Los Cristianos is a long sandy beach, centrepiece of the tourist . 28°02' 6N 16°43'.1W conurbation and high-rise apartment blocks around which the town continues to grow. Plans For many years Los Cristianos was one of the Spanish 514, 515 (1:50,000), 5140 (1:3,500) most popular departure points for the Atlantic Lights passage until, in the early 1990s, the anchorage was 2831 Breakwater 28°02'•8N 16°43'W officially closed to yachts. Pollution of the town's Fl.R.5s12m5M Red column 6m beaches was given as the main reason, though buoy Starboard-hand buoy 28°02'-6N 16°42'-8W doubtless increasing ferry and hydrofoil traffic FI.G.5s3M Green pillar buoy with . topmark played its part. The situation now is ambivalent – in 2831-1 Inner mole 28°03'N 16°43'.1W FL(2+1)G.21s5m2M Green column 3m theory yachts are only allowed to anchor while . 2831-01 Breakwater spur 28°02' 9N 16°43'.1W waiting to be lifted at the boatyard, but in practice F1(2)R.7s6m3M Red post 4m nobody seems very concerned about moving them

Harbour communications on and up to two dozen anchored yachts may be in Port Authority tel 922 790827, Fax 922 797863, VHF Ch 14, residence at any one time. (Of course this relaxed 16 (0800-1430 daily) attitude could change overnight with different harbour officials). There are no restrictions on General anchoring outside the entrance if conditions permit. Cristianos is primarily a passenger port, with Three marine farms, marked respectively by four, conventional ferries and high-speed hydrofoils four and six pillar buoys, all with x topmarks and running regular services to , Fl.Y.5s3M, have been established just over a mile and . There are some fishing boats, the south-southeast of Los Cristianos between usual tourist catamarans, 'pirate' cruises etc, and 28°01'•2N to 28°01'•9N and 16°42'•5W to over the past decade it has also developed as a centre 16°42'•7W. for whale watching and is now home to some three dozen boats employed in the business. The harbour Approach and entrance is sheltered by a 475m breakwater, and Seen from northwest through west to southwest, the improvements – most recently to the short inner three mile line of high-rise buildings is most mole – appear to be ongoing. Facing the breakwater conspicuous. At the extreme southern end is a single

ATLANTIC ISLAND 230 di 332 — LOS CRISTIANOS tower block with a distinctive dark vertical stripe. to the sheer density of sunbathers! An alternative, Further south there are cliffs and then a small though again the area can get overcrowded, is to development, Palm-Mar, followed by Punta Rasca, a land near the fuel pumps on the quay used by the low-lying point with a 50m light tower. Steer for the Confradia de Pescadores (fishermen's tower block until the harbour entrance opens to the confederation). north. Formalities In approaching from the south, the entrance will The harbour office is on the first floor of the ferry be obvious as soon as Punta Rasca is rounded. The terminal on the breakwater. While it doubtless marine farm referred to above is clearly visible in should be visited with ship's papers and passports, daylight, but it would be unwise to venture too close one cannot help gaining the impression that so far as inshore after dark. the officials are concerned yachtsmen are best seen The southeasterly-facing entrance is wide and only at a distance and certainly not heard. However without hazards, but if entering at night unlit if departing the Canaries it would be worth moorings, local boats and anchored yachts should expending some effort to get an exit stamp, as this be anticipated. will be required on arrival in the next country. If this Anchorage proves impossible, consider a brief stop in the The inner part of the harbour is occupied by moored friendly marina at San Sebastián de la Gomera. smallcraft and a few day charter boats. Visiting Facilities yachts are kept well to the southeast where Boatyard Large, secure, DIY boatyard run by the protection is poorest – north of a line between the Confradia de Pescadores (fishermen's boatyard and the tower block, with the starboard- confederation), tel 922 790014/793912, Fax 922 hand buoy bearing 180° or more, will probably find 751785, popular for hauling in preparation for greatest favour with the port officials and ferry the Atlantic passage. Limited skills are available captains (though the holding is better further south). locally – consult the manager for advice. A second reason to keep as far off the breakwater as Travel-lift Capacity 60 tonnes, though there is possible is to minimise ferry wash, which is sometimes a shortage of props. Out of season a particularly bad at low tide. week or ten days' notice is sufficient but Holding is variable over rock with sand patches. considerably more would be needed in In line with its 'unofficial' status there is no charge October–November. Prices are reasonable and a for anchoring. Dinghies can be landed on the beach, pressure washer can be hired. though occasional problems have been reported due

Los Cristianos from the hill to the northwest. The crowded boatyard can be seen on the right, next to the (equally crowded) car park.

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Departing Los Cristianos on the high-speed ferry. A number of yachts can be seen at anchor, while the tower block at right makes a fine landmark from offshore.

Engineers Enquire at the Confradia office. Ferries Conventional and hydrofoil services to San Electronic & radio repairs Pesquera y Navales Sebastián de la Gomera, Tenerife SL, 922 797911, Fax 922 798603, at and Puerto de la Estaca, El Hierro. El Cabezo 1, both sell and repair electronics. Air services Reina Sofia Airport lies about 15km to Chandlery Small chandlery at the Confradia de the east. Pescadores, with wider stocks (including paint and antifouling) held by Pesquera y Navales Puerto Colon Tenerife SL (see above). A trip to Santa Cruz will . probably be necessary for specialised items. 28°04' 7N 16°44'.3W Water At a berth by the travel-lift as well as in the Plans boatyard. A small charge is made. Spanish 514, 515 (1:50,000) Showers Somewhat basic showers in the boatyard. Launderette Several in the town. Lights 2831-28 Breakwater elbow 28°04' . 6N 16°44'.3W Electricity In the boatyard. Q(9)15s9m2M Fuel Next to the travel-lift (and reputedly the West cardinal post with I topmark 3m cheapest fuel in the Canaries). Available 2831 . 2 Breakwater head 28°04' . 8N 16°44'.3W 0800-1300 and 1600-1900 weekdays, and Fl.G.6s10m5M Green post 3m . 0800-1200 Saturday. 2831-32 Eastern mole 28°04' 7N 16°44'.2W FI.R.6s9m3M & F.R.5m1M Red post 2m Bottled gas Camping Gaz exchanges available, but Note Obscured from seaward by breakwater no refills closer than Santa Cruz. Banks Several in the town, nearly all with cash Harbour communications dispensers. Marina • 922 714211, Fax 922 715550, email [email protected], VHF Ch 09, 16 (0830-1330, Shops/provisioning Several good supermarkets 1500-1800 daily) nearby plus a wide variety of tourist shops, but no produce market. Fresh fish can sometimes be General bought in the harbour area. It might almost be said that a description of Puerto Cafés, restaurants & Many around the Colon could be omitted altogether, since the chances harbour and town. of a visiting yacht finding a berth are virtually non- Medical services Clinic in the main street, existent. Most of the 364 marina berths were sold conveniently located above a pharmacy. when the surrounding holiday development was Communications created, and the remaining 50 are taken annually by a mixture of private yachts and day charter boats. Post office In the town. The marina is situated near the northern extremity Telephones On the ferry quay and in the town. of the extensive Playa de las Americas development, Email Internet Center at Calle Juan XXIII 37 (near which has aptly been described as 'a real fish and the seafront a couple of blocks behind the chip town'. However the breakwaters are well sited boatyard), plus several others. to provide shelter during southerly gales and it is a Fax service At the Confradia office, Fax 922 safe refuge in these conditions (see the note on page 751785. 154 regarding shelter from heavy weather). The Car hire In the town. shoreline is low either side of the entrance which Taxis On the quay, particularly when ferries are due. also reduces the danger of reflected swell in bad Frequent services to many destinations, weather. including Reina Sofia Airport and Santa Cruz.

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