador Archipenque is well worth a visit! This is an extraordinary vantage point overlooking the impressive Los Gigantes cliffs. On a clear day, you can even see the Punta de Teno on the horizon. The site is particularly spectacular at sunset, when the last rays ignite the rock faces.
Enjoying this view is one of our favorite activities at Los Gigantes.
Why is the Mirador Archipenque famous?
The Mirador Archipenque is renowned for its breathtaking views of the Los Gigantes cliffs. This vantage point offers magnificent photo opportunities, especially at sunset. Spectacular!
Our favorite moments
During our visit, we particularly appreciated:
- The incredible view of Los Gigantes
- The panoramic café, where you can sip a refreshing drink while admiring the panorama
- Information panels on the flora and fauna of this arid landscape
WHERE TO STAY IN Tenerife
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Tenerife
- Our favorite: Hotel Corales Beach
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families (coming soon)
Select by city:
- Best hotels in Costa Adeje
- Best hotels in Puerto de La Cruz
- Best hotels in Los Gigantes
- Best hotels in Santa Cruz
- Best hotels in Laguna
- Best hotels in Playa de las Americas
- 5-star hotel in Los Cristianos (coming soon)
History in brief
We couldn’t find any information about the history of the watchtower and its layout as we visited it. Major tourism development in the Los Gigantes area began in the 1960s-1970s, when several tourist infrastructures were created in the region. It is likely that the construction of the watchtower is linked to this period of development.
Access: Mirador Archipenque, Puerto de Santiago
Where is the Mirador Archipenque?
- In Puerto de Santiago, Tenerife
- In a bend above the city
- On the main road between Puerto de Santiago and Tamaimo
- In the axis of the Charco de Isla Cangrejo, a natural pool overlooking the cliffs
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.
How to get there?
Mirador Archipenque is not directly served by local buses. The car is still the most practical way to get there.
Parking
Parking spaces are available along the road. Parking is therefore limited, and finding a space can be difficult in high season.
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
The views are splendid in fine weather, whatever the time of year. We particularly recommend coming at sunset to enjoy an unforgettable spectacle.
Length of visit and main difficulties
We were there for 30 minutes, but you can spend as much time as you like enjoying the view and discovering all the information available to help you understand Tenerife better.
Advice on how to visit
There’s no particular way to visit. We suggest you enjoy the view, read the information panels on the flora and fauna, have a drink or a snack in the cafeteria, and why not, buy a souvenir.
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Visiting with children
Children will love the view and the souvenir store.
Schedules and rates
There is no timetable for access to the Mirador. The cafeteria is open from 9am to 9pm.
Access is free of charge.
Catering
An on-site cafeteria offers drinks and snacks, to be enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the ocean.
A belvedere designed for contemplation
The Mirador Archipenque was built on a bend above the town. It’s a veritable balcony overlooking the sea, with comfortable benches. We particularly appreciated the cafeteria terrace, where you can enjoy the view while sipping a cold drink or coffee.
Breathtaking views of Los Gigantes and the ocean
From the viewpoint, we could admire the impressive Los Gigantes rock formation plunging into the ocean. You can also see the island of La Gomera just opposite, and even the Punta de Teno lighthouse on days with very good visibility. The panorama is particularly striking, with vertiginous cliffs that seem to rise from the waves.
Discover the natural riches of Tenerife’s west coast
Information panels enhance the visit, presenting the flora and fauna characteristic of this arid environment. One of them was dedicated to the cetaceans that frequent the waters at the foot of the cliffs. We scanned the surface of the sea, but unfortunately didn’t see any.
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Frequently asked questions
Are there any hiking trails nearby?
Yes, the area around Los Gigantes offers several hiking trails that allow you to explore the surrounding countryside. However, it is advisable to obtain local information on itineraries suited to your level. Find out more here.
Can you watch dolphins and whales from the watchtower?
Although the mirador offers panoramic ocean views,dolphin and whale watching is best done onboat trips from the port of Los Gigantes. See prices, photos and availability.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful roads
Amusement parks
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track (coming soon)
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife
How to get around
How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Where to stay in Tenerife
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 1 week – 10 days
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife (coming soon)
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava (coming soon)
Garachico
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
