Puerto de Santiago
Where Drama Meets Relaxation
This gorgeous resort on Tenerife's west coast is famous for Los Gigantes - the mind-blowing cliffs that rise 800 meters straight out of the Atlantic Ocean like something from a fantasy novel. If you want your holiday photos to rock (not sorry), plus brilliant beaches, excellent restaurants, and that perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, then Puerto de Santiago is calling your name!
Los Gigantes - The Star Attraction
These cliffs are spectacular - 800 meters of sheer volcanic rock rising straight from the sea! The best views are from the marina area, where you can grab a coffee or cocktail and just stare in amazement at these geological wonders. The marina itself is lovely - lined with restaurants, bars, and boat trip operators offering everything from dolphin watching to deep-sea fishing. The area comes alive in the evenings with outdoor dining and that magical golden hour light that makes the cliffs look even more dramatic (if that's even possible!)
Beaches That Range from Dramatic to Perfect
Playa de los Guíos sits right underneath those famous cliffs offering a spectacular beach setting! The beach itself is pebbly volcanic stone, which sounds uncomfortable but is actually quite therapeutic (like a natural foot massage!), and the water's crystal clear and perfect for swimming.
But the real gem is Playa de la Arena about 5 minutes away - this gorgeous black sand beach has been awarded Blue Flag status and offers excellent facilities, calm water perfect for families, and beach bars where you can grab lunch. The contrast between the black volcanic sand and the bright blue Atlantic is absolutely stunning!
Wildlife Watching That Actually Delivers
The deep waters just off Los Gigantes are some of the best in the Canary Islands for whale and dolphin watching. We're talking pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and occasionally even orcas! The boat trips here have some of the highest success rates in the islands for spotting marine life.
Most trips include swimming stops and refreshments, and the operators are excellent at explaining the local marine ecosystem. It's educational, exciting, and provides some of the most Instagram-worthy moments of any Canary Islands holiday!
Dining with Views That Money Can't Usually Buy
The restaurant scene here focuses on fresh seafood and spectacular views - a combination that's hard to beat! Restaurante Los Gigantes serves incredible fish dishes right on the marina with panoramic cliff views that make every meal feel like a special occasion. Their paella is legendary, and the portions are generous enough to fuel your afternoon cliff-gazing sessions!
El Rincón de Andrés does excellent traditional Canarian cuisine with outdoor seating that takes full advantage of those dramatic coastal views. The local fish is incredibly fresh (literally caught that morning), and they do a goat cheese salad that'll change your opinion about goat cheese forever (in a good way!)