Los GIGANTES
Area: Tenerife
Country: Spain


Location:
At the W end of the SW coast. 20 miles NW of Playa de las Americas, 35 miles NW of the airport by good road most of the way.

Telephone code from UK:
34

Position:
Sheltered by huge black cliffs which provide protection and stunning views. Backed by a mountain, reached by a narrow serpentine road and built on steeply sloping terrain.

Description:
A pair of villages. The "giants" of the newer half are the dramatic cliffs which shelter the resort. Some care has been exercised in the creation of this purpose-built holiday village. The original fishing settlement of Puerto de Santiago can be found 2 miles to the S. A hilly resort with chaotic layout and difficult car parking.

Suitability:
Relaxed and low-key, for more discerning couples and families.

Accommodation:
Apartment blocks climb up the slopes of the barren hills, most of them are small and quite well designed. A couple of good quality hotels.

Shopping:
A limited choice, but adequate for most needs.

Beach:
At Gigantes and Playa de la Arena; black sand, palm-lined promenade. Oasis lido.

Entertainments:
Daytime: striking but sterile hinterland is worth exploring. Sports centre with tennis courts. Sea water pool beside marina. Some water sports and diving centre. Nightlife: limited but expanding _ centred on the newer area of Los Gigantes.

Eating:
Ample choice though scattered over wide area.

Public-transport:
Bus to Playa de las Americas every half hour and to Puerto de la Cruz every two hours.

Local-excursions:
See Playa de las Americas.