There are lots of possible answers to the age-old question: “where can we take our next family holiday?” When you’re weighing up your options, there are so many things to consider – including the kind of accommodation, things to see and do, and is there really such a thing as a place every member of the family can enjoy equally? We say a resounding yes! Los Cristianos, on the Spanish island of Tenerife, is a hugely popular destination for families for many reasons.
Get Up Close to Nature and Wildlife in Los Cristianos
Not only are there some fantastic beaches to enjoy, but the size, accessibility, and location of the town make it the perfect place from which to explore a little further afield around Tenerife. One of the best ways to really get to know a place is to meet the local wildlife – something that’s always a hit with children, but also appealing for parents. While half the fun is getting out into the landscape to hike, walk, or cycle the many trails and encounter the local flora and fauna, the following three highlights will help you make the most of wildlife-focused family fun time.
Loro Parque
Touting themselves as “the best modern zoo in the world”, Loro Parque (which translates to “parrot park”, for reasons which will become obvious) offers a spectacular day out for all the family. Around an hour’s drive from Los Cristianos (with plenty of wonderful scenery to enjoy along the way), you really should set aside the whole day to make the most of this renowned zoological and botanical park.
While there are many highlights, some of the most popular things to see are the daily animal shows, orca and dolphin shows, the aquarium, a penguinarium, gorillas, tigers, a host of other exotic animals, and the magnificent collection of bird life – including those namesake parrots.
The zoo is set up so the animals can live in an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible, with great detail taken in their care. As well as the huge number of animal species, the lush surrounding gardens of the park are filled with a magnificent array of plants from all corners of the planet.
Top tip: Loro Parque can get very busy, so if you can avoid the weekends you’ll avoid the worst of the crowds.
Jungle Park Wildlife Park
Located just a few minutes from Los Cristianos, Jungle Park (aka Parque Aguilas del Teide) is so close – and so good – you might be tempted to visit more than once. The park comprises a massive 75,000m2 of jungle habitat, which is home to more than 300 species of animals from all five continents.
You can take in numerous shows, including those starring sea lions, birds of prey, and exotic birds, and explore the hiking paths, waterfalls, caves, suspension bridges and tunnels. It genuinely feels like you’re in the middle of a real jungle and children absolutely love it. While the white lions and white tigers are the undisputed stars of the show in the park, other species you’ll have the chance to encounter include reptiles, hippopotamus, primates, felines, penguins, and many, many more.
It’s a real thrill for youngsters and parents to have their photo taken with the exotic birds of prey, and you can join the Animal Passport activity (where you get to interact with a range of animals). However, for an exclusive and entertaining experience, you should arrange to be part of the animal feeding times.
It’s a truly enjoyable day (or two!) out.
Whale and Dolphin Watching Trips
Finally, for wildlife watching of a different kind, you can get out on the water on a range of whale and dolphin-watching trips. You can choose from quite a wide variety of options, depending on what you want out of the experience. But however you do it, an encounter with Tenerife’s resident whales and dolphins is something neither you or your children will ever forget.
As you sail or motor along, you’ll be able to catch sightings of Pilot, Fin and Sperm whales, as they follow their migration route along the southern coast of Tenerife. You’ll also have the chance to see multiple species of dolphins, along with turtles, rays, and other curious marine life. Herons, shearwaters, and gulls squawk overhead, and you get a fantastic view back towards the incredible landscape of the island, including Mount Teide.
Whether you decide on a few hours, half a day or an entire day cruise with lunch and swim stops included, getting out on the water is one of the most fulfilling and invigorating activities you and your family can undertake.
There’s so much more to know about Los Cristianos than its sleepy fishing village roots, and encounters with its incredible wildlife is one of the best ways to do it.
Where to Stay
Torres del Sol: In a superb beachfront location with everything on the doorstep, these modern, well-facilitated apartments are perfect for a relaxed holiday. With spacious family rooms and lovely balconies to enjoy the views, the apartments come with fully-equipped kitchens, private bathrooms, and all the amenities you need. There’s a snackbar and minimart on site, and you’ll have access to the fabulous pool and 24-hour reception. Fun for all the family!
Sunset View: Set in the heart of Los Cristianos, this could be the perfect apartment for your family break. The generous amenities include a well-equipped kitchen with everything you need to self-cater, comfortable, spacious accommodation, free Wi-Fi, and a fantastic balcony delivering ocean views. Putting you within easy access of not only the beach, but also restaurants, cafes and shops, this lovely apartment has everything you need to have fun in the sun.
Ocean Light Apartment: Offering gorgeous garden views, spacious interiors and a fabulous beachfront location, this quality apartment features a fully-equipped kitchen, private entrance, satellite TV, and a terrace with lush mountain views. There’s an onsite swimming pool, a separate kids pool, and also an outdoor dining area where you can enjoy a wonderful meal without leaving the property. Quiet, comfortable, and family friendly.
How to Get There
Flights to Tenerife South Airport (TFS) take around 4.5 hours from UK airports. A good selection of carriers fly the route, offering an extensive range of more than 600 flights a week. Operators include British Airways, Iberia, Tui, Jet2, and Ryanair, to name a few, with flights starting from as little as £31.
Once you land, the most convenient way of getting the rest of the way from Tenerife South Airport to Los Cristianos is on a pre-booked service with Shuttle Direct. A friendly, professional driver will be waiting for you, ready to get you to the start of your holiday as quickly and easily as possible.
Overview
UK to TFS Flight Time: 4 hours, 32 mins approx.
TFS to Los Cristianos Distance: 17 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 16 minutes approx.
Types of Transfer
Getting from Tenerife South Airport to Los Cristianos is easy, with Shuttle Direct’s range of shared and private airport transfers. Because every traveller has different needs and priorities, we offer something for everyone. Here’s what you can choose from.
One of the most convenient options to get from the airport at Tenerife South to Los Cristianos is in a pre-booked local taxi. It means that when you land, you’ll be able to make your way straight to meet your driver and set off, without having to stand in a taxi or public transport queue. You’ll be taken straight to the door of your accommodation, quickly, comfortably, and hassle-free.
If you’re looking to save money, a shared shuttle is the most economical way of getting from the airport to Los Cristianos. When your flight lands, you’ll make your way to a designated meeting place, then you’ll board your comfortable shuttle bus with other passengers and be taken to a central drop-off point. While it’s not a door-to-door service, that’s balanced out by the cost-effectiveness of this shared service.
If you’re travelling with a larger family or group of friends, a minibus is basically a private, door-to-door transfer where you can all travel in one, larger-capacity vehicle. The logistics of getting from the airport at Tenerife South to Los Cristianos are made so much easier when everyone and their associated luggage can fit in together.
For those who prefer to travel alone with a touch of luxury, one of our door-to-door private transfers is just the ticket. A professional driver will be waiting in the terminal to meet you, then you’ll travel right to the door of your accommodation in style in a high-end vehicle, with all the logistics taken care of. Relax and start your holiday right!
Choosing the Right Transfer
Which airport transfer is the best for you will depend on numerous factors, the most important of which are cost and convenience. Only you can decide what’s best for you, based on which one of those you prioritise.
Convenience: If a door-to-door service is non-negotiable, and you don’t want to travel with other passengers, a pre-booked taxi or one of our private transfers from Tenerife South to Los Cristianos will suit your needs. While you’ll pay a little more for both those aspects, you’ll be able to start your holiday off exactly as you like.
Cost: If you’re more interested in getting the most economical airport transfer, and you don’t mind sharing with others, one of our affordable shuttle bus transfers will suit your needs. Even though it’s a budget solution, you don’t have to compromise on comfort or safety.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is a trusted provider of convenient, affordable onward ground transport to and from a vast range of destinations. Our range of airport transfers includes economical shared shuttles, minibuses, taxis, right up to a private luxury transfer. Comfortable, well-maintained vehicles, professional drivers, and competitive prices means we’re able to cater to travellers of all kinds.
Book with Shuttle Direct today and just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride – wherever you want to go!
