Salida 12 - La Caleta

torrenter · 16th September 2007, 21:32

I've been exploring some of the coastal towns to the east of the airport. They are reachable from the TF1 motorway, and the other day, it was the turn of Salida 12 - the exit leading to La Caleta.

La Caleta - another barrancho beach (see pic #1).

So what made this the most delightful trip of the day?

Cananios hospitality - that's what.

We wandered up to the small promomade, and came across a street party! Being reserved English types we sat down nearby, and within a minute, someone offered us a canarian potato.

A moment later, a 'tired and emotional' host (Juan) poured us out a cup of local wine, and brought us a plate of pork with mojo sauce. Others brought us a serviette, and more wine 'made in Guimar' and later some prepared fruit. A truly free lunch - just for the effort of visiting another south-eastern Canarian seaside pueblo - what could be better?

It was some kind of local street party, and Juan; our host, made sure we were watered and fed in true Canarian style!

It seems like 30 years since I last saw this kind of unconditional genuine hospitality; and it has coloured our view of 'La Caleta' forever! What a breath of fresh air La Caleta was...

Here's the photo, when I asked the table to 'dice tinerife!' (pic #2)

Link to Panorama: http://www.charcodelvalle.com/webroot/panos/salida12/
(if you browser wants to install the 'quicktime plugin' - just say 'yes')

videoman · 16th September 2007, 22:13

Is the first photo before or after the street party?
Have they had too much to drink?
Nice write up and photos again but how far do you intend to travel?
Will it be in a circular route around the island?

Jantel · 17th September 2007, 09:16

Thanks Torrenter, what a super thread this is.
Will follow your journey with interest!

tottyas · 17th September 2007, 12:10

Its really interesting to read your comments and see the photos. Keep up the good work.

Will look forward to visiting some of these places when we move out.

SULU · 17th September 2007, 13:46

Arriving in Tenerife on Sunday, was planning a do nothing, recharge batteries break but now I reckon we will be out and about. Thanks for your posts, informative interesting and can't wait to explore!

carolethatch · 20th September 2007, 10:05

Thanks for doing what I always wanted to do, except my husband won't drive over there, so I can enjoy it through your eyes, and Caleta has always been my favorite. One day. Carole

super_mum46 · 20th September 2007, 11:50

Had lunch in La Caleta just a few days ago. It was beautiful (as ever) - sun shining, blue sky, blue sea, lovely fresh fish grilled with salad and canarian potatoes. Who could ask for more! By the way, we are now back in grey, miserable and almost wet England. Boo hoo!

About to log off forum and search for flights as quickly as possible. I miss you Tenerife.

Janet · 20th September 2007, 14:38

Just to be clear ... there are two places called La Caleta. Torrenter's one reviewed here is not the one near Fanabe, but is up the east coast towards Candelaria.

torrenter · 20th September 2007, 15:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janet

Just to be clear ... there are two places called La Caleta. Torrenter's one reviewed here is not the one near Fanabe, but is up the east coast towards Candelaria.

Due to the way that most seaside towns are where a barrancho (gully) meets the sea to form a pebble/sand beach, 'La Caleta' (= 'The Creek') is a common name. I know of at least 3 on the southeastern coast alone.

During my travels, I could see that the barranchos must have been formed when colossal volumes of water came down from the mountain in the dim distant past. It must have rained for hundreds of years when the volcanoes were erupting, as the island is only a million or so years old, and the gullies have formed in a (geologically) short time, but are deep with heavily-worn rock.

The other thing I have noticed, is that the Island must have risen, as there are quite a few elevated shorelines and beaches around the coast.