Cliffs of Los Gigantes
A wall of volcanic rock dropping sheer into the Atlantic on the west coast of Tenerife. The Guanches called it the wall of hell, believing the world ended there.
What they are
The Cliffs of Los Gigantes rise between the municipalities of Santiago del Teide and Buenavista del Norte, within the Teno Rural Park. The walls climb vertically from the ocean to heights of between 300 and 600 metres depending on the stretch, and the rock continues about 30 metres below the waterline.
They run for some 15 kilometres of coastline, as far as Punta de Teno at the island's north-western tip. No road follows them: you see them from above, from the village, or from the sea.
Where to see them
Mirador de Archipenque
The most accessible viewpoint. It sits on the TF-46 road between Santiago del Teide and the village of Los Gigantes, with parking and information panels. From there you take in the wall, the marina, Punta de Teno and — on a clear day — La Gomera in the distance.
Mirador de Cherfe
On the road to the hamlet of Masca, this one gives a higher perspective from the Teno mountains. A different view: less head-on, more aerial.
From the village
You don't need to travel to see them. The harbour promenade and the terraces of Los Gigantes look straight onto the wall. At sunset the light rakes across the rock and shifts its colour.
From the sea
This is how you grasp the scale. Boat trips leave from the Los Gigantes marina and follow the base of the cliff; whale and dolphin sightings along the way are common.
How to get there
The village of Los Gigantes is in the municipality of Santiago del Teide, on Tenerife's west coast. Take the TF-1 to Guía de Isora and then the TF-47 and TF-454, or come inland via the TF-82 and TF-46 if you want to stop at the Mirador de Archipenque.
Dining with the cliffs in front of you
AQUA is at Calle Geranios 16, in Los Gigantes, with the cliffs in view. We serve Atlantic cuisine with Canarian roots: local produce, fresh fish landed at the port of Los Gigantes, papas bonitas and artisan mojos.
- Tasting menu — six courses, €65 per person.
- Sunday brunch — Sundays in July and August, 10:00 to 14:00.
- Wine list with a selection of local wines.