Beaches are just the start of a fabulous holiday in
Los Cristianos and Las Americas
One of the big attractions of Tenerife is it’s diversity, there really is something for everyone. No
area illustrates than better than the two biggest holiday centres on
the island, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas, linked by miles
of safe bathing beaches.
The two neighbours differ greatly but each have lots to offer for the
holiday maker and the relocated expats who have been wooed by investment
property bargains. Las Americas is a man made resort, there is no Spanish
village, harbour, church or plaza at it’s heart. Veronicas and
Starco the big nightlife centres are much maligned but have undergone
a big face lift in recent years. They do exactly what they say on the
tin, loud, vibrant bars and clubs, aimed mainly at a young audience who
want to party until the early hours. This is a relatively small area,
much smaller than it’s reputation, left over from the Club 18-30
days of the 70’s and 80’s, and it still serves up some of
the best music and dancing in Europe.
There are plenty of other attractions, Jazzisimo has built a reputation
as a late jazz and soul lounge, and to the rear of Las Americas the mew
Magma Arts and Congress centre hosts classical music events and trade
conventions including this November the ABTA
annual conference. In December
the islands hottest new attraction, Siam Park will open it’s doors
and no doubt will mirror the success of Loro Park, from the same owners
and nearby is Golf Las Americas, a top class golf course that has staged
the Spanish Womens Open.
In the day, the huge choice of shops, bars and
restaurants, makes it a must to visit, and then there is the beach.
Black volcanic sand may
look different but it’s just as nice to lay on and the big wide
beaches here are very family friendly. The sea is calm and inviting and
the beach shelves gently into the water.
The council have been busy in the last few years updating the walkways
and pavements and it’s been worth the wait as most of the front
at Las Americas is pedestrianised and the sea front promenade will take
you right along the coast and into Los Cristianos. On the way you will
see the bathing beaches give way to the more rugged surfing areas, some
of the best in the Canary Islands and home to frequent
international competitions. Sculptures and seating have made the walk
more pleasant and from here you can appreciate the views the island of
La Gomera or look up to the Mount Teide and more immediately the smaller
mountains like the table topped Roque del Conde.
Los Cristianos in contrast is a resort that has blended the old traditional
fishing port and village with a huge golden sand each and a modern ferry
terminal.
Over 50 years ago the Swedish chose Los Cristianos to send their elderly
and infirm to recuperate in the sun and that influence is still felt
in the name of the main shopping street Avenida de Suecia.
Holiday makers have an excellent range of accommodation in this area
from cosy
studio apartments to five star luxury country
clubs .
The fishing port, village and church still have a strong Canarian feel
and stage regular religious fiestas bursting with music and colour. The
port has grown and ferries run to the smaller islands of La Palma, La
Gomera and El Hierro. Every kind of water based excursion is available
here from pleasure trips, whale
and dolphin watching to jet ski’s and speedboats.
The old town has a large beach but it is a little limited due to the
mooring of boats but the star is the newer sprawling Las Vistas beach
of golden
imported sand, which is patrolled by lifeguards and has a special area
for the disabled.
Thanks to the merger of old and new, restaurants offer a very wide range
from traditional local fish dishes to international cuisine. Shopping
is another big attraction with the narrow intimate streets banked behind
the port, offering locally crafted leather, lace and embroidery.
Los Cristianos is looked over by several mountain ranges and the council
promotes walks in the nearby hills, well worth enjoying for the panoramic
views. The small Montaña Chayofita, overlooking Las Vistas beach
is a good starting climb before moving on to Montaña Guaza which
shields the far end of the bay.
Between them Los Cristianos and Las Americas can meet most peoples needs
and are conveniently located just half an hour from the south airport
and a few minutes from the main motorway to the north and the capital
of Santa Cruz. These two resorts continue to grow in popularity and still
have plenty of secrets to discover.
For those who visit Los Cristianos and enjoy their
holiday so much that they leave with the intention of moving back to
stay, this list of available
properties in Los Cristianos provided by
Tate Properties makes a good starting point for research.