Los Cristianos Holidays

This town first made its name in the fishing business, but it’s gone on to play an ever-increasing role in Tenerife’s tourist game. It’s the smaller sibling of neighbouring Playa de las Americas, which draws one of the island’s biggest holiday crowds year after year. Things aren’t quite as lively here, but the selection of bars, restaurants and up-to-date hotels is still enough to turn heads.

While Mount Teide stands literally head and shoulders above the competition, Los Cristianos has its own panoramic peak to shout about. Chayofita Mountain rises up between two bowl-shaped beaches, and the views from the top cover everything from the high-rise hotels to the fairways of Golf las Americas. For relaxation instead of roaming, both scoops of sand back at ground level come with a bevy of bars and restaurants for company.

This corner of Tenerife’s home to a waterpark that’s not just the best in the Canary Islands and Spain, but counts itself among the world’s elite. Siam Park, on the edge of Costa Adeje, takes water-based thrills to a new level, and it’s right beside the resort’s bumper shopping malls. You can reach the slides and stores in 10 minutes by cab.