Los Cristianos Travel Guide

Explore the best things to do, places to visit, food, culture, and more with this ultimate tour guide to Los Cristianos.


Introduction to Los Cristianos

Los Cristianos is one of the popular tourist destination in Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. This quaint town is situated on the southern coast of Tenerife and boasts of tranquil beaches, historical sites, cultural landmarks, traditional dishes, and much more.

In this comprehensive tour guide, we will help you explore the best things to do, places to visit, food, culture, and more in Los Cristianos.

List of Places to Visit in Los Cristianos

Los Cristianos has a mixture of culturally significant and natural attractions. Here are some places you must visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Castillo de San Miguel - The Castle of San Miguel is a castle-turned-theatre where you can watch a medieval show and have a sumptuous dinner.
  • Iglesia de Nuestra Senora del Carmen - This church is one of the great examples of baroque architecture in Tenerife.
  • Centro Cultural de Los Cristianos - This building was first built in the 17th century and has now been converted into an exhibition hall to feature local artists.

Natural Attractions of Los Cristianos: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Playa de Los Cristianos - This beach is one of the most popular beaches in Tenerife and is ideal for families and those who want to enjoy a swim in the ocean.
  • Montaña de Guaza - This stunning mountain peak provides 360-degree views of the town and is perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
  • Monkey Park - This wildlife park offers a unique chance to interact with different species of primates, both in cage-free and friendly settings.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Los Cristianos

There are several trails that hikers and bikers can explore in Los Cristianos. Some of the popular routes are

  • The trail to the summit of Mount Guaza
  • The ‘Camino de la Vieja’ - a scenic path that promises spectacular views of the town and surrounding hills.
  • The Malpais route - This is the most challenging of the treks and is regarded as being for advanced hikers.

Best Things to Do in Los Cristianos: Activities and Tours

Los Cristianos offers numerous outdoor activities and tours to suit every taste. Here are some of the best:

  • Whale and dolphin watching - You can enjoy the spectacular sight of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
  • Scuba Diving - Discover the diverse marine life of the Atlantic Ocean on an underwater adventure.
  • Jet-skiing - For those looking for a bit of adventure, a jet-ski ride is an absolute must-try!

Week-Long Itinerary for Los Cristianos

Here’s an example one-week itinerary for Los Cristianos:

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrival, relax at the beach, and soak up the sun
Day 2 Explore the Castle of San Miguel and watch the medieval show
Day 3 Visit Los Cristianos church and Centro Cultural de Los Cristianos
Day 4 Hike the Mount Gurza trail and enjoy the scenic views
Day 5 Take a whale or dolphin watching tour
Day 6 Go scuba-diving and explore the incredible underwater world
Day 7 Enjoy the jet-ski ride and other water activities at the beach

Food and Drink Scene of Los Cristianos

Los Cristianos is famous for its delicious food. Here are some of the must-try dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Papas arrugadas con mojo - salted potatoes with red and green sauces.
  • Calamares -deep-fried calamari
  • Potaje de Berros - Canarian watercress soup.

Local Beverages

  • Wine – The volcanic soil in Tenerife produces unique wine flavors, and several vineyards offer wine-tasting tours.
  • Cerveza Tropical - A beer from Tenerife with a light and refreshing flavor.
  • Canarian coffee - enjoy the deliciously potent coffee served in cafes across the town.

Where to Stay in Los Cristianos: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Los Cristianos offers plenty of accommodation options to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels with panoramic views. Here are some recommendations:

  • Apartamentos Hg Cristian Sur - These apartments are great for families and come equipped with a kitchenette and furnished balcony.
  • Paradise Park Fun Lifestyle Hotel - This hotel is perfect for those seeking luxury and breathtaking views from the pool.
  • Westhaven Bay - A self-catering apartment complex near Playa de las Vistas.

What to Buy in Los Cristianos: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some souvenirs and local items you should consider buying:

  • Mojos - the traditional red and green sauces in small jars.
  • Gofio - A type of flour made from roasted grains.
  • Canarian cigars - Hand-rolled cigars with unique flavors.

Local Culture and Customs of Los Cristianos

Los Cristianos has a rich culture, and its customs are something that travelers should learn about. The Canary Islands are a part of Spain, but they have their dialect, which is more closely linked to Latin American Spanish. The tapas culture is preserved in this region, and dinner times here are usually late compared to other European countries.

Best Time to Visit Los Cristianos

Los Cristianos is a year-round destination, and there is no “wrong” time to visit. However, the high season runs from December to April when the temperature is mild and sunny days aplenty. The low season is from May to November, with fewer tourists and less crowded beaches.

Do’s and Don’ts of Los Cristianos

Do:

  • Learn a bit of Spanish to interact better with locals.
  • Respect the environment by not leaving litter behind during outdoor activities.
  • Try the local food, especially the seafood dishes.

Don’t:

  • Be loud and noisy in public or private spaces, especially during the siesta hours.
  • Dress inappropriately or make fun of the local customs or culture.
  • Travel to Tenerife without adequate travel insurance and medical coverage.

Safety and Health

Safety in Los Cristianos

Los Cristianos is a safe place for travelers. It’s always advisable to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions. Stay away from isolated areas at night and avoid carrying valuables or large amounts of cash.

Health in Los Cristianos

Although the town doesn’t face any epidemic or disease outbreaks, it’s always best to consult a doctor before traveling. The tap water is treated, but it can lead to an upset stomach. Use bottled water for consumption.

Getting to Los Cristianos: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Los Cristianos

The nearest airport to Los Cristianos is Tenerife South Airport (TFS), located just 16 kilometers away.

Bus Stations Near Los Cristianos

Los Cristianos has an efficient bus service that connects to different parts of the island. The main bus station in Los Cristianos is Estación de Guaguas.

Other Options

You can also rent a car or hire a taxi from the airport or other points within Tenerife.

How to Get Around in Los Cristianos

Los Cristianos town is quite small and walkable. You can easily explore most of the places by foot. However, there are also bike rentals, car rentals services, or public transportation to take you to different places.

Where to Go Next from Los Cristianos: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the nearby destinations to visit near Los Cristianos are:

  • Playa de las Américas - 2.5-kilometer long beach to relax and soak up the sun.
  • Santa Cruz de Tenerife - a bustling port city with magnificent museums and a bustling cultural scene.
  • Loro Parque - a theme park with animals, shows, and attractions your whole family will love.

Conclusion

Los Cristianos is a spectacular and multi-faceted tourist destination that should be visited by anyone exploring Tenerife. There’s so much to do - from enjoying the sun, sand, sea, to discovering new cultures, cuisines, and customs. Use this tour guide to plan your adventure, and you’ll come home with memories that last a lifetime.

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