Costa de Antigua is a small, relaxed, purpose-built resort overlooking the stunning volcanic east coast on the gorgeous island of Fuerteventura. It’s quiet and tranquil, but you’ll still find plenty of places to eat and drink. And, if you want a wider choice of shopping and nightlife, there are regular shuttle buses to the larger, neighbouring resort of Caleta de Fuste, which also boasts fantastic beaches. Or, if you fancy, you could stroll along the waterfront and around the headland in about 30 minutes. If you are in the mood to explore further afield, you could visit the enchanting little town of Antigua, with its old windmills and churches, or the vibrant capital of Puerto del Rosario.
Costa de Antigua, Fuerteventura
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Costa de Antigua is a relaxed and laid-back tourist resort, with plenty of long, sandy beaches in neighbouring Caleta de Fuste. There is a handful of bars, cafés and restaurants, but it remains peaceful and tranquil – ideal for holidays with the family, or if you’re looking for somewhere quiet to chill out with your partner. Regular shuttle buses link Costa de Antigua with Caleta de Fuste, which is a larger, livelier resort and has lots of water sports, boat excursions and other things to do. For a day trip, why not visit historic Antigua in the centre of the island, or the charming island capital of Puerto del Rosario.
There is a sprinkling of restaurants, cafés and pubs in little Costa de Antigua, which is mainly a residential district. You’ll find plenty more options in neighbouring Caleta de Fuste, which is a larger resort. There are places serving food from around the world, whether you want pizza, curry, or a full English breakfast, as well as lots of atmospheric restaurants serving the delicious local cuisine. Specialities that you won’t want to miss include the island’s fantastic fresh fish, including varieties you might not have tried before, such as wreckfish and parrot fish. There are lots of traditional braised meats and stews, often made with goat, that will satisfy carnivores. You’ll find the famous papas arrugadas (‘wrinkly potatoes’) everywhere, served with the typical Canarian sauce mojo (the red mojo is spiced up with peppers, while the green mojo is made with parsley and other herbs).
Families will enjoy the tranquil, laid-back atmosphere of Costa de Antigua. You can make the most of all the facilities of neighbouring Caleta de Fuste, which is conveniently linked by a regular shuttle bus, and return to the sleepy town for some chill-out time. Caleta de Fuste has lots of attractions for children, and the main beach is calm and shallow, making it great for even the youngest kids. There are lots of handy amenities, such as sun loungers and parasols for rent, and plenty of child-friendly cafés and restaurants within easy reach. There are lots of boat excursions – including a fantastic submarine adventure – and older kids will love the wide range of water sports on offer.
Most of the water sport action in Costa de Antigua happens at the main beach in Caleta de Fuste, a short hop away on the shuttle bus that plies this coast regularly. You’ll find everything from jet skis and banana boats to surfing, wind-surfing and kite-surfing. Fuerteventura is also a great destination for snorkelling and scuba diving – the entire island has been designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO – and local tour operators can rent out equipment and provide excursions to the best diving locations. Inland, there are some fabulous hikes, with more than 200 miles of well signposted walking paths to explore.
Costa de Antigua sits on a dramatic, rocky stretch of coast, but there are several fantastic sandy beaches in nearby Caleta de Fuste, which is conveniently linked by regular shuttle buses as well as a delightful cliff-top walk (which takes 30 minutes). The main beach is long and sandy, and has fantastic facilities, which include sun loungers and parasols for rent, all kinds of water sports (jet skis, paddle boards, windsurfing, etc.), and a long seafront promenade full of restaurants and cafés. The smaller beach of La Guirra, just to the south, is a little quieter but also enjoys excellent facilities, plus the added bonus of a tiny islet you can reach by a wooden walkway.
There’s not much going on sleepy Costa de Antigua – which is all part of its laid-back charm. There are a few bars and pubs, some of which host karaoke or put on other events, but mainly the nightlife consists of a gentle stroll from bar terrace to bar terrace, with an ice-cold drink in each. If you’re looking for a wider choice of nightlife, there’s a lot more going on in Caleta de Fuste, which, although it doesn’t compare to the big party resorts elsewhere in the Canary Islands, offers enough bars and clubs (wine bars, jazz bars, traditional pubs and cocktails bars among them) to keep you happily entertained after the sun goes down.
If you’re looking for a blissfully quiet resort on gorgeous Fuerteventura, then Costa de Antigua is for you. It’s small and tranquil, with a wild and rugged volcanic coastline. But it’s also just 5 minutes by bus or taxi to the larger resort of Caleta de Fuste, which has long, sandy beaches, plenty of water sports and a good choice of shopping and nightlife. You can also reach the beaches of Caleta de Fusta by taking the romantic coastal path. There are a handful of restaurants and bars in Costa de Antigua, if you’re not in the mood to venture further afield, and prefer to soak up the peace and tranquillity.
One of the most unusual and enticing museums on Fuerteventura is found not far from Costa de Antigua in Las Salinas del Carmen. This charming village is named for the salt flats (‘las salinas’) where salt is still extracted using centuries’ old techniques. The whole landscape is spectacular, with the brilliant white salt heaps and gleaming pools, and the salt museum itself is fascinating. There are more appealing museums in and around the island capital of Puerto del Rosario, just a 15-minute drive away. These include the Juan Ismael Art Centre, one of the island’s main cultural hubs, and the La Alcogida Ecomuseum, just outside town near the village of Tefir, where artisans demonstrate their skills in traditionally built Canarian dwellings.