Seeing them properly
From Los Gigantes beach you stand directly beneath the walls. For scale, nothing beats a boat: the cliffs keep growing as you approach until the town disappears behind them. Kayaking the base on a calm morning is a highlight of the whole island.
Geology in one minute
The cliffs are the eroded edge of the ancient Teno massif — some of the oldest rock on Tenerife (5–7 million years). Deep ravines (barrancos) slice the plateau behind them, which is why the interior road to Masca is so spectacular.
- Late afternoon light turns the walls gold — best photo time from the sea.
- The Archipenque viewpoint café charges tourist prices; the view is free from the platform.
- Combine a cliff boat trip with whale watching — most tours do both.
FAQ
Can you walk to the base of the cliffs?
Only to the start at Los Gigantes beach. Beyond that it's sea access only.
Are they really Europe's highest sea cliffs?
Among the highest — only a few (e.g. on Madeira and in Norway) are taller.
Related guides
Los Gigantes, Tenerife — the complete local guide
Things to do in Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes Marina — boats, restaurants and trips
Stay at Gigantes View Studio
Ocean-view studio in Puerto de Santiago — 8.5/10 on Booking.com, location rated 9.7. Book direct for the best rate.
Check availabilityLast updated: 2026-08-07 · Written by your hosts Jan & Lucie · Sources: local experience, official tourism data. Prices & hours drift — verify big-ticket details before you build a day around them.