Los Cristianos, Tenerife: History, Description, Food & Activities
History
Los Cristianos, a town located in the south of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, has evolved from a small fishing village into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region.
Origins: The town’s history dates back to the indigenous Guanche people before the Spanish conquest of the Canary Islands in the 15th century.
19th-20th Century: Los Cristianos was a quiet fishing village until the mid-20th century, when Scandinavian visitors, particularly Swedish travelers seeking a warm climate for health reasons, started arriving.
Tourism Boom: From the 1960s onward, the development of tourism, particularly with the rise of package holidays, transformed the area into a bustling resort town, with hotels, restaurants, and attractions catering to international visitors.
Description
Los Cristianos is now a vibrant coastal town that retains a mix of traditional Canarian charm and modern tourism infrastructure.
Beaches: The town boasts two main beaches—Playa de Los Cristianos and Playa de las Vistas—both with golden sands and calm waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Port: The harbor is a hub for ferries to nearby islands such as La Gomera, as well as fishing boats and whale-watching tours.
Town Center: The old town of Los Cristianos still features narrow streets, Spanish-style plazas, and traditional Canarian architecture.
Typical Food
Los Cristianos offers a mix of local Canarian cuisine and international dishes, with fresh seafood playing a significant role in traditional meals.
Papas Arrugadas con Mojo – Small, wrinkled potatoes boiled in saltwater and served with a spicy red (mojo rojo) or green (mojo verde) sauce.
Pescado a la Plancha – Freshly grilled fish, often accompanied by vegetables and Canarian-style potatoes.
Gofio – A traditional Canarian flour made from toasted grains, used in soups, stews, and even desserts.
Ropa Vieja – A flavorful stew made from shredded beef or chicken, chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices.
Bienmesabe – A popular almond-based dessert often served with ice cream.
Activities
Los Cristianos is known for its wide range of activities that appeal to tourists of all ages.
Beach Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, and jet skiing are popular on the main beaches.
Whale and Dolphin Watching: The waters around Tenerife are home to resident and migrating species, making Los Cristianos a great starting point for excursions.
Water Sports: Options include paddleboarding, windsurfing, and scuba diving.
Boat Trips & Island Hopping: Ferries from the port provide access to La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma.
Hiking & Nature: Visitors can explore nearby trails in Montaña de Guaza or take a trip to Teide National Park.
Shopping & Markets: The town has a mix of souvenir shops, local markets, and shopping centers.
Nightlife: While not as lively as nearby Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos offers bars, live music venues, and beachside dining.