Puerto Santiago © Flickr: computerjoe

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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