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Los
Gigantes
The
quaint village of Los Gigantes snuggles in a peaceful,
secluded valley. There is no through road, no rowdy
hoardes of youngsters out to get smashed, no endless
machines blaring out their mindless racket day and night,
no 'kiss me quick' hats - just friendly people enjoying
a gentle pace of life in a glorious setting. This is
one of the most tranquil and exclusive areas of the
island of Tenerife.
The village has been built around the traditional style
plaza with the beautiful church at its heart. The church
boasts an interesting selection of bronze sculptures
with a dramatic painting over the altar. This plaza
is the hub of the village. Take time out and enjoy a
glass of local wine or a coffee and just watch the world
go by. If you're lucky the local 'parakeetas' will put
on an aerial display for you in one of the large leafy
trees.
There
are stunning views across the bay to the island of La
Gomera which rises majestically from the ocean. Take
time out at sunset to just stand and stare at the spectacular
free show as the sun plops into the sea coating the
island and water in liquid gold. The magnificent Los
Gigantes cliffs soar above the Northern side of the
village helping create a sheltered year-round climate.
There
is a small beach of black sand but because of the rocky
coastline there are also two purpose built swimming
pools which overlook the ocean. One juts out into the
sea and you could imagine you are on a cruise liner
as you lounge under your sun umbrella with the fine
salt spray lightly dusting your face. There is always
a breeze to keep you comfortable on even the hottest
days. The café offers extremely yummy food for even
the most discerning palates.
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Los
Gigantes - view from 312 El Marques Palace
The
Oasis is perfect if you have small children as it
has two pools. The small slides give the kiddies hours
of splashing fun and there is even a trampoline for
their enjoyment – which hopefully means that Mum and
Dad get some 'R & R'. A bowls green is available for
hire with a dramatic backdrop to inspire you. There
is also a cyber café at the Oasis so you can keep
in touch with friends back home or log on to the Internet
for a very small charge.
As
well as the tennis and bowls within the El Marques
complex itself, there is a thriving tennis club in
the centre of Los Gigantes where you not only keep
fit but can enjoy a lively social life. There are
some superb restaurants in Los Gigantes. For simpler
fare El Meson offers typically Spanish cooking at
its finest and the owner and his staff cannot be
beaten for friendliness. A very romantic setting
with wonderful terrace views over the sunsets and La
Gomera. The staff are wonderful remembering my
weird taste for freshly squeezed lemon juice from
year to year. That small piece of coastline boasts
fabulous fresh fish restaurants too at reasonable
prices. So from simple toasted sandwiches, to the
exquisite patisserie and chocolate milkshakes, to
chateaubriand,or Chinese and Indian fare, the
village has something to suit all taste buds.
Enjoy!
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