Santa Cruz de La Palma to Los Cristianos Ferry

The Santa Cruz de La Palma to Los Cristianos ferry is the main sea bridge between La Palma, the lush and mountainous "green island" of the western Canaries, and southern Tenerife. It leaves the handsome colonial harbour of La Palma's capital and crosses to Los Cristianos, the busy resort port on Tenerife's sunny south coast that serves as Fred. Olsen's western hub and the gateway for onward connections to La Gomera and El Hierro.

Two operators, one link

The route is served by both Fred. Olsen Express and Naviera Armas (Armas Trasmediterranea), between them offering a decent spread of departures through the week. Fred. Olsen runs the majority of the sailings, so if you want the widest choice of times its timetable is usually the place to start. Both carry cars, campervans, motorbikes and foot passengers.

Crossing time and frequency

The passage across the open Atlantic takes roughly two and a half to three hours depending on the vessel and operator. Combined weekly frequency is healthy, with sailings running year round, though La Palma's relative distance means departures are less numerous than on the busy eastern routes, so booking ahead is wise in high season.

Practical notes

• Vehicle decks make it easy to explore La Palma's volcanoes, forests and observatories with your own car.
• Los Cristianos is a short drive from Tenerife South airport and the main southern resorts.
• The route is the practical alternative to flying for anyone bringing a vehicle to or from La Palma.

Choose it to reach one of the Canaries' quietest, greenest islands directly by sea, or to move a car between La Palma and Tenerife.