Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Spain / Canary Islands - Canaries / Tenerife / Los Cristianos
 |  | Destination Guide : Los Cristianos |
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| | | The quieter neighbour |  | Why go on holiday to Los Cristianos?
Overshadowed by its brasher, bustling neighbour Playa de las Americas, Los Cristianos is a considerably quieter resort in southern Tenerife, which just about manages to retain a semblance of local identity. Year-round sun, a nice beach and access to an uninterrupted string of pubs, bars, discos and kitsch souvenir shops mean you can have all the fun you want but still escape the bright lights and noise for a decent night's sleep.
How much does it cost?
A seven-night package with half-board accommodation and flights is from £220. Flight-only deals start from £80 and small, basic hotels cost from £20.
When should I go?
March to May (except Easter) and November are best for value. December to February is busiest and most expensive and the summer months attract a large number of Spanish tourists. But Tenerife has a good year-round climate ranging from 18C/64F in winter to 24C/75F in summer. Temperatures can soar to 30C/86F in August.
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| | | Where to start | | Where do I start?
If you find yourself straying from the beach, take time to explore the rest of the island. Organised day trips run to the charming northern mountain village of Masca. The journey itself, along a narrow road rising steeply to a high ridge, is lovely and there are a couple of restaurants and bars to help visitors relax and admire the views, along with the other tourist hordes. Otherwise, you can do a boat trip to the island of La Gomera, go for a day's swimming and snorkelling at Los Gigantes, where sheer rock walls plunge dramatically into the ocean, or take a shopping trip to Santa Cruz.
Anything else to see?
Spend an evening at the Castillo de San Miguel where you can tuck into a "medieval" dinner with entertainment provided. Whale and dolphin-watching tours are in plentiful supply – if you want food and drinks thrown in, expect to pay up to twice as much. The nearby Parque Ecologico Las Aguilas del Teide includes an odd assortment of wildlife from eagles to hippos and crocodiles.
Are there activities and sports?
There's no better way to exercise your pins than hiking up sections of the 3,718 metre-high Pico del Teide, Spain's highest mountain, which features an enormous volcanic crater and other-worldly lunar landscape. Alternatively, the Teleferico cable-car will whisk you to within 200 metres of the crater lip. From the top, sweeping views of Gran Canaria, La Gomera and El Hierro will take your breath away. One word of warning though – remember to wrap up warm as it can get a tad chilly at this altitude.
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| | | Spot the nightlife | | What's there to do at night?
Silly question. The nightlife in neighbouring Playa de las Americas is legendary. All-night bars and clubs, riotous music AND behaviour has turned the resort into a Mecca for young revellers. Los Cristianos is slightly more sedate and probably better for families.
Will children like it?
Beaches and sunshine are a winning combination for kids. But if they're starting to nag, take them to Octopus Park which is filled with water slides, or to a nearby camel ranch. Free buses are often arranged to take tourists to these attractions.
What's the food like?
There are plenty of cheap eats if your taste is of the chips-with-everything type. In fact, fast food, all-day British breakfasts and pizzas will make you feel like you never left home. Look hard though and you'll discover some excellent fish dishes and tapas restaurants. Latin American and Muslim influences are also detectable. Many dishes are served in a spicy mojo sauce made with red chilli peppers.
What should I buy?
Tenerife's status as a tax haven makes electronic goods a worthwhile bargain, along with perfume, tobacco and alcohol. Local crafts include leather, linen tablecloths and jewellery.
More information
Spanish National Tourist Office, 22-23 Manchester Square, London, W1M 5AP. Tel: 020 7486 8077. Brochure line: 0906 3640630 (60p per minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Los Cristianos |
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