If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing holiday, Puerto de Santiago is the perfect place to go. It’s a small town close to Los Gigantes in the west coast of Tenerife, and there are plenty of things to do in the area.
You can visit the nearby Playa Chica and Playa de la Arena (La Arena Beach), try out some local restaurants, shop at Plaza de Santiago or take the coastal walk to Los Gigantes or Alcala. The sunset is definitely worth watching, and you shouldn’t miss taking a boat trip to see some whales and dolphins either!
In this article I’ll go through the best things to do in the quiet resort of Puerto Santiago, Tenerife.
The local beaches
Many of the beaches in Tenerife, including those in Puerto de Santiago, have black sand, which is formed from volcanic rock and is unique to the island.
The black sand is a striking contrast to the crystal clear waters and adds to the beauty of the beaches.
Playa de la Arena
Just a short walk away you’ll find Playa de la Arena (La Arena Beach), which is one of the most popular beaches in the region, known for its black sand and crystal clear waters.
Even during the winter months, this beach is usually packed with tourists and locals alike who come to enjoy the sun and sea. The beach is set in a sheltered cove which makes it relatively safe for swimming and other water sports, such as snorkeling, sailing and kayaking.
The black sand beach has sun loungers for relaxation, showers for rinsing off after a swim, lifeguards that provide round-the-clock surveillance of bathers and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat or have a drink after a day out at sea.
The currents here are strong so red flags are usually visible on most days warning people of potential dangers when swimming. Despite these warnings, Playa de la Arena is still an ideal place to relax on due to its stunning views of the stunning sunsets that light up the horizon each night.
Playa Chica
Playa Chica is a small beach located in the town of Puerto Santiago, on the island of Tenerife. As its name suggests, it is a small beach with just basic facilities. The beach is accessed via a set of stairs and does not have sun loungers or other amenities.
Despite its small size, Playa Chica is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, due to its crystal clear waters and convenient location in the middle of town.
One of the things that makes Playa Chica unique is its setting. The beach is surrounded by cliffs and is located in a sheltered cove, which gives it a secluded and peaceful feel. It is a great place to relax and escape the crowds, and is particularly popular with local residents.
Despite its lack of amenities, Playa Chica is a beautiful and charming beach that is worth visiting for its crystal clear waters and picturesque setting. It is a great place to spend a quiet afternoon swimming and sunbathing, and is within easy walking distance of the town’s restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Enjoy the local restaurants in Puerto de Santiago
Experience the culinary delights of Puerto de Santiago! With a variety of restaurants to choose from, you’ll be able to taste dishes from around the world, including Chinese, Indian, and traditional Canarian cuisine.
Don’t miss out on the local favorites: Dehli Darbar, Flor del Drago, and The Chicken Shack.
For a taste of authentic Canarian flavors, visit Alfonso’s Bar or La Pergola Restaurant.
Shopping at Plaza de Santiago
Plaza de Santiago is a popular shopping destination located in the town of Puerto Santiago, on the island of Tenerife. The plaza is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, and is a popular spot for both tourists and locals.
Some of the things that you can find at Plaza de Santiago include:
Clothing and accessories: The plaza has a number of clothing stores and boutiques, as well as jewelry and accessory stores. You can find a range of styles, from casual beachwear to formal evening attire.
Gifts and souvenirs: Plaza de Santiago has a number of stores that sell gifts and souvenirs, including traditional Canarian crafts, such as ceramics, pottery, and jewelry.
Food and drink: The plaza is home to a number of restaurants, cafes, and bars, which serve a variety of cuisines, including traditional Canarian dishes, as well as international flavors.
Services: Plaza de Santiago has a number of service businesses, such as travel agencies, banks, and hairdressers.
Overall, Plaza de Santiago is a vibrant and lively shopping destination that offers a variety of stores and services for visitors. It is a great place to spend an afternoon browsing the shops and enjoying a meal or a drink at one of the plaza’s restaurants or cafes.
Take a boat trip to see the whales and dolphins
Boat trips to see the whales and dolphins are a popular activity in Tenerife, and there are several companies that offer these trips from Los Gigantes, close to Puerto Santiago.
These trips typically last a few hours and take you out to sea to see the whales and dolphins that live off the coast of the island.
During the trip, you’ll have the opportunity to see a variety of whale and dolphin species up close, including bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, and killer whales. The boats are usually equipped with hydrophones, which allow you to listen to the whales and dolphins as they communicate with each other. Some boat trips also include the opportunity to swim with the dolphins, depending on the company and the conditions.
Boat trips to see the whales and dolphins are a great way to learn about these amazing creatures and get up close to them in their natural habitat. They are suitable for people of all ages and can be a fun and educational activity for the whole family.
Things to do just outside of Puerto Santiago
If you’re renting a car of have one available, there are some great areas just outside of town worth visiting.
Teno Rural Park
Teno Rural Park is a protected natural area located in the northwest of Tenerife. It covers an area of approximately 8,000 hectares and is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including some that are native to the region.
The park is known for its rugged landscape, which is characterized by deep ravines, cliffs, and rocky peaks. It is also home to several small villages, such as Masca, which is known for its picturesque setting and traditional Canarian architecture.
Santiago del Teide
Santiago del Teide is a charming town located in the northwest of Tenerife, known for its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and beautiful squares.
It is surrounded by a number of parks and natural areas, such as the Teno Rural Park and the Garajonay National Park, which offer a variety of hiking and outdoor activities. The town is also known for its traditional Canarian cuisine, which can be enjoyed at a variety of restaurants, and has a number of shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a weekly market.
Additionally, Santiago del Teide hosts a number of cultural and entertainment events, such as festivals and concerts. It is a short drive from Puerto de Santiago and is worth visiting for its cultural, historical, and recreational activities.
Pro tip: Make sure to stop by Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria which is located just between Santiago del Tiede and Puerto de Santiago. It is a beautiful 18th-century church that is considered to be one of the finest examples of Canarian Baroque architecture.
Playa San Juan
Playa San Juan is a popular beach located south of the city of Puerto de Santiago, on the island of Tenerife. The beach is known for its long stretch of golden sand and crystal clear waters, which make it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
One of the things that makes Playa San Juan a good place to visit is its variety of amenities. The beach has a number of restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as sun loungers and umbrellas for rent.
It also has a promenade that is popular for walking and cycling. In addition to these amenities, Playa San Juan is also a great place to participate in a variety of water sports, such as surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, due to the strong winds and waves that are common in the area.
Featured image: Falco Ermert
