If you feel like spending some time at a traditional fishing village during your stay in Tenerife, then we recommend a visit to El Puertito.
This small spot by the sea is refreshingly free of high-rise developments (no apartment complexes here, just maybe a few Airbnbs owned by locals), loud music, crowds of tourists, and sands covered in sun loungers and parasols.
It’s important to mention that in this article we talk about El Puertito de Armeñime. There is actually another similarly named El Puertito de Güímar on the east coast of Tenerife.
The charm of El Puertito lies in the fact that it is completely calm and unspoiled – and all the more alluring for it. It’s like an oasis in the middle of Tenerife. Relaxing on the little black sand beach Playa el Puertito, framed by cliffs, is one of the simple pleasures of a visit to this fishing village. Just don’t expect any amenities here.
A friendly tip: If you are heading to El Puertito to enjoy the beach, we would recommend checking tide charts. During the high tide, the beach is almost non-existent.
Pretty white houses and the gleaming village chapel are a draw for fans of architecture, and if you’re feeling energetic you can take a stroll uphill past these attractive homes to enjoy stupendous views over the azure waters of the Atlantic.
Often referred to as the ‘Turtle Bay of the Canaries’, El Puertito is also one of the best places you’ll find anywhere to snorkel, kayak, dive and swim with sea turtles in their natural habitat. It’s also the ideal location for enjoying freshly caught and prepared fish and seafood courtesy of Bodegon Pepe y Lola, the local eatery.
Snorkel and Swim with Turtles
The water in the small bay of El Puertito is crystal clear providing perfect conditions for snorkelling. The variety of animals underwater is also impressive for Tenerife: many different kinds of fish and even turtles that live in this bay for many years. You are not guaranteed to see them, though, it all depends on luck.
You can also opt for an organized kayaking and snorkelling tour during which you may encounter turtles and even dolphins if luck is on your side that day. Sometimes those tours take place in El Puertito, sometimes in other areas along the coast.
Take a Hike to La Caleta
We highly recommend a trail leading from El Puertito to the small coastal resort of La Caleta. Beautiful views along the way and you also pass two wild beaches: Playa de los Morteros and Playa Diego Hernández. The latter is so impressive that we would definitely include it in our top beaches in Tenerife. Do be aware that it’s nudist-friendly, though being clothed here is also acceptable.
Ensure you apply sunscreen and bring enough water since there is no shade on this trail. Also, do wear sturdy shoes. The length of the route is 6.4 km and it takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to complete. You can check out the map of the hike here.
Once you arrive in La Caleta, get a rest in one of the fine restaurants this small resort is known for.
Where to eat in El Puertito
Stopping at cafe Bodegon Pepe y Lola for a bite to eat is one of the best things to do during your time in El Puertito. This peaceful local waterfront eatery overlooks the small, unspoiled bay and serves up fresh fish dishes, Spanish specialities like paella, tapas, and Mediterranean-style fare. It also offers ice-cold beer and freshly mixed sangria.
Getting to El Puertito
If you have a hire car, you can drive to El Puertito from anywhere in Tenerife. As a compact island, it never takes too long to get anywhere – even when your journey takes you from one side to the other or from top to bottom.
The nearest resorts include Playa Paraiso and Callao Salvaje, both to the north, and these can easily be reached by car. Beyond these, and further north, are other towns like Alcala, Puerto de Santiago, Playa de la Arena, Los Gigantes, and their neighbouring resorts.
La Caleta, Costa Adeje, Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos are located to the south. All of these west coast resorts are connected by the TF-1, the island’s main motorway. The only public transport option for getting to El Puertito is to take a taxi.
