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Puerto Santiago © Flickr: computerjoe

Overview
Puerto Santiago is the central holiday resort of three separate ones, Los Gigantes, Playa Arena and Puerto Santiago, which have spread and essentially merged into each other on Tenerife's west coast, forming the area's largest tourist hub collectively known as Los Gigantes. The resort of Puerto Santiago was once a small fishing village, but typical of the Canary Islands, is now a popular holiday destination garnering rave reviews from most tourists and visitors. Puerto Santiago boasts a small but decent selection of bars, restaurants, shops and activities to suit the tourist palette. Puerto Santiago has managed to retain some of its traditional charm and offers visitors the chance to relax and enjoy a seaside break with a local Spanish flavour; although some visitors might take a while to get accustomed to the black sand beach.

Shopping
There is no shopping district in Puerto Santiago, but there are an assortment of shops that cater for tourists. Shopping on the island of Tenerife is tax-free, so it is possible to find good deals on cigarettes, perfume, alcohol, electronics, and other goods. There are a larger variety of shops in neighbouring resorts like Los Gigantes. A unique souvenir from Tenerife is the locally-produced sweet rum called Ron Miel.

Restaurants
There are the usual assortment of international restaurants in Puerto Santiago, but the local Canarian eateries are the best. Try some of the traditional dishes, such as roast chicken in banana cream or 'wrinkly potatoes' in the local mojo picón sauce. One of the best-recommended restaurants in Puerto Santiago has to be Pancho, while TJ's Entertainment Bar serves pub food like sandwiches and 'plough person' lunches.

Nightlife
Most of the entertainment in Puerto Santiago is provided by the hotels. The nightlife is fairly laid back and many bars close at midnight, though there is a multitude of additional options at nearby resorts.

Activities
Puerto Santiago's black sand beach is European Blue Flag accredited. There are also boat trips, walks, visits to neighbouring Playa la Arena and Los Gigantes, day trips to nearby towns and points of interest to be enjoyed. Many hotels also offer their own entertainment. For those visiting in July, the annual fiesta and fireworks display in honour of Our Lady Carmen is not to be missed.

Negatives
The ocean currents around Tenerife can be very strong and are not advised for weak swimmers.

Activities

Boat Trips from Tenerife
There are a huge number of companies offering boat trips to tourists and these vary from a 'booze cruise' on a cruiser offering lunch, drinks and watersports to a trip around the island on a sailing boat or catamaran. One of the main attractions is the chance to see whales and dolphins in the wild. Visitors on most trips spot whales, while dolphins are not so much of a certainty but are often seen very close to the boat. Trips go from either Puerto Colon in Playa de las Americas, or from the port at Los Cristianos and most operators offer a free bus service from the larger hotels in the main resorts.

Big Game Fishing around Tenerife
The Canary Islands are one of the best spots in the world for big game fishing and there are a number of companies who offer fishing trips in Tenerife. While blue marlin are the most highly prized trophy fish, there are plenty of other species including white marlin, wahoo, dorado, yellowfin tuna, and mako and hammerhead sharks. Regular catches of blue marlin range from 331 to 496 pounds (150 to 225kg).