Los Cristianos is one of the most popular resort towns on Tenerife and combines beaches, harbour life and a more traditional atmosphere than some of the island’s newer tourist developments. Located on Tenerife’s sunny southern coast beside Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje, the town began as a small fishing village before tourism transformed the area during the second half of the twentieth century.
Despite its popularity, Los Cristianos still retains traces of its older character, particularly around the harbour and central square. Fishing boats continue operating alongside ferries, excursion catamarans and whale-watching vessels, creating a busier and more authentic atmosphere than many purpose-built resort areas. The harbour also serves as the main ferry connection to the islands of La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma.
The town contains two main beaches, both with calm water protected by breakwaters. Playa de Los Cristianos lies beside the harbour while Playa de las Vistas stretches towards neighbouring Playa de las Américas. Imported golden sand, gentle waves and a long seafront promenade make the beaches especially popular with families and visitors looking for relaxed swimming conditions.
One of the main attractions in Los Cristianos is the waterfront promenade which connects the resort with nearby Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas. The route passes cafés, restaurants, beaches and viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and remains busy throughout the day and evening. Sunset walks are particularly popular as the light reflects across the harbour and surrounding volcanic hills.
Los Cristianos is also one of the best places in Tenerife for boat excursions. Whale and dolphin-watching tours depart daily from the harbour, with pilot whales and dolphins frequently seen in the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera. Fishing trips, diving excursions and coastal cruises are also widely available.
Although tourism dominates the local economy, Los Cristianos generally feels calmer and more traditional than some nearby resorts. The combination of beaches, harbour atmosphere and easy access to southern Tenerife continues to make it one of the island’s most enduringly popular destinations.
Google map Los Cristianos (resort)
Best Things to Do in Los Cristianos
Relax on the Beaches of Los Cristianos
Playa de las Vistas is the largest and most popular beach in Los Cristianos. The wide sandy beach has calm water protected by breakwaters, making it especially suitable for swimming and families. Sunbeds, cafés and restaurants line the long promenade behind the beach, while the atmosphere remains lively throughout the day. The beach also provides excellent sunset views across the Atlantic Ocean towards nearby La Gomera.
Take a Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip
Los Cristianos Harbour is one of Tenerife’s main departure points for whale and dolphin-watching excursions. The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera contain resident pilot whales and dolphins which are frequently seen throughout the year. Excursions range from short sightseeing cruises to larger catamaran trips with swimming stops and onboard meals. For many visitors, these boat tours become one of the highlights of visiting southern Tenerife.
Walk Along the Seafront Promenade
The coastal promenade connecting Los Cristianos with Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje is one of the best walks in southern Tenerife. The route passes beaches, cafés, marinas and ocean viewpoints while remaining mostly flat and easy to walk. Early evening is particularly popular when temperatures become cooler and restaurants begin filling with visitors enjoying sunset views beside the sea.
Explore Los Cristianos Harbour
The harbour remains one of the liveliest parts of the town and still reflects Los Cristianos’ fishing village origins. Fishing boats sit beside ferries, excursion catamarans and diving boats creating a busy waterfront atmosphere throughout the day. Small cafés and seafood restaurants overlooking the marina are especially popular during the evening.
Take the Ferry to La Gomera
Regular ferry services operate directly from Los Cristianos to the neighbouring island of La Gomera. Many visitors take day trips to explore La Gomera’s mountains, forests and traditional villages. The crossing itself also offers impressive views back towards Tenerife and Mount Teide rising above the island.
Beyond the harbour and promenade, Los Cristianos is also known for its varied beaches which range from busy resort beaches with golden sand to quieter volcanic stretches used more by locals and walkers.
Best Beaches in Los Cristianos
Los Cristianos contains several beaches with very different atmospheres, ranging from busy family-friendly sandy bays to quieter volcanic beaches used more by locals. Most are connected by the long coastal promenade which runs through the resort and towards Playa de las Américas, making it easy to explore multiple beaches during a single visit.
Playa de Los Tarajales
Playa de Los Tarajales is a quieter volcanic beach on the eastern side of Los Cristianos with dark sand and a more local atmosphere than the resort’s larger tourist beaches. The beach is popular with walkers, swimmers and residents looking for a calmer setting away from the busiest resort areas. The promenade beside the beach provides pleasant coastal walks with views across the harbour and Atlantic Ocean, particularly during the evening.
Google map Playa de Los Tarajales 4.0/5
Playa de Los Cristianos
Playa de Los Cristianos sits beside the harbour in the centre of the resort and remains closely connected to the town’s fishing village origins. The sheltered sandy beach has calm water suitable for swimming and families, while palm trees and cafés line the promenade behind it. Visitors can watch ferries, fishing boats and whale-watching catamarans entering and leaving the harbour throughout the day while relaxing beside the sea.
Google map Playa Los Cristianos 4.4/5
Playa de las Vistas
Playa de las Vistas is the largest and most popular beach in Los Cristianos. Imported golden sand, calm turquoise water and wide open space make it especially attractive for families and sunbathers. Breakwaters help create safer swimming conditions while the lively promenade behind the beach contains restaurants, cafés and shops overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The beach stretches towards Playa de las Américas and remains one of southern Tenerife’s busiest resort beaches.
Google map Playa de las Vistas 4.6/5
Playa del Camisón
Playa del Camisón is a smaller and more sheltered beach located between Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas. Palm trees, calm water and golden sand give the beach a more relaxed and attractive appearance than some larger nearby beaches. Offshore breakwaters usually keep the sea relatively calm, making it popular for swimming and families. The surrounding promenade contains restaurants and bars with views across the beach and coastline.
Google map Playa del Camisón 4.6/5