Callao Salvaje is a tranquil coastal area in Tenerife ideal for those seeking relaxation and year-round sunshine. The nightlife in this area is pretty relaxed, yet there are a few lively pubs and bars. Also, near the black sand Playa de Ajabo, the local beach, you have a nice beach club and restaurant to enjoy the evenings. Accommodation is mostly budget-friendly hotels or private holiday lettings.
Beaches
Playa de Ajabo is the beach in Callao Salvaje. It has the typical black sands and a lovely beach bar and restaurant. If visiting the same beach every day gets a bit boring, know that you can walk over to the Playa Paraiso along the coastline, where you will find several other small sandy and rocky beaches that could offer some variety.
Where to stay in Callao Salvaje
Callao Salvaje isn’t that large, so most things are easily within walking distance. However, for the best experience, it is best to stay near the beach, as most of the restaurants, bars, and nightlife are also in this area.
- Pearly Grey Ocean Club: A budget-friendly apartment complex for couples or families with entertainment and pools overlooking the ocean.
- MYND Adeje: One of the area’s newer and more modern hotels.
- Hotel Tropical Park: Another excellent hotel within walking distance to restaurants and the beach.
Callao Salvaje is also an excellent area for those looking to rent budget-friendly villas, houses, or apartments, as prices are generally lower than in Tenerife’s more popular holiday destinations.
Things to do in Callao Salvaje
- El Puertito: This little coastal area is a must-visit. Not only can you have some great seaside food and tapas here, but you can also snorkel and look for turtles or join a kayaking tour. While it has become better known and a bit more touristy in recent years, it is still a mostly hidden gem.
- Playa Paraiso: For a wider variety of beaches, restaurants, or a change of scenery, you can easily walk to Playa Paraiso in about 10 minutes next to the coastline. Follow the path behind the beach bar leading uphill.
- Golf: The 18 whole Golf Costa Adeje is nearby.
- Spa at H10: If you want a luxurious spa day, you can do so in the H10 Atlantic Sunset Hotel.
- Costa Adeje: The most popular tourist area in Tenerife, Costa Adeje, is just a few kilometers away, and it offers many more activities, waterparks, restaurants, bars, and nightlife.
- Siam Water Park: You will find this excellent waterpark just a few kilometres away.
- Roca Negra: This area in nearby Playa Paraiso offers a unique sunset experience a bit like a mini Ibiza sunset vibe.
- Hire a car: It is best to hire a car to make visits to nearby areas like Costa Adeje, El Puertito, or waterparks even easier. You can also go by bus, but it is more cumbersome, and if you are a few people, it is often cheaper to hire a car in Tenerife.
- Adventure: A hike to El Balito for a swim with or without snorkelling gear and a picnic is also great fun. The nearby abandoned old banana plantation is also fun to explore.
This list is of things to do in or near Callao Salvaje. But there is much more to see and do on the island. You can find a full list of the top things to do and not do in Tenerife here.
Restaurants
In Callao Salvaje, you will find quite a few smaller and cosy restaurants with a decent variety. Most of these are budget-friendly and most are located on the Calle el Jable and Calle la Lava.
The beach restaurant also offers a unique and relaxing experience. Over the years, it has undergone many changes, and sometimes the food is good, other times not so good. During my last visit, everything seemed fine again.
Nightlife
Callao Salvaje has a very relaxed nightlife. However, it has become more lively over the years, with a few more fun bars and pubs to explore.
All of these have a family-friendly vibe to have a few drinks in the evening. You will also find musicians performing almost every night in the beach club near the beach.
Tenerife airport to Callao Salvaje
Callao Salvaje is a 27-kilometer drive from the Tenerife South Airport (TFS). The Tenerife North Airport (TFN) is 91 kilometres away. So it is best to fly to the Tenerife South Airport:
- Public transport (5.80 €/pp): Cheap but since you will need to transfer buses at least once or twice, not ideal.
- Shuttle bus online (6.35 €/pp): For just 50 cents more, this is a much better option. There is no need to transfer onto other buses, and the bus drops you off right in front of your hotel.
- Taxi or minibus online (44.88 €): Also a good option for those travelling with four or more people or those who need child safety seats.
- Taxi at the airport (33.60 €): While in theory, this is a cheaper option, on weekends or evenings, it will cost more or the same as a taxi reserved beforehand online. These taxis don’t have child safety seats and offer a bit less service. Also, they can take only four people at most.
Here, you can find the timetables and prices for public transportation and easily book a minibus, shuttle, or taxi.
When to go
Callao Salvaje has excellent weather all year round, like the major resorts in the South. There is actually an even lower chance of rain here, making it ideal for those looking for great weather. Also, it is less often windy here than in the South.
May and October offer excellent budget-friendly deals, but the resort will be quieter, and some bars and restaurants might close for holidays or renovations. June and September have great value for money with excellent weather and fair prices.
Is Callao Salvaje the best holiday destination for you?
If you are looking for a budget-friendly holiday, a laid-back atmosphere, and year-round sunshine, Callao Salvaje is ideal. Families and couples who enjoy apartments, private lettings, or another type of self-catering holiday will also find this area ideal.
This area is not ideal for those looking for a bustling nightlife or lots of activities, entertainment, and things to do.
If you’re not sure if Callao Salvaje is the best holiday destination for you in Tenerife, have a look at where to stay in Tenerife.
