Playa de los Guíos
An urban black-sand cove at the foot of the Los Gigantes cliffs, with calm waters sheltered by the marina.
Playa de los Guíos
Playa de los Guíos is one of the most recognisable sights of southwest Tenerife. It lies in the heart of Los Gigantes, within the municipality of Santiago del Teide, right under the shelter of the imposing Acantilados de Los Gigantes, whose vertical walls rise hundreds of metres above the sea. The contrast between the dark rock of the cliff, the black sand of volcanic origin and the blue of the Atlantic makes this urban cove one of the most photographed spots on the island. It is a modest-sized beach, about 180 metres long, sheltered by the nearby marina. That natural protection means the water usually stays calm, something unusual on this side of Tenerife, and makes it a much-appreciated spot both for relaxed bathing and for peering into the underwater world with a mask and snorkel.
A volcanic setting at the foot of the cliffs
What sets Los Guíos apart is not only its black sand but the scenery around it. The beach sits literally at the foot of the cliff, so the gaze naturally rises towards those basalt walls that drop sheer into the ocean. It is a landscape of strong geological character, typical of Tenerife's volcanic origin, and one of the reasons this area is among the must-see spots of the southern island. Many of the boat and kayak excursions that explore the cliff front also set off from here.
Calm waters and accessible bathing
Sheltered by the port jetty, Playa de los Guíos usually offers a calmer sea than the open beaches of the coast. This, together with the surveillance and adapted access, makes it suitable for comfortable bathing and for snorkelling near the rocks, where fish are easy to spot. As on any ocean beach, you should always follow the instructions of the lifeguard service and pay attention to the state of the sea before going in.
Services and quality
It is one of the best-equipped beaches in the municipality and stands out for the quality of its water, its services and its well-kept setting. According to Santiago del Teide tourism, it also holds other quality and environmental-management marks, placing it among the most highly rated beaches in the district.
Type of sand: black volcanic sand, typical of the Los Gigantes coast.
Surveillance: it has a lifeguard service and a watch post.
Accessibility: adapted access, walkways and services for people with reduced mobility.
Amenities: showers and footbaths, parasol and sunbed rental, and bars and restaurants nearby.
Sea: usually calm waters thanks to the shelter of the marina.
How to get there
The beach is integrated into the town of Los Gigantes and is easily reached on foot from the promenade and the marina. It is one of the departure points for boat trips to the cliffs, so it combines bathing perfectly with a sea excursion. You can discover more bathing options on the island in our beaches section.
More information at Santiago del Teide tourism and at Tenerife Tourism.
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