Caleta de Fuste, also known as El Castillo, is one of Fuerteventura’s main tourism hubs. There are plenty of good reasons to choose this town as your holiday destination, for example, it’s close to the airport and the capital of Fuerteventura, Puerto del Rosario, is just ten minutes away. Its outstanding location in the centre of the island’s east coast makes it the ideal place to get comfortable and go on excursions to all of Fuerteventura’s attractions; it’s equidistant between the north (Corralejo, El Cotillo) and the south (Costa Calma, Jandía).
Caleta de Fuste is the perfect destination for travellers who are looking for comfort and a wide range of sports and leisure activities. This dynamic and modern corner of Fuerteventura has shopping centres, golf courses, hotels and restaurants of every kind. Its beaches and lively nightlife attract visitors seeking relaxation and also fun.
Vibrant Caleta de Fuste beach
Also known as Playa del Castillo, Caleta de Fuste beach is a buzzing meeting place. Fuerteventura residents, particularly those living in Puerto del Rosario, often come here to have fun alongside tourists. In fact, life in Caleta de Fuste (Antigua municipality) revolves around this large golden sand beach that is 700 metres long and 40 metres wide, making it ideal for family holidays.
The beach is very close to the airport, lying next to the marina in a horseshoe-shaped bay that protects it from big waves. It’s extremely safe and swimming in its calm, crystal-clear waters is a total delight. There is a designated area for sand sports and people often go scuba diving and do all kinds of water sports here. The relaxing effects of the ocean contrast with the hustle and bustle found on the oceanfront promenade that runs around the beach, is lined with apartments, terraces, restaurants, bars, shops and also has access to a large shopping centre.
Caleta de Fuste castle, the symbol of the town
Caleta de Fuste castle or San Buenaventura castle, next to the marina, is the image and symbol of the town. However short your visit may be, make sure you don’t miss going for a stroll around the port and taking a look at this eighteenth-century fortification. It was built as a defensive structure to protect Caleta de Fuste from constant attacks by pirates and has been awarded Asset of Cultural Interest status.
Engineer Claudio de Lisle was responsible for the solid, circular building. It’s accessed through a gateway halfway up that is reached via a stone staircase and drawbridge. The rooftop has a platform capable of holding five artillery pieces. Leaving to one side its considerable historical value, the castle is also the perfect spot for enjoying some splendid sunsets.
What to see around Caleta de Fuste
The Salinas del Carmen saltworks, the oldest in Fuerteventura lie on the outskirts of Caleta de Fuste and are definitely worth exploring. The saltworks are located in a small fishing village that is also home to the Salt Museum. Visit this fascinating museum to learn first-hand all about the process of extracting salt from the ocean through videos, texts and photographs. It’s fascinating to find out more about the history of this vital condiment, its various uses throughout history and the customs, legends and superstitions that surround it.
You can even visit the salt flats outside the museum that are still used today and this is a unique opportunity to discover all the secrets of the salt worker’s trade. Younger visitors will be delighted to spot an enormous whale skeleton that sits next to the museum building. The trip can be finished off with a dip at Las Salinas beach and a delicious meal of fresh fish at El Muellito.
Las Caletillas and other beaches in Caleta de Fuste
La Guirra beach is one of the beaches around Caleta de Fuste that is well worth visiting. It’s made from artificial sand and is well looked after and highly popular among locals. The beach is a ten-minute walk from the lively town centre and is an oasis amid the hotel complexes. La Guirra has a wide range of sports and leisure activities too. Travellers could also head to Las Caletillas, which is very close to the airport.
What to see and do in Caleta de Fuste: golf, aquarium and beach parties
Golf fans head to Caleta de Fuste to enjoy playing their favourite sport in a relaxing environment. The town has two 18-hole golf courses as well as specialist shops and a golf club. Another major attraction is a visit to the aquarium, Oceanarium Explorer, which you’ll find at the marina: it’s the perfect family day out. A visit to this aquatic centre gives you the chance to discover the marine species that inhabit Fuerteventura’s waters, swim with sea lions, enjoy a catamaran trip and go fishing, among other activities.
A Beach Party is held on Caleta de Fuste beach at the end of July and this joyful summer celebration is organised by Antigua Town Hall. You can enjoy fantastic musical performances at night and children’s parties during the day so this party will delight adults and children alike.
Restaurants in Caleta de Fuste
Fresh fish dishes are the stars of the menu across Fuerteventura. Fish might be fried, stewed or grilled and is usually served with ‘wrinkled potatoes’, different types of mojo sauce and typical Canary Islands gofío. It’s also worth sampling tender baifo or roasted baby goat. And make sure you leave room for some spicy Majorero cheese.
There is a wide variety of restaurants on the island, and some of the best that serve typical Fuerteventura dishes are Restaurante El Patio, La Barca del Pescador and La Frasquita, all in Caleta de Fuste. It’s definitely worth paying a visit to fishing village Salinas del Carmen to drop into Los Caracolitos, an enchanting restaurant with ocean views that locals always recommend. It has a small menu but won’t disappoint fans of excellent fish dishes and specialities include fula a la espalda con ajos (Canary damsel with garlic), croquetas caseras de pescado (home-made fish croquettes) and dishes of limpets, highly appreciated on the island.
