Drama, Dolphins, and Proper Relaxation If you’re the type of person who likes their morning coffee with a side of “wow,” Puerto de Santiago is the place. Nestled between the towering cliffs of Los Gigantes and the black sands of Playa de la Arena, it’s a resort that feels tucked away from the world. It’s managed to keep a bit of its fishing-village charm while still offering some truly top-tier all-inclusive resorts.
The vibe here is much more low-key than the neon-lit “Strip” further south:
Scenery Lovers: This is the capital of dramatic views. If you want a balcony looking out over the cliffs or the island of La Gomera, you book here.
Families wanting “Quality Over Quantity”: You won’t find 24-hour party hubs here. Instead, families come for resorts like Landmar Costa Los Gigantes, which is essentially a playground with a view, featuring its own high-ropes course and splash parks.
Couples seeking a “Chill-Out” base: The Barceló Santiago is a legendary choice for couples. It’s built right onto the cliffside, meaning you can have your “all-inclusive” sundowner while watching the waves crash against the rocks below.
Stunning Value for Money: Because it’s a bit further from the airport than the main southern hubs, you can often get a 4-star all-inclusive deal here for the same price as a 3-star elsewhere.
Excellent Food Quality: The resorts here are famous for their buffets. Since the town itself is known for fresh seafood, the hotels really have to step up their game to keep guests on-site.
The “Cliffside” Advantage: Many all-inclusive hotels here are built on levels. You aren’t just in a hotel; you’re in a vantage point. Having your drinks and snacks sorted means you can just sit, relax, and watch the pilot whales in the distance.
Top Tip: Take the 15-minute coastal walk over to Playa de la Arena. It’s one of the few natural black-sand beaches on the island and has a “Blue Flag” for cleanliness. The sand gets incredibly hot, though—don’t try to be a hero; keep your flip-flops on until you hit your towel!
Look for “Playa de la Arena” listings: Often, travel agents group Puerto de Santiago and Playa de la Arena together. Searching for both can sometimes unlock different hotel options.
Check for “Royal Level” upgrades: Resorts like the Landmar hotels often have a “Platinum” or “Royal” tier. In Puerto de Santiago, this often grants you access to the best sunset-viewing terraces, which is worth every penny.
Book the transfer: Unless you’re hiring a car, always book the coach transfer with your package. A taxi from the airport to this part of the island can be a bit pricey (around €50-€60) because it’s a longer drive.
Los Gigantes Cliffs: You have to see them from the water. Hop on a boat from the nearby marina; most tours include a stop for a swim and a high chance of seeing dolphins.
Natural Rock Pools: Tucked away along the coast are several natural “charcos” (pools) where you can swim in the seawater while being protected from the Atlantic swells.
Stargazing on Teide: Being on the West Coast, you’re in a great spot for the sunset tours up to the National Park. The sky here is some of the clearest in Europe.
May to October is stunning. Because the resort is tucked under the mountains, it’s often shielded from the wind that can hit the flatter parts of the south. The “Insider” Month:
September. The water is at its warmest, the summer holidays are over, and the sunset over La Gomera is at its most spectacular.
Flights take about 4.5 hours from most UK airports. You’ll land at Tenerife South (TFS). From the airport, it’s about a 35-45 minute drive. The route takes you past the main southern resorts and into the more rugged, mountainous scenery of the west coast.
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