Los Cristianos began life as a small fishing village and has grown into one of Tenerife's most popular and characterful resorts. Unlike its purpose-built neighbour Playa de las Americas, Los Cristianos has a genuine town centre with a real working harbour, a pleasant pedestrianised shopping area and a local population that gives it year-round life. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it a favourite with Irish families and couples who prefer warmth and personality over non-stop nightlife.
Location and Getting There
Los Cristianos is on Tenerife's south coast, approximately fifteen minutes from Tenerife South Airport (TFS). The flight from Dublin takes around four hours. The resort sits at the southern end of the developed tourist strip, with Playa de las Americas adjoining to the north. The harbour, where ferries depart for La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma, is the focal point of the town.
Beaches
Los Cristianos has two main beaches. Playa de las Vistas is the larger of the two — a wide, golden sand beach that is regularly cited as one of the best on Tenerife's south coast. It has full facilities, calm water, and enough space to absorb summer crowds comfortably. Playa de los Cristianos, closer to the harbour, is a smaller, more intimate beach with a local flavour. Both are well maintained and have lifeguard cover. The promenade connecting Los Cristianos to Las Americas opens up access to additional beaches further north.
The Canary Islands are volcanic in origin, which gives the coastline a distinctive character. Many beaches feature dark volcanic sand alongside imported golden sand, and the underwater landscape is rich with marine life, making snorkelling and diving rewarding activities. The Atlantic waters around the Canaries are home to sea turtles, rays, angel sharks and colourful tropical fish that have drifted north on warm currents from West Africa. Beach conditions vary throughout the day — mornings tend to be calmer, while afternoon trade winds can pick up, particularly on north and east-facing coasts.
Things to Do
The harbour is a good starting point for excursions. Ferry services to the neighbouring island of La Gomera operate daily, making an easy and scenic day trip. Whale and dolphin watching boats also depart from here. The town centre has a pedestrianised area with shops, market stalls and cafes — a pleasant contrast to the commercial-centre layout of the purpose-built resorts. The Sunday market at Los Cristianos is popular with visitors and locals alike. Siam Park and Aqualand are both a short drive or bus ride to the north. For walkers, the Barranco del Rey trail leads inland through surprisingly varied terrain.
Beyond the resort attractions, the Canary Islands reward exploration. Each island has its own character and hidden corners — volcanic trails with views that stretch to neighbouring islands, traditional villages where local artisans produce pottery, cheese and wine using techniques passed down through generations, and nature reserves that protect unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. The islands are a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and walking trails crisscross the volcanic landscapes, from coastal paths to mountain summit routes. Many visitors find that hiring a car for a day or two opens up a completely different side of the island from the one visible at the resort.
Dining and Nightlife
Los Cristianos has an excellent range of restaurants. The harbour area has traditional fish restaurants where the catch of the day is displayed on ice outside. The pedestrianised centre has tapas bars, cafes and international restaurants. The San Telmo area near the harbour is particularly atmospheric in the evening. Prices are generally reasonable compared to the more upmarket Costa Adeje. Nightlife in Los Cristianos is gentle — there are pubs, live music venues and hotel entertainment, but it lacks the intensity of Las Americas. This suits the resort's core audience of families and relaxation-seekers perfectly.
The Canarian food tradition has its own identity, distinct from mainland Spain. Local wines, produced from volcanic soil in dramatic terraced vineyards, are increasingly gaining international recognition. Canarian cheeses — particularly the smoked goat cheeses of Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria — have won international awards. The mojo sauces, both red (spicy, made with peppers and paprika) and green (made with coriander or parsley), are the essential condiment and vary slightly from island to island. Gofio, a roasted grain flour of pre-Hispanic origin, is still used in traditional dishes. Dining out on the Canary Islands is generally excellent value — a full meal with wine at a local restaurant typically costs significantly less than the equivalent in Ireland.
Best Time to Visit
Los Cristianos enjoys the same excellent year-round climate as the rest of south Tenerife. Summer temperatures reach twenty-eight to thirty degrees, while winter stays in the low twenties. The resort is particularly popular with Irish and British visitors from November to March as a winter sun escape. June and October are excellent value months with great weather.
Practical Information for Irish Visitors
Tenerife is part of Spain and the EU. The euro is used and Irish citizens need no visa. The Canary Islands are on GMT in winter. English is widely spoken throughout Los Cristianos.
Healthcare in the Canary Islands is covered by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for Irish citizens, though travel insurance is always recommended. Tap water is safe but most visitors prefer bottled water, which is inexpensive and widely available. The islands have excellent road networks, and hire cars are affordable — driving is on the right-hand side. Pharmacies (farmacias) are well stocked and pharmacists can advise on minor ailments without a doctor's visit. The Canary Islands have no time difference with Ireland in winter, which is a real bonus — no jet lag on arrival and no adjustment needed for return.
Why Book with Sunholidays.ie
Sunholidays.ie is Irish-owned and IAA licensed (Licence No. T0601), providing full financial protection. Book with a twenty euro per person deposit and pay monthly. The price match guarantee ensures you get the best deal, and the team's extensive knowledge of Tenerife means they can place you in the right part of Los Cristianos for your ideal holiday.
Los Cristianos, adjacent to Playa de las Américas, offers a slightly more relaxed and traditional Canarian atmosphere. This former fishing village retains its charm with a pedestrianised town centre, a picturesque harbour offering boat trips and ferries to other islands, and two lovely sandy beaches: Playa de los Cristianos and Playa de las Vistas. It's a popular choice for Irish families and couples seeking a good balance of amenities, beach life, and a more laid-back vibe, while still being close to Tenerife's main attractions.