At the northern end of Fuerteventura’s Jandía Peninsula is the resort town of Costa Calma, which takes its name from the gentle offshore winds and calm waters that lap the peaceful coastline. Costa Calma is a fitting moniker, considering this is easily one of the best spots for a relaxing beach holiday in the Canary Islands.
The striking 17-mile stretch of coast that bookends Costa Calma is perhaps the island’s most beautiful—a soft white-sand shoreline surrounded by turquoise waters and seemingly unlimited sun. There are no less than eight shopping centres here, so if you can’t resist a good bargain, this place will be right up your street. That’s in addition to family-friendly resorts, restaurants, and recreational activities galore, so it’s little wonder families are flocking here for some European rays.
So, what are you waiting for? Here’s my rundown on everything you need to know about family holidays in Costa Calma.
Oasis Wildlife Park
Located in the small fisherman’s village of La Lajita, a short 10-minute drive from Costa Calma, Oasis Wildlife Park is the perfect day out for you and your little ones to get closer to nature. It’s the only zoo in the Canary Islands that’s home to hippos and African elephants, and it’s also one of only a few where you can get up close and personal with lemurs! Create unforgettable memories by embarking on a safari tour where you can ride on a camel through the desert. The trail starts from atop a mountain and finishes in the heart of the park. Other highlights include a sea lion show and a bird of prey exhibition (keep an eye out for peregrine falcons—they can fly up to speeds of 200 km/h!), or get hands-on with the reptiles and amphibians if you dare! Oasis Wildlife Park doubles as a botanical garden, so don’t forget to check out the wonderful flora and find out more about the conservation efforts that have helped protect over 80 unique plant species.
Dolphin and Whale Watching
Few things beat the experience of climbing aboard a speedboat and jetting across the shimmering Atlantic, before coming face-to-face with majestic dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. For maximum convenience (and when you’re travelling with kids, that’s always a bonus), find a tour operator that includes hotel pick-up and drops you back at the harbour when it’s time to go home. Having your hotel transfer taken care of means you don’t need to think about anything other than enjoying yourself! The excitement of seeing these graceful creatures as they frolic about in front of you is sure to keep the kids entertained, and there’s plenty of other wildlife (such as manta rays and sea birds) to look out for too. Skimming over the waves, your captain will take you to prime locations where these enchanting creatures can be found, so you can explore the fascinating world of Fuerteventura’s underwater mammals first hand.
Family Surf Course
Signing up for a family surf course is a fantastic way of channelling the kids’ energy into an adrenaline-pumping activity that will also teach them a new skill. With its abundance of sandy beaches and tranquil waters, Costa Calma is the perfect playground for picking up surfing in a safe and supportive environment. The surfing instructors have a lifeguard licence and are trained to coach both children and adults, so you can rest assured that you and the little ones won’t be novices for long! Similar to dolphin and whale watching, many providers include pick-up directly from your accommodation and drop-off at the beach, so you don’t need to worry about managing logistics. Most operators offer surfing lessons in small groups of no more than about four or five, so your instructor will be attentive and focused on helping you and the kids build confidence on the water by mastering the basics. The practical part of the course will take place in shallow waters and your instructor will provide real-time feedback, helping you to refine your technique and put your best foot forward when you surf the waves.
Pirate Boat Trip
Ahoy there, matey! If you’re looking for a fun-filled afternoon with a touch of fantasy, consider booking a pirate boat trip. After being collected from a designated meeting point, you’ll hop on an authentic pirate ship and set sail on the crystal-clear waters of Fuerteventura’s scenic southern coast. The pirate crew (think eye patches, parrots, and wooden legs) will welcome you on board and teach you the tricks of the trade, including how to hoist sails, tie sailor knots, and manoeuvre the ship. Most boat routes pass by the coast of the Jandía Natural Park, a gorgeous nature reserve made up of sand dunes, scrubland, beaches, and hills. If the currents and temperature are ideal, you might even spot some sea creatures emerging from the water! The trip will be packed full of activities and games, with prizes up for grabs. Most tours will make a stop at one of the local beaches, giving you and the kids the chance to cool down and go for a swim. The boat ride is sure to help you work up an appetite, so look out for a tour that includes lunch, so you and your little buccaneers can enjoy a traditional Canarian meal on board.
Beach Bonanza
Without a doubt, one of the main attractions here is the array of picturesque beaches. One notable contender is Playa de Costa Calma, a two-kilometre swathe of sandy beach, which is the most accessible of the Sotavento beaches, situated just off the main road in Fuerteventura’s south. The waves are pleasant, lending themselves to a peaceful swim and making the beach an ideal choice for young children. Families with kids tend to stick to the northern end of the beach, while the south is often full of surfers, windsurfers, and kitesurfers, many of whom rent out equipment from the surf school (set at the end of the beach) when the conditions are suitable to take to the water. There are two beachfront restaurants for when you’re feeling peckish, and toilets, showers, and public parking are available, as well as sunbeds and parasols.
Another worthy mention is Playa de la Barca, where the conditions are favourable for sailing-based water sports. In fact, Playa de la Barca is famous for being the location of the World Championship of Windsurfing and Kiteboarding, every year since 1986. As a mecca for water sports, you can also paddle board here in the blue lagoons that form during low tide.
Where to Stay
Residence Playa Paraiso: This cosy seafront apartment boasts family rooms, onsite parking, and an outdoor pool that’s available all year round, so you and the kids can go for a splash whatever the weather. Each unit features a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, private bathroom, and free WiFi. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to bag a room with a terrace offering stunning sea views. A 25-minute walk will take you to the city centre. You won’t have to travel far to get to the beach, either, with Esmeralda Beach only 600 yards away and Sotavento Beach 650 yards away.
SBH Fuerteventura Playa: Set amongst palm trees and lush greenery, this resort is something of a Canarian Garden of Eden. It’s family-friendly, thanks to a playground and kids’ pool onsite, as well as a programme of activities for children. Grown-ups are catered for too: there’s an on-site gym, table tennis and billiards facilities, plus two tennis courts, ensuring there’s never a dull moment during your stay. Family rooms with sofa beds are perfect for your little ones to camp out together. Meanwhile, the air-conditioned rooms keep you cool when you return from a day of basking in the Spanish sun!
FeWo Holidaybox Fuerteventura: 900 yards from Playa de Costa Calma and 1.2 miles from Matas Blancas Beach, you’ll be right in the centre of the action if you choose this modern resort, which even has a mini-market on site, so you can grab snacks, sunscreen, and other essentials without having to leave the complex. The outdoor dining area means you can dine al fresco while overlooking the inner courtyard and catch the sunset while you’re at it. If eating out every day is breaking the bank and you fancy a healthy alternative, you can head to the mini-market and throw together something tasty from scratch!
How to Get There
A number of airlines offer direct flights from London to Fuerteventura Airport (FUE), including British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, TUI, and Jet2.com, with flights starting from just £42. To avoid any pesky travel hiccups, I’d recommend pre-booking a Shuttle transfer from the airport to your accommodation in Costa Calma. The journey takes just over an hour, and by pre-booking a Fuerteventura Airport transfer with Shuttle Direct, you can save time and money as you’ll be eliminating the hassle of waiting in a queue with other passengers after you land. Simply choose from our range of Shuttle services and one of our friendly, professional drivers will greet you at the airport, ready to whisk you away to your accommodation so you can start your holiday as soon as you touch Spanish soil.
Overview
UK to FUE flight time: 4 hours 19 minutes
FUE to Costa Calma distance: 66 kilometres
Shuttle Direct transfer time: 1 hour 12 minutes
Types of Transfer
At Shuttle Direct, we offer a range of services to suit your unique needs and preferences, depending on your budget and priorities.
Taxi: With an airport taxi, Fuerteventura to Costa Calma is a smooth and stress-free journey. Bypass long queues of passengers by pre-booking a taxi to take you from the airport to your accommodation as soon as you land. This door-to-door service allows you to start your holiday swiftly after you touch down, and is an especially convenient option as you avoid the nightmare of navigating an unfamiliar public transport system in a foreign country with kids in tow!
Shuttle bus: If you’re travelling on a shoestring, transfer from Fuerteventura Airport to Costa Calma by shuttle bus. This is an economical option as you’ll be splitting the costs with other passengers, but it does mean you’ll be sharing the ride with them, too. You’ll meet your driver at a designated spot at the airport and be dropped off at a central point near your accommodation. A shuttle bus is cheaper, but doesn’t mean you’ll be compromising on quality.
Private transfer: If you’re prepared to pay a little extra for a luxury service, consider pre-booking a private transfer. Fuerteventura to Costa Calma is a trip that takes just over an hour, so you’re going to want to be comfortable for the duration of your journey, especially if you’re travelling with kids. A local driver will meet you at the terminal after you’ve landed, escort you to a top-of-the-range vehicle, and drive you right to the doorstep of your accommodation.
Minibus transfer: Opting for a minibus transfer from Fuerteventura Airport to Costa Calma is the best choice if you’re travelling with a group of friends or family. The larger capacity vehicle means that you can all travel together and there’s plenty of room for luggage. Not only will your ride be spacious and comfortable, but you’ll also have the added benefit of a door-to-door service, making the logistics completely hassle-free. Minibus transfers are also quicker than shuttle buses as there won’t be any stops along the way.
Choosing the Right Transfer
In a nutshell, the decision about which transfer option to go for often comes down to two competing priorities: cost or convenience. Consider how tight your budget is, the size of your group, and how much luggage you plan on travelling with.
Cost: If you’re looking for a cost-effective transfer option, one of our shared shuttle services will suit you to a tee. Although you’ll be travelling with other holidaymakers and you won’t be dropped off at the door of your accommodation, the cost savings are considerable compared to a dedicated private airport transfer.
Convenience: If not having a door-to-door service is a deal-breaker and you’re more flexible with your holiday budget, consider pre-booking a taxi or a luxury private transfer. These options offer you a personalised service tailored to your specific needs, such as your pick-up time and route, making them the most convenient transfer options.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is one of Europe’s leading providers of airport transfer services. We pride ourselves on our reputation for affordable and reliable transport, getting travellers to their destinations without complications or delay. Pre-book with Shuttle Direct and let us take care of the details so all you need to focus on is sitting back and enjoying the ride!
