Los Gigantes holidays

Travelling with kids in tow? From the resort’s sheltered beach – where you can snorkel straight off the sands – to dolphin and whale watching excursions, as well as numerous child-friendly bars and restaurants, Los Gigantes is perfect for families. You’re also within a half-hour drive of Siam Park, Tenerife’s top waterpark.

The low-key vibe continues into the evenings, with quiet bars catering to couples and families alike. The marina is the nightlife hub, where you can eat under the stars. Alternatively, you can head to the plaza to find a few more local eateries, including Michelin starred restaurant, El Rincon de Juan Carlos.

October, February or April are particularly good months for a cheap holiday to Los Gigantes, and the weather tends to be ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities. That said, savvy searchers can find good deals for Tenerife package holidays throughout the year.

This small, tranquil beach is sheltered by the surrounding cliffs, making it the perfect spot for sunbathing. Unlike beaches further south, where sand is imported from the Sahara to create a golden aesthetic, the black volcanic sand here is authentic. The mood is laid-back, family-friendly and rarely over-crowded.

Playa de la Arena, around a five-minute drive away, is also worth a visit.

Acantilados de los Gigantes

The giant volcanic-rock cliffs that give Los Gigantes its name are one of Tenerife’s must-sees. Above water, they soar up to 600m (1,969ft) into the sky. Underwater, they’re a haven for marine life.

When staying here, the magnificent cliffs reward you with beautiful sunsets every evening as the rocks glow with the fading sun. Take a boat trip to see them at their best angle and, if you’re an experienced hiker, scramble up to the lookout point to admire them from above.

Mount Teide

Explore the heart of a volcano with a trip to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak at 3,718m (12,198 ft).

If you’re planning a hiking holiday in Tenerife, apply for a permit for Teide National Park and take one of the challenging trails to the top. The views make every step worth it, as on a clear day you can see all the way out to the neighbouring islands.

For the experience without strapping on your boots, a cable car can get you to the top in about ten minutes.

Whale and dolphin watching

Boat trips leave Los Gigantes’ port regularly to go in search of Tenerife’s incredible marine life. The cliffs and surrounding area are one of the best places for dolphin and whale watching, and you’re likely to see day-trippers arriving from other resorts as you go.

Keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales that live here all year-round. If you’re lucky, you may also see migrating orcas, sperm whales and minke whales.

Masca

Take a tour inland to visit the pretty village of Masca, high in the Teno Mountains. The drive itself is all part of the experience, with spine-tingling, winding roads and spectacular scenery.

Many go just to wander through the village, to see stone houses teetering on the edge of a ravine, and for the tiny church, but it’s also a popular spot with hikers. The well-known Masca gorge walk is closed in 2020, but several walking tour companies offer alternatives.