Las Caletillas Travel Guide

Las Caletillas is a quiet holiday resort, more residential than commercial, set on Tenerife's north east coast. The resort is roughly nine miles (14km) from the island's capital, Santa Cruz, and is a stone's throw away from the charming village of Candelaria with 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 stretching around three coves, and offers several bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. There is not much on offer in the way of nightlife in Las Caletillas, so don'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 one hires 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 (boasting an embroidery school). A great day out is a trip to the Teide National Park where 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 in Spain for those seeking a more authentic Canaries experience and a truly relaxing Tenerife 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 is a supermarket for self-catering supplies. However, those 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. There is more choice in restaurants in Candelaria and of course a broad selection in Santa Cruz.

Nightlife

Las Caletillas has some wonderful spots for sundowners and a few drinks while listening to gentle live music, but it is not 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, to Playa de las Teresitas, or into 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 is 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.