World Tourism / The Most Dramatic Sea Cliffs in the World / Acantilados de Los Gigantes
Acantilados de Los Gigantes
"The Giants Rocks" - as translated from the Spanish name of the giant cliffs Acantilado de Los Gigantes are situated on the west coast of Tenerife. Stretched for 10 km the Teno mountain range, the western slope of the volcano Teide has a gentle descent: the island's inhabitants steep basalt cliffs reminiscent of the back of the giants, near the volcano, which gave the name of the mountain formation. Los Gigantes cliffs are the highest cliffs in Spain. The height of the scarps are as high as 500 meters, and at the same rate they are immersed in the ocean. It is best to enjoy the majestic scenery from the sea: it organizes numerous boat trips on yachts and catamarans, combining a walk to the cliffs to the observation of whales and dolphins that live in this part of the coast of Tenerife. At the eastern foot of the rocks of the same name is a cozy town where is the largest port and light recreational fishing vessels. If you decide to go on fishing in the ocean it is better to do it from here.
The town of Los Gigantes is a popular and bustling tourist resort for German and British tourists who prefer a quiet holiday. The town itself is represented mainly by low-rise Aparthotels and has a small beach with dark sand. The tourists wishing to rest in the area, are offered accommodations . Another beach with dark volcanic sand , Playa de la Arena , located south of the coast, near Puerto de Santiago is a former fishing port and now a resort town, the "de facto" merged with Los Gigantes in a single unit. The Los Gigantes cliffs are sheer basalt stretching for 10 km along the west coast of Tenerife. Next to the rocks on the shore is the city of Los Gigantes. The city is popular for its black sand beaches and the scurrying ships. Groups of whales can be seen swimming from the top of the cliffs. Spain is the only country that legally banned the hunting of whales. The Giant cliffs, known as Acantilados de Los Gigantes form the backbone of the Teno mountain range. Los Gigantes cliffs are the highest in Spain. The height of the scarps is as high as 500 meters, and at the same rate they are immersed in the ocean. It is best to enjoy the majestic scenery from the sea: it organizes numerous boat trips on yachts and catamarans, combining a walk to the cliffs to the observation of whales and dolphins that live in this part of the coast of Tenerife.
The Los Gigantes cliffs is not a secure area and cannot be classified as a nature park. In any case, they have no equal in Tenerife due to the impressive panorama . Indeed, the stone walls 60 feet high, steep and, in fact, almost perpendicular to the large number can only be appreciated as it should be nature lovers. In addition, the water at the foot of the rock is perfect for practicing a variety of water sports, so the diversity and the fans of the fishermen come here to enjoy their favorite activities. This place is situated in the city of Santiago del Teide. These gloomy majestic cliffs on the island of Tenerife are the highest in the Canary Islands and in Spain. The dark volcanic basalt cliffs of Los Gigantes de Akantilados descend from the Teide volcano and it represent western slopes steeply falling into the water. The rocks resemble the backs turned away from the sea giants, this is probably the name. In the past the cliffs were called "the wall of hell." It's easy to imagine because the sea cliffs are completely inaccessible. Only a small, flat stretch of the coast under the cliffs and it squeezes into the town with the same title - Los Gigantes.
The resort is a special place to relax. The town has been compressed between the cliffs and the sea, in principle it cannot accommodate too many tourists, so it is very calm. Exotic black beaches of Los Gigantes are composed of sand and volcanic rocks. The Giants of the sea lifts their back to a height of 500 meters, but the water does not go very deep - up to 30 meters. The sea bottom is close, but very difficult to achieve, so sometimes there are legends about the extreme depth of the bay. The amazing bay, separated by a wall from the sea is a heaven of dolphins and whales. They both appear willing to ride in boats to tourists. A boat trip may be the most memorable entertainment in Los Gigantes - especially as it is the only open sea with a full view of the Los Gigantes, from where the cliffs of the Teide peak can be seen.
Maps of Acantilados de Los Gigantes
map SpainOthers from The Most Dramatic Sea Cliffs in the World
What is a sea cliff? A sea cliff is a steep rock created by erosion along a coast.
The word cliff applies to any rocky escarpment, near a coast.
Types of cliffs We can distinguish: low cliffs (height less than 2 meters ), medium cliffs (between 2 and 10 meters) and high cliffs (over 10 meters).
The highest cliffs in the world, Kahiwa Falls , are located in Hawaii on the Molokai Island, and they are about 610 meters high.
Cliff formation Cliffs are formed: by the action of horizontal erosion on an elevated bank either by vertical action digging on a substrate rock or by a differential erosion on two types of rocks , one being more sensitive than the other.
At the foot of the cliffs are usually the remains of their collapse phase in the form of piles of rocks.
The importance of these clusters often depends on the sensitivity of the erosion of the rock.
Nesting habitats Enjoy the close-up views of the beautiful sides of the rock nesting colonies, with binoculars and telescopes provided.
If you someday visit a sea cliff, you can closely look and see a basking adder, while at sea, may be porpoises and dolphins.
The sea cliffs provide nest sites for about 4,000 birds, including puffins, guillemots, auks and fulmars.
Other birds that use this habitat include Peregrines and Ravens.
Seabird populations are monitorized not to be bothered and any disturbances to the colony are minimized.
Visitors’ value The beauty of the reserves with seabird spectacles, operational lighthouses and many sites of geological and of archaeological interest, make the sea cliffs very popular among visitors.
These are major tourist attractions to enhance the flow of tourist revenue to islands and seas.
If possible, you will be provided support by the local communities and you will be transported to another slower, more relaxing time.
As the cliffs are located along rocky coastlines, being on the top of them offers stunning and spacious views.
Sea cliffs are the most beautiful parts of the seas.
The array of barren rocks, the reefs and beaches serve as the best opportunities for excellent tours for a day, swimming and romantic vacations.
Sea cliffs are good spots, splendid isolations for relaxation and meditation.