When the hotel you are staying at is a hundred meters from the sea, the city becomes the best starting point for exploring the coast on foot. That is precisely what happens at the Hotel Reverón Plaza, located in the heart of Los Cristianos, in the south of Tenerife.
The southern coast of Tenerife is much more than beaches. It is a volcanic landscape that falls dramatically into the ocean, dotted with hidden coves, lively fishing ports, and coastal paths where every curve of the road offers a different perspective.
Why is Los Cristianos the ideal starting point for coastal routes?
Los Cristianos is one of those places where geography has arranged everything in favor of the active traveler. The oldest town in the south of Tenerife is settled around a natural bay that protects both its port and its beaches from the prevailing winds. This makes it an area with mild weather practically all year round, ideal for walking without the heat or wind being a problem.
Route 1: the promenade of Los Cristianos bay.
- Distance: 2.5 km (round trip).
- Difficulty: very low.
- Estimated time: 45-50 minutes.
- Typology: urban and paved.
The path borders the bay with direct views of the Atlantic Ocean. To your right, the ships of the shipping company that connects Tenerife with La Gomera and La Palma come and go from the port with a hypnotic rhythm. To your left, the terraces of restaurants with local products invite you to stop. And if you go a little further past the port, you will reach the rocky blocks of the jetty where local fishermen spend hours with their fishing rods in the water.
It is the perfect walk to start the day before the hotel buffet breakfast or to end the evening before watching the sunset from the rooftop.
Route 2: from Los Cristianos to Playa de Las Américas along the coast.
- Distance: 5 km (one way only).
- Difficulty: low.
- Estimated time: 1h 15 minutes.
- Typology: maritime and urban sections.
This route connects two of the most important tourist areas in the south of Tenerife through the coastal promenade that connects them seamlessly. It starts from the port of Los Cristianos and heads north, passing through Playa de las Vistas and continuing along the coastline of Playa de Las Américas.
The path is nearly flat most of the way, making it accessible for all types of travelers. The variety of environments is remarkable: in a few kilometers, you go from the quiet and local atmosphere of Los Cristianos to the lively hustle and bustle of downtown Las Américas, with its commercial offerings, beach bars, and international vibe.
To return to the hotel, you can take the urban bus line that links both areas or, if you still have energy, repeat the walk back at sunset, when the light over the ocean turns golden.
Route 3: coastal trail to Palm-Mar and Punta de la Rasca.
- Distance: 10 – 12 km (round trip).
- Difficulty: medium.
- Estimated time: 3h – 3.5 hours.
- Typology: coastal trail and volcanic terrain.
This is the wildest and most spectacular route you can take from the hotel, and also the most rewarding. Head first to the southern end of Los Cristianos, about twenty minutes on foot from the hotel, and look for the start of the coastal trail that leads towards Palm-Mar following the coastline.
The landscape changes drastically as soon as you leave the urban area behind. The path advances over black lava flows that reach directly to the sea, with a clear view southward, where on clear days the silhouette of La Gomera is perfectly visible. The vegetation, typically Canarian in this coastal strip, consists of tabaibas, cardones, and halophile plants adapted to the salt air.
The stretch to Palm-Mar is gentle and well marked. From there, if you wish to continue, the path ascends slightly towards Punta de la Rasca, a cape marking the most southern point of the municipality of Arona and housing a historic lighthouse. The environment around the point is a natural reserve where it is common to spot sea turtles and dolphins in the waters.
Practical tips for walking along the south coast of Tenerife.
When to go for a walk.
The best time to walk in the south of Tenerife is early in the morning, between 7:00 and 10:00. The temperature is milder, the light for photography is exceptional, and the trails are less crowded.
What to always carry in your backpack.
Plenty of water, high factor sunscreen, a hat or cap, ankle-supporting footwear for volcanic trails, and a light layer for the evening breezes.
Signage and safety.
The approved trails of Tenerife follow the signaling system of the Insular Council, with colored markers. Urban coastal routes do not require any special preparation. The natural trails to Punta de la Rasca or access to El Médano have sections without signs in some points; it is advisable to carry a GPS.
The hotel as the perfect base.
One of the great advantages of staying at the Hotel Reverón Plaza is precisely its location: in the historic center of Los Cristianos, a hundred meters from the beach and a short walk from the harbor.
This means you can head out for a walk directly from the door, return to shower and rest, and in the afternoon go up to the hotel’s rooftop to contemplate the result of your route from above. Few better combinations.
