WHERE?

GETTING THERE

Once you land (and adjust to the immediate heat that hits you) you'll need to get to the resort. Taxis cost around 30 Euros to Los Gigantes. There is also a bus which runs to El Marques in Puerto Santiago, which is only a ten minute walk to Los Gigantes (or 2.50 Euros and three minutes in a taxi). Although the bus is put on by El Marques, if you contact them you can book a seat no matter where you are staying at a cost of 6 Euros per adults and 3 Euros per child. Public buses run from nearby San Miguel, but getting into San Miguel is not particularly easy on foot.

Los Gigantes is part of Santiago del Teide and its two closest neighbouring resorts are Puerto Santiago and Playa de la Arena. I have only recently reviewed Playa de la Arena so for the sake of this review I will concentrate on Los Gigantes and Puerto Santiago. The two resorts are right next to one another and tourists staying at each of the three resorts I've named usually spend their time between the three as all are within walking distance. In terms of places to stay, you won't go short! Since its establishment as a tourist favourite in 1970, the resort has grown rapidly. The first decision is whether you'd prefer self-catering or catered accommodation. There are plenty of reasonably priced places to eat around and about should you choose the latter option.

In terms of apartments, Tamaimo Tropical is situated opposite the Hotel Barceló Santiago and has two very large pools. Two of my friends stayed here with their partners each on opposite sides of the complex and one on the first floor and one on the third. However, they both complained about cockroaches in the rooms. Vigilia Park apartments are situated at the top of "Cardiac Hill" (which you can't miss when you get there) and there is a small open roofed shopping complex within the residence as well. These have two pools as well, one of which is on the roof (maybe not suited for families with young children). There are also the Harbour Club apartments in Los Gigantes, which come highly recommended by my friends! It is worth also checking out websites for private rentals and more complexes as well because there are loads about.

In both Los Gigantes and Santiago there is a "Supermercado", which are very reasonably priced. Simple Simon's is a small shop selling English produce for anyone feeling homesick. The biggest supermarket in the area is Mercadona in Playa de la Arena, which is Tenerife's answer to Tesco. Try the local beers, wines and meats. They're cheaper and fantastic in most cases!

Markets are worth a visit, especially if you're a good barterer! The nearest good one takes place at Alcala, which is a short bus ride away, on a Wednesday morning. Get there early for the best bargains! The stalls are largely ran by African Immigrants and you can buy African and Canarian souvenirs cheaply.

Los Gigantes has a beach of its own, but I much prefer the beach at Playa de la Arena, which has a European Blue Flag (plus slightly more fierce waves for the thrill seekers). However, the beach in Los Gigantes is lovely too and you can hire a sun bed for 3 euros and a parasol for 2. You can also hire a pedal boat for an hour for 15 euros and a jet ski for 30 euros for half an hour.

If sports are your thing, there are water sports running from both beaches. There is also a sports club in Los Gigantes where you can hire tennis courts and play mini golf.

Boat trips are a must! There are several boats running dolphin safaris from Los Gigantes Marina. I have been on several of these trips and they are so worthwhile. I've loved all apart from the Glass Bottom Boat. This boat used to do great trips when I was younger, but more recently there has been a notable decline in standards. The staff operating the boat were even drinking alcohol before my last trip! The Nashira Uno is my favourite. It sails three times a day, with one three hour cruise and two 2 hour cruises. I would recommend the 2pm one as the water is lovely for swimming when the boat stops in Masca Bay, but take plenty of sun cream. The cost, last time I went at least, was 20 Euros for an adult, 7 for a child from 5 - 14 and free for children under five. You get spectacular views of the cliffs, very close to the dolphins and the opportunity to swim in Masca Bay. Food and drink is included in the cost of the trip with a very relaxed lunch of chicken paella on board whilst stationary in Masca Bay. You can borrow snorkels as well to explore the bay, which is one of my absolute favourite places on Earth.

Should you choose to venture away from Los Gigantes, the Water Park in Las Americas, the Sky Park in Las Americas are all worth visiting. I also recommend the Eagle Park, which I have previously posted a review on.

There are so many bars and restaurants around that you will never be short of choice. In Los Gigantes, I love the Harbour Club, where the food is a good quality and there is live entertainment every single night. This is a very family friendly place and great value for money. Sinatra's is also very pleasant, but less welcoming to children. Try venturing away from the tourist bars for a real taste of Tenerife. A lot of tourists tend to feel a little too intimidated to go down side streets and into bars where old Spanish men sit eating Tapas, but you generally find that say these little bars have their menus in English and so ordering can be done on a "Point and say Por Favor" basis if you do not speak Spanish. I took my boyfriend to a tiny little café bar on a side street behind Vigilia Park in Puerto Santiago. We ordered a chorizo sandwich each and a coffee. The sandwiches were huge too and our total bill was only 4 Euros! Inside Vigilia Park there is a French restaurant serving lovely food. There is also a little café bar in there called Scooby's! This is my Auntie's bar and so, naturally, I'll just plug it a little! It is a family bar, Scooby Doo themed and very welcoming for children. She opens the bar from around 9 till 4 and serves salads, sandwiches, burgers and cooked breakfasts (as well as a roast on a Sunday). She imports all her produce from the UK so it isn't the place to go if you want to sample authentic Canarian cuisine, but it definitely is the place to go if you want some proper English grub! Should you happen to go in there, say hi to Maggie from Stacey! She will also be able to recommend places to go and things to do further away from the resort.

In terms of bars, TJ's and the Harbour Club have regular live entertainment and are very family friendly. If you get the chance, try to see Gavin Nicholas on a Tuesday at the Harbour Club. He has an amazing voice and also a very funny transvestite act (which is kept clean for the children). Los Gigantes is not the place to go for die hard clubbers, but if you do fancy a late night once in a while, the Green Corner is open late, as is Highland Paddy 2 in Gigantes. Karaoke Tropical in the complex by Tamaimo Tropical is open until the last person leaves! It is a Spanish nightclub playing Spanish music and the clientele is at least 90% Spanish. But you are made very welcome wherever you are from and drinks are cheap!

Depending when you visit, you may be lucky enough to catch a festival. The Fiesta of Puerto Santiago takes place in July and is essentially a huge street party lasting a week and culminating in one of the most spectacular fireworks displays (on the Saturday night) you'll ever see, followed by the parade of the statue of Virgin Maradona on the Sunday, where she is taken around the fishing ports to bless the fishermen.

GETTING AROUND

The other way to travel is by public bus. The company that runs on the island is called Titsa and runs cheap, regular, reliable buses all over the island.

SUMMING UP