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Caleta de Fuste, also known as El Castillo, is one of the main tourist towns on the island of Fuerteventura. Many visitors come here for the convenient location since the town is close to both the airport and the capital city of Puerto del Rosario. So, after enjoying all the fun things to do in Caleta de Fuste, you can take a day trip to discover the other tourist attractions in Fuerteventura.
To visit the town of Caleta de Fuste, we rented a car in Fuerteventura and spent several days exploring the beaches. It was absolutely perfect, and we discovered some other hidden gems and activities in Caleta de Fuste that we wouldn’t have otherwise known about.
Best of all, there is a variety of hotels in Caleta de Fuste, including some of the top resorts in Fuerteventura, so it’s a great place to stay. To help you plan your trip, in this guide, I’ll share the 10 best attractions in Caleta de Fuste, as well as where to stay and eat so you have the most amazing holiday.
1. Playa del Castillo, the best place in Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura
First, you must visit the beautiful beaches of Caleta de Fuste, specifically Playa del Castillo. This is the most popular beach in the town, so it’s usually crowded, especially during the summer months. However, it’s super convenient since it has everything you need for a long day at the beach, including chair and umbrella rentals, restrooms, and on-duty lifeguards.
The beach is also quite lovely, with a large expanse of golden sand and calm, refreshing waters. You can also get great views from here, and you can even see the Castillo de Caleta de Fuste, an 18th-century fortress.
1. Playa del Castillo, the best place in Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura
In addition, this is one of the best beaches in Fuerteventura for families since the coastline’s horseshoe shape protects it from strong winds and currents. So, the kids can swim and splash around without you having to worry about large waves.
On the other hand, if you want to do a more adventurous activity in Caleta de Fuste, you can practice watersports at this beach. Playa del Castillo is a good place to go snorkeling, paddle surfing, kayaking, and diving, and equipment rentals are available. Dan even took surfing lessons here and managed to catch a few nice waves!
2. Castillo de Caleta de Fuste, an iconic site in Caleta de Fuste
As I mentioned, the Castillo de Caleta de Fuste is an old fortress from the 18th century. It’s also one of the most important places to see in the town of Caleta de Fuste. Here, you can also see the Torre de San Buenaventura, which also dates back to the 1700s, when it served as a defensive fortress against pirate attacks.
2. Castillo de Caleta de Fuste, an iconic site in Caleta de Fuste
These days, the fortress is a proud symbol of Caleta de Fuste, as well as a declared Asset of Cultural Interest. You can take a tour of the castle to see its stone staircase and imposing iron drawbridge. There are also cultural exhibits, community activities, and events here.
If you decide to go, I recommend visiting a couple of hours before sunset so you can explore the site and admire the stunning views of the port as the sun goes down.
3. La Guirra Beach, one of the best beaches in Caleta de Fuste
La Guirra Beach is another beach in Caleta de Fuste that you should visit. It has calm and shallow waters, thanks to its closed-off shape, so it’s ideal if you’re traveling with children.
3. La Guirra Beach, one of the best beaches in Caleta de Fuste
This beach is actually made up of three white-sand coves, and they’re surrounded by lush gardens, so it’s a gorgeous natural area. The tranquil environment and natural beauty make this a lovely place to spend a few quiet hours away from the town. There is even a spot with umbrella and lounge chair rentals, so you can totally disconnect.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more exciting visit, you can find watersports and other activities here. Plus, the beach is just a 10-minute walk from the town center; just follow the Caleta de Fuste promenade. There is also a free parking lot by the beach entrance, and you can even continue your journey to the Cal Kilns if you have enough energy.
4. See the port and promenade, a centerpiece of life in Caleta de Fuste
Speaking of the Caleta de Fuste promenade, it’s a great spot for tourists since it has lots of restaurants, beach bars, and some of the best nightclubs in Fuerteventura. This is where you can enjoy a cold drink and try some typical Canarian food, followed by a lovely walk in the fresh air.
4. See the port and promenade, a centerpiece of life in Caleta de Fuste
The promenade is 0.6 miles long and begins at the port, one of the most popular attractions in Caleta de Fuste. As a seaside town, Caleta de Fuste is primarily concentrated around the port, where lots of activity takes place. That said, the port has a long history and was once an important commercial entry point for large exports of lime. These shipments were prepared in the lime kilns at the nearby Hornos de la Guirra before being shipped to the port.
These days, this area is more of a tourist hub with different places to eat and people-watch. It’s also a departure point for some of the best excursions in Fuerteventura, like this catamaran tour and this glass-bottom boat tour.
5. Swim and relax in the natural pool of Caleta de Fuste
The natural pool of Caleta de Fuste is another must-see during your visit. It’s a small natural rock pool with clear, turquoise waters that will leave you breathless.
5. Swim and relax in the natural pool of Caleta de Fuste
You can come here year-round for a nice dip on hot days, or to appreciate the beautiful surroundings and quiet atmosphere. It’s just 1.8 miles from Playa del Castillo, so it won’t take long to get there from Caleta de Fuste’s town center.
I recommend leaving your car at the beach parking lot, then walking up the rocky path along the coast. Of course, if you plan on spending the day here, bring everything you’ll need since there aren’t any shops or services in the area.
6. Visit the Museo de las Salinas del Carmen, something to do in Caleta de Fuste with kids
While the Salinas del Carmen are the last remaining salt flats in Fuerteventura, in ancient times they were one of the most important sites for the Majorera economy. The salt trade was a huge industry for the island, and many ships docked at the port of Caleta de Fuste to load up on salt. This bustling salt trade eventually came to be known as the “white gold” of Fuerteventura.
6. Visit the Museo de las Salinas del Carmen, something to do in Caleta de Fuste with kids
Today, you can visit the Salinas del Carmen from Caleta de Fuste’s town center. They’re 1.2 miles away, so you can drive or take bus line 3, which stops right by the entrance to the salt flats. I think this is one of the coolest things to do in Caleta de Fuste, and there is even a Salt Museum that you can stop in during your visit.
If you’re traveling with kids, this is an awesome activity since the museum includes audiovisual exhibits and educational activities that teach you the history and traditions of the salt industry. It only takes about an hour to go through the museum, and admission is €5 (free for kids under 3).
7. Hornos de Cal de la Guirra, a traditional thing to see in Caleta de Fuste
Earlier, I mentioned the Cal Kilns, or the Hornos de Cal de la Guirra, which are the lime kilns of Caleta de Fuste. Actually, these kilns line the coast of Fuerteventura and were a huge part of the Majorera economy, requiring many workers from different towns. The kilns, or hornos, cooked the lime, which was then shipped out of the port.
7. Hornos de Cal de la Guirra, a traditional thing to see in Caleta de Fuste
Seeing the Hornos de Cal de la Guirra is an interesting thing to do in Caleta de Fuste and a great way to learn more about its history. They’re next to the mouth of the Miraflor Ravine, which is by Playa de la Guirra and the port. As you approach the area, you’ll see three chimneys that correspond to three kilns of varying sizes. There is also an old warehouse, a residential house, and a 985-foot-deep cistern.
Coming here is like taking a trip back in time, and you’ll also enjoy beautiful views of the ocean and Caleta de Fuste’s surroundings, so it’s worth it.
8. Playa las Caletillas, a beautiful beach near Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura
Yet another beach in Caleta de Fuste that I suggest visiting is Playa las Caletillas. If you’re craving a beautiful place that’s away from the tourist crowds, this is a safe bet. In addition, the beach offers spectacular views of the planes arriving at Fuerteventura Airport, which is very close by. In case you’re curious, we have a guide on how to find cheap flights to Fuerteventura.
8. Playa las Caletillas, a beautiful beach near Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura
To get to Playa las Caletillas, you’ll want a car since you have to drive about 3.1 miles. Then, take the gravel road that leads to the foot of the beach, and you’ll be rewarded with a wide expanse of golden sand.
9. Browse the Caleta de Fuste Market, one of the best attractions in Caleta de Fuste
One of the best ways to experience the local culture of Caleta de Fuste is by visiting the Caleta de Fuste Market. This place is actually made up of two distinct marketplaces where you can get just about anything while mingling with the friendly locals.
9. Browse the Caleta de Fuste Market, one of the best attractions in Caleta de Fuste
The first market is my favorite and is in the Public Square. It has the most delicious Majorero cheeses, as well as sweets and handicrafts, so it’s a lot of fun to walk around and browse the stalls. The market is open every Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The other market in the town of Caleta de Fuste takes place every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s next to the bus (guagua) stop, and has all kinds of products, from clothing and crafts to fresh vegetables, fruits, and more.
10. Diving and other watersports, something fun to do in Caleta de Fuste
In addition to all the wonderful places to see here, there is also a wide range of sports and activities in Caleta de Fuste. No matter what you’re into, you’ll find something fun to do during your stay.
If you’re a fan of the sea and want to discover the richness of Fuerteventura’s seabed, this snorkeling tour will allow you to swim under the surface. There is also this scuba diving session for those who are more experienced and want to delve into the depths.
10. Diving and other watersports, something fun to do in Caleta de Fuste
For those who prefer to ride the waves, Caleta de Fuste’s beaches offer the perfect opportunity to take a surfing lesson or try paddle surfing. I did this course to learn some basic techniques, and it ended up being one of my favorite activities.
Finally, this jet ski tour is the perfect option if you want to let loose and have fun. It includes an expert guide and it’s suitable for kids, so it’s an awesome thing to do in Caleta de Fuste with family.
As you can see, it’s impossible to get bored here, so I recommend taking a look at all the available activities and excursions in Caleta de Fuste to find one that suits you!
Best hotels in Caleta de Fuste
Now that you know what to do in Caleta de Fuste, it’s time to think about where to stay. There are lots of lovely hotels in Caleta de Fuste, including many popular Fuerteventura resorts. Here are some recommendations for each type of budget:
- Luxury: Elba Palace Golf & Vital Hotel, one of the best luxury hotels in Spain where you can enjoy incredible facilities, including a golf course and a first-class spa.
- Mid-price: Hotel Ereza Mar, one of Fuerteventura’s all-inclusive resorts where you can indulge in the best of Canarian cuisine.
- Budget: Casthotels Fuertesol Bungalows, an affordable apartment in Fuerteventura where you can make yourself at home, take a dip in the pool, and sunbathe on the solarium terrace.
Best restaurants in Caleta de Fuste
Lastly, one of the best things to do in Caleta de Fuste is to try all the yummy food and local delicacies. There are several amazing restaurants here, although I recommend checking out one (or all) of these places:
- Restaurante Algo Más: this is one of the best places to eat in Fuerteventura, so don’t miss it. They serve all kinds of Mediterranean cuisine, and the patio offers wonderful views of the Antigua Golf Course and the sea.
- Ascension: this is a traditional restaurant where you can try meat, fish, and pasta dishes. I loved the Moroccan-style lamb, but they have a fairly extensive menu, so you’ll find something you like.
- 15: located in the town center, this is the perfect place to take a break, recharge your batteries, and taste all kinds of international foods. They also have vegetarian options, so it’s ideal for groups.
To finish up, here is a map of Caleta de Fuste with all the attractions, hotels, and restaurants I mentioned. Download this map and keep it with you as you plan your itinerary!
There are so many wonderful things to do in Caleta de Fuste, so don’t pass this place by. If you have any questions or you’d like to share your experience visiting one of the best Canary Islands, leave me a comment below. I will be delighted to hear from you!
Stay safe and enjoy Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura!
