Always progressing and always striving to better itself, that’s Callao Salvaje on the western edge of Costa Adeje. This popular resort has grown steadily over the last 30 years and is now ready for its crowning glory, a 2.3 million euro upgrade of the beach at Playa de Ajabo.

The large sheltered bay currently has a mix of dark volcanic sand and shingle but has long been promised a coating of softer, lighter sand, changing facilities and showers. The Adeje council has drawn up plans, put them on public display and is now ready to start work on the area. As well as the beach, a new coastal walkway will link Callao Salvaje to the nearby resort of Playa Paraiso to the east, this area of coast is very rugged and attracts a rich variety of wildlife.

The access road down to Callao Salvaje has been resurfaced in recent years and a new roundabout at the top, makes it easier and safer to approach. Half way down the road, a new church and sports centre are taking shape, the high vaulted, slanting roof of the church is striking, especially as stained glass windows have been installed. Many ex pats have settled in Callao Salvaje, some of the villas that line the main road in are large and lavish, further down they give way to some big modern hotels and a thriving commercial area with a good choice of bars and restaurants. A newly terraced and planted viewing area looks out onto the Atlantic and the island of La Gomera.

The new beach is a fitting reward for a community that has worked closely together to keep up the steady improvement in the look and content of Callao Salvaje.