Los Cristianos holidays

Then there’s the backdrop. Mount Teide – a dramatic volcano that’s part of the island’s most popular national park – stands tall behind Los Cristianos and has lots to explore. Hikers and bikers of all abilities visit in droves to experience the area’s trails, caves and spectacular views.

Day trips from Los Cristianos are easy too. Tour boats regularly leave from the harbour heading to nearby islands – such as La Gomera – or for diving and fishing excursions, as well as wildlife spotting.

When the sun sets, Los Cristianos is more relaxed than rowdy. While there are lots of bars and cocktail lounges to choose from, the tempo stays low and laid-back. However, if you feel like a livelier night out, the neighbouring resort, Playa de las Americas, is a pleasant walk or short taxi ride away.

The winter sun-seeking crowd arrives in December and January. At this time of year, there are fewer partygoers in the area, but more golfers, young families and couples. There’s a higher chance of rain in November and February, but the sun still shines most days and temperatures hover around 19C.

February also sees Tenerife’s annual carnival, and while the big event is in Santa Cruz, prices skyrocket across the island. Easter, Christmas and New Year are also times to avoid if you’re looking for a cheap holiday to Los Cristianos.

Ready to relax? Look no further than Los Cristianos’ main beach. The coast here has a family-friendly vibe, with a sheltered sea that’s calm and shallow enough for kids to paddle in. Lunch is just a short stroll away too, with a promenade packed with restaurants, cafes and cocktail bars.

Further along, you’ll find Los Cristianos harbour and the resort’s other sandy stretch, Playa de las Vistas, so grab an ice-cream, choose a sun-lounger and while the day away.

Dolphin and whale watching

Take a boat trip from Los Cristianos harbour to go in search of Tenerife’s resident bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales. When spotted, they’re the stars of the show, but the ocean around the island is teeming with other marine life too. Book an excursion that includes swimming and snorkelling – the clear waters offer great underwater visibility – and you could see everything from turtles and angel sharks to stingrays.

If you’re lucky, you may even spot some of Tenerife rarer visitors, including blue whales (over the winter months) and orcas (during summer).

Siam Park

Widely considered to be one of the world’s best waterparks, this Thai-themed park is a playground for all ages. There’s a Bangkok-style floating market, an enormous wave pool, and the jungle-clad Mai Thai River among other rides and family-friendly attractions.

Free shuttle buses run from Los Cristianos, and you can buy a multi-ticket that includes entry to the Loro Park conservation centre.

Local Los Cristianos

Wander away from the busy beachfront in Los Cristianos, and you’ll find a more authentic side to the resort. Small hole-in-the-wall bars, resident Tinerfeños sharing seafood tapas, and stores brimming with local handicrafts all feature among the backstreets where there’s still a hint of the traditional fishing town it once was.

Locals join the party during carnival season in February and March, and Los Cristianos has its own colourful parade that runs through the area from neighbouring Playa de las Americas.

Mount Teide

In the heart of the Teide National Park – one of the world’s best locations for stargazing – is the towering 3,718m (12,198ft) Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. The views from the top are unbeatable; on a clear day you can see all the way to neighbouring islands, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro.

If you’re feeling energetic, it’s possible to hike to the summit with a permit. Alternatively, the cable car is an easier option, taking less than ten minutes to reach the top.