| Area | Best for | Facts from the tourist board |
|---|---|---|
| Los Cristianos | Ferries, port, calm beach | Second commercial port of the island; most journeys go to the other Canary Islands |
| Playa de las Américas | Nightlife, restaurants | Seafront promenade, beaches with water activities all year |
| Costa Adeje | Resort hotels, Siam Park | Golf, marina, 14 swimmable beaches in the municipality |
| Las Galletas and Costa del Silencio | Quiet coast | Promenades and the Malpaís de Rasca protected area |
Why Los Cristianos
- The port. Lines to La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma mostly leave from Los Cristianos, according to the tourist board, and two companies operate on the San Sebastián route. If an island-hopping day is on your list, sleeping here saves a morning transfer.
- Las Vistas beach. 850 m long and 80 m wide, with pale sand, calm water behind breakwaters, toilets, showers, tourist information, bars, sun loungers for hire and more than 100 parking spaces. Access is suited to people with reduced mobility, and it is on the tourist board's Blue Flag list.
- Boats. Tiqets lists a three-hour whale and dolphin eco-catamaran tour from Los Cristianos, rated 4.6 out of 5 from 118 reviews, from 47 euros (read 7 November 2026). The wider choice is in Tenerife boat trips.
- Climate. Arona, the municipality, has about 18 °C in winter and 28 °C in summer and 15 km of beaches.
- The train. A tourist train runs through Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas.
Distances from Los Cristianos
| Destination | Travel time |
|---|---|
| Tenerife South airport | 15 to 30 minutes by car |
| Tenerife North airport | About one hour |
| Costa Adeje | The next resort along the coast |
| Santa Cruz de Tenerife | 45 to 60 minutes by car |
How to choose
- Decide between port and beach. Rooms near the harbour are closest to the ferry and boat departures; rooms near Las Vistas are closest to the sand. The place is small enough to walk between them, but check the map before you book.
- Think about evenings. If you want bars and clubs within walking distance, Playa de las Américas is the livelier neighbour. Los Cristianos suits a quiet evening.
- Check the transport. Several TITSA bus lines serve Arona and the TF-1 motorway runs past the town, so you can reach Teide or the north without much effort. Bus 342 for Teide leaves from Costa Adeje, so confirm the pickup point before choosing this base.
- Compare the full price. Booking shows breakfast, half board or all-inclusive per rate; compare the total, not the nightly figure.
Mistakes to avoid
- Choosing Los Cristianos for Loro Parque or Puerto de la Cruz. Both are in the north; the area comparison is in where to stay in Tenerife.
- Expecting the same nightlife as the next resort. The tourist board describes Playa de las Américas as the place with the seafront promenade and beaches with water sports; Los Cristianos is the port town.
- Leaving the ferry day too tight. Ferries follow the operators' own timetables, so book the crossing before you fix your hotel dates.
FAQ
Is Los Cristianos a good place to stay in Tenerife?
It is a good base for a quiet beach holiday and for ferries or boat trips. It is 15 to 30 minutes from the south airport.
Los Cristianos or Costa Adeje?
Los Cristianos is the port town with a calm beach; Costa Adeje is the resort coast with Siam Park, golf and the marina. The two are neighbours on the same coast; see where to stay in Costa Adeje.
Can I take a ferry to La Gomera from here?
Yes. The tourist board says lines to La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma mostly depart from Los Cristianos.
Is there a beach in town?
Yes: Las Vistas, 850 m of pale sand with calm water and a Blue Flag listing.
The Tenerife Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.
