Los Cristianos holidays

How to reach Los Cristianos

• Flight time: Flights to Los Cristianos from Dublin and other Irish airports land at Tenerife South Airport. Direct flights to Tenerife take around 4 hours and 30 minutes.

• Transfer time: The drive from Tenerife South Airport to Los Cristianos takes approximately 15 minutes by taxi, bus, or rental car.

• Price: A taxi from the airport typically costs between €26–€32. Public buses are a budget-friendly option at around €3–€5 per person, while a pre-booked shuttle service is available from around €8 per person.

Best time to visit Los Cristianos

Los Cristianos enjoys mild weather year-round, making it a great choice any time. Your ideal travel window depends on your preferred holiday style—whether it's sunbathing, sightseeing, or soaking up local events.

• December to February is popular with Irish holidaymakers seeking winter sun. Expect mild temperatures between 18°C and 22°C and plenty of blue skies.

• March to May is a pleasant time to visit. Spring brings gradually warming temperatures (20°C to 25°C) and fewer crowds than summer, making it ideal for outdoor activities and coastal walks.

• June to August marks peak tourist season. The weather is hot and dry, often exceeding 28°C, with busy beaches and lively nightlife.

• September to November is perfect for a more peaceful escape while still enjoying sunny days and warm temperatures between 25°C and 28°C. It’s a great time to explore the island’s hiking trails and cultural spots.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in Los Cristianos, especially in restaurants, hotels and shops.

• Local habits and customs: Life here follows a relaxed pace. Expect later mealtimes, with dinner often served after 8 pm. Many local businesses still observe a mid-afternoon siesta, particularly in quieter areas.

• Currency: Tenerife uses the Euro. Card payments are widely accepted and ATMs are available throughout the town.

• Getting around: The town is walkable, but for venturing further afield, local buses (TITSA) are reliable and affordable, typically costing €1–€5 per trip. Car hire is also a good option if you plan to explore more of the island.

• Electricity and plug types: Tenerife uses standard European two-pin sockets with 220V voltage. Travellers from Ireland will need a plug adaptor.

• Time zone: Tenerife is in the same time zone as Ireland (GMT), so there’s no time difference.

Best things to do in Los Cristianos

On Tenerife's southwest coast, Los Cristianos grew up from an old fishing village and there are still buildings in the typical Canarian style. Nowadays it's a laid-back tourist resort with good beaches and a diverse blend of attractions.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Mount Guaza: A moderate hike to the top of this volcanic mountain offers panoramic vistas of Los Cristianos and the neighbouring area, especially breathtaking at sunrise or sunset.

• Port of Los Cristianos: This is a great spot to watch the ferries come and go, with lovely views across the ocean and over to the neighbouring island of La Gomera.

The best districts

• The Old Town: The heart of Los Cristianos retains much of its original charm with narrow, pedestrianised streets lined with local shops, cafés and bars, offering a more authentic slice of local life.

• Harbour area: Vibrant and bustling, the harbour area is filled with restaurants and bars and is the perfect place to sample fresh seafood or watch the world go by.

Historical monuments

• Our Lady of Carmen Church: This beautiful church in the centre of Los Cristianos is a focal point for the local community and a place of serene beauty amidst the hustle and bustle of the town.

Day trips in the area

• Teide National Park: Easily accessible from Los Cristianos, a day trip to Spain's highest peak and one of the world's largest volcanoes is a must. The dramatic lunar landscape and the cable-car ride to the summit offer unforgettable experiences.

• La Gomera: A short ferry ride away, La Gomera offers lush forests, ancient hiking trails and the unique whistling language, Silbo Gomero, still used by the locals.

• Playa de las Américas: Just a short walk along the coast, Playa de las Américas is a lively resort that offers golden sandy beaches, water sports and vibrant nightlife.

Activities for families in Los Cristianos

Los Cristianos holidays are great for all the family, thanks to the abundance of fun things to do for all ages. Attractions such as water parks, safe beaches and other exhilarating activities will keep kids occupied throughout the duration of the trip.

• Safe beaches: The town's main beaches, such as Playa de Los Cristianos and Playa de las Vistas, are well equipped with lifeguards, playgrounds and calm waters perfect for swimming.

• Wildlife encounters: A short drive from Los Cristianos, Monkey Park allows children to feed and interact with a variety of animals, including monkeys, lemurs and iguanas. Taking a boat trip to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat is another memorable wildlife encounter.

• Water parks: With exhilarating slides, wave pools and areas dedicated to smaller children, both Aqualand Costa Adeje and Siam Park have something to thrill every age group and guarantee a fun-filled family day out.

• Mini golf: Challenge the family to a round of mini golf at one of the several courses in the area, each offering unique and colourful themes.

Free things to do in Los Cristianos

Holidays to Los Cristianos don't mean you can't stick to a budget. From beach days to a variety of free activities, there's plenty of things to do that will ensure your visit is both memorable and affordable.

• Santiago Park: Free to enter, this beachfront park offers lush gardens, children's play areas and shaded spots perfect for a family picnic or a relaxing afternoon.

• Free entertainment: If your visit coincides with the San Antonio Abad Festival in January, you can enjoy traditional Canarian music and dancing free of charge. If you can't make it during the festival, don't despair; all year round there are free live music performances and other events in the evening on Playa de las Vistas.

• Markets: A trip to the Sunday market is a wonderful way to browse without having to buy, while taking in the local way of life and culture.

Wellness in Los Cristianos

• Spas and wellness centres: Many hotels and resorts in Los Cristianos feature full-service spas that offer massages, facials, hydrotherapy and body treatments.

• Traditional body care: Indulge in treatments that use local volcanic stones or aloe vera, both known for their healing and soothing properties.

• Yoga and meditation classes: Numerous studios and resorts offer yoga and meditation sessions, often with the option of beachfront classes.

Nature and outdoor activities in Los Cristianos

• Hiking: The nearby Mount Guaza offers a rewarding hike with fabulous views over Los Cristianos and the neighbouring areas. For a more challenging experience, the trails in the Teide National Park provide stunning scenery and encounters with Tenerife's unique volcanic landscapes.

• Water sports: The calm waters of Playa de Los Cristianos are ideal for beginners wanting to try jet skiing, windsurfing or paddleboarding.

• Whale and dolphin watching: Join a boat tour to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, an unforgettable experience that's available year-round due to the favourable climate.

• Paragliding: For thrill-seekers, paragliding from the nearby hills offers breathtaking aerial views of the island.

• Cycling: Renting a bike allows you to explore the coast at your own pace. Whether you prefer leisurely rides along the coast or challenging mountain biking, the area has a range of routes to suit.

Exploring the Beaches of Los Cristianos

Los Cristianos boasts some of the most inviting and accessible beaches in Tenerife, perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Here's a guide to the best beach spots in Los Cristianos:

Playa de Los Cristianos

The main beach in the town, Playa de Los Cristianos, is a sheltered bay with golden sands and calm waters, making it safe for swimming and ideal for families. The beach is well-equipped with amenities such as sun loungers, parasols, and nearby cafes and restaurants. Its central location makes it easy to access from any part of town.

Playa de las Vistas

One of the largest beaches near Los Cristianos, Playa de las Vistas is famous for its fine sand and crystal-clear waters. It features a long promenade lined with shops and eateries, along with excellent facilities including showers, lifeguards, beach volleyball courts, and water sports rentals. The beach is also accessible for wheelchair users.

Playa Callao

For those looking for a quieter beach experience, Playa Callao is a smaller, more secluded beach. Although less developed, it offers a peaceful retreat with fewer crowds and unspoiled natural scenery. It's a great spot for sunbathing and enjoying a relaxed day by the sea.

Each beach in Los Cristianos offers a unique atmosphere and various amenities to enhance your beach experience. Whether you're seeking a bustling beach scene with all the facilities or a quiet spot to unwind, Los Cristianos has a beach that fits the bill.

Local dishes in Los Cristianos

A trip to Los Cristianos wouldn't be complete without sampling the local cuisine, and the resort is full of eateries that will tempt you inside with their Canarian fare.

Some typical dishes

• Papas Arrugadas: These small, salty wrinkled potatoes are served with mojo picón, a spicy red sauce, or mojo verde, a herby green sauce.

• Conejo en Salmorejo: To produce this tasty dish, rabbit is marinated in a traditional Canarian sauce made with garlic, peppers and herbs.

Tapas dishes

• Choritos: Simple yet delicious, mussels are cooked in a white wine broth, and often served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

• Queso Asado: Grilled cheese (typically a local goat's cheese) served with mojo sauce or green pepper jelly is a local favourite.

Meat dishes

• Carne Fiesta: An irresistible dish, pork pieces are marinated in garlic, spices and wine, then fried until crispy.

• Costillas con Papas: To create this hearty dish, pork ribs are cooked with potatoes and seasoned with thyme and other local herbs.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Calamares a la Romana: Squid rings battered and fried are a common and beloved dish throughout the Canary Islands.

• Pescado Fresco: Fresh fish dishes vary daily based on the catch but often include species like dorada (sea bream) and lubina (sea bass), grilled and served with a side of vegetables or salad.

Sweets and desserts

Desserts in Los Cristianos often incorporate local ingredients like almonds and bananas. Bienmesabe, a sweet almond cream, and frangolloa, a milky dessert made with maize, milk, sugar and cinnamon, are both examples of such traditional Canarian desserts.

Local drinks

• Barraquito: Typical to the Canary Islands, this drink layers coffee with condensed milk, cinnamon, lemon and Licor 43.

• Ron Miel: Canarian honey rum, sweet and smooth, Ron Miel is perfect as a digestif or a warming nightcap.