Set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Teide, on the north east coast, Las Caletillas is a quiet mostly residential area, with a black, pebbly beach. Just 3kms away is the picturesque village of Candelaria with it's own small beach. Las Caletillas beach consists of three small, sheltered coves, where a remarkable tourist centre with good hotel faiclities has grown up.
Location:
Situated on the east of the island, almost directly opposite La Orotava, 3km from the village of Candelaria.
Beaches:
The coastal resort of Las Caletillas Candelaria and its black sand beaches are often packed. Black sand: a true reminder you're on a volcanic island. The locals tell you it's just as good as the golden sand of the south, but you can't help feeling like you're sitting on a pile of ash from a recent eruption. If you decide black sand really isn't your thing but don't want to go too far away, head to Playa de Las Teresitas, a few kilometres up the coast. Its golden sand is imported from the Sahara.
Places to visit:
Nearby, visit the remote village of Masca or the historic Canarian towns of La Orotava, which has an interesting embroidery school (good for souvenirs) and La Laguna, which has a cathedral with fine stained glass windows, an attractive old town and a colourful morning market. Walk and picnic in the forest of La Esperanza, visit an ostrich farm, botanical gardens, ancient pyramids, or ecological Parque Las Aquilas.
Take a ferry to the nearby mountainous island of La Gomera to hear an exhibition of silbo, the ancient Canarian whistle language. Or head into the vast wilderness of the Teide National Park, where a cable car swiftly swings up the side of volcanic Mt Teide, the highest mountain in Spain at 3,718m. There is a short walk from the cable-car station to the rim of the crater - not for those with heart problems.
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