This Los Cristianos area guide covers one of the longest-established towns on the south coast of Tenerife, including its beaches, harbour, lifestyle, transport, amenities and what to know before living or buying property here. This guide is for people considering living here, buying property, owning a second home or spending longer periods in the town. It explains how everyday life works, how the area differs from Playa de las Américas and what to consider before choosing a street or building.
Los Cristianos Area Guide at a Glance
- Location: South coast of Tenerife
- Municipality: Arona
- Character: Established coastal town with a working harbour, rather than a purpose-built resort
- Main appeal: Beaches, the port, shops and services within a compact area
- Walkability: Good on the flat lower streets and along the coast, with slopes in the upper streets
- Often chosen by: Full-time residents, retirees, second-home owners and people who spend long periods on the island
Where Is Los Cristianos?
The town lies in southern Tenerife, within the municipality of Arona. It sits beside Playa de las Américas, and the two areas are linked by the coastal path, although each has a distinct character. Costa Adeje lies further along the coast beyond Playa de las Américas, so the wider stretch forms a near-continuous run of coastal communities.
Tenerife South Airport is close enough by road to be practical for regular travel. Journey times to the airport, the neighbouring resorts and other parts of the island depend on traffic and time of day, so it is worth trying the route at the times you would normally travel.
What Is Los Cristianos Like?
Los Cristianos grew from an old fishing village, and the fishing harbour remains part of its identity. It has since become a place where locals, long-term residents and visitors share the same streets, shops and waterfront.
That mix gives it a more town-like feel than purely resort-based areas. Everyday businesses, cafés and restaurants operate through the year rather than only in high season, and the central streets and waterfront are generally active outside the main holiday periods. It can be busy, but the activity comes from residents as well as visitors.
Main Areas and Character
Local area names can overlap, and residents may describe the same street in different ways. Treat the following as a general guide rather than fixed boundaries.
Harbour and Old Town
The streets near the port hold much of the town’s original character. This is the most functional part of town, with boats, passenger traffic and everyday business alongside restaurants and local shops.
Central Streets Around the Beach
Behind the waterfront, the central streets mix shops, services and apartment buildings. This is the most convenient part of town for getting around on foot, and it also tends to be the busiest and noisiest.
Playa de Los Cristianos
The main town beach sits beside the port and is closely tied to the town centre. Living here means being close to almost everything, with the trade-off of more activity and more people.
Playa de las Vistas
This longer beach lies towards the Playa de las Américas side of town. The surroundings feel more open, with a wide promenade and a mix of apartment complexes.
Upper Residential Streets
Higher up, the streets are generally quieter and more residential. Slopes can be steep, so the walk back up from the water is worth testing before you commit to a property.
Towards Playa de las Américas
Where the two areas meet, the feel becomes more resort-oriented. Bars, late-night venues and visitor businesses become more noticeable the closer you get to the Playa de las Américas side.
Beaches and Seafront
Playa de Los Cristianos is the main town beach, next to the port and easy to reach on foot from the heart of town. It is sandy and relatively sheltered, and it works as part of everyday life for residents as well as for visitors.
Playa de las Vistas is a longer stretch of golden sand along the coastal strip on the Playa de las Américas side of town. The promenade links the two neighbouring beaches and continues towards Playa de las Américas, giving residents a largely flat and easy route for walking and running. Restaurants and coffee shops line much of the seafront, which makes it a natural meeting point.
Some water sports are available in the area, but for most residents they are simply part of the daily routine: a morning walk, a swim or a coffee by the sea. Being able to reach a sandy beach on foot is one of the main reasons people choose Los Cristianos over other parts of southern Tenerife.
Harbour and Ferry Port
The harbour is a working port, not just a backdrop. Ferries connect the town with La Gomera, and passenger movements bring a steady flow of people through the port area throughout the year. Timetables and operators can change, so check current services before planning regular crossings.
Fishing boats and leisure vessels also use Los Cristianos harbour, and boat trips, including whale and dolphin watching, depart from the port. For residents, the port gives daily life a functional rhythm that resort-only areas often lack. It is a large part of why the place stays active all year and keeps its identity as a working town.
Restaurants, Shops and Everyday Amenities
The town has a wide choice of cafés and restaurants, from simple local places to international menus, many of them close to the waterfront and the port. Supermarkets, pharmacies, banks and other everyday services are available in and around the town centre, so routine errands can often be done on foot.
Medical and health services are available in the town and the wider area. Buyers planning to live here full time should check which public and private health options are closest to the property they are considering.
The overall feel is that of a working town serving residents as well as visitors, which matters if you plan to live here outside the peak holiday periods. Many shops and services keep regular hours all year, not only when the resort areas are at their busiest.
Getting Around Los Cristianos
Walking is the main way to get around the central streets and waterfront. The promenade runs along the coast towards Playa de las Américas, and many daily needs are within a short walk of the lower streets.
The town has a bus station, and public buses connect Los Cristianos with Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje, Tenerife South Airport and other parts of the island. Routes and frequencies change, so check current information with the island’s bus operator. Taxis are useful for airport transfers, evenings out or trips up from the waterfront to the higher streets.
A car is helpful for reaching other parts of southern Tenerife, but parking in the busiest central streets can be difficult, particularly at peak times. Private parking or a garage space can be a real advantage. Crossings to La Gomera also leave from the port, so the neighbouring island can be reached without going near the airport.
Living in Los Cristianos
Daily life here is shaped by the steady presence of both locals and tourists. Routines such as shopping, coffee, a walk along the shoreline and a swim can often be done without a car, which is a large part of the appeal for residents.
Some areas are much busier than others. Streets near the waterfront and port can be lively and noisy, especially in the evenings, while the upper streets are generally calmer. Slopes in the upper areas may matter to anyone who prefers to walk everywhere or has limited mobility. Traffic and parking also vary by location, so it is worth visiting at different times of day and in different seasons before deciding.
Is Los Cristianos Good for Families?
The town suits many families for practical reasons. The beaches are close, most amenities are within walking distance of the central streets and the area has a settled, everyday feel.
Schools are found in and around the town and across the wider Arona area. Families should check admission requirements, the language of instruction and the exact school before choosing a property, as availability and rules vary. As with any area, suitability depends on the specific street and complex, including noise levels, access, outdoor space and how far the daily routes are on foot.
Los Cristianos vs Playa de las Américas
The two areas sit next to each other but feel different in daily use. The table below gives a neutral comparison.
| Feature | Los Cristianos | Playa de las Américas |
|---|---|---|
| Overall feel | Established town with a working port and everyday services | Larger resort area geared mainly to visitors |
| Nightlife | Generally lower key, with bars and restaurants in the central streets | More concentrated, with a wider choice of bars and clubs |
| Beaches | Two town beaches | Several stretches of sand along a longer coastline, varying in character |
| Residential feel | Stronger year-round resident presence | More visitor-oriented, with some residential areas |
| Walkability | Good on the lower streets and along the coast | Good near the waterfront, but more spread out |
| Who it may suit | Residents who like a town feel and easy access to services | Those who prefer a busier resort setting and a livelier evening scene |
Buying Property in Los Cristianos
Apartments are the most common property type in the town, ranging from newer complexes to older residential buildings. Location and condition matter as much as size, so it pays to compare buildings as well as individual apartments.
Central and walkable properties offer convenience but can be busier, while apartments in the upper areas may be quieter, with slopes to consider. Parking, whether a garage space or private access, is worth checking early, as are community fees and what they cover. Not every property has views, so check the actual outlook rather than assuming.
Think about intended use as well. Full-time living, a second home or a mix of both can lead to different priorities. Legal checks should be carried out on any purchase, ideally with an independent lawyer. Holiday letting rules vary and can change, so check what applies to the specific property and the rules in force at the time, including any community restrictions.
You can also browse our current properties for sale in Tenerife.
Is Los Cristianos Right for You?
May appeal if you value:
- Walkability
- Beaches close by
- The working port
- Shops and services close by
- Year-round activity
- An established town feel
Things to consider:
- Traffic
- Parking
- Busier visitor areas
- Nightlife closer to the Playa de las Américas side
- Older building stock in some locations
- Slopes in the upper streets
Explore Los Cristianos with the Tenerife Property Gallery
Tenerife Property Gallery can help buyers compare locations, property types and practical differences in Los Cristianos, whether you are looking for a full-time home, a second home or a base for longer stays.
