In the southerly municipality of Adeje is Callao Salvaje, around five miles from the large resort of Playa de las Américas. Callao Salvaje is a much smaller place, and a lot of it is residential. With a relaxed vibe, it’s the ideal place for a laid-back vacation in Tenerife at any time of the year.
Despite being a peaceful place, Callao Salvaje has undergone some development in recent times. The small resort offers a range of accommodation options, mostly in self-catering aparthotels that either have one restaurant or provide no meals at all. This makes it an ideal resort for independent holidaymakers who like having access to cooking facilities and more space.
Callao Salvaje also makes a great base for those who wish to explore the island (our list of things to do in Tenerife), as car hire is cheap here. A good local bus service that can also take visitors to various other places. There is a beach in Callao Salvaje, as well as others in neighbouring Playa Paraiso. Other great coastal spots within easy reach include Playa Abama and El Puertito.
Whether you prefer chilling out on a beach, taking to the hiking and walking trails or sampling local restaurants, Callao Salvaje makes a great destination for anyone who wishes to enjoy a quiet self-catering holiday in the sun.
Weather in Callao Salvaje
The weather here is warm almost all year round. The coldest months are January, February, and early March. During this period, the temperature drops to 21-22℃ during the day and 17-18℃ at night. In June, July, and August the weather is very hot, with the temperature rising to around 28-29℃. It rarely rains in this area.
Things to Do in Callao Salvaje
Hit the Pebbly, Black Sand Beach of Playa de Ajabo
Callao Salvaje beach is known as Playa de Ajabo (location). While it’s not perhaps the ideal beach for families due to strong wave action, deep water and a rocky surface, it does have all the amenities you could require including sun loungers with parasols, toilets and showers, changing rooms and a lifeguard service.
There is also a large park and wheelchair access at Playa de Ajabo, as well as a beach bar. Unfortunately, it has been closed for a while and there is no information on when it will be back open again. Other cafes, bars and restaurants can be found near the seafront.
Soak up the Sun at the Plaza and Playground
Callao Salvaje has a lovely square with a sea view. It’s a delightful place to spend some time in while enjoying the sunshine and fresh sea breeze. There are plenty of benches to sit on, and a play park so kids can run off some steam while parents relax.
The nearby island of La Gomera can be seen from the plaza, and don’t miss seeing the sunset over the Atlantic here. Make sure you bring your smartphone or camera, so you can capture the stunning views for posterity.
Wander Along to the Nearby Resort Playa Paraiso
Playa Paraiso is a neighbouring resort, and worth the effort for its picturesque beaches – as well as the pleasant stroll itself. There are two ways to reach Playa Paraiso. Visitors can take the coastal walkway, although this is not completely paved so do bear that in mind. You can also take the ordinary footpaths through the resort, but we recommend the ocean route as it’s much quicker – and prettier.
The first thing you’ll encounter if taking the coastal walkway is Playa las Galgas. It’s a photogenic little beach nestled between rocks. It was the first beach we visited when we first came to Tenerife and we really loved it. Playa Paraiso is also home to the Hard Rock Hotel, possibly Tenerife’s most famous property. Even non-guests can book time or treatments at the amazing spa here, or could savour a meal or sip a drink at one of its restaurants.
Take to the Trails on the Barranco del Infierno Hike
If you have a hire car, the Barranco del Infierno – aka Hell’s Ravine – hike is just 15 minutes’ drive from Callao Salvaje. While this well known hike is not the most challenging walk, this really does depend on how fit you are. The total distance is 6.5km, which most can comfortably complete in around 3 hours.
You are required to wear helmets on the trail, and these are provided at the reception area there. There are also toilets provided. Do make sure to book before you head to Hells Ravine, though, as you must make a reservation via the official website in advance.
Visit the Charming, Unspoiled Fishing Village of El Puertito
Again this is an ideal destination for those who have the use of a vehicle, as El Puertito is just 10 minutes away. This is a small, traditional Tenerife fishing village that remains relatively untouched by tourism.
Things to do in El Puertito include relaxing on the little beach lapped by warm turquoise water, snorkeling, and enjoying the freshest fish at ‘Bodegon Pepe y Lola’, a lovely local bar and restaurant.
El Puertito is also widely regarded as one of the best places for snorkelling with turtles in Tenerife. You can also read more about this small seaside fishing village in our guide to El Puertito.
Live the High Life at Playa Abama
If you like, head in the opposite direction for a different kind of beach experience. Playa Abama is one of Tenerife’s most beautiful beaches, with soft golden sands. The fact that it’s fringed by an upmarket resort gives it an exclusive atmosphere, yet it is accessible to all as Tenerife’s beaches are open to the public.
It takes around 10 minutes to reach Playa Abama by car or by local bus. Board bus route number 473 when it calls at Callao Salvaje (location) and make sure to alight at the Abama (T) stop (location).
Explore the Entire Canarian Island of Tenerife
The places detailed above are merely the closest places of interest to Callao Salvaje, but we have merely scratched the surface. As Tenerife is relatively small, it’s easy to explore the whole of this compact island. Those who hire a car can easily visit other destinations like Siam Park or Teide, and it’s possible to access various popular spots by local bus too. You can read our complete guide to bus travel in Tenerife here.
Best Places to Stay
As we touched on above, most of Callao Salvaje’s accommodation comprises apartment-style hotels. Most serve breakfast and some other meals, and self-catering is made simple by the fact that units typically come with a kitchen equipped with a fridge and other kitchen appliances. A couple of apartment complexes in the area offer no catering at all, so if this option appeals, feel free to skip straight to the last two options detailed below.
BEST – Hotel Tropical Park
Hotel Tropical Park is the best accommodation option in Callao Salvaje. This four-star property is located only 150 yards from the local beach, and the modern complex offers a range of bright, air conditioned rooms. There is also a gym, three outdoor pools, a spa and a buffet restaurant.
Every contemporary apartment comes complete with tiled flooring and a furnished lounge area with satellite TV as well as a kitchenette with kettle, fridge and microwave. A particular perk of this aparthotel is the Tropical Grill restaurant, a buffet-style eatery serving Spanish style dishes.
Shared amenities include a gym and the pool with free sun loungers for guests’ use. There is also a supermarket on site, plus other stores within five minutes’ walk. A range of suites here can sleep up to five guests.
MID-RANGE – Atlantic Holiday Hotel
The four-star Atlantic Holiday Hotel in Callao Salvaje enjoys a seaside location, and offers two saltwater swimming pools that are heated during the colder months. Apartments have private balconies and kitchenettes, and there is a restaurant and bars on site.
With free WiFi throughout, families staying at the Atlantic Holiday Hotel benefit from a kids’ play park in addition to the two outdoor pools. Kitchen facilities include fridges, kettles and coffee makers. There is a TV in each unit, and a safe, table tennis and tennis can be accessed on payment of a surcharge.
The hotel has a pool bar serving cocktails and guests can also savour sweeping ocean views from the restaurant while sampling local specialities. Apartments and studios here can accommodate two to three guests.
BUDGET – Apartamentos Albatros
For those on a budget, the Albatros apartments offer clean, well-equipped accommodation with an outdoor pool, restaurant and bar.
There is also a restaurant at Apartments Albatros, and this offers international cuisine as well as the chance to sample Canarian favourites.
Free WiFi is provided throughout the building and each room comes with a seating area with TV and a fully equipped kitchenette. Each unit sleeps up to six and also has a furnished terrace. There are sea views from some apartments.
ALL INCLUSIVE – Blue Sea Apartamentos Callao Garden
If you’re a sporty type seeking all-inclusive deals in Tenerife, the Blue Sea Callao Garden complex does offer great value for money. It has 4 pools and mini golf plus squash and tennis courts.
Each apartment can accommodate between one and three people and has a lounge area with sofa bed and a kitchenette with coffee maker and fridge. WiFi can be accessed at the front desk and safes and satellite TVs are available at an additional cost.
While some previous guests have mentioned old furniture or that the complex may not be as clean as some, others have raved about the friendly service, amenities and beachfront location.
No breakfast – Ona Sueño Azul
Callao Salvaje also has a couple of self-catering apartment complexes that offer accommodation with no meals provided. The first is Ona Sueño Azul, which is ten minutes’ walk from the beach. This complex offers three bedroom holiday homes with pool access and WiFi in shared areas.
The accommodation is air conditioned and equipped with a DVD player and flatscreen TV in the living area. Bathrooms include hairdryers and free toiletries, while each kitchen has a hob, oven and washing machine.
A kids’ playground, on site parking and an outdoor terrace with pool tables makes this a sociable and practical choice for self-catering family holidays.
No breakfast – Pearly Grey Apartments and Suites
Apartamentos Perla Gris – aka Pearly Grey – comprises a range of studios, apartments and suites for up to six guests. There are superb ocean views over the Atlantic and the island of La Gomera from this complex.
Each unit at this three-star property features an open-plan dining, lounging and kitchen area that is decorated, equipped and furnished in a sleek, contemporary and convenient fashion.
All guests can use the sun terrace, gym and outdoor pool at the Pearly Grey, and there is also a restaurant on site offering themed meals and a la carte dining options.
Callao Salvaje Restaurants
Bar Restaurante El Delfin
Happy diners return again and again to El Delfin, and based on the seaside location alone it’s easy to see why. This delightful eatery with a view serves a range of Spanish, European and Mediterreanean dishes, and seafood is of course a speciality. The service is impeccable and the clifftop location nothing short of spectacular. Food and wine is of high quality and offers great value, and the stunning views at sunset may well make dinner here one of the highlights of your holiday.
Nebula Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Located a little way inland on Calle el Jable, Nebula is a smart and modern cocktail bar and restaurant that’s ideal for intimate nights out or family dining. With a menu featuring seafood and meat as well as Italian and Spanish cuisine, visitors to Nebula can enjoy steak, risotto, seafood or burgers followed by delicious desserts and colourful cocktails. The food is fabulous – and always very elegantly presented.
The Italian Corner
Close to the coast in Callao Salvaje is The Italian Corner, the ideal eatery for those who crave dishes like pizza and pasta. There are also lots of other menu options, such as steaks or the freshest sea bass. Past visitors also rate the coffee highly, just as you might expect from an Italian restaurant. Cocktails and desserts are also popular here, and the terrace is a top spot for witnessing the sun sinking over the Atlantic.
Getting Around
Although only one bus route passes through Callao Salvaje, the 473 is a very useful one with frequent services. It can take you to Los Gigantes in one direction or Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos on the other. You can also reach the neighbouring resorts of Playa de San Juan, Alcala, Playa de la Arena and Puerto de Santiago via the 473. Here is the timetable.
Shopping
For those who are self-catering, there is a good HiperDino Express supermarket in Callao Salvaje, as well as a few smaller grocery stores.
For clothes, accessories and other items you can visit the Rosa Center Shopping Mall. While this is technically in the neighbouring resort of Playa Paraiso, it’s positioned on the Callao Salvaje and is therefore really close. You’ll find some nice cafes and restaurants in this shopping mall – and the views from the top floor are breathtaking.
You can reach the mall on foot in about 20 minutes, although some parts of the road don’t have a footpath. It can be fun to walk for this short trip if you want to grab a cup of coffee in the mall, but if you want to buy anything do bear in mind that it could be tricky and uncomfortable to carry your purchases back. Taking a taxi is the simple solution, or if you have a hire car you can drive there instead.
For more shopping opportunities in Tenerife, check out our detailed shopping guide.
