When we go on vacation to Tenerife there are several visits that are almost essential, one of them is Mount Teide, but another is undoubtedly about the cliffs of Los Gigantes. These beautiful cliffs that plummet towards the sea have become one of its most tourist spots, so today we have many interesting things to do in its surroundings.
If we go to include this part of Tenerife in our routes, then we should enjoy all the experiences that we can. The cliffs from the sea do not leave anyone indifferent, but it is not the only thing that may be of interest in this part of Tenerife.
How to get to the Los Gigantes cliffs
If your flight arrives at Tenerife South airport you're in luck, the cliffs are only about 45 kilometers away. In any case, on the island it is advisable to take a rental car, since a visit to Teide requires at least an hour of travel, since it is in the center. From Costa Adeje you can take the southern highway to go to the Puerto de Santiago area. It is also possible to go by normal road, since we have several routes. The small town of Puerto de Santiago has emerged with the tourist impact, and it is a quiet place and the main point from which the boats leave to see the cliffs. Another thing we can do is go to the town of Masca to see the cliffs in another way. From this small town a hiking route of about three hours starts that goes into the cliffs and reaches the beach of Masca, which we will talk about later.
Historic cliffs
These cliffs were of great importance to the Guanches, the aborigines of the island prior to the conquest. For them these cliffs were the 'Wall of Hell' or 'Wall of the devil', the place where the world ended. That is why it was an important point for them, which today has become a place to enjoy the island in a different way. Mass tourism on the beaches is no longer the only thing that attracts the island, and it is that these cliffs formed by volcanic rock have become a claim. And not only them, but also the richness of the seabed and the surroundings of the cliffs.
Route from La Masca
If you are one of those who wants to do something different and you are not lazy, then it is highly recommended to do the hiking trail that starts from the town of La Masca, near Santiago del Teide. It is a really small town, but one that sees its activity multiplied in summer. Carrying out the route is not easy, because it is about three hours on foot to the Masca beach, passing between the cliffs ravines. When you get to the beach there are only two possibilities. One is to take a boat to see the cliffs, which will take us to Puerto de Santiago, or to turn around and return three hours on foot along the path we have trodden. It should be said that the vast majority choose the boat trip, which also completes the beautiful experience.
Boat trip
One of the things that almost everyone has done in Tenerife is the boat trip along the cliffs with the whale watching. Dolphins are easy to see, as they often accompany boats on their way. There is also a colony of whales, although these are not usually so accessible, since there are times when it is easier to see them. Anyway, in the town of Puerto de Santiago we can consult the boat trip and enjoy the route. It depends on the time you go, but from experience, in low season you do not have to book, since there are several companies and they usually have offers and enough space. These boat trips are usually completed with a stop at some of the small beaches that emerge between the cliff ravines to enjoy a meal and a possible bath.
Port of Santiago
This small town has emerged thanks to the tourist activity in the area that wants to enjoy the cliffs. In the village you can enjoy some shopping in the small souvenir shops, or eat in the many restaurants. We also have a hotel offer, in case we want to spend one or two days in this place. There are several small beaches with volcanic sand that serve us to sunbathe before or after seeing the cliffs and a wide port from which the boats leave. This is the ideal point to complete the fun day on the cliffs, with a little entertainment and all kinds of services.