Self-catering holiday homes: Puerto de Santiago

Puerto de Santiago - "Best of Both Towns"

The peaceful and relaxing resort of Puerto de Santiago, on the south west coast of Tenerife, is regarded as an area that is developing into a major rival for the Los Gigantes resort. In fact you can enjoy the best of both towns as it is situated right next door to it with easy access via a short, paved coastal walkway that also takes you past ‘Crab Island’ - a natural swimming pool for free public use.

Recent developments in this area are the popular Balcon de Los Gigantes apartments and the refurbished Hotel Barcelo, which offers first class spa services. Between these buildings are supermarkets and an array of restaurants and bars which offer a variety of evening entertainment including singers, comedians and flamenco dancers. The neighbouring seafront restaurant ‘Limone’ offers fabulous views and good food, where pods of dolphins can often be seen swimming past in the early evening (whale and dolphin watching boat trips depart daily from Los Gigantes harbour). The café below this restaurant is perfect for an ice cream or sun-downer cocktail. There has been recent investment in newly paved pathways around the Hotel Barcelo and through to the nearest beach (5 minutes) and the small local fishing harbour. It includes a childrens play area and strategically placed benches to take in the stunning sea views and the great Los Gigantes cliffs.

This pathway also takes you through to the black sandy Blue Flag beach of Playa de la Arena (10 minute walk) which is popular with both locals and tourists. Here you will find a further array of shops and restaurants and an internet café within the amusement arcade. The higher point of Puerto de Santiago, behind the Balcon de Los Gigantes complex includes the Vigilia shopping centre and two highly recommended restaurants – ‘The Chicken Shack’, which is packed to the rafters every night during high season (reservations are recommended), and ‘Fetuccines’ for excellent pizzas, pasta and steaks and their very popular Monday special of slow roasted lamb shank. Also, recently opened between these two establishments is a very good Mexican restaurant.

July brings an annual week long fiesta with open air mass at the fishing harbour and a spectacular firework display can be watched from the beach, plus there is a fun fair and live music from well known Latino bands at close by Playa de La Arena. Car hire is readily available and the roads behind the resort lead into the mountains where you will find some great local produce, food and wine in the villages at very reasonable prices. You will also be on your way to the spectacular Mount Teide and the ancient village of Masca (excursions available with pickup from Puerto de Santiago) – the walk down through the canyons to the beach is a must for keen walkers and much of the flora is unique to this area. For golfers the Abama course is a 15 minute drive or there are several courses at nearby Adejé (20 mins).

Supplied by Suzy Smith - Owner of property 65808 in Puerto de Santiago, Tenerife

Your current search is: Puerto de Santiago, self-catering