Alcala to Los Gigantes Walk – Day 5: (Pt. 2) (Hike: 8km, Ht. gain 0m, Approx 2hrs)

This is a favourite of mine as it is an easy ‘out and return’ for the days when the weather isn’t suitable for mountain walks. Take a book, a swimsuit and a picnic and watch the waves at Alcala from the stepped seating area, it is so therapeutic.

Starting from where we stopped off yesterday in Alcala at the end of the promenade (at the final swim pool) it’s over the rocks and a short walk on unsurfaced path past a couple of houses with fabulous views and a banana plantation before picking up the ‘new’ coastal path to Playa la Arena. This is a popular path for families with push chairs, joggers and people out for a stroll and the onward journey remains paved all the way to Los Gigantes.

Continue until the path turns into road following Calle el Mirlo turning left in front of the holiday apartments and follow this path to the main road at Varadero. Left again going down hill and up again takes you to the black sand beaches of Playa la Arena and, a little further along, Puerto Santiago.

There are a couple of quite steep pavements to follow and they do get narrow at times so be careful of traffic. Descend to the small beach and harbour and keep following the promenade to the view point at the Barceló Santiago.

Keeping to the coast, at the end there are steps which will take you up and over onto Calle de Hondura where we turn left and left again up hill a short distance to the path and viewpoint. Walk down stairs to Calle Magnolia and right at Calle Hibisco and continue the short distance to the path on the left which takes you to the Tipsy Terrace Bar, some small shops and the main road.

Left and down hill is into Los Gigantes centre and Right takes you to the Los Gigantes Bus Station. If you feel up to the walk down hill to the harbour and beach with its shops and restaurants it is well worth the effort and our journey ends turning right onto Calle los Guíos where, at the end, we find Playa de los Guíos, ‘The Giants’ and the Ocean. When you are ready, retracing our steps up hill will return us to the bus station for all points North and South.

 

[author title=”Andy Chestnut” image=”https://tenerifeforum.site/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Andy-Chestnut-1.jpg”]Born in Malta and have been travelling all my life by land, sea, and air. Served in the RAF until retirement and now indulge in many hobbies.
I am married to my confidant, travelling companion and life long friend and have been for 36 years.
The secret to my success? Share everything![/author]