Las Caletillas Travel Guide

Las Caletillas is a quiet holiday resort on Tenerife's north east coast, roughly nine miles (14km) from the island's capital, Santa Cruz. It's a stone's throw away from the charming village of Candelaria and its black sand volcanic beach. In fact, the resort and the village are almost indistinguishable, and connected by a flat promenade popular with strollers and joggers. Las Caletillas itself has a black pebble beach that stretches around three coves and offers several bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. There isn't much to do by way of nightlife in Las Caletillas, so visitors shouldn't expect to be up until dawn.

Playa de Las Teresitas, just up the coast from Las Caletillas, provides a change of scenery and golden sandy beaches for those who aren't quite comfortable sunning themselves on the remnants of a volcanic eruption. Of course, the bustling Santa Cruz is close by and if visitors hire a car, there are various areas of interest to explore on this part of Tenerife, such as the small town of Masca, the historic village of La Laguna with its market and attractive cathedral, or La Orotava, which boasts an embroidery school). Teide National Park makes for a great day trip as visitors can enjoy a cable car ride up Spain's highest mountain, the volcanic Mount Teide. Although it may not be a hotspot, Las Caletillas is the perfect holiday destination for those seeking a more authentic Canaries experience and a truly relaxing getaway.

Shopping

Las Caletillas is a perfectly self-contained resort with just the amount of shops tourists might need for basics and souvenirs and the like. There's a supermarket for self-catering supplies, but visitors who want a more comprehensive shopping experience should venture into the neighbouring village or make the short drive to Santa Cruz.

Restaurants

There are a handful of bars and restaurants at the resort itself, with a notable, and natural, emphasis on seafood. Travellers will find a wider choice of restaurants in Candelaria and, of course, Santa Cruz has a broad selection.

Nightlife

Las Caletillas has some wonderful spots for sundowners and a few drinks while listening to gentle live music, but it isn't a party resort and there are no real nightclubs. Tourists won't have to go far to find a vibrant nightlife though, and can venture into Candelaria, Playa de las Teresitas or Santa Cruz for more energetic entertainment after dark.

Holiday activities

Visitors can enjoy boat tours, fishing, mountain biking and hiking from the resort and can hop across to Playa de las Teresitas for a variety of water sports. There's a basilica and some interesting statues at Plaza de la Patrona at the far end of the promenade, and there are many sights of interest nearby. The best excursion is a trip to Teide National Park.

Any negatives?

The sea can get a bit rough and the pebbly beach will not be to everybody's taste.