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| Home/Things to do in and around Los Cristianos |
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Things to do in and around Los Cristianos
There are plenty of places to visit & things to do in Tenerife: There are incredible views and lunar landscapes at the TEIDE VOLCONO & TEIDE NATIONAL PARK; LORO PARK (Puerto de la Cruz)is a tropical paradise with dolphin, sea lion & parrot shows, sharks & sea creatures etc: AQUAPARK is a waterpark nearby in Las Americas with slides, tubes, pools & dolphin shows; the ECOLOGICAL PARK (Las Aguilas Jungle Park) has tropical gardens, tigers, crocodiles, wildlife, 'birds of prey' shows etc; Tourists can alternatively take a boat trip to sight-see whales and dolphins or a submarine/glass bottom catamaran trip /or perhaps learn how to sail or scuba dive! At nighttime there are several dinner shows to chose from such as the Medieval Night Dinner show or Flamenco Ballet as well as countless restaurants which cater for all tastes. Discover the best of Tenerife & afterwards relax in comfort in a home from home.
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Tenerife is one of Europe´s top golfing destinations and for very good reason. The courses are dramatic and challenging and the climate is ideal all year round. As for non-golfers in your party, Tenerife has no end of alternative activities to keep them busy.
Golf del Sur, Tenerife
Ever since its 1987 inaugural event, a competition for professionals, the 27 greens and fairways of Golf del Sur on Tenerife have provided the backdrop for various top international tournaments. In 1989 they bore witness to José Maria Olazábal’s victory in the Open de Tenerife, a feat he repeated in 1992. The following year they watched as David Gilford won the event, as did Mark James in ‘94. In 1995, Golf del Sur (Tenerife) hosted the Shell Wonderful World of Golf tournament and its head-to-head battle between Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson.
The North and South combination, a par 72 with 5,870 metres in length, is the professional's route. It is flat and in typical American style has wide fairways and imposing bunkers which are strategically placed to protect the raised greens. Birdies must be earned, so precision play is the order of the day.
This is a test of accuracy and course management rather than length. The 3rd hole of the North course is outstanding. Its wide fairway is bordered to the right by water which protects the golfer from what is known as "malpaís" or bad country, and from an incredible white rock ravine.
The aridity of the desert combined with lush greens and fairways are united by an immense, black-sanded bunker stretching the length of the fairway to the left. It is a formidable test. The Links course presents fewer difficulties and less experienced golfers may feel more at home there but precision is still required. Here the par three (137 metres) ninth hole stands out. The sandy rough to the left of the fairway planted with palm trees suggests a distinctly tropical air.
The club also has a golf school,excellent practice facilities, tennis, bowls, a bar and restaurant, pro shop and tennis courts, and there is a wide choice of accommodation available nearby. Reina Sofía international airport is just two kilometres away.
Amarilla Golf & Country Club
This Donald Steel design lies in Southern Tenerife and is bordered by cliffs with spectacular views. While it is a stern test for professional golfers those whose ability is not so proficient won't find themselves out of their depth. It was opened in 1988 and in 1990 hosted the second edition of the Tenerife Open subsequently won by Argentine Vicente Fernandez, which officially gave the course the European PGA Tour's seal of approval.
From the clubhouse the first four holes run along the cliff, the short 5th to the 7th pick up the ocean bay, and the following three holes change direction before going down to the edge of the sea. The 14th and 15th turn back inland and the last three holes wind down avenues formed by trees and houses.
The seventeenth runs parallel to the neighbouring Golf del Sur South Course and Amarilla finishes with a par 5 flourish at the clubhouse which includes tennis courts, a swimming pool, bar and restaurant.
There is an excellent practice area with pro shop, offering golf classes, whilst horse riding is also available.
Golf Las Americas
Open in 1997, Golf Las Américas is adjacent to Playa de Las Américas and Los Cristianos, the lively tourist resorts which have some of the best beaches in Tenerife. The 18-hole golf course is attractively located in a natural, gently sloping amphitheatre with views towards Playa de las Américas and the sea. It is protected from the wind by the range of hills which rise up nearby. The course is pleasant to walk, has a par of 72 and a total length of 6,039 metres.
One of the most notable features are the streams-ravines which cross the layout and the remains of curious aboriginal cabins alongside the par four 2nd hole. Water comes into play on the first, second, third, fifth, twelfth, thirteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth holes. The thirteenth a par three has a peninsular green surrounded on three sides by water. The par five sixteenth follows a slight dogleg right offering a sea view behind the slightly raised green.
The clubhouse is located next to the practice area and looks out on tees 1 and 10 and the greens of holes 9 and 18. There is also a golf school, equipment hire, pro shop, restaurant, bar, etc.
Golf Costa Adeje
Home of the Spanish Open in 2004 and the Tenerife Ladies Open in 2005 Golf Costa Adeje offers a lovely mix of challenging golf and lovely views of the sea and the mountains.
The first of the 18 holes opened in 1998. It is par 72 and whilst the fairways are open, they are also lined with the famous Tenerife black sand so a straight drive is a must!
One unique aspect of the course is that due to the low rainfall, every tree or plant has it’s own irrigation system. Golf Costa Adeje also has it’s own 9 hole par 34 course. A bit shorter than the main course but probably a bit more technical, it has 6 lakes making it a challenging yet enjoyable experience for those who may not fancy the full 18 holes.
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Scuba diving in Tenerife is quite unique. The underwater environment dramatically reflects the volcanic nature of the island, with many caves and deep, craggy canyons to explore.
There is even a shipwreck called El Condesito, 3kms offshore from Las Galletas harbour. With professional guidance from one of Tenerife´s excellent dive centres, the top levels of the wreck can be safely explored.
Underwater photographers love Los Chuchos - the Rays. Five different kinds of ray can be seen at this site and they are often seen in large groups.
There are many other fabulous dive sites depending on your level of experience For absolute beginners most centres offer a Try Dive option which enables you to quickly learn the basics.
Here are a few links to diving centres in the South of Tenerife. We have only included PADI licensed dive centres so you can be assured of safe and professional diving guidance. We have also restricted our list to English speaking centres.
Agua Tenerife Dive Centre
The only British operated diving centre in the South to offer NITROX for experienced divers. Located in El Fraile, very close to Los Cristianos.
Aqua Marina
A five star PADI centre located in Compostela Beach Las Americas. Just up the road in Playa.
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Botanical Gardens (Puerto Cruz) Will impress even those who 'are not interested in flowers'. The gardens feature an incredible collection of tropical and sub-tropical trees and plants. Open daily 09.00 - 18.00. Situated in La Paz.
Risco Bello Aquatic Gardens (Puerto Cruz) Situated right in the heart of the Parque Taoro. A popular and beautiful tropical oasis with lakes, grotto, waterfall, pottery garden, Japanese bridge, exotic flora and fauna. Open daily 10.00 - 18.30 (winter) and 10.00 - 20.30 (Summer)
Castle Museum Park (Los Realejos) Discover the Canary Islands´ History and all about its flora, fauna, agriculture, volcanoes, foods, ceramics and handicrafts. Everything you ever wanted to know about folklore. There are also Camel rides, and a playground for children. Open daily 09.00 - 18.00. Free bus every 30 mins. from Cafe Columbus.
Casa Iriarte (Los Realejos) A beautifully preserved 18th Century building with the distinctive Canarian balconies so ever-present in this town. Poet and author Tomas de Iriarte y Nieves-Ravelo was born in this house in 1750. The lower part of the house has shops selling souvenirs and upstairs there is a naval museum, with a collection of old posters and photographs.
Natural History Museum (Santa Cruz) A new museum representing Tenerife's history, from Spanish conquest to present day. Housed in a magnificent XVIth century building. Open Tues.- Sun. 10.00 - 17.00
'Rasto' (Santa Cruz Flea Market). Sunday mornings 10.00 - 14.00.
Garachico Local Canarian craft market, most Sundays.
Masca Road Leads from Santiago del Teide, 6 km zigzag drive. The village until recently was not accessible by road. Wonderful views and an insight into how Canarian's lived for many years. Popular with hikers who wish to make the 2 hour walk through the gully to the sea at the base of majestic cliffs of Los Gigantes.
Barranco del Infierno. Walkers ravine in Municipal of Adeje. The gorge boasts one of the few permanent streams in the south of island. You do not have to be a keen hiker to transverse this gully. Walk takes approx. 70 mins, each way. Bar/Restaurant at entrance to Barranco. Wear tough shoes.
Vilaflor Old Canarian village. Situated at 4,921 feet it is the highest village in Spain. Beautiful scenery. During winter months take a jacket with you it may be cool.
Taganana Still one of the remotest villages in Tenerife. Famous for it's Rose wine and fresh fish meals. It is a botanist's and walkers paradise.
Teide Volcano and the National Park Mount Teide is the highest peak in Spain standing at 12,200 feet. Formed around a million years ago. Lunar landscape, volcanic ashes and rock formations. Incredible views and landscapes. Cable car to upper peak. The cable car cannot be used by people with heart conditions and other related medical conditions.
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Camel Park (Near Los Cristianos!)
Enjoy a ride on the typical Canarian animal. Afterwards enjoy an Arab tea or meal. Open daily from 10.00 - 19.00 on the road from Los Cristianos - Chayofa. Free bus from Los Cristianos/Playa Las Americas.
Cactus and Animal Park (Near Los Cristianos!)
A botanical garden specialising in cacti and plant life from the arid regions. The animal park, houses a variety of species from marmosets to terrapins. Next door is Amazonia, 7000 sq m of tropical rain forest. Exotic birds fly freely and there is a beautiful collection of hummingbirds, a host of other game birds, parrots and reptiles. Open daily from 10.00 - 18.00. Free bus from Los Cristianos/Playa Las Americas
Bananera - Jardines del Atlantico (at Busanada, Nr Los Cristianos!)
Included amongst the abundance of tropical plants and trees, you will also see a model of Tenerife explaining the water system of the island. Open daily they have a free bus from Los Cristianos/Playa Las Americas.
Aguilas Park
Meander round 75,000 sq. metres of tropical gardens, admiring a wide variety of plant and animal life including rare white tigers and lions. Don´t miss the breathtaking ´eagle show´where various large birds of prey, including American eagles, condors and vultures, swoop down over the heads of the spectators.
This park includes an obstacle course which is great for keeping your children (about 5 years and up) occupied while you enjoy a refreshing drink in the shade.
Loro Park (Puerto de la Cruz, North Tenerife)
This fabulous Puerto de la Cruz attraction is a Thailand styled tropical paradise. It has the worlds largest parrot collection and unforgettable Dolphin Sea Lion & Parrot shows, as well as the world's longest underwater 'walkway' tunnel (through a shark and fish filled aquarium). Tiger Island, Gorilla Jungle and the Bat Cave are just a few of the many attractions here. Open daily. 08.30 - 17.00. Free 'road train' ride to and from Playa Martinez (centre of Puerto de la Cruz) are every 20 mins.
Ethnographic Park - Pirámides De Güímar
While archeologists and anthropologists contine to disagree about the origins of Tenerife´s own pyramids, there was little doubt in the mind of world famous Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, that they were built along similar lines of the ancient constructions in Peru, Mesopotamia and Mexico.
The step-pyramids pose many questions but the park and museum do not provide direct answers. Instead you are given a fascinating look at the history of the Guanche and are left to make your own mind up whether the pyramids could simply be the after effect of long ago farmers' land clearance or perhaps an ancient and sacred place built in celebration of the summer solstice.
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As a duty free zone, tobacco, wines, spirits, perfume and many other products are sold at bargain prices compared to the UK.
Be careful! Non-EU restrictions apply to what you take back to the UK. These are:
- TOBACCO: 200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250gms of tobacc
- WINE: 2 Litres of still table wine
- SPIRITS / FORTIFIED WINE: 1 Litre of spirits or strong liqueurs over 22% volume, OR 2 litres of fortified wine, sparkling wine or other liqueurs
You will also have to pay UK tax and duty if you bring home over £145 worth of all other goods including gifts and souvenirs. (If you bought them in Tenerife !?!?)
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