COSTA ADEJE NEW BEACH

One of the big attractions of Tenerife is it’s diversity, there really is something for everyone.No area illustrates than better than the two biggest holiday centres on the island, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas, linked by miles of safe bathing beaches.

The two neighbours differ greatly but each have lots to offer for the holiday maker and the re located ex pats who have been wooed by investment property bargains. Las Americas is a man made resort, there is no Spanish village, harbour, church or plaza at it’s heart. Veronicas and Starco the big nightlife centres are much maligned but have undergone a big face lift in recent years. They do exactly what they say on the tin, loud, vibrant bars and clubs, aimed mainly at a young audience who want to party until the early hours. This is a relatively small area, much smaller than it’s reputation, left over from the Club 18-30 days of the 70’s and 80’s, and it still serves up some of the best music and dancing in Europe.

There are plenty of other attractions, Jazzisimo has built a reputation as a late jazz and soul lounge, and to the rear of Las Americas the mew Magma Arts and Congress centre hosts classical music events and trade conventions including this November the ABTA annual conference. In December the islands hottest new attraction, Siam Park will open it’s doors and no doubt will mirror the success of Loro Park, from the same owners and nearby is Golf Las Americas, a top class golf course that has staged the Spanish Womens Open.

In the day, the huge choice of shops, bars and restaurants, makes it a must to visit, and then there is the beach. Black volcanic sand may look different but it’s just as nice to lay on and the big wide beaches here are very family friendly. The sea is calm and inviting and the beach shelves gently into the water.

The council have been busy in the last few years updating the walkways and pavements and it’s been worth the wait as most of the front at Las Americas is pedestrianised and the sea front promenade will take you right along the coast and into Los Cristianos. On the way you will see the bathing beaches give way to the more rugged surfing areas, some of the best in the Canary Islands and home to frequent international competitions. Sculptures and seating have made the walk more pleasant and from here you can appreciate the views the island of La Gomera or look up to the Mount Teide and more immediately the smaller mountains like the table topped Roque del Conde.

Los Cristianos in contrast is a resort that has blended the old traditional fishing port and village with a huge golden sand beach and a modern ferry terminal. Over 50 years ago the Swedish chose Los Cristianos to send their elderly and infirm to recuperate in the sun and that influence is still felt in the name of the main shopping street Avenida de Suecia.

The fishing port, village and church still have a strong Canarian feel and stage regular religious fiestas bursting with music and colour. The port has grown and ferries run to the smaller islands of La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. Every kind of water based excursion is available here from pleasure trips, whale and dolphin watching to jet ski’s and speedboats.

The old town has a large beach but is a little limited due to the mooring of boats but the star is the newer sprawling Las Vistas beach of golden imported sand, which is patrolled by lifeguards and has a special area for the disabled.

Thanks to the merger of old and new, restaurants offer a very wide range from traditional local fish dishes to international cuisine. Shopping is another big attraction with the narrow intimate streets banked behind the port, offering locally crafted leather, lace and embroidery.

Los Cristianos is looked over by several mountain ranges and the council promotes walks in the nearby hills, well worth enjoying for the panoramic views. The small Montaña Chayofita, overlooking Las Vistas beach is a good starting climb before moving on to Montaña Guaza which shields the far end of the bay.

Between them Los Cristianos and Las Americas can meet most peoples needs and are conveniently located just half an hour from the south airport and a few minutes from the main motorway to the north and the capital of Santa Cruz.

These two resorts continue to grow in popularity and still have plenty of secrets to discover.

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