Relaxed former fishing village with a ferry port, affordable prices and one of the Canary Islands' oldest British and Nordic expat scenes
Los Cristianos' year-round tourist flow and low entry prices make it a popular spot for rental investment. A tourist licence is administered by the local cabildo.
Why Los Cristianos?
Let out property in Los Cristianos — the letting market
Looking to let out property in Los Cristianos? Los Cristianos on the the Canary Islands has solid demand for holiday accommodation year round. Letting out property in Los Cristianos provides an ongoing return and covers maintenance and property tax during the periods you are not using it yourself.
Los Cristianos' year-round tourist flow and low entry prices make it a popular spot for rental investment. A tourist licence is administered by the local cabildo.
Tourist licence and rules in Los Cristianos
To let your property in Los Cristianos on a short-term basis (under roughly 2-3 months per tenant) you need a valid tourist licence. In the Canary Islands this is issued by the the local cabildo (island council), and you must register the property with a specific licence number that must appear in all listings.
The rules are actively enforced, and fines for illegal letting can run into several thousand euros. It is therefore essential to have the licence sorted before you start advertising the property on Airbnb, Booking.com or similar platforms.
Expected rental income in Los Cristianos
In high season, a property in Los Cristianos can typically be let for 400-900 EUR per week in high season for an apartment. Over a full year, with a realistic occupancy rate of 50-70% in the most popular areas, this can provide a solid ongoing return — particularly if the property is also used privately outside the season.
Remember that rental income must be taxed in Spain (typically 19% for EU citizens on net income) and may also need to be declared in your home country — but double taxation treaties typically prevent you from paying full tax twice on the same income.
How to get started letting in Los Cristianos
Start by applying for a tourist licence from the the local cabildo (island council), and make sure the property meets the requirements for safety, fire equipment and signage. Next, you should invest in professional photos — in a market like Los Cristianos, where affordable prices close to costa adeje's luxury is a big part of the appeal, good photos make a real difference to your booking rate.
Consider whether you want to manage the letting yourself, or use a local property management company that handles key handover, cleaning and guest communication — particularly relevant if you do not live in Spain full time.
Long-term letting as an alternative in Los Cristianos
If you prefer a more stable, less administration-heavy solution, long-term letting (over a year) to locals or expats can be a good alternative to seasonal short-term letting. It does not require the same tourist licence, but is instead governed by the general tenancy law (LAU), which gives the tenant stronger rights.
Life and culture in Los Cristianos
Los Cristianos has retained more of its original fishing-village character than the newer resort areas further north — the old harbour, still used by fishing boats, sits right alongside the ferry terminal to La Gomera and El Hierro. The town has no major historic sights, but the relaxed atmosphere and the long-established international community are the draw in themselves.
Nightlife is relaxed and family-oriented, with a wide range of British pubs and international restaurants along the beach promenade — calmer than nearby Playa de las Américas, but with a lively social scene driven by the resident expat community.
Location and infrastructure
Tenerife South Airport (Reina Sofía) is only about a 10-15 minute drive from Los Cristianos — one of the shortest airport distances anywhere on the island.
There is no rail connection on Tenerife, but Los Cristianos has good bus links (TITSA) to the rest of the south island, plus the active ferry port to La Gomera and El Hierro. Taxis are readily available.
Tourism & leisure
Los Cristianos has two main beaches — Playa de los Cristianos and Playa de Las Vistas — both with imported sand and shallow, family-friendly water. Golf is available in nearby areas but is not central to Los Cristianos' identity.
The beach promenade can have some evening activity, while residential districts further from the coast are quiet. The climate is stable Canary subtropical, with minimal rainfall and temperatures of 20-26°C year round.
Everyday costs & what to know before you let out in Los Cristianos
Eating out and rents in Los Cristianos are among the most affordable in the Costa Adeje area, which makes the town popular among retirees and budget-conscious buyers. The large British and Nordic community makes it easy to find English- or Scandinavian-speaking services.
Before you buy: many of the older apartment complexes from the town's early development years may need renovation — always check the building's condition and community fees carefully.
Frequently asked questions about letting in Los Cristianos
Do I need a tourist licence to let my property in Los Cristianos?
Yes, if you let it short-term to tourists. The licence is issued by the the local cabildo (island council) in the Canary Islands, and the licence number must appear in all your listings on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com.
How much can I earn letting out my property in Los Cristianos?
In high season, a property can typically be let for 400-900 EUR per week in high season for an apartment. The annual return depends on the occupancy rate, but 50-70% during the most popular periods is realistic for a well-located property in Los Cristianos.
Which platforms should I use to let my property in Los Cristianos?
Airbnb and Booking.com are the most widely used platforms and offer the broadest exposure. For luxury properties, specialised platforms aimed at premium holiday rentals can attract a more qualified pool of guests.
What is the difference between short-term and long-term letting in Los Cristianos?
Short-term letting requires a tourist licence and generates higher income per night, but requires more administration and is subject to seasonal swings. Long-term letting does not require a tourist licence, provides a more stable income, but is governed by the general tenancy law, which gives tenants stronger rights.
Do I need to declare rental income from Los Cristianos in my home country?
In most cases, yes — rental income typically needs to be declared in your home country, but you usually pay Spanish tax on the income first (around 19% for EU citizens), and this can then be offset against tax owed at home under the relevant double taxation treaty, so you are not taxed twice on the same income. Check the specific rules that apply in your country of residence.
Need help letting out your property in Los Cristianos?
Contact us for a no-obligation chat about your options in Los Cristianos. We give impartial advice and help you move forward — whether you're just starting your research or ready to take the next step.
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