Playa de Los Cristianos Beach in Tenerife – Family-Friendly Bay, Promenade and Port
Playa de Los Cristianos is one of the best known urban beaches in the south of Tenerife. Sheltered by volcanic hills and protected by the harbour, the bay offers calm water, golden sand and a relaxed holiday atmosphere. The photos on this page show what you can expect when you walk along the promenade, relax on the sunbeds or watch the ferries that connect Tenerife with the neighbouring Canary Islands.
From the hill above the town you get a full panoramic view over Playa de Los Cristianos. The wide curve of sand, the calm Atlantic water and the Armas ferry docked in the harbour show how closely the beach is connected with the port. This protected bay is one of the main reasons Los Cristianos is so popular with families and visitors looking for safe swimming and easy access to boat trips.
Down at sea level, the main entrances to the beach are clearly marked and fully accessible. Wooden walkways, information boards and organised rows of sunbeds make it easy to orient yourself. In the background you can see the ferry terminal, from where ships leave to La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro, giving the beach a lively but still relaxed harbour atmosphere.
The central part of Playa de Los Cristianos is covered with comfortable sunbeds and parasols. Here visitors can spend the whole day between the sea and the sand, with plenty of space for couples, groups of friends and solo travellers. The ferry crossing in the distance reminds you that this is not only a holiday resort but also an important connection point between the islands.
Towards the western side of the bay the beach becomes more informal, with families spreading towels directly on the sand and setting up their own umbrellas. The slope into the sea is gentle, creating a very shallow area where children can play safely while adults enjoy the sunshine and views of the volcanic hills that surround the town.
Active visitors will also find plenty of space for simple beach sports. The long stretch of wet sand near the waterline is ideal for a casual game of football or frisbee without disturbing the people sunbathing higher up on the beach. The calm water and wide open space make Playa de Los Cristianos perfect for both relaxation and light exercise.
Safety is taken seriously on this beach. A modern lifeguard tower stands in the centre of the bay, with staff monitoring swimmers and water activities. The green flag in the photo indicates excellent bathing conditions, one of the reasons why the beach is especially popular with families and older visitors who appreciate calm seas and professional supervision.
Along the promenade you will also find a small memorial that looks towards the bay. With flowers and candles placed at its base, it adds a more reflective note to the otherwise lively seafront. It is a reminder that Los Cristianos is not only a tourist destination but also a place with its own local history and community.
Another characteristic detail is the small fishing boat placed on a bed of stones next to the sand. Painted with the name “Bahia Playa Los Cristianos”, it symbolises the town’s origins as a fishing village and provides a charming photo spot for visitors walking between the beach and the cafés facing the sea.
If you want to look further out over the bay, telescopic viewers are placed along the promenade. From here you can observe the ferries arriving and departing, watch the changing colours of the sea or simply enjoy a closer look at the volcanic cliffs that protect the bay from the open Atlantic.
The seafront promenade is one of the highlights of Los Cristianos. Lined with palm trees, benches and outdoor terraces, it invites you to walk for kilometres along the coast. Restaurants, ice-cream parlours and bars offer plenty of options for a snack or a drink while you enjoy the ocean breeze and watch the activity on the sand.
Why Playa de Los Cristianos is a great base in south Tenerife
Thanks to its protected bay, central location in Arona and easy access to ferries and public transport, Playa de Los Cristianos is an excellent base for exploring south Tenerife. Whether you are interested in boat excursions, day trips to neighbouring islands or simply relaxing on a safe urban beach with full facilities, this town offers everything within walking distance.
From early morning swims to sunset strolls along the promenade, Los Cristianos delivers the classic Canary Islands beach experience. The combination of calm sea, wide sandy shore, lifeguard presence and lively but comfortable seafront makes it a favourite for visitors who want both convenience and authentic coastal atmosphere on their Tenerife holiday.