Tenerife's Los Gigantes: Unbelievable Sea Views You WON'T Believe!
Tenerife's Los Gigantes: Hold on to Your Hats (and Your Sanity!) - A Review That's Actually Real
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn't your average, sterile hotel review. I've just survived (and mostly thrived) at Los Gigantes in Tenerife, and I'm here to spill the beans. Prepare for a rollercoaster of awe, minor gripes, and maybe a tear or two (mostly from laughing). This review is raw, unfiltered, and hopefully, helpful.
The Views: Holy Mother of God! (And Your Instagram Feed Will Explode)
Let's get the obvious out of the way: the views. They're unbelievable. Seriously. They're the reason you come. I mean, the marketing material isn't lying. The cliffs of Los Gigantes, plunging into that sapphire ocean… it's postcard perfection. I spent a good hour just staring out my window, mouth agape. I even considered trying to sell the view as an NFT. (Kidding… mostly.)
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Accessibility & Safety: Navigating the Labyrinth (and Staying Alive)
Alright, let's talk practicalities.
Accessibility: This is where things get a little… interesting. The hotel says it has facilities for disabled guests, and there's an elevator (thank the heavens!). But navigating the grounds felt a bit like an adventure game. Some pathways are a bit steep, and I'm not sure how easy it would be for someone with mobility issues. (Important Note: Double-check specifics with the hotel directly if accessibility is a major concern. Don't rely on me; I'm just a guy who likes to eat.)
Safety: Now, this is where Los Gigantes shines. They've clearly been taking the pandemic seriously. The place is obsessively clean. I saw staff constantly wiping down surfaces, and hand sanitizer stations are everywhere.
Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products were definitely in action. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Individually-wrapped food options? Yep. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Mostly. Staff trained in safety protocol? Absolutely. Rooms sanitized between stays? I hope so. (I didn’t actually see anyone in hazmat suits, but I appreciated the effort.)
SEO Keywords: accessibility, wheelchair accessible, facilities for disabled guests, safety, cleanliness, hygiene, anti-viral cleaning, pandemic safety, hand sanitizer, social distancing.
Rooms: Pretty Darn Comfortable (and They Have Wi-Fi!)
My room? Lovely. And the Wi-Fi? Fantastic. I mean, I needed to upload those stunning photos, right?
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (thank you, sweet baby Jesus), alarm clock (useful!), bathrobes (fancy!), bathroom phone (who even uses these?), bathtub (bliss!), blackout curtains (essential for sleeping off all that sangria!), carpeting (meh, it's there), closet (yay storage!), coffee/tea maker (vital for morning survival!), complimentary tea (nice touch), daily housekeeping (bless them!), desk (for pretending to work), extra long bed (appreciated!), free bottled water (hydration!), hair dryer (a lifesaver!), high floor (views!), in-room safe box (peace of mind), internet access – wireless (essential!), ironing facilities (wrinkle-free selfies!), laptop workspace (if you must), linens (clean!), mini bar (temptation!), mirror (for admiring the view… and my questionable tan), non-smoking (thank goodness!), on-demand movies (lazy day essential), private bathroom (privacy!), reading light (for pretending to read), refrigerator (for the all-important beer), safety/security feature (always good!), satellite/cable channels (options!), scale (avoiding the post-holiday weight gain panic), seating area (room to breathe), separate shower/bathtub (luxury!), shower (clean!), slippers (comfy!), smoke detector (safety!), socket near the bed (genius!), sofa (comfy!), soundproofing (appreciated!), telephone (old school!), toiletries (adequate), towels (fluffy!), umbrella (just in case), visual alarm (for those who need it), wake-up service (reliable!), Wi-Fi [free] (THANK YOU!), window that opens (fresh air!).
SEO Keywords: Wi-Fi [free], air conditioning, comfortable rooms, room amenities, in-room features, sea view rooms, balcony, private bathroom.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (and My Stomach)
Food! This is where I really excel as a reviewer.
Restaurants: Yes, plural! There are restaurants. The main buffet restaurant was… well, it was a buffet. Decent, with a good variety. The Asian restaurant was surprisingly good.
Bar: Happy hour was a highlight. The poolside bar? Essential. I may or may not have spent a significant portion of my time there.
Food & Drink: The coffee shop did a decent latte. I tried the desserts in the restaurant, and they were surprisingly good.
SEO Keywords: restaurants, bars, buffet, poolside bar, happy hour, Asian cuisine, international cuisine, coffee shop, snacks, food, drink, meals.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: More Than Just Cliff Gazing
Swimming pool: The outdoor pool is gorgeous, especially with that view.
Spa: I indulged in a massage. Worth it.
Fitness center: I… glanced at it. (Maybe next time.)
Things to do: They offer various activities, from boat trips to hiking. (I mostly did the boat trips. Less walking.)
SEO Keywords: swimming pool [outdoor], spa, massage, fitness center, things to do, activities, boat trips, hiking, relaxing.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (and the Ones That Don't)
Services: Concierge was helpful. Daily housekeeping? Fantastic. Laundry service? Thank goodness.
Conveniences: A gift shop for souvenirs. A convenience store for snacks (crucial).
SEO Keywords: concierge, daily housekeeping, laundry service, gift shop, convenience store, services.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly? Absolutely!
Family/child friendly: There's a babysitting service. Kids facilities are available.
SEO Keywords: family-friendly, kids facilities, babysitting service.
Internet: The Lifeblood of the Modern Traveler
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Praise be! It's everywhere. The Wi-Fi was good, even in the rooms. I actually managed to upload a video without wanting to throw my laptop into the ocean.
SEO Keywords: Internet, Wi-Fi, free Wi-Fi, internet access.
The Verdict: Go! (But Maybe Pack Your Patience)
Look, Los Gigantes isn't perfect. It's a bit sprawling, and the accessibility could be improved. But the views? The sheer, breathtaking views? They're worth it. The staff are friendly, the food is generally good, and they're taking safety seriously.
My honest recommendation? Book it. You won't regret it. Just be prepared to be amazed, and maybe bring a good book (or a very strong Wi-Fi signal) for those moments of downtime.
Final Note: I might be back. Those views are calling my name… and so is that poolside bar.
Bonus: They should offer a "Cliffside Sunset Viewing Package" – includes a bottle of wine, a comfy blanket, and a guarantee of pure, unadulterated bliss. Just sayin'.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sanitized travel itinerary. This is my attempt to survive (and hopefully thrive) in Los Gigantes, Tenerife. Consider this a living document, subject to change, random outbursts, and the occasional existential crisis brought on by too much sun and not enough sangria.
LOS GIGANTES: OPERATION SUN-KISSED (AND HOPEFULLY NOT SUNBURNED) - A MESSY ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival & That First Breath of Tenerife Air (and the Panic That Sets In)
- Morning (ish): Arrive at Tenerife South Airport (TFS). The flight was fine, except for the screaming toddler who clearly didn't understand the concept of personal space. Seriously, kid, BACK OFF. Grab a transfer to Los Gigantes. The drive? Gorgeous, naturally. The mountains! The sea! The… slight fear that I might actually be on the wrong side of the world? (Jet lag is a cruel mistress).
- Afternoon: Check into the apartment. Oh, the apartment! It looks amazing in the photos. In reality, it's… well, let's just say the "sea view" is more of a "sea glimpse" and the promised wi-fi seems to be powered by wishful thinking. But hey, there's a balcony! And a fridge! Priorities. The unpacking is a disaster, naturally. I can't find the sunscreen. Panicking slightly.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Wander around the marina. It's beautiful, undeniably so. The boats! The restaurants! The… prices. Ouch. Decide to have a "welcome to Tenerife" beer at a bar overlooking the cliffs. It's the perfect moment, the sun setting, the air warm… and then I spill half my beer down my front. Classic. Decide to embrace the chaos.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant recommended by the internet (always a gamble, right?). It's alright, I guess. The food is… food. The waiter is friendly, but seems to be running on a different time zone. I end up chatting with a couple from Manchester who are also slightly bewildered by the whole experience. Solidarity, people.
Day 2: The Giants, the Pool, and the Impending Doom of Laundry
- Morning: The Clifftop Walk: A Triumph of Endurance, or a Mild Panic Attack? Okay, this is the big one. The Los Gigantes cliffs. They're… well, they're gigantic. Decide to attempt the walk to the next village. The views are spectacular, genuinely breathtaking. But the sun is relentless. I forget my water bottle. I start to sweat. I start to question all my life choices. Halfway through I'm convinced I'm going to die of dehydration. I finally reach the end and collapsed on a bench, gasping for air, and then, I found the perfect place to take a photo.
- Afternoon: Back to the apartment. The pool beckons! It's small, but clean, and the sun loungers are comfy. Spend a blissful hour or two just floating, listening to the gentle sounds of the water and the distant chatter. This is the life. Until I realise I forgot my book. And my phone. And my sunscreen. Back to the apartment for a quick shower and changed to new clothes.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Laundry. The bane of my existence. The washing machine is ancient and makes noises that suggest it might spontaneously combust. Spend an hour staring at it, willing it to work. Eventually, it does. Success! Now, to figure out how to dry the clothes… The balcony it is. Pray for sunshine.
- Evening: Dinner at a local tapas bar. The food is amazing! The atmosphere is buzzing! I order far too much and end up eating everything anyway. Regret? Maybe a little. But the garlic prawns were worth it.
Day 3: Boat Trip & The Sea of Regret (and Sunburn)
- Morning: Boat trip! Finally! It's a catamaran, which seems fancy. The sea is choppy. I get slightly seasick. The dolphins are amazing, though. Seriously, seeing them leap and play in the waves is magical. Worth the nausea. The sun, however, is brutal. I applied sunscreen, I swear!
- Afternoon: Snorkelling. The water is crystal clear. The fish are colourful. I manage to lose a flipper. Find it eventually. Feel like a total idiot. The sunburn is starting to kick in. My shoulders are screaming.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Attempt to nap. Fail. The sunburn is too intense. Apply copious amounts of aloe vera. Consider wrapping myself in bandages. Vow to be more careful with the sun tomorrow.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant overlooking the harbour. The views are stunning. The food is… okay. I'm too tired to care. The sunburn is throbbing. I eat ice cream. A lot of ice cream.
Day 4: The Black Beach & The Search for Paradise (or at Least Decent Coffee)
- Morning: A trip to Playa de la Arena, the black sand beach. It's… black. And hot. And the waves are surprisingly strong. Spend an hour or so swimming and getting sand everywhere. It's a love-hate relationship, this beach.
- Afternoon: Coffee hunt. This is serious business. The coffee in the apartment is… questionable. Embark on a quest to find a decent cappuccino. It takes longer than expected. Finally discover a little cafe tucked away in a side street. The coffee is divine! Order a second one. Then a third. Maybe a fourth?
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Explore the shops. Buy a ridiculous souvenir I'll probably never use. (It's a small, ceramic dolphin. Don't judge me). Get lost in a maze of narrow streets. Discover a hidden garden. Feel slightly less stressed.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant recommended by the coffee shop owner (trust the locals, right?). It's the best meal of the trip so far. The food is fresh, the atmosphere is lively, and the wine is flowing. Feel a flicker of contentment.
Day 5: The (Almost) Perfect Day
- Morning: Hike up to a viewpoint. The views are spectacular. The air is crisp. The world feels… right. This is the Tenerife I'd dreamed of. I take a lot of photos. I feel like a proper tourist.
- Afternoon: Relax by the pool with a book. Actually finish the book! Soak up the sun (carefully this time). The world is good.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Find a bar. Enjoy a cocktail overlooking the harbour. The sunset is breathtaking. I feel happy.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant. Enjoy a delicious meal.
Day 6: Departure (and the Unspoken Promise to Return)
- Morning: Pack. It's always a mess. But I find my sunscreen, finally. The apartment, a bit more familiar now, doesn't seem so bad.
- Afternoon: Transfer to the airport. The drive is pretty. The flight is on time. I'm sad to leave, but happy to go home.
- Evening: Reflect on the trip. It was messy, imperfect, and sometimes a bit of a disaster. But it was also beautiful, exciting, and full of moments I'll never forget. And I'll be back. Definitely.
Quirky Observations & Rambles:
- The stray cats in Los Gigantes are remarkably well-fed. They clearly know where the good food is.
- The Spanish language is beautiful, even when I butcher it.
- I've developed a slight addiction to ice cream.
- The constant sound of the waves is incredibly soothing.
- The sunsets are genuinely magical.
- I think I'm falling in love with this place, even with all its quirks.
Emotional Reactions:
- Joy: The dolphins! The sunsets! The coffee!
- Frustration: The laundry! The wi-fi! The sunburn!
- Contentment: Lounging by the pool. Eating good food.
- Awe: The cliffs! The views!
- Slight Panic: The clifftop walk. The thought of returning to real life.
Imperfections:
- I spent way too much money.
- I didn't learn any Spanish.
- I got sunburned.
- I lost a flipper.
- I spilled my beer.
- I didn't do everything I wanted to.
But who cares? It was an adventure. And that's what matters, right? Now, to start planning the next one…
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Los Gigantes: Seriously, Are Those Cliffs Real?! (And Other Burning Questions)
Alright, let's be honest. You're probably here because you saw a picture of Los Gigantes and thought, "Photoshop, surely?" Nope. It's real. And it's breathtaking. But before you pack your bags, let's get some stuff straight. This isn't a perfectly curated travel guide. This is me, rambling about cliffs and sunshine, with a healthy dose of "been there, done that, almost fell off."
1. So, what *are* Los Gigantes, exactly? And why are they so…gigantic?
Okay, Captain Obvious here: Los Gigantes means "The Giants" in Spanish. And they are. Massive. These aren't your average, run-of-the-mill cliffs. They're sheer volcanic rock faces that plunge into the Atlantic. Imagine a wall, a *really* tall wall, that Mother Nature just decided to slap down on the coast. The highest point is about 600 meters (nearly 2,000 feet!). I remember the first time I saw them. I literally gasped. Then, I dropped my ice cream. (Vanilla, wasted. Tragic.)
2. How do I even *get* to Los Gigantes? And is it a nightmare?
Getting there is relatively straightforward, thankfully. You can drive, which is the easiest option if you have a car rental (highly recommended for exploring Tenerife!). The roads are generally good, but be prepared for some winding turns, especially as you get closer. The views on the drive are spectacular, though, so try not to focus solely on avoiding a cliff edge. (I may have been a little too focused on that on my first trip. Let's just say my driving skills weren't exactly appreciated by my travel companions.) Alternatively, you can take a bus, which is a more affordable but potentially slower option. Just be prepared for a bit of a wait and maybe some interesting local conversations (in Spanish, most likely!). And yes, parking in Los Gigantes itself can be a *bit* of a nightmare, especially during peak season. Patience is a virtue, people. And maybe bring a good book for the wait.
3. What's the best way to *see* Los Gigantes? From a boat, right? RIGHT?!
Okay, listen up. Seeing Los Gigantes from the water is…well, it's the money shot. Seriously. It's the 'I can't believe this is real' experience. There are tons of boat trips available, from small catamarans to larger, more luxurious yachts. I've done both. The small catamarans are great for a more intimate experience, and they often get closer to the cliffs. You might even spot some dolphins or whales (fingers crossed!). The bigger yachts are more comfortable, often include lunch and drinks, but you might feel a bit like you're on a floating cruise ship. Personally, I'd recommend the catamaran. It's just a more raw, authentic experience. And the feeling of being dwarfed by those cliffs? Unforgettable. I remember one time, we were on a boat, and a sudden wave splashed over the side. We all screamed! It was freezing, but also hilarious. The sheer force of the ocean, the scale of the cliffs... it was just…wow. (Don't forget your sunscreen, even on a cloudy day! Trust me.)
4. Are there other things to do besides staring at cliffs? Because, let's be real, I can only stare for so long.
Yes! Thank goodness. While the cliffs are the star, Los Gigantes has more to offer. The town itself is lovely, with a laid-back vibe. There's a small beach (Playa de Los Gigantes) perfect for a swim. The harbor is buzzing with activity, and you can find plenty of restaurants and bars. You can also go kayaking, paddleboarding, or even try scuba diving. I attempted snorkeling once. Let's just say I spent more time swallowing seawater than admiring marine life. (Note to self: practice breathing before attempting any water sports.) There are also some hiking trails in the area, offering stunning views from different perspectives. I hear the Masca Valley is a must-see, but I haven't braved that one yet. (I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to heights, okay?) But seriously, don't just rush in, gawk at the cliffs, and leave. Take some time to explore the area. It's worth it.
5. Okay, okay, I'm sold. What's the best time to visit? And avoid the crowds, PLEASE!
Shoulder season (April-May or September-October) is your best bet for avoiding the worst of the crowds and enjoying pleasant weather. Summer (June-August) is hot and crowded, but the sea is warm and inviting. Winter (November-March) can be cooler, but you'll still get plenty of sunshine. I went in October once, and it was perfect. Warm, sunny, and not too many people. Bliss! To avoid the crowds in Los Gigantes itself, try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. And be prepared for people. Lots and lots of people. (It's a popular place, what can I say?) But trust me, even with the crowds, the views are worth it. Just…breathe. And maybe bring a good book for the inevitable wait for parking.
6. Is it expensive? Will I need to sell a kidney to afford a boat trip?
Tenerife, in general, is reasonably affordable. Los Gigantes itself has a range of options to suit different budgets. Boat trips vary in price, but you can find something to fit most wallets. Restaurants also range from budget-friendly tapas bars to more upscale dining experiences. Accommodation prices fluctuate depending on the season and the type of lodging you choose. You can find everything from hostels to luxury hotels. My advice? Do your research, compare prices, and be prepared to splurge a little. After all, you're on vacation! I remember once, I was trying to be *super* budget-conscious. I ended up eating a questionable sandwich from a gas station. Let's just say, the memory of that sandwich is not as pleasant as the memory of the cliffs. So, yeah, spend a little extra. It's worth it.
7. What should I pack? Besides my jaw, which will probably be on the floor?
Okay, essential packing list: Sunscreen (seriously, slather it on!), a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, comfortable shoes (for walking around), a camera (obviously!), and a sense of adventure. If you're planning on doing any water activities, bring a towel and maybe a waterproof bag for your phone. Oh, and don't forget your passport! (Duh.) I always pack a light jacket, even in the summer. The wind can pick up,Hotel Finder Reviews
