La Caleta is a small coastal resort in Tenerife, situated between Playa Paraiso and Costa Adeje. The lovely seafront restaurants are a particular highlight of the town, and in fact draw visitors from all over the south of the island. The clear blue waters of the beach are also the perfect place to take a pre-dinner dip.
In recent times, La Caleta has become something of a culinary hub. Foodies from all over the Canaries and beyond flock here to sample the island’s finest seafood and revel in the resort’s laid-back ambience. Witnessing the sunset here is also a favourite local pastime.
If you’d like to visit La Caleta, this guide will help you to plan your trip. Covering everything from the weather and where you can stay to the best beaches and restaurants, read on to find out why this is a place you must visit.
Weather in La Caleta
The weather in La Caleta is known for being warm to hot and pleasant all year round – and more so than resorts in the north of the island. Skies are clearer here, and there is generally less wind.
Summer and autumn both offer warm water for water sports and swimming. December is the coldest month on average, and August the hottest. January and February are the wettest months. At any time between March and December visitors can expect mostly dry days during their stay.
Things to do in La Caleta
Swim and sunbathe at the best local beaches
Though the beaches in La Caleta tend to be devoid of sand, they are noteworthy due to the peaceful atmosphere, warm azure waters and lack of crowds.
Playa de la Enramada
Once covered in pebbles, Playa de la Enramada has been transformed into something more closely resembling the perfect bathing beach. Sand from Los Cristianos plus ground-down stones have produced a clean sweep of finely-textured volcanic sand.
Sometimes this is a bodyboarding hotspot, though for most of the year the waves lapping the sandy shore are far more tame. You can rent sun loungers and parasols, and it’s popular among locals. The sunset is unmissable and there’s a beach bar supplying refreshingly chilled drinks. You may also spot paragliders during your visit.
Playa El Varadero
Though its size is limited and it’s covered in pebbles, Playa el Varadero does possess a certain charm. It’s also a great snorkelling spot, so do take a mask and fins if you fancy spotting colourful underwater life just 10 metres from the shore.
You can perch or walk on the rocks and stones here, and kids will love spotting small creatures such as crabs and shellfish. Again, seeing the sunset over the nearby island of La Gomera is a real treat.
Playa de los Morteros and Playa Diego Hernández
Neither of these two unspoiled, nudist-friendly beaches is located in La Caleta, but venture away from the resort and you’ll find crystal clear azure waters. The beaches can only be reached on foot from La Caleta. It’s well worth the steep, rocky but not too challenging walk to get there.
Wear sturdy footwear before setting off and make sure you have a good supply of water, snacks and sunscreen with you. The views are incredible, and as you might expect the sunset here is a breathtaking spectacle.
Playa de los Morteros
This grey sand and pebble beach lies around 10 minutes from La Caleta. The cute little cove here is enclosed by rocks, giving it a cosy feel. Playa de los Morteros is a nudist-friendly beach, though being clothed here is also acceptable.
Playa Diego Hernández
This beach is also sometimes referred to as Playa Blanca. It takes about 50 minutes to reach on foot from La Caleta. Those driving, however, can park above the beach, near the Golf Costa Adeje roundabout before heading through the golf course. This walk takes only 15 to 20 minutes.
This large beach is only lightly sanded, but is wild and natural. Once, it was known locally as the hippie beach, but is now tranquil and seen by many as the island’s most scenic beach. Do time your visit to coincide with low tide, as the sand becomes covered when the tide is high.
Like Playa de los Morteros, Playa Diego Hernández is nudist-friendly, so it may not be the best choice for families. Non nudists are, however, very welcome to visit.
Sample seafood at the best restaurants in La Caleta
The meat and fish restaurants in La Caleta are justifiably renowned. For the finest fare on the island, these are the recommended eateries to visit.
Salitre Restaurante
With a beautiful covered terrace overlooking the ocean Salitre is a high end establishment. It’s the one to book for that special occasion or romantic sunset evening out. The paella and Canarian potatoes in particular come highly recommended.
CHAR Fuego Y Brasas
Modern fusion food doesn’t get any better than at this fine dining restaurant in a former fishing village. Grills, steaks and seafood are specialities, and witnessing the chefs whipping up your dinner in the open kitchen makes for a most memorable experience.
Tasca La Vida
While seafood is a feature of the menu, Tasca la Vida is also a great place to go for authentic Spanish tapas, steak or vegetarian food. The cod croquette starter is always a big hit with diners and there’s a sublime outdoor terrace with sea views.
Starfish
In a resort known for its superlative seafood restaurants, Starfish still manages to stand out. The setting by the hotel pool is glorious and the tasty treats on offer range from Aberdeen Angus steaks or lamb to octopus, lobster, sea bass and tuna steaks.
Scenic walks and hikes around La Caleta
Take a hike to El Puertito
If you do decide to check out the beaches of Playa de los Morteros and Playa Diego Hernández beaches, you can continue all the way to El Puertito via the trail leading through La Caleta National Park. The 6.5km circular route is beautiful, and El Puertito is peaceful and picturesque. Those who want to explore further can also continue onto Callao Salvaje.
The trail to El Puertito is fairly easy, with some steep sections, and is open throughout the year. The route takes around 90 minutes to complete, and there is some stunning scenery to take in along the way. Do wear robust shoes, and take plenty of water along with you.
Once you arrive, you can take a rest break on the black volcanic sands of the beach here, flanked by towering cliffs. El Puertito is famed for its sea turtle population, and you’ll also see local fishing boats passing by as they head into or out of the bay.
Trek up to a local viewpoint
When in La Caleta, it’s not actually necessary to take a long hike before enjoying beautiful views. Instead, simply climb the steps by Playa el Varadero to the top. Here, where La Caleta National Park starts, you can sit for a while and take in the spectacular panoramas. Sunset is a great time to visit.
Walk to Playa del Duque in Costa Adeje – or even further
It only takes around 25 minutes to reach Playa del Duque on foot, and the path from La Caleta is paved. The route is only around 3 km (2 miles) long, and the terrain includes jagged volcanic rock as well as sandy coastal spots. There are plenty of places to stop along the way if you’re so inclined, including cold drinks and ice cream stalls and even fine dining restaurants.
Once you arrive in Playa del Duque, you can make the most of a golden, sandy beach lapped by warm azure waters. Local amenities include toilets, showers, changing rooms, sun loungers, volleyball courts and even disabled access ramps. It’s also a lovely spot to see the sunset from and the pretty promenade is lined with bars, cafes, shops and restaurants.
Continuing east from Playa del Duque will take you to the popular beach at Playa de Fanabe. Walkers may also choose to carry on towards Costa Adeje, and beyond there to Los Cristianos, via Playa de las Americas and other local resorts and coastal spots.
Chill out at a beach bar
Coqueluche Beach Bar (location) is the recommended spot by those in the know. It has a very laid-back atmosphere, and can be found on the black sandy beach between Costa Adeje and La Caleta.
High quality food and drinks are available at Coqueluche, and it’s fun seeing the paragliders landing close by. If you want to spend time at a quieter, more family-friendly venue, this beach is the place to go.
Also, check out our ultimate guide to the best things to do in Tenerife.
Best Places to Stay
Luxury – Royal Hideaway Corales
The reviews for this five-star property are outstanding and it’s one of the finest hotels in La Caleta. It’s positioned in a peaceful spot, removed from the hustle and bustle of the resort yet close to some top-rated seafood restaurants. Playa de la Enramada is just six minutes away.
The hotel comprises the family-friendly Royal Hideaway Corales Suites and the Royal Hideaway Corales Beach, which welcomes only adults. Whichever you stay at, the service is top-notch. The rooftop bar and restaurant are highlights, and the views over the local area are unparalleled.
Best – H10 Costa Adeje Palace
This four-star seafront hotel is only seven minutes from Playa de la Enramada, and there is direct beach access from the property. The impressive wealth of amenities here include a pair of infinity pools, a spacious outdoor terrace offering spectacular ocean views and glorious tropical-style gardens.
Services and facilities available at H10 Costa Adeje Palace include a full family entertainment programme, the Sakura Teppanyaki restaurant and a deluxe spa. There are plenty of swimming pools and other spaces for children and adults alike to enjoy. The food offered here is fabulous and the service is friendly and attentive.
Mid-Range – HOVIMA Jardin Caleta
If you’ll be based in town for three nights or more (the minimum stay), then you can book into this three star hotel just two minute from Playa de la Enramada. While the decor isn’t as impressive as at four and five star picks, it’s the perfect place to stay for families with children.
Each unit has a private balcony with views over the ocean or three pools. Other appealing amenities include a hot tub, a children’s playground, a poolside bar and a buffet and BBQ restaurant. Evening entertainment is provided and there is also a kids’ club.
Apartments in La Caleta
You will not be able to beat the location of Apartments La Caleta Sunrises, which are merely 100 metres from El Varadero Beach. There are superb sea views from the outdoor spaces, and each unit comes with a kitchenette for self-catering plus dining and lounge areas.
Getting around
La Calera is a small resort, and you can walk everywhere in town. If you’d like to visit nearby resorts, though, you’ll need to take a car, bus or taxi.
Tenerife South airport to La Caleta
There is no direct bus from Tenerife Sur Airport (TFS) to La Caleta, but there is a way. Bus number 111 will take you from Tenerife South Airport to Costa Adeje bus station, from which you can catch bus 467 to La Caleta. The entire trip will take about 45 minutes. A ticket from TFS to Costa Adeje costs €3.70, then the Costa Adeje to La Caleta sector costs €1.
La Caleta to Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas
The same bus route 467 can take you from La Caleta to Costa Adeje or Playa de las Americas for just €1. Alternatively, take a taxi at a cost of around €12-15. This journey takes about 15 minutes.
La Caleta to Los Gigantes
There is no direct bus from La Caleta to Los Gigantes, but again you can travel via Costa Adeje station. From there, take bus 473 or 477 to Los Gigantes. It takes about 50 minutes to get there and costs €4.20. Alternatively, take a taxi, which costs around €30-40 and will take about 25 minutes.
