Traditional Tenerife charm in a modern setting
Originally a sleepy fishing village, Los Cristianos has burgeoned into a modern package-tour holiday resort. Despite the modern hotels, shopping centres and apartment blocks, however, the town retains some traditional charm, and is perfect for holiday-makers who prefer a sedate pace but who also like to get out and party sometimes.
Los Cristianos lies in a sheltered bay in south-west Tenerife, and merges into the more glitzy resort of Playa de las Americas. The focal point of the town is its working harbour, fronted by a square surrounded by restaurants, sandy beaches forming crescent-shaped bay, and a long, wide promenade. The old town centre stretches from the port up to the main shopping street in a grid of pedestrianised streets, many still inhabited by local people. The resort's best beach – Playa de las Vistas – is man-made from sand imported from the Sahara.
One of the joys of holidaying in Tenerife is indulging in low-duty shopping, and Los Cristianos boasts a multitude of shops selling perfumes, tobacco, electrical goods, cameras and designer clothing. Handicrafts and cultured pearls are also popular buys, though it’s wise to get these from reputable stores rather than seafront hawkers. The Sunday tourist street market near the Hotel Arona Gran sells mainly merchandise of the cheap and cheerful variety, but there is fun to be had in haggling. Holiday-makers looking for a taste of home will find this in for San Eugene Centre’s supermarkets, which stock familiar British brands.
The nightlife in Los Cristianos is ideal for holiday-makers wanting to sit back and unwind at a waterfront bar or enjoy some restrained live music. While there are some fun pubs, discos and nightclubs, excitement-seekers will want to head to next door Playa de las Americas. Taxis are plentiful and available round the clock, giving easy access to the unadulterated partying in nearby spots like Veronicas and The Patch, which are jumping and pumping until 6am.
Among the trendiest eateries in Los Cristianos are Piccolo, Bar El Cine, Plan B and Chill Out. The resort can’t be beaten for the quality and variety of eating establishments available both day and night, from English breakfast, to fast-food lunch, to dinner from practically anywhere in the world.
Interested in a quiet holiday with the chance to party? Check Co-op Holidays for the best holiday deals in Los Cristianos.