Los Cristianos & the Island's Ports: Beaches, Ferries and Day Trips

Los Cristianos is the south coast at its most convenient. It began as a fishing village, grew into a working ferry port, and today offers the easiest base on Tenerife: a proper beach, a marina full of boats, supermarkets and restaurants steps from the sand, and a port that connects you to La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro.

The resort and its beaches

Los Cristianos centres on a sheltered bay with a broad golden-sand beach, calm shallow water and a lively promenade. Next door, Playa de las Américas adds a long stretch of sand and nightlife, and the neighbouring resort of Playa de las Américas — the bay continues north into the livelier strip. For a quieter swim, head to Playa de Torviscas or the small family coves of Los Tarajales; the clear water at Playa de las Galletas a few minutes south is another favourite.

The ferry port

The port of Los Cristianos is the island's main hub for inter-island ferries and high-speed catamarans. Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas both sail from here, with the most popular route the 45-minute crossing to San Sebastián de La Gomera — the classic day trip from Tenerife. Both companies also run services to La Palma and El Hierro, and in winter whale-watching boats share the bay. Book online in advance in summer and at weekends.

Day trips from the port

Because Los Cristianos sits so close to the water, it is the natural starting point for boat days: whale-watching trips leave from the harbour every morning, and fishing charters head out of the marina. The Jungle Park animal park is a short drive inland, and the island's second port, Santa Cruz, handles the bigger cruise ships and the fast ferry to Gran Canaria on the other side of the island.

Practical notes

Los Cristianos is about 15 minutes from Tenerife South airport and well connected by TITSA buses. It works well as a first base: central, walkable and with everything on your doorstep, while the rest of the south coast is an easy bus ride away. For how it compares with the island's other bases, see our where-to-stay guide; for airport connections, the transfers guide has the details.

Seafood on the seafront

Both towns sit on the fishing trade, and it shows on the plates. Abordo is a family-run beachfront institution serving fresh seafood for over 20 years, while Avangard takes the same catch in a more minimalist, upscale direction.