Tenerife
IT11807
Los Cristianos is often introduced as a sunny beach town in the south of Tenerife. What matters more to property buyers is something else: can you genuinely live here, season after season?
For second-home buyers especially, Los Cristianos sits in that interesting middle ground. It is lively without feeling overwhelming. International without losing its Spanish rhythm. Built up, yet still walkable and practical.
If you are exploring the idea of owning a place here, this guide walks you through what life looks like beyond a short holiday.
What Living in Los Cristianos Actually Feels Like
Los Cristianos is not a quiet village. It is also not a party strip.
It began as a fishing port and still revolves around its harbour. Ferries run to La Gomera and other islands. Fishing boats share space with excursion catamarans. Along the promenade, you find cafés open year-round, not just in peak season.
For second-home owners, this matters.
In winter, when northern Europe is cold and grey, Los Cristianos remains active. Temperatures tend to stay mild. Outdoor living is possible most months of the year.
Retirees appreciate the flat terrain compared to other parts of Tenerife. Digital nomads value stable infrastructure and reliable amenities. Golf lifestyle buyers often choose it as a base while playing courses nearby in Costa Adeje and the wider south.
Expat Communities and International Life
One of Los Cristianos’ defining features is its international mix.
You will hear English, German, Scandinavian languages and Italian daily. There are long-established expat communities alongside Spanish residents and Canarian families.
For foreign buyers, this reduces the feeling of isolation. You can integrate at your own pace. International clinics, familiar supermarkets and service providers make daily life easier, especially for part-time residents.
At the same time, Los Cristianos is not a gated resort. It feels like a functioning town. Schools, banks, health centres and year-round services are present, which is important if your second home gradually becomes something more permanent.
Property Types in Los Cristianos
The housing stock here is varied but largely apartment focused.
Most buyers look at:
Apartments in established complexes with communal pools
Penthouses with large terraces and sea views
Renovated units in older buildings near the centre
Limited townhouses or duplex properties on the edges of town
Detached villas are rarer within Los Cristianos itself and more common in surrounding areas.
Budgets vary widely. Entry-level apartments exist, especially further from the seafront. Larger terraces, sea views and modern renovations increase pricing significantly.
For buyers with flexible budgets, the difference between a dated unit and a fully updated property can be substantial.
Browsing current listings in Los Cristianos helps give context to what is available at different price points throughout the year.
Walkability vs Car Ownership
Los Cristianos is one of the more walkable towns in southern Tenerife. The promenade connects beaches, restaurants and shops. Daily errands can often be done on foot if you live centrally.
That said, most second-home buyers assume car ownership. A car makes exploring the rest of the island easier. Golf courses, quieter beaches and Tenerife South Airport are all more convenient with your own transport.
Parking availability varies by complex, so this becomes an important factor when comparing properties.
Golf Lifestyle from a Los Cristianos Base
Golf is not directly inside Los Cristianos, which many buyers prefer. It keeps the town more residential and less resort-focused.
Within a short drive, however, you reach:
Golf Costa Adeje
Amarilla Golf
Golf del Sur
For golf lifestyle buyers, this balance works well. You can play in the morning and return to a lively coastal town in the afternoon.
Seasonal variation in green fees and availability is worth researching, especially if golf is a primary reason for purchasing.
Winter Livability and Year-Round Appeal
One of the strongest arguments for Los Cristianos as a second-home location is climate stability.
The south of Tenerife is known for consistent sunshine compared to the north of the island. Winters are mild. Outdoor dining, beach walks and terrace living remain realistic even in January.
This makes it attractive not only for retirees escaping colder climates, but also for working professionals who split their year between countries.
It is worth noting that tourism does remain present year-round. If you are seeking complete tranquillity, smaller inland villages might suit better. Los Cristianos offers energy and convenience rather than isolation.
Is Los Cristianos Right for You?
Los Cristianos tends to suit buyers who:
Want a lively but manageable town
Prefer established infrastructure over emerging areas
Value international community
Appreciate winter sunshine
Plan to use the property regularly, not just as a rental
Rental potential exists, as in much of southern Tenerife, but regulations and community rules vary by building. Buyers focused primarily on investment may compare this with other parts of the island before deciding.
For lifestyle-driven second-home owners, the appeal is more about consistency and familiarity.
Comparing Los Cristianos to Nearby Alternatives
Some buyers eventually explore:
Costa Adeje for newer developments and luxury villas
Playa de las Américas for a more tourist-centric environment
Quieter inland villages for lower density living
Exploring properties across southern Tenerife allows you to understand the trade-offs between central convenience and quieter surroundings.
A Thoughtful Next Step
If Los Cristianos is on your shortlist, the most useful next step is simply to observe the market.
Browse current listings. Notice terrace sizes. Compare sea views versus interior units. Look at parking availability. See how pricing shifts depending on renovation level.
Over time, patterns become clearer.
Los Cristianos is rarely about impulse decisions. It tends to attract buyers who return more than once, who test different seasons, and who imagine themselves living here beyond a single holiday.
When that feeling starts to feel natural rather than aspirational, you are likely closer to making the right decision for you.
Explore available properties in Los Cristianos and nearby areas of southern Tenerife to see what is currently on the market, and revisit as often as you need.
