Los Gigantes Beaches
Los Gigantes Beaches
Playa los Gigantes (Beach of Giants)
Location: South-west coast
Brief description: Stunning scenery, gigantic cliffs, beautiful waters, soft sand and lovely marina.
Services nearby: Beautiful marina lined with shops and restaurants. Boat trips available including a bargain €10, 90 minute trip for guaranteed dolphin spotting and diving off the boat (James Bond eat your heart out).
Good for: Everyone! Especially those who want to sit back relax and take in the stunning vistas.
What we like: Small and cosy, a good place to catch some rays. Known as one of the sunniest destinations on the island. Awesome cliffs make for a striking backdrop to this beach.
What we don’t like: Fairly hilly in places, can be hard going in the heat.
Driving directions: Take the TF-1 towards Playa Los Cristianos from South Airport, go to the end of the TF-1 and follow signs for the brown coloured signs for Los Gigantes which continue all the way into the resort.
Playa San Juan (Beach of Saint John)
Location: West coast.
Brief description: Dark sand, good few palms, clean and pristine calm waters.
Services nearby: Beach kiosk, loads of sun beds, shops, restaurants and bars nearby. Parking. Picturesque fishing harbour.
Good for: Really safe beach for kids, nice walk along the promenade.
What we like: Chilled-out atmosphere, lots of palms give it a tropical feel. Night parties during the summer solstice with bonfires and drinking on the beach.
What we don’t like: San Juan is undergoing somewhat of a makeover; only a matter of time before the masses descend on the beach; we fear for its ‘unspoiled’ feel.
Driving directions: Take the TF-1 towards Los Cristainos from Tenerife South Airport, go way passed this exit and come off at the TF-47 for Armenime, which is almost at the end of the motorway.
El Puertito
Location: Just outside Armeñime
Brief Description: Lovely sandy bay in a small fishing hamlet with brightly coloured boats bobbing on the waters.
Services Nearby: Restaurants and cafes, particularly good fish restaurant close to the beach.
Good for: Dipping your toes in the sand on a beach that is pretty remote.
What we like: Quaint ambiance, traditional Tenerife feel to the place.
What we don’t like: Quite a few rocks makes getting into the water quite difficult.
Driving directions: Follow the sign for El Puertito from the TF-47 just outside Armeñime on the road west to Los Gigantes.
Alcalá
Location: On south west coast in between Playa San Juan and Playa La Arena.
Brief description: Postage stamp-sized, sandy beach alongside the main plaza.
Services nearby: Alcalá plaza has tapas bars, snack bars, ice cream parlours and a dangerously good bakery all with dining space outside.
Good for: Paddling for the little ones and exploring the rock pools.
What we like: Alcalá is an unspoiled fishing village with lots of character. Large decking area alongside the beach is where most people prefer to stretch out and swim off the rocks.
What we don't like: One family can fill the beach.
Driving directions: Take the TF1motorway westbound until it runs out, then follow the TF47 and when you reach Alcalá, drop down into the plaza following the town centre sign. Parking available in the plaza except on market day which is Monday.
