03 June 2010
Posted in Tenerife

Los Cristianos is situated some 15 kilometres from the main Tenerife South airport (Reina Sofia). It is one of the Canary Island's best known tourist destinations alongside it's more flamboyant neighbour, Playa de las Americas. Once a sleepy Canarian fishing village, Los Cristianos has grown into vibrant holiday resort and is probably the biggest destination for family holidays, whilst the more nocturnal amongst us choose the wild next door neighbour of Playa de las Americas. Having said that, there is no shortage of variety in the nightlife of Los Cristianos.

From the Airport, head directly to the TF-1 motorway and follow the signs to Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas. The main motorway runs through both resorts, but Los Cristianos is the first resort you arrive at. Exit the motorway at junction 72 and follow the clearly marked signs. The journey from the airport to the centre of Los Cristianos should take no longer than 15 minutes. Blessed with the most fantastic beaches imaginable, and the facilities to accompany, Los Cristianos provides all the hotels, beaches, bars and restaurants, shopping, and all the associated amenities that could be hoped for. It is completely geared up for tourism, but the town itself has managed to retain the traditional feel and charm of the original fishing village.

History

The very first permanent settlement of Los Cristianos was in the 1860s and it was officially recognised by the government in the year 1888. In those days Los Cristianos consisted of just 29 houses and one cave! The population started to grow very rapidly around the turn of the century when the natural harbour thrived as the import/export centre of the south of the island. In the year 1909 the first quay was built which still remains today and is known locally as El Puerto Viejo which literally translates in English as the old port.

Agriculture did not feature at all in the local economy until 1914, where upon a water pipe, was authorized to be installed from the mountainous village of Vilaflor down to the coast to Los Cristianos. This fuelled the ever growing economy with the planting of tomato and banana crops which required a new labour force to work the plantations.

The first church was built in 1924; it was called the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This was commissioned due to the fact that the local population had spiritual needs as well as economical ones. Unfortunately the church was demolished in 1987 but a new larger parish church was built on the same site and remains today in the plaza in the centre of Los Cristianos.

A larger port was built in 1934 in Los Cristianos, which was primarily for the increased development of import-export and the local fishing industry. In 1975 the port was extended and revamped to accommodate the increasing traffic that used the port. Today the harbour remains and is the main hub for passengers and cargo between the islands of Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma.

Los Cristianos Beaches

There are two main beaches in Los Cristianos. Both of them are world class and have all the facilities you would expect from a thriving tourist resort. The main beach, or Playa de los Cristianos, is a sandy beach which is sheltered by the harbour and is extremely safe for swimming. The other beach, known as Playa de las Vistas is a man made beach. It is also a fine powder sand beach and is situated on the other side of the harbour in its own bay. Both beaches boast a number of water sports facilities and both have showers and toilets as well as sun-bed and parasol hire. The seafront area was given a much needed facelift in 2008 and now tourists can take a stroll along the massive boulevard and enjoy a drink or snack in one of the many beachfront bars and restaurants that stretch as far as the eye can see in both directions.

Shopping in Los Cristianos

There are many shops in Los Cristianos offering everything from beach wares and sun creams, duty-free and perfume and designer clothes. There are also well stocked supermarkets selling English and internationally branded products. Most of the shops are to be found between the church square and the seafront on three shopping streets, and here you will find everything you need to buy for your holidays. There are boutiques for both men and women, gift shops for your holiday souvenirs and an abundance of duty free outlets. Surrounded by bars and restaurants, shopping in Los Cristianos can be a pleasant and rewarding day out.

If you like to shop for designer labels then you will find no better place on the island than the Safari Centre, which is situated where Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas join together. To find the Safari Centre, head along the beachfront promenade towards Las Americas until you come to a large blue hotel called The Mediterranean Palace, turn right down one of the walkways to the main entrance of the hotel and you will find the Safari Centre directly across the road. Here you will find the largest collection of designer shops on the island. The perfect time to go to the Safari Centre is in the early evening. The centre is always lively after dark with holiday makers shopping or dining in one of the many bar/ restaurants which can also be found in this area. The shops in the Safari Centre do not close until around 10pm and if you arrive by car then there is paid underground parking available if you cant find a free space on the main road.

Bars and Restaurants

As you would expect in the second most popular holiday resort in Tenerife, there is a plethora of bars and restaurants offering everything from British pub-grub and traditional Canarian tapas, all the way up to high quality local and international cuisine. With prices very reasonable compared to other sunshine destinations, there really is something for everyone's budget in this fantastic family resort. Many of the bars offer nightly entertainment and all stock international beers. Entertainment does vary greatly from bar to bar so you can always find something to suit you and your family. Some of the best restaurants in Los Cristianos can be found in the centre of the town in the main shopping streets. With Los Cristianos being mainly a family resort, bars and restaurants do tend to close down before midnight. For an extension into the early hours, why not head in to Las Americas where you can carry on the party well into the night. The Safari Centre is also recommended for eating and drinking and tends to stay open a little longer. For the younger generation, head to Veronicas, Tenerife’s world famous club district where dancing to some of the worlds best DJ’s is available right through the night until dawn.

Water Sports

No water sports enthusiasts need to look any further than Los Cristianos. Hire a pedalo or jet-ski on one of the main beaches; take the opportunity to experience the thrill of paragliding or windsurfing. If you fancy snorkelling or deep sea diving among some of Tenerife’s fantastic reefs, then check out one of the many dive centres that Los Cristianos has to offer. Ride across the sea on the great inflatable banana and see how long you can stay on! Maybe waterskiing or body boarding is for you? Whatever your fancy, you will find it all available on the beach front in Los Cristianos.

Whales and Dolphins

Tenerife has become famous for its whales and dolphins over the years and there are many different trips to choose from if you wish to see these incredible mammals. From a two hour short boat trip, all the way up to a full day at sea with food and drinks supplied - you can swim and snorkel with dolphins on certain excursions, or just relax and sunbathe whilst you enjoy the coastline of Tenerife. Whatever trip you or your family fancy, Los Cristianos can accommodate your needs.

Los Cristianos Sunday Market

Every Sunday from 9.00 a.m. until 2.00 p.m. Los Cristianos holds a local market along the seafront towards the Arona Gran hotel. Here you can find many market stalls with plenty of holiday bargains to pick up for friends and family. Please be aware that walking around the market, especially in the summer months can be extremely hot, so please take protection by using plenty of sun-cream and carrying drinking water.

Big Game Fishing

Tenerife, as well as all the other Canary Islands, is famous for its Atlantic Ocean deep sea fishing. Whether you fish for fun or you are a world record seeker, then Tenerife is the perfect all year round destination for you to fulfil your sport. Deep sea fishing off the coast of Tenerife will put you right in the middle of the action with the many different species of sea life that live of the coast. Tuna, Amberjack, Dorada, Bonito, Blue and White Marlin and Wahoo are to name but a few of the deep sea fish living in the Canary Islands sea waters.

Images of Los Cristianos

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