Los Cristianos originally was a small fishing harbour, but was overtaken by tourism from the 1960's on. Now Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos are two completely touristy resorts, situated at only 6 miles from the southern airport, and consist mainly of hotels, bars, restaurants and shops. The small volcano Guaza forms a natural frontier between the two towns. The coastline of these resorts contain beautiful artificial beaches, and in the big harbour of Las Americas, Puerto Colón, one can enjoy watching the luxurious yachts, or more actively enlist in a fishing trip or a glass bottom boat tour. Places to visit here are the Aquapark Octopus, the eagle park Parque Las Aguilas, and for those who love the risk, the casino. Playa de las Americas and Los Christianos are mainly renowned for their boisterous nightlife. This is the place to be for people looking for sun, beach and fiesta.  South west Tenerife stretches more or less from Las Americas to Los Gigantes. This side of the island is sheltered from trade winds and therefore enjoys the best weather of Tenerife. In summer temperature goes up to 33º and in winter still reaches 28ºC. Most southerly are situated the holiday resorts Los Christianos and Playa de las Americas. At more or less ½ hour distance from the airport are situated the smaller residential villages of Playa San Juan and Alcalá, and finally in the most eastern corner of the island is located Puerto de Santiago, where the impressive giant cliffs Los Gigantes overlook the whole west sea-side of the island.  Guía de Isora In this coastal region of Guía de Isora a luxurious 5 star Golf Resort is being built.  Abama The golf course, when finished, will be the biggest in Spain with 18 holes. A 5 star hotel will complete this impressive resort, and an adjacent residential zone is being constructed on the same ground. The approximate land area covered by the whole complex is 1.500.000m². The hotel will accommodate 5400 beds and a convention centre with a 1000 people capacity. The Golf Resort contains an academy for people eager to learn this noble sport. Moreover the hotel will construct a small pleasure harbour, stables and an artisan village.  Piedra Hincada is a small and quiet residential area. It is composed mainly of out-of-town houses of various shapes and sizes. It is situated at only 2 miles from Playa San Juan, the idyllic fishing village with harbour and beach. It is also adjacent to the almost completed Abama 5* Golf Resort, which can be seen at a short distance.  Playa San Juan is a lovely "up and coming" little town on the south west coast of Tenerife. It is situated at an approximate driving distance of ½ an hour from the airport. The old part is a romantic fishing harbour, but a residential zone with new buildings and nice sea-view flats in Canarian style has recently been constructed. The harbour invites tourist to watch local fishermen unload their catch (and even buy some really fresh fish), and to relax on the cosy black sand beach. The beach is ideal for families with children, protected by the harbour so the waves are small and inviting. A recently built coastal walkway passes a large rocky beach and offers wonderful views on La Gomera. A restored sailing boat leaves every day from harbour on a few hour trip next to Los Gigantes cliffs, to see whales and dolphins. Other water sports can be exercised here, including scuba diving. The seaside road harbours all kinds of restaurants, shops and tapas bars. On the whole this charming little town offers the visitors a very relaxing athmosphere. The local market on Wednesday and Sunday offers a variety of goods, from fresh fruit and homemade cookies to artisan jewellery. It is the ideal place to be for people who look for tranquillity, far away from busy holiday resorts as Los Christianos and Las Americas.  Alcalá Hidden between countless banana plantations we find the charming little town of Alcalá. Its population is almost entirely Spanish. It is a thriving little village, with lots of shops and a variety restaurants. There is a local market every Monday. The cosy fishing harbour between Playa San Juan and Los Gigantes has a big future, because it is to become the new Ferry port and marina. Soon it will be the departing place for cruiseships and the new Fred Olsen ferry to La Gomera and La Palma. A new Sol Melia 5 star hotel is planned as well. Recently the village invested lots in the construction and embellishment of its square and a coastal walk. Alcalá is destined to be the sole future commercial area in the south west coast of Tenerife, which means of course that property prices are rising in the area.  El Varadero is a popular family resort due to the many supermarkets, minimarkets, hotels, shops and restaurants.  Playa de la Arena is famous for its beautiful and very clean black beach, one of the best in the south of Tenerife. There are continuous life guard patrols, and the red flag is hung out when sea conditions get too rough for swimming. One will never be bored with the variety of shops and restaurants, and a visit to the municipality's tourist office opposite the beach may lead to new ideas for excursions. Enjoy a great day on the beach with breathtaking views on La Gomera.    Puerto Santiago is adjacent to Los Gigantes, but it still offers an authentic Canarian flavour. It has an old fishing harbour with a small sandy beach. In July during the local fiesta the spectator can enjoy one of the most spectacular fireworks of the island. Little bars and eating establishments are easily found.  Los Gigantes, a strongly inclining coastal area, has a unique atmosphere. The little town derives its name from the breathtaking giant cliffs that dominate the view across the pleasure harbour. These remarkably sheer rock walls measure up to 800m high. The only way to get a closer look is by boat. The village mainly consists of new apartments and hotels. Here as well the visitor has a variety of bars and restaurants. The pleasure harbour offers the possibility for various water sports, such as scuba diving or water ski, but one can enjoy fishing trips and wale watching boat tours as well. Behind the marina there is a small sheltered beach where one can take a refreshing swim in the Atlantic Ocean. Moreover Los Gigantes counts with three leisure parks with swimming pools, tennis, crazy golf and bowls. Close to the harbour is a lovely charming local church and plaza, where the tourist may enjoy some traditional Canarian entertainment from time to time. It is also the ideal starting place for further exploration of the island. Coach tours are leaving there and there is an excellent bus service.