Costa Calma, a beautiful destination located in the Canary Islands on the southern coast of Fuerteventura. Ideal for a tourists either to simply enjoy relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both. It has fantastic beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere. Costa Calma offers activities that range from those which every solo traveller, couple, or family can gain experiences from. Be it sunbathing or an immersion into water sports, there is something for everyone here.
From the sandy beaches to the hidden treasures, Costa Calma is an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. Whether one is coming for the first time or returning to this tranquil destination, this guide will show some of the best things to do while in Costa Calma. I have explored the area, bathing in the serene atmosphere and connecting to the adventurous side, and now I’m here to share with you the highlights that’ll make your trip a memorable one.
Relax on the Beautiful Beaches
Among the major reasons why people prefer to head towards Costa Calma is the magnificent beaches. Lying scattered all along the coastline for miles, these golden sands along with turquoise water make nothing but heavenly paradises.
Whether you have a craving to relax or are an adrenaline junkie with water sports on the agenda Costa Calma beaches have it all.
Playa de Costa Calma: This is the main beach and centre of action, so to say. It has shallow, serene waters and soft, powdery sand. Classic setting for a laid-back day at the ocean. Not only is the beach friendly for families, but nearby is a promenade lined with cafes and restaurants where one can snack with a view in comfort.
Playa Esmeralda: A little more discreet, if you will, it is just a short stroll from the main beach but is very much a secret paradise. The water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming, though the cliffs around it further create the secluded feel. A Beautiful sheltered beach popular with of Nudists and naturists, a great spot to get away from the crowds.
Sotavento Beach: A bit south of Costa Calma, Sotavento Beach is a place to visit for windsurfing and kiteboarding lovers. The winds there are stronger that this place is in demand among those who love water sports. And even if you don’t take part, the coloured kites dancing in the sky by kitesurfers area a joy to witness.
Many of my days were spent loafing at Playa de Costa Calma, where I could just dip in and out of the warm waters and stroll along the shore. My personal favourite, however, was the quiet beach of Playa Esmeralda to unwind with the sound of the waves. I sat there one evening, watching the kite surfers in the distance as the sun dipped below the horizon. It was peaceful and quiet, a perfect way to end the day.
If you happen to venture out as far the Esquinzo beach, there is the lovely beach bar Atalaya to stop for a bite to eat or drink.
Since I travel solo, it offers a unique freedom that’s hard to match. I can set my own pace and make spontaneous decisions without consulting anyone else.
Water Sports and Activities
If you’re the type of person who enjoys a little action and adventure when on holiday, then Costa Calma truly won’t disappoint. The area happens to be known for its water sports, and whether you are a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, there’s something for you.
Windsurfing and Kiteboarding: As said before, Sotavento Beach is one of the best beaches in the world for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Several schools are offering lessons, so even in case you have never tried, this will be an excellent place to learn. The conditions are great, with consistent winds and wide, open waters.
Snorkelling and Diving: Costa Calma isn’t known for coral reefs, but the water here is clear enough to make it a really good snorkelling location. Go toward the rockier areas of the coastline, and you will find loads of marine life worth discovering. For those who would take their quest a little further, diving schools can give them tours to various submerged sites Fuerteventura has to offer.
Kayaking and paddle boarding are quite popular for those who would like to explore the coastline in a much more easy-going way. The waters around Costa Calma are so calm that one easily can paddle around, enjoying the striking views. You can rent equipment right on the beach or join a guided tour across hidden coves and beaches.
I was tempted to try all of the above by the instructors on Sotavento Beach. Wind surfacing was something I would have loved to have given a go but nursing an injury I stuck to a lesson in paddle boarding. It is definitely worth trying, even if just for fun!
Explore the Natural Beauty of Fuerteventura
As attractive as the beaches are in Costa Calma, it is not all about them. From rugged to tranquil parks, the surrounding area is full of natural beauty and is well worth taking the time to explore.
Fuerteventura Wildlife Oasis: Oasis Wildlife is a great day out, either for families or simply animal lovers, and it’s only a short drive from Costa Calma. It is home to a wealth of animals, everything from giraffes and elephants down to sea lions. This particular plus is directed at conservation, and you can even take part in animal experiences, such as feeding lemurs or going on a camel ride.
Barranco de los Canarios: For those in love with a nice, atmospheric hike, this is it. The general bottom of this canyon is pretty easy to walk around in, filled with interesting rocks and very quiet. It is not as popular as other places, so you’ll likely have it all to yourself.
Parque Natural de Jandía: Located south from Costa Calma, this natural park is a large area of hostile landscape, good for hiking or simply driving through it. The landscapes are dramatic, with volcanic mountains, wide areas of sand dunes, and most importantly, desert-like landscapes. This is an excellent opportunity to see a different side of Fuerteventura known for it’s relaxing beach life.
One afternoon, I drove through Parque Natural de Jandía and the views were astounding. Bare desert landscapes with the most deep blue ocean in the distance-no view was like it, and will forever be etched in my mind. It is a place that offers one the feeling of landing on another planet. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some local wildlife, such as the squirrels or various species of birds.
Indulge in Local Cuisine
No tour to Costa Calma is complete without tasting its mouth-watering local cuisine. Fuerteventura, as with the rest of the Canary Islands, has a peculiar blend of Spanish and African influences that make the food here truly unique. Fresh seafood, hearty stews, and simple but flavourful dishes are some of my highlights of dining in Costa Calma.
Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce: One of the most iconic dishes of the Canary Islands, papas arrugadas are small potatoes that are wrinkled in appearance, boiled in salty water with the mojo sauce accompanies it. The mojo comes in two variants-mojo rojo and mojo verde-both full of flavour. Simple dish, yet on every menu, and for good reason.
Seafood: With its proximity to the sea, it’s no surprise that seafood features large in the cuisine of Costa Calma. Grilled fish, calamari, and prawns are among the most popular, but most restaurants will also offer a fresh catch of the day. Those who love seafood should not miss out on parrillada de mariscos-mixed seafood grill which is ideal to be shared.
Gofio: Gofio is a real Canarian flour made from toasted cereals and applied in several courses. It may sound strange, but you will find it in everything from soups and stews to desserts. And of course, don’t leave without trying gofio mousse-a sweet creamy dessert and only one of its kind on these islands.
One evening I sat at a restaurant and ordered a dish of grilled fish with papas arrugadas while watching the sunset. Simple, but every mouthful a flavour explosion and freshness of the fish unmatched. Meals like this make travel such a delight. It was one of those moments where everything just felt perfect.
Relax and Unwind
With the laid-back vibe of Costa Calma it’s perfect for slow travel. Sometimes as a solo traveller one of the best things to do while travelling is absolutely nothing. Be it basking on the beach or indulging in a little bit of pampering, the options are ample in Costa Calma.
Beach Relaxation: Nothing stands out like taking the whole day and lounging around in the soft sands along Costa Calma’s beaches. Many of these beaches have rentals for sunbeds and umbrellas, thus enabling one to easily spend a comfortable day on them. Take a good book with you, plunge into the calm waters, and let the sound of the waves sweep your cares away.
Spa Days: Give yourself a refreshing massage in one of the many hotels offering spa services to non-guests in Costa Calma. You may want to spend several hours here receiving massages, facials, or simply taking a jacuzzi. It is just what you need to take your mind off things after a day full of exploration.
I’ve spent many afternoons solo at local resorts, pampering myself in its spa treatment. There is nothing better than enjoying hour long massages followed by relaxing sessions in the jacuzzi and swimming pools, completely renewed and ready for further adventures.
Visit the Local Markets
Costa Calma African Market: If shopping is on your things to do list in Fuerteventura then a visit to the Costa Calma African Market is a must. This market, which takes place on Sundays is filled with handcrafts, clothes, and objects which show not just the rich African influence on the island but also the Canarian one. With it’s laid-back approach while wandering through the stalls, you will find anything from handmade jewellery to traditional African crafts. It is a great place to get some souvenirs or gifts, and colours and textures on show give the whole shopping experience a little something extra.
Handcrafted items: You will find a variety of beautiful handmade items, leather goods, beaded jewellery, and colourful fabrics. Most of these items are made by artisans with close links to Africa, making it possible to take home something really unique.
Local and African influence: The market combines products of local Canary origin with handicrafts that are inspired by the rich cultural ties between the islands and the African continent. Be it home decoration, fashion, or food items, you will surely find unique treasures here.
The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and it is a good spot to pick up unique souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones.
I remember my first encounter at the African Market with a friendly female vendor demonstrating the benefits of aloe vera by applying fresh aloe vera gel on my sunburnt skin. The cooling sensation was instant relief! I ended up purchasing an aloe vera plant and an aloe-based lotion. Both products became my go-to skincare essentials during my trip and subsequent future travels.
Of course, a lot of the products are overpriced so be sure to haggle to get the best deals. This is a tourist market so vendors expect you to negotiate, and it can be a fun way to engage with them.
Make it a point to drop in if you are in the vicinity.
Day Trips from Costa Calma
There are plenty of things to do in Costa Calma, but one day out is worth it to see what the rest of Fuerteventura has to offer. An island full of things to see, with amazing places accessible with a very short drive or bus journey away.
Morro Jable: Continuing further south is the quaint fishing village of Morro Jable, which is now grown into a popular tourist destination on the island. The village still maintains much of its authentic charm, and the whole day can be spent wandering through the old town, enjoying seafood in a local restaurant, or simply lazing around on the beautiful beach.
La Pared: If surfing is your thing then with a 10-15 minutes drive by car from Costa Calma, La Pared offers some of the best waves on the island. The beach here can be wilder, more rugged with stronger waves, perfect for those who want a bit of adventure. Even if not surfing, this is a great place to watch the sunset.
Cofete Beach: It is one of the most beautiful and remote beaches on the island, only a 40-minute drive from Costa Calma. The bumpy dirt road gives way to a spacious, immaculate stretch of sand framed by dramatic mountains. It’s not the best beach to swim in due to strong currents, but for its view alone, it’s worth the trip.
Cofete Beach was a hidden treasure for my last trips near Costa Calma. An adventure in itself was the roads that took me there with a bus from Costa Calma to Morro Jable then a transfer to Playa de Cofete. Standing on this remote beach with the mountains behind me was pure serenity. You can check the bus timetable on the tiadhe website to suit your schedule.
Costa Calma Awaits You
Costa Calma is the kind of place that caters to all tastes. Whether you’re a lover of beaches, adrenaline junkie, or a wandering solo traveller, there is something here for everyone. From sightseeing the wonderful beaches, indulging in water sports to revelling in local food, Costa Calma has got just about the right mix of action and relaxation.
Whether this is your first trip or you are a frequent visitor to the Canary Islands, there’s something about Costa Calma that gives you a welcome-home feeling. So go ahead, pack up your luggage, ready yourself for the sun, and enjoy every little thing which this wonderful place has to offer. The memories you build here will continue with you long after when you return home.
