Los Cristianos Guide for UK Holidaymakers: Value Holidays, Beaches & Ferry Hub

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Los Cristianos is one of the most popular and authentic resorts in South Tenerife, offering a charming mix of a traditional working fishing port and a bustling tourist centre. The resort is famous for providing excellent value-for-money holidays, particularly for UK families and those seeking high-quality self-catering apartments. Its central location and status as a major ferry terminal make it an ideal base for exploring the rest of the Canary Islands.

Los Cristianos offers one of Tenerife’s best selections of budget-friendly hotels and self-catering apartments, making it perfect for families and long-stay visitors. The resort excels in providing great value and convenience, with plenty of options just steps from the beach and the town centre. Crucially, its superb location means you are only a short walk or taxi ride from the bustling centres of Playa de las Americas and the more upscale Costa Adeje.

The beaches in Los Cristianos are ideal for families, known for their golden sands, calm waters, and direct accessibility. Crucially, the resort provides the unique atmosphere of being right beside a busy, working ferry port, offering an engaging backdrop to your time relaxing on the sand.

The beaches in Los Cristianos are ideal for families, known for their golden sands, calm waters, and direct accessibility. Beyond sunbathing, the wide, soft sands encourage an active atmosphere, playing host to various beach sports. Beach volleyball is a particular highlight; you’ll frequently find nets set up and locals and holidaymakers alike gathering for friendly matches, which adds a fantastic, energetic backdrop to the shoreline. Crucially, the resort provides the unique atmosphere of being right beside a busy, working ferry port, adding a dynamic touch to your sunbathing experience.

Playa de las Vistas (Las Vistas Beach) is arguably the best-known and most popular stretch of sand in the south, blending seamlessly into the Playa de las Americas resort next door. This is a genuinely large beach, created with imported golden sand, and is highly regarded for its safety and superb accessibility. The crescent-shaped bay is protected by breakwaters, ensuring the waters are always calm and shallow—ideal for young children and nervous swimmers. Furthermore, the beach offers an exceptional range of high-quality facilities, including numerous sunbeds, parasols, clean public restrooms, and full access ramps, making it the most comfortable and reliable choice for every family holidaymaker.

Though less famous than Las Vistas, Playa Los Tarajales is a quiet, natural corner located at the end of the promenade. This beach features more dark, volcanic sand and pebbles, offering a distinctly quieter and more authentic atmosphere away from the main crowds. It is perfect for those seeking a relaxing stroll or simply wanting to enjoy a different perspective of the ocean.

When looking for the best things to do in Los Cristianos, the nearby theme parks stand out as one of the top choices. Although Los Cristianos itself maintains a more traditional atmosphere, its superb location provides quick access to some of Tenerife’s most popular attractions (found just next door in Costa Adeje and Las Americas). This makes them ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends. From world-famous water parks to animal encounters, these theme parks provide a fun and exciting break from the beach while adding great value and entertainment to your holiday.

Beyond the major parks, the Los Cristianos area is full of family-friendly attractions and easygoing local activities. You can enjoy a quick and charming visit to Monkey Park, or challenge everyone to a round at the 16-hole Oasis Minigolf. But its biggest advantage is Los Cristianos’ role as Tenerife’s main ferry hub — giving you the perfect chance for an unforgettable full-day trip to the neighbouring island of La Gomera. There, you can experience the island’s extraordinary whistling language, Silbo Gomero, still used today to communicate across valleys, and visit the historic site where Christopher Columbus prayed before departing for the Americas, adding a remarkable cultural layer to your holiday.

Los Cristianos is celebrated for delivering genuine value in its evening scene, successfully blending authentic Canarian cuisine with a wide selection of international pubs and eateries. The result is a vibrant, yet relaxed, atmosphere offering excellent dinner and nightlife options at notably competitive prices. For a truly authentic experience, the traditional lanes near the old port host charming local tapas bars and seafood restaurants where regional flavours shine—look for established spots like Sabor Canario Extra near the harbour. Alternatively, the main promenade is lined with friendly British and international pubs—such as The Merry Monk—offering live entertainment and a relaxed, familiar atmosphere. For serious late-night venues, the resort offers easy access to the famous strip next door, but the focus here remains on quality dining and good-value hospitality.

Los Cristianos is renowned as a superb destination for high-value shopping, seamlessly blending traditional market finds with convenient retail options. The resort’s primary appeal lies in its commitment to competitive pricing, making it ideal for budget-conscious UK visitors. The star attraction is the massive Sunday Los Cristianos Market, offering everything from local crafts to great-value souvenirs. For everyday convenience and recognizable names, the main retail areas around Avenida de Suecia provide a solid selection of high street brands and pharmacies. For those seeking premium shopping or major international chains, the nearby Siam Mall (in Costa Adeje) is also just a short taxi ride away.

Conveniently, all travel to the area is serviced by Tenerife South Airport (TFS). Formally designated as Reina Sofía Airport, this facility is the major connection point for international flights arriving from the UK and European countries.

Upon arrival at Tenerife South (TFS), you have several options for the quick 15-20 minute journey to Los Cristianos:

Taxis: The quickest option is a local taxi, which will cost approximately €20 to €25 one-way, depending on the exact accommodation and time of day.

Pre-booked Transfers: For families and larger groups, pre-booking your transfer is highly recommended. It guarantees a fixed, competitive price and ensures a seamless transition from the airport straight to your hotel door.

To secure your stress-free journey, compare transfer types here:

For the most economical journey, the island’s public bus network, TITSA (known locally as guaguas), is a reliable option.

Route Information: Look for the dedicated airport bus routes, such as the Line 40 or Line 111. These services link TFS directly to the main Los Cristianos bus station first, before continuing onwards to Playa de las Americas and Costa Adeje.

Cost: The ticket price is typically between €3 to €5 per person, making it an excellent choice for solo travellers or those watching their spending.

Duration: Expect the journey to take approximately 15–20 minutes, making Los Cristianos the quickest major resort area to reach from the airport.

More info: titsa.com/index.php/en/