Caleta de Fuste

Aerial view of Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura

Caleta de Fuste (sometimes known as "El Castillo", or simply "Caleta") is a resort town in Antigua, Fuerteventura on Fuerteventura's east coast. It is a popular destination on the island for British tourists and expatriates, as well as golfers from mainland Europe due to its two courses just outside the town.

Understand

Caleta was developed in the 1980s in to the tourist destination that people visit today, but its roots date back much further.

Many centuries ago, Caleta de Fuste was a key landing point for pirates and others of a similar, lawless disposition. They regularly ventured inland terrorised the local population. In 1740, a major incursion by British pirates at Gran Tarajal resulted in the complete destruction of the Tuineje population, something that is remembered across the island ever since. As a result, two identical towers were built to help defend the island: the Castillo at El Cotillo on the West Coast (known also as Torre del Tostόn), and the Torre de San Buenaventura at Caleta de Fuste. They replaced much older structures that had been erected in the 15th century by Norman conquerors Jean de Béthencourt and Gadifer de la Salle; these had been long lost in time.

In or around 1743, the Castillo de Fuste was completed. It was later a prison for peasants who revolted in a popular uprising in 1823. It was declared private property in the 19th century, but was handed over to the tax authorities in 1871, along with the Torre in the town.

The Spanish Civil War would bring action and use to the Castillo again, and it was made a defensive reinforcement. Following World War II, the Castillo and Torre del Tostόn were declared "Assets of Cultural Interest" in 1949.

Since the 1980s, the town has received significant investment in its tourism and leisure industries. It is now a popular tourist resort town for a 'quieter' Canary Island holiday, and attracts a significant British expatriate population.

Get in

By plane

Fuerteventura Airport (FUE ^IATA) is the only airport on the island, but it is served reasonably well by major airlines across Europe. These include Easyjet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air. Most likely, if you are staying in Caleta de Fuste, you'll be staying as part of a package holiday (usually through TUI, one of the European TUI brands, or Jet2 Holidays).

By car/taxi

From the airport, taxis are easy to find. The ride is less than 10 km, and takes less than 10 minutes. You'll probably expect to pay around €12-15 each way. Many local companies can be booked in advance with a "Meet and Greet" service at Arrivals.

If you have hired a car at the airport and are making your own way into town, the FV-2 heading south will take you into Caleta. The FV-2 is the main road between Puerto del Rosario and Morro Jable in the far south of the island, and is clearly signposted as you leave. Be wary of speed cameras and police patrols on the road.

Occasionally, hotel/villa reservations for Caleta may list "Costa de Antigua" or similar as the town - this is a town between the Airport and Caleta de Fuste. As a rule of thumb, if you're driving towards Caleta and you pass an IKEA, Caleta is not the town you're about to head into, but the one after! If you are heading past the golf resorts of Fuerteventura Golf Club or Golf Club Salinas and you encounter a McDonald's at a roundabout - you have probably gone too far and are now heading out of town again!

If you have booked a package holiday, it is more than likely that you will have a transfer to your hotel included. See your booking or contact your operator for more information.

By bus

Buses run regularly throughout the day, although they may differ on weekends and public holidays. The buses are run by Tiadhe and are inexpensive - the #3 route costs €1.45. If are starting at either Puerto del Rosario or the airport, you want either the 3, 10, or 16 bus. Tye fare can be paid by cash only, and the largest euro bill/note you use should only be a maximum of 5x the value of the fare, so bring smaller notes if possible. Bus drivers will not likely accept anything bigger than a €50 note.

Get around

Most of Caleta de Fuste is accessible on foot:- the main town area is flat and well-paved throughout. However, if you want to visit the golf courses, are based a little further out, or have reduced mobility, you might find it best to arrange a taxi.

• Radio Taxi (Taxi) (near the Broncemar Beach Commercial Centre; another rank is available outside Castillo Centro, near Fado Rock Restaurant), ☏ +34 928 163 004. 24/7. Disabled Access and 6-seat minibuses are available but often need to be booked. The taxis must either be pre-booked from a specific location or you need to go to one of the two taxi ranks in town and stand in line; you cannot simply hail one in the street if you haven't booked and it's not at a rank. Taxi drivers usually speak pretty good English. If you are struggling to get a taxi at Castillo Centro, or are being advised of a long wait time when trying to book on the phone, it may be worth going to the main rank at the Broncemar. Usually €4 or less for 4 people within the town; airport run is €12-15. (updated Nov 2022)

See

• Parade of the Three Kings (La Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos): Annual, Caleta Harbour > Caleta Plaza. Epiphany falls on 6th January every year, and will close most businesses in Caleta. However, the evening before will see the Three Kings parade through the middle of Caleta de Fuste. The local children will write down a list of toys and gifts they would like, and they hand them to the Kings as they make their way to the start of the parade. From there, they will parade from the Harbour to the main Plaza in the town. Free.
• Carnival: Annual. Throughout February, the streets of Caleta and Antigua come alive with the sights and sounds of the carnival. Plenty of dancing, costume exhibits, shows, and musical performances throughout. Speak to the locals or at the town hall for further information!
• New Years Eve Celebrations: , C. Virgen de Antigua, 116, 35610 Castillo Caleta de Fuste. A fantastic way to celebrate the end of the year in the Town Square, it features stalls for drinks and snacks, as well as a large stage with live bands. Fireworks are usually then set off at the harbour.

Do

• Artisan Handicraft Fair (Feria Insular de Artesanía de Antigua): . A great opportunity to see the locally-made crafts from the island - hosted each year in May on the local fairground.

Golf

Caleta de Fuste has two golf courses to the south of the town - both are popular with keen aspiring golfers from across Europe.

• 1 Fuerteventura Golf Club, C. del Golf, 1 (take the FV-2 from Caleta de Fuste and exit the roundabout near the McDonald's and Atlantico Shopping Center. Proceed down Av. Angel Jove and follow the signs to the top of the hill and the entrance to the golf club), ☏ +34 928 160 034, fuerteventuragolf@anjoca.com. Sunrise-Sunset Daily. The main golf club in town and largest on the entire island, it hosted the 2004 Spanish Open tournament. Par 72 Course, with different teeing off points depending on your experience. The is also a practice area, driving range, and practice greens to get you warmed up. Trolleys, buggies, and clubs all available to rent, though be mindful if you are left-handed. Balls will need to be purchased. Twilight pricing available for 14:00 onwards, discounts for juniors also available. 18 holes €83 for visitors, €75 for guests of the Elba Hotels or the Sheraton. (updated Nov 2022)
• 2 Golf Club Salinas de Antigua, Fuerteventura (Salinas Golf Club), Carretera de Jandía, Km 12 (from Caleta, take the FV-2 road going south; it is the second golf course as you head south; leave the FV-2 at the second big roundabout as you leave town (not the first where you would go to the other golf club or to use the McDonald's), then go right at the next roundabout and follow the road to the top of the complex), ☏ +34 928 87 72 72. M Tu F 08:00-18:30, W Th Sa Su 08:00-16:00. A great golf course that is a little easier to navigate for a novice. Club and trolley hire available, as well as a driving range. Great clubhouse and restaurant available too. See website for prices. (updated Nov 2022)
• Minigolf, C. Peatonal Orchilla (behind the Barcelo Fuerteventura Mar, near the Thalasso Spa), ☏ +34 928 54 75 17. Daily 10:00-21:00. OK, so not quite like being on a proper course, but a good spot of fun. €6.50 per person, discount available for guests at the Barcelo Fuerteventura Mar Hotel to which it is connected. (updated Nov 2022)

Eat

• Restaurante O'Fado (O'Fados), Juan Ramon Soto Morales, 35610 Castillo Caleta de Fuste (Opposite El Patio Restaurant, which is in itself next door to Fado Rock), ☏ +34 928 16 33 69. 1-3:30pm and 6-11pm daily, except Wednesdays. Closed on Wednesdays.. Not to be confused with Fado Rock. This restaurant has gained a reputation with the locals for serving authentic Portuguese food and some specialties such as rabbit stew, or their seafood rice. Desserts usually change daily - see if you can get their Pastel de Nata. Reservations are recommended. €30 for 2 courses and drinks.. (updated Jan 2023)
• Restaurant El Patio (El Patio), Avenida Alcalde Juan Ramón Soto Morales, local 6 y 7, 35610 Castillo Caleta de Fuste (Restaurant to the right of Fado Rock), ☏ +34 928547721. Daily 13:00-23:00. Mainly serves Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Often has live music on during the evening - a cosy spot with attentive staff. €30 each for meal and drinks. 
• Fado Rock Steak House (Fado's), Av. Alcalde Juan Ramón Soto Morales, 5 (look for Batman: you'll understand when you see it), ☏ +34 928 163 527, fadorocksteakhouse@gmail.com. Daily 13:00-23:30. Portuguese steak house that is popular with tourists and locals alike. Steaks and a range of other meats, pizzas, pastas, fish, and vegetarian options. Be prepared to queue after 20:30. It gets very busy and at times will be full. Usually €35 for two courses and a pint or two.. (updated Nov 2022)
• Restaurant 15 (No. 15), Castillo Centro, Local 11, C/Juan Ramon Soto Morales (opposite Fado Rock Steak House, there are a set of steps leading into Castillo Centro; there is a big sign that says "Restaurants and Bars" underneath the Flower of Scotland sign), ☏ +34 664 82 18 66, jbankroll@gmail.com. Daily 6-11pm. A great restaurant where you order off the specials board - they regularly update their offering and remove the least popular option each month. Lots of meat, fish, and great vegetarian options. €40 for two courses + wine/beers. (updated Nov 2022)
• Nestor's Restaurant & Steakhouse (Nestor's), C. El Greco (Get a taxi since it is out of town), ☏ +34 699 21 95 10, juanalf26@hotmail.com. M-F 18:30-21:30. Serves massive portions of great meat and seafood. Not open on weekends. Booking essential. €30 each for dinner and drinks. (updated Nov 2022)
• Algo Más, Avenida Salinas de Antigua 35610, ☏ +34 928 87 70 09, thecrazycorner@hotmail.com. Daily 13:00-15:30, then 19:00-21:30. Fantastic steaks and grills, along with some excellent local fish. Considered by some to be one of the best restaurants on the island. Booking to be considered essential here due to popularity and shorter opening hours. Highly recommend the fish medley, and the Pork Tomahawk if they have it available. €40 for two courses and drinks per person. (updated Nov 2022)
• Ascension, C. Marcial Sánchez Velazque, ☏ +34 605 70 22 33. Tu-Sa 18:00-22:00. Book either by phone or message on Facebook. Caters to vegetarians/vegans and gluten free needs. Great range of meat and fish, as well as items to pre-order such as leg of lamb, beef fillet, or rabbit. €40 for two courses + drinks. (updated Nov 2022)
• Volcano, Museo de las Salinas (if driving yourself, follow signs to the Salt Museum out of town on the FV-2 going South. You'll see it on the beach before you make the larger sweeping turn inland), ☏ +34 828 048 836. Tu W Su 13:00-16:00 only; Th-Sa 13:00-16:00 and 19:30-23:00. A more refined restaurant just out of town, it serves very Spanish/Iberican ingredients and recipes and is known for a very upmarket feel. Often popular with celebrities conducting business on the island, such as actors filming out in the mountains. Booking highly ecommended. €50 pp person for meal and drinks. (updated Nov 2022)

Drink

• Little Havana (Havana's), Av. Juan Ramon Soto Morales (opposite Fado Rock Steak House, look for the seating outside), ☏ +34 928 93 18 73. M-F 09:00-01:00, Sa Su 11:00-01:00. "A Slice of Havana in beautiful Fuerteventura" - a great place to have a couple of beers or cocktails in town before heading to dinner. Beers usually under €2 for a pint, various deals on depending on the day.. (updated Nov 2022)
• The Step Inn, Av. Juan Ramon Soto Morales, 11 (next door to Fado Rock Steak House, and opposite Little Havana), ☏ +34 928 16 36 31. M-F 09:00-01:00, Sa Su 12:00-01:00. Irish bar with a great range of beers, wines, and spirits. Good food menu too - food is served until 22:00. Good option in town if you're looking to catch up on the sport on TV. (updated Nov 2022)
• The Dog and Duck, Av. José Franchy Roca (from the main roundabout with the Monumento al Tourismo, head along Juan Ramon Soto Morales past the Hotel Costa Caleta - continue until you get to Marcial Sanchez Velazque. Turn right, then you'll reach Av. José Franchy Roca. Look for the Elba Castillo Hotel, and it is underneath it). The unofficial Facebook page says it is 'always open' - this is not literally true, but as long as you're around at a sensible hour you'll be served. A more 'British' establishment - more of a typical English pub with pints on draught, plenty of spirits, and healthy quantities of Cava and Sangria. Good whiskey. Some snacks on offer too. €2-3 for a beer, and has been known to charge €5 for bottles of Cava in the past. (updated Nov 2022)
• (Unofficial Page) Café del Town (AKA Gin Bar), Av. José Franchy Roca, s/n, Local 10 (follow the directions for The Dog and Duck, but when you get to Av. José Franchy Roca, turn right instead of left and you'll have it appear on your right in a square), ☏ +34 928 85 76 44. Varies greatly and are not fully known, but generally speaking you should be ok 09:00-17:00. Great little bar that serves drinks and snacks - sometimes known as Gin Bar for its great G&Ts. Worth making the trip just to see their adorable Labrador. (updated Nov 2022)

Sleep

Most accommodation options in Caleta de Fuste are larger international hotels catering to the package holiday market.

As a general piece of guidance, stick to B&B or Half Board offers at the hotels — the Full Board and All Inclusive options are a lot more expensive. Whilst it may be tempting to get all meals (and potentially drinks) included in your stay, remember that the town has a wide variety of restaurants and bars which are open throughout the day and night. The value really sits in those bars, rather than knocking back the hotel drinks — the food is almost always superior in the local restaurants, too. Even if you're staying further out of town, the cost of a taxi into Caleta is basically the cost of a beer — and you'll save more in the long run.

Now, this is not an advert for heading into town every night — the €2 beers and array of food options will eventually catch up with you, and sometimes you might appreciate the occasional night in. Likewise, if you genuinely are going to do nothing more than lay on a sun lounger by the pool for two weeks, you might find a more comprehensive board basis to be the more appealing option. The bottom line is that it largely depends on your itinerary, and how active you're feeling!

• Barcelo Fuerteventura Mar (formerly Barcelo Fuerteventura Thalasso Spa), Av. del Castillo, s/n, 35610 Castillo Caleta de Fuste, ☏ +34 928 54 75 17. Check-in: 3pm, check-out: Noon. A popular resort hotel in the town that you would usually go to if you are travelling as part of a package holiday — such as TUI or Jet2. Possible to book independently through something like Booking.com if desired.   Open year-round, with rates cheaper in the autumn. However, it can be extremely expensive around Christmas and New Year — especially the latter, when they hold several formal gala dinners for guests.   Plenty of room types, whether you want one with a sea view or even hot tub — check where you're booking for availability options as these go quickly.   As a resort, there are a couple of board options included, such as Half Board or All Inclusive - check what you are paying for before you book. Most guests prefer to get out and about the village, making the Half Board an appealing option — you can take your main meal in the hotel as lunch if desired, as often this is much quieter than at dinner.   Features one large restaurant (Tindaya) which is open for all meals. Breakfast is served 07:30-10:30, lunch 13:00-15:00, and dinner 19:00-22:00 — generally this features Spanish cuisine, but often includes plenty of other international options too.   There are two bars — one near the main lobby, and another by the pool - both are open until late. The pool bar also does food throughout the day.   The restaurant is partnered with the Barcelo Fuerteventura Castillo down the road, and usually guests at both hotels can use the facilities of each other. Usually around £120 per room per night, but depends on your board basis.. (updated Feb 2023)