Los Cristianos Ferries

The port of Los Cristianos plays a key role in the ferry network of Spain, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 2 ferry routes operated by 2 ferry companies, Los Cristianos serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Los Cristianos, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Santa Cruz - Los Cristianos connecting Los Cristianos with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Naviera Armas, Fred. Olsen Express run regular services from Los Cristianos, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Los Cristianos offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Los Cristianos is easily accessible from Tenerife South Airport (Reina Sofia), just a 15-minute drive away via the TF-1 motorway. Regular bus services connect the airport to Los Cristianos, with the journey taking approximately 20 minutes. From Santa Cruz, the island's capital, expect a 1-hour drive or 75-minute bus ride south. The ferry terminal in Los Cristianos is centrally located, with taxis and local buses providing convenient connections to accommodations throughout the resort. If arriving by car, several public parking facilities are available near the port, though spaces fill quickly during peak season.

Nestled on Tenerife's sun-drenched southern coast, Los Cristianos blends traditional Canarian charm with modern resort amenities. This former fishing village has evolved into a vibrant maritime hub while maintaining its authentic Spanish character. With its golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and palm-lined promenades, Los Cristianos offers visitors a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure in the eternal spring climate of the Canary Islands.

Los Cristianos enjoys Tenerife's famous year-round mild climate, with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C (68°F) even in winter. The peak tourist season runs from December through February, when northern Europeans seek winter sunshine. For ideal conditions with fewer crowds, consider visiting during May-June or September-October when temperatures remain warm and accommodation rates drop. February brings the vibrant Carnival celebrations to the streets, while summer months offer the liveliest atmosphere with extended ferry schedules to neighboring islands. Winter months provide the best chance to spot dolphins and whales during ferry crossings.

Los Cristianos serves as a key gateway to other Canary Islands, with regular ferry services to several destinations. La Gomera, visible from Los Cristianos' shores, is just a 40-minute ferry journey away, offering ancient laurel forests and dramatic ravines. The island of El Hierro can be reached in about 2.5 hours, rewarding visitors with unspoiled landscapes and world-class diving spots. La Palma, known as 'La Isla Bonita,' is accessible via a 3.5-hour ferry crossing, featuring stunning volcanic scenery and stargazing opportunities. The port also provides ferry connections to Gran Canaria, making Los Cristianos an excellent base for island-hopping adventures throughout the Canaries.

Los Cristianos offers a wealth of experiences beyond its picturesque beaches. Stroll along the bustling promenade connecting Los Cristianos to neighboring Playa de las Américas, lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants serving fresh seafood and Canarian specialties like papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce. The Sunday market at Plaza del Pescador showcases local crafts and produce, while boat excursions departing from the harbor offer whale watching and fishing trips. For a taste of local culture, explore the Church of the Virgin of Concepción and the traditional Canarian architecture in the old town quarter. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy parasailing, jet skiing, and diving in the clear Atlantic waters.

Los Cristianos harbors fascinating stories beneath its sunny exterior. The resort's name, meaning 'The Christians,' dates back to the 16th century when it served as a safe haven for Christian fishermen escaping pirate attacks. Until the 1970s tourism boom, Los Cristianos was primarily a working fishing port, with many elderly residents still remembering the days before the first hotels appeared. The harbor witnessed a remarkable phenomenon in 1988 when its waters receded dramatically during a rare tsunami generated by a landslide in neighboring La Gomera. Today, the port handles over 2 million ferry passengers annually, making it one of the busiest passenger ports in the Canary Islands.