Las Galletas: The truth about the origin of the name of the Canarian village

In a picturesque corner of Arona, there is a village with a simple name – Las Galletas. Where did it come from?

There is a legend that the name is associated with stale bread from a ship or supplies lost in a shipwreck. It sounds romantic, but in reality, everything is simpler.

The Canarian Academy of Language (ACL) says that there are no documents that accurately explain the origin of the name. But there is a plausible version that dispels the myths.

The ACL believes that the name comes from the Portuguese word "calheta," which means "cove" or "small bay." This is well suited to the area, as there is a small, sheltered bay, ideal for fishing.

The word "calheta" could have transformed into the Spanish "galleta/galletas." This is a common practice when borrowed words change slightly.

And the addition of the article "Las" is typical for names on the islands, such as "Las Caletillas" or "Los Cristianos."

Interestingly, the name "Las Galletas" already appears in documents from the early 16th century, where Spanish conquerors divided the land after the conquest of Tenerife.

In these documents, such as protocols and letters, there are mentions of land "for transfer to Las Galletas" or "ravine of Las Galletas." This means that the name existed already 20 years after the conquest, and not recently invented for tourists.

In addition, the coast of Arona and San Miguel de Abona has many geographical names that describe the shape or use of the place: Los Abrigos (harbors), La Tejita (possibly a hint at lava roofs). Therefore, the name "small bay" for Las Galletas is more appropriate than the story of a shipwreck.

Although Tenerife was conquered by Spain, the Portuguese had a significant influence on the Canary Islands. Therefore, many words, including place names, are of Portuguese origin.

In Madeira and the Azores, many places are called Calheta/Calhetas. Therefore, it is quite possible that the name passed into Spanish for a place with similar characteristics.

And the plural with the article (Las Galletas) is a common model for many names in Spain and the Canary Islands.

Las Galletas is a fishing village in the south of Tenerife. Here you can feel the local atmosphere, relax on the city beach and take a boat ride. Las Galletas beach has pebbles and dark volcanic sand. And along the beach stretches a promenade with a market and a traditional pier.

Nearby is Marina del Sur–Las Galletas, a sports and fishing port that offers many activities for tourists.

There are 176 berths, boat repair services, as well as companies that organize boat trips, whale watching, jet skiing and other activities. From here you can also go diving to famous places such as Montaña Amarilla, the Palm-Mar cave or the sunken ship El Condesito.

All this is located in the protected area of Malpaís de La Rasca, not far from the tourist spots of Costa del Silencio and Ten-Bel, which were once very popular for summer holidays in Tenerife.