The ritual
Coffee on the balcony watching the sea state, stroll down, swim the bay's width while the town wakes, dry off on warm rock, croissants on the way home. Repeat daily until you forget your other life.
Know the bay
Entry is easiest at the sandy centre; rocks flank the edges (snorkel there — wrasse, damselfish, the odd octopus). North-west swell reaches in some days — if whitewater wraps the point, walk to La Arena instead.
- Water shoes for the pebble line.
- Goggles reward you — visibility often 10 m+.
- Sunset turns the bay copper — evening dips are magic too.
FAQ
Is it safe to swim alone?
On calm mornings locals do constantly; stay inside the bay and you're fine. No lifeguard, so respect rough days.
Sand or pebbles?
Both — sandy centre strip, pebble edges, lava frame. Authentic volcanic coast.
Related guides
Best beaches near Los Gigantes
Playa Puerto de Santiago — the fishing-bay beach
Playa de la Arena — the Blue Flag next door
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.