Puerto de Santiago holidays

Puerto de Santiago holidays

Puerto de Santiago: authentic Tenerife!

Peace, calm and chilled-out beach days sound like your kind of fantasy? Puerto de Santiago holidays are right up your promenade! A hidden gem of whitewashed houses and black sands, Puerto de Santiago is tucked away on Tenerife’s west coast.

This is ‘proper’ Tenerife, where quaint fishing village aesthetics are bathed in the year-round sun - and with plenty of modern charms too. There’s not much nightlife in this sleepy spot (we’re talking lip-smacking restaurants and a few bars hosting live music or the odd karaoke night), so it’s most loved by young families and older couples.

Ready to find out more? Here's why you should visit and what to do when you're there:

5 reasons to visit Puerto de Santiago

1. Discover the real Tenerife - Quiet and traditional, pretty little Puerto de Santiago is the place to go for R&R. A peace-seeker’s dream!

2. Dramatic scenery - With its rugged coastline, this part of Tenerife is a pick-me Insta queen! The famous Los Gigantes, with its towering cliffs, is the next town along from Puerto de Santiago, so go soak up the drama.

3. Sunset views - Head to Playa la Arena to see the sun setting over La Gomera island. The best view in town!

4. Spectacular boat trips - From whale watching excursions to scuba diving adventures, this is a top spot for getting out on the open water. Head round to Los Gigantes marina for the biggest choice.

5. Hidden natural swimming pool - Ready for an unforgettable holiday moment? Grab your cozzie! There’s a natural infinity pool in the rocks near the glamorous Barceló Santiago hotel, and it’s perfect for a swim when the sea is calm.

The 5 best things to do in Puerto de Santiago

1. Tuck into Canarian classics - There are some fab places to eat here! Don’t miss the authentic flavours and friendly service at a traditional ‘guachinche’ restaurant. Or the array of fantastic tapas bars. Canarian soups, padrón peppers, catch of the day… mouthwatering!

2. Go hiking - Whether you fancy a scenic walk or a more challenging day out, Puerto de Santiago’s the perfect base for your wanderings - just remember to pack the right shoes! Check out the coastal path to Playa San Juan, or follow the tougher trail up Montaña de Guama.

3. Visit Mount Teide - Its peak rises up above the whole island - you can’t miss it! Head up through the forest into the spectacular Teide National Park (about an hour away) and ride the cable car for breathtaking views.

4. Day out at Siam Park - Fancy upping the pace for a few hours? Dive into the award-winning waterpark thrills of Siam Park, Tenerife’s biggest family attraction.

5. Go to the San Juan Bonfires - If you can be in Puerto de Santiago for 23rd June, then do it! You’ll get to see the town in peak fiesta mode, with bonfires on the beach and a fun atmosphere. The kind of fantastic local experience that travel was made for!

Puerto de Santiago beaches

Sleepy Puerto de Santiago’s beach vibes are more ‘family picnic’ than ‘wild party’. Brush up on your sandcastle skills, slide into your holiday reads, go snorkelling - whatever you fancy doing, you’ll have three lovely stretches to choose from:

  • Playa la Arena - Puerto de Santiago’s top draw for beach lovers, La Arena Beach is a Blue Flag beauty. Its curve of dark sand sets the scene for laid-back days stretched out in the sun, seafront strolls, and lazy swims in the clear water. It’s also a popular starting point for scuba diving trips. Stay near the beach at the Landmar Playa La Arena hotel.
  • Playa de Santiago - The town beach. You’ll find this cute little sand-and-pebble spot near the fishing harbour, just steps from local shops, bars and restaurants. It may be small but it makes up for that in charm!
  • Playa de los Guios - Ok, so it’s not actually in Puerto de Santiago but it’s so close we have to give this striking beach a shout-out! Framed by the famous cliffs, we reckon Playa de los Guios in Los Gigantes is one of Tenerife’s bucket-list beaches. You could even walk there from your hotel - or call a taxi, we won’t judge!


More of the best places to stay in Tenerife

Want to know more about Tenerife? Don’t miss these other guides from our destination experts: Costa Adeje | Los Cristianos | Playa de las Americas | Puerto de la Cruz | Tenerife

Map of Puerto de Santiago

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21°C-29°C

Hot, hot summers and Tenerife’s famously mild winters help you make the most of Puerto de Santiago’s sheltered beaches any time of year.

Tenerife weather forecast >>>

4 hours & 30 minutes approx
Fly to Tenerife South Airport (TFS), about 30 mins to an hour from this west-coast hideaway. Flights available from various UK airports.

Puerto de Santiago is best for…

Couples: From romantic sunsets to hand-in-hand walks through stunning scenery, Puerto de Santiago holidays are the bee’s knees for a quiet couple’s escape. Best hotel for couples? Barcelo Santiago - Adults Only! 

Nature lovers: Pods of dolphins jumping the waves. Whale-watching boat trips. Natural black volcanic sands. Views of Mount Teide. Birdwatching from the beach. Bring your binoculars!

Young families: You’ll have all the time in the world to play on the sand and splash in the pool! Landmar Costa Los Gigantes Family Resort is our top pick for Puerto de Santiago holidays with the kids.

Fast facts for Puerto de Santiago

Language: Spanish, hola! (Psst, lots of people speak English in Puerto de Santiago, too.)

Currency: Order Euros - you’re off to the Spanish islands!

Local time: Same as at home! So, no mental backflips trying to work it out.

Fly to: Tenerife South Airport (TFS) is best for this southwestern spot.

Flight time from UK: Around 4 and a half hours.

Airport transfers: About an hour from Tenerife South by shared transfer, or half an hour by taxi. Remember to book your transfers!

Tourist information: Check out the fantastic info from the Tenerife Tourism team.

Travel advice: Head to the FCDO website for the latest Puerto de Santiago travel advice.

Getting around Puerto de Santiago

Buses: Puerto de Santiago is quiet but not isolated - Tenerife’s TITSA buses can take you all over the island.

Walking: Exploring Puerto de Santiago is a cinch on foot! Compact and pretty, this village is made for walking - though, like most of Tenerife, it’s on a hillside. It’s also a fantastic base for hiking, hugged by some of the island’s most stunning scenery.

Taxis: From taxi ranks to Uber, there are plenty of options if you want to get where you’re going faster - whether you’re heading to the restaurants on La Arena Beach or planning a day trip to Los Cristianos.

Events in Puerto de Santiago

Carnival Fiestas, February-March: Add a party beat to your winter sun holiday plans! Join the fiesta at Playa la Arena or head over to Santa Cruz for the island’s biggest blowout.

Noche de San Juan, 23rd June: Watch this sleepy fishing village come alive! Follow the revellers to the beach for Spain’s annual midsummer bonfire night.

Our Lady of Carmen Saint’s Day, 16th July: Puerto de Santiago’s patron saint gets a jubilant celebration every July. From a parade on the 16th to fireworks on the closest Saturday, it’s a great time to catch local vibes.

Puerto de Santiago weather

Temperature: Average daily temps range from 18°C in January to 24°C in August

  • If you’re looking for the warmest weather, July and August are the best months to visit Puerto de Santiago. We’re talking 29°C highs and very little chance of rain.
  • June, July and August boast the longest days, stretching to 10 hours of sunshine.
  • Want some of Tenerife’s famous winter sun? The mercury still makes it into the 20s in January and February! (Average highs are 24° in November, 22°C in December and 21°C in January/February.) Rain’s most likely at this time of year, so bring a brolly!

Places similar to Puerto de Santiago to visit

Puerto de Santiago holidays FAQs

Puerto de Santiago FAQs

Is Puerto de Santiago quiet?

Yes, Puerto de Santiago is quiet - it’s basically the antidote to Playa de las Americas! A whitewashed fishing village, Puerto de Santiago is the place to be if you want to soak up Tenerife’s local charms, whether you’re after a slower-paced family holiday or a tranquil spot to get away from it all. So much so, Tinerfeños (Tenerife residents) come here for beach time away from the summer crowds.

The main action here from November to May is the ebb and flow of local life, while summer has a more obvious holiday vibe. But Puerto de Santiago is always calmer than the island’s most popular resorts, thanks to its low-key attractions and smaller beaches. All in all, it’s a pretty sleepy place!

Where is Puerto de Santiago Tenerife?

You’ll find this coastal sunspot on Tenerife’s western side - Puerto de Santiago is just to the south of the famous Los Gigantes cliffs. So close, in fact, that you can walk there!

And while this area’s popular with anyone seeking a slower pace of holiday, it’s easy enough to get to buzzing Playa de las Americas for a day trip (around 35 minutes by taxi). Mind you, upmarket Los Cristianos may be more your cup of tea!

For broader info on this much-loved destination, here's our guide to holidays in the Canary Islands.

How far is Puerto de Santiago from Siam Park?

Siam Park is approximately 30 km (19 miles) from Puerto de Santiago. Hop on a bus (around an hour) or get there by taxi in 30 minutes.

How far is Puerto de Santiago from the airport?

Tenerife South airport is 41 km / 25.5 miles from Puerto de Santiago. A taxi should get you there in about 35 minutes.

Top tip: Airport transfers are not included in the basic price of your Tenerife holiday, so remember to add your preferred transfer option when you book!