Getting to Know Los Cristianos in Tenerife

The old fishing village of Los Cristianos in the Arona region has undergone a tasteful transformation into one of Tenerife’s most popular seaside resorts. Its white buildings are in stark contrast to the muddy grey peaks of Montaña Guaza and Montaña Chayofita that rise above it. The latter is worth the climb for panoramic views of the surrounding area (get clear instructions before setting off). Along the cobbled streets of the old town are some of the original characteristics of the village reflected in the architecture of buildings that now house interesting shops, bars, cafés and restaurants.

A visitor from Sweden in 1956, Bengt Rylander (known locally as Don Benito), is credited as the man who started tourism in Los Cristianos. He suffered from multiple sclerosis and came to Los Cristianos hoping the warm climate and clean air would ease his suffering. He recovered well and subsequently spread the word which resulted in a steady stream of convalescents from Sweden. The opening of an International Airport in the south of Tenerife turned a steady stream of visitors from all over the world into a tourist boom. However, the Swedes have left their mark here through the name of the town’s high street - Avenida de Suecia – and the Swedish Lutheran Church (Casa Sueca) on the sea front. Today the latter is also used as a community centre featuring a café and exhibition space. This church is on the outskirts of the old town.

The Old Town of Los Cristianos

It is a pleasure to wander through the old town browsing a good variety of interesting shops and taking a break in one of the bars, cafés and restaurants line that line the cobbled streets. Every street seems to lead to Plaza Virgen del Carmen home of the splendid Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Parroquia Nuestra Senora del Carmen). This traditional whitewashed church occupies the site of a simple chapel built in 1924. The construction of this chapel was made possible thanks to wealthy citizens in the area to satisfy demands for a church in the town. Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the patron saint of fishermen and sailors, then the main occupations of the residents of Los Cristianos. In 1963 this chapel was designated a parish church but it was already becoming clear that due to the expansion of the town a larger church would be required. In 1987 the chapel was demolished and the following year the cornerstone of a new church was laid. This new church was inaugurated in 1990. Every year, during the first week of September, festivities celebrate the patron saint. During these celebrations images of the Virgin and Saint Joseph are carried in a procession to the old pier of Los Cristianos, accompanied by a band. The port of Los Cristianos is at the far end of Los Cristianos beach (Playa de Los Cristianos).

Playa de Los Cristianos in Los Cristianos

Naturally, the sand of the volcanic island of Tenerife is black and the golden sand of Playa de Los Cristianos is imported from the Sahara Desert. A long promenade stretches along the entire length of this beach and skirts the bays beyond. On the landside open-fronted bars and cafés offer drinks and food. The beach itself is littered in places with colourful sun beds and sun umbrellas. But on the open areas several beach volleyball courts have been marked out and prove a popular attraction for both players and spectators. Football teams train here playing a no-hands version of the game. Towards the far end of Playa de Los Cristianos are two interesting works of art.

Works of Art on Playa de Los Cristianos

Visitors may be puzzled by the presence of polished grey stone shapes on the pavement. Known as the Cetaceous Statue these symbolise sea creatures such as dolphins and pilot whales, that inhabit the seas around Tenerife. The pavement represents the sea and the stones parts of these animals that can be seen when they emerge from the water.

A little further along is a statue portraying a woman carrying a basket of fish on her head. It is the work of sculptor Julio Neto and called Muelle Pesquero. Situated in the shady centre of a small plaza this beautifully detailed work of art is easy to miss. At the far end of Playa de Los Cristianos is the port of Los Cristianos.

The Port of Los Cristianos

The port of Los Cristianos, on the south coast of Tenerife, is an important ferry terminal and a continual stream of ferries connects Tenerife with the islands of La Gomera, El Hiero and La Palma. There are moorings here for private boats, and ideal stop off on the way around the Canary Islands. Colourful fishing boats come and go from this harbour and their catch is available in small kiosks located in the square in front of the port. This is also the base for sailing and diving schools and fishing trips. A Viking longboat and a pirate ship also depart from here. Visitors can walk along an elevated walkway and look down on the activities in the harbour. The long promenade is connected through a tunnel in a rocky promontory to the next bay, Playa de las Vistas.

Playa de las Vistas in Los Cristianos

The sheltered position, golden sand and blue sea of Playa de las Vistas makes this a favourite of swimmers and sunbathers alike. There is a marked change in atmosphere from the busy Playa de Los Cristianos to this area where it feels more laid back. Good facilities here include beach showers, water sports and several small shopping malls. The promenade continues around this bay, lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. Private boats bob in the water just off the beach making this a very picturesque area. A huge fountain stands on a rocky platform in the middle of this bay and uses water from the sea to create an impressive cascade. The long promenade continues beyond Playa de las Vistas to Playa de la Carnada.

Playa de la Carnada in Los Cristianos

Black sand peppered with black rocks is the natural landscape of Tenerife, a volcanic island and Playa de la Carnada reflects this. It is a favourite with surfers due to the huge waves that roll in here. This area is an exhilarating example of the wilder side of Los Cristianos. Returning towards Las Cristianos take the road into town and stop to admire the Plaza Pedro Garcia Cabrera.

Plaza Pedro Garcia Cabrera in Los Cristianos

Plaza Pedro Garcia Cabrera is dedicated to of Pedro Garcia Cabrera (1905-1981), a writer and poet. He is considered to be the greatest writer and poet of the Canary Islands. This peaceful square features a monument to Pedro Garcia Cabrera and a fountain. On the other side of town is another interesting monument, the Planets Memorial.

Planets Memorial in Los Cristianos

This monument was created on the roundabout at the end of Calle Hermano Pedro De Bethencourt. When the water is not coursing through the fountains it just an interesting sculpture. But, when the water flows, it comes to life and light dances around liquid curtains and sparkles on the fine sprays.

Visitors will find there is so much more to Los Cristianos than sand and sea which is has in abundance and offers the best of both worlds.

Getting to Los Cristianos

Tenerife is a popular destination for Jet2  which operates flights (and holidays) to the island from London (Luton and Stansted) and 12 regional airports including Belfast, Bournemouth, Edinburgh and Newcastle. Los Cristianos is not far from Tenerife South Airport, also known as Tenerife South–Reina Sofía Airport which is accessible by public transport.

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