Make the Most of an Outdoor Holiday in Costa Calma

Fancy swapping cold and grey winter days for sandy beaches and year-round sun? If you answered yes, then Costa Calma, a resort town on the southeastern coast of Fuerteventura, could be the perfect destination for your next holiday abroad. 

Costa Calma is a relatively new town that was built during the tourism boom of the early 1970s. Located in the southern municipality of Pájara, at the top of the Jandía Peninsula, Costa Calma (“the calm coast”) is famed for its natural park, volcanic landscape, and sun-drenched beaches where international water sports events are hosted every summer. 

Get Out and About Outdoors in Costa Calma

As a town that belongs to the Canary archipelago, Costa Calma is situated just off the northwest coast of Africa and therefore boasts a subtropical climate with hot summers, mild winters, and sunny spells throughout the year. True to its name, Costa Calma is known for its tranquil waters, so rest assured that a relaxing retreat is on the cards! However, if lounging around on the beach isn’t your scene and you’d prefer an active holiday full of adventure, adrenaline, and action, Costa Calma hits the mark every time.

This guide will walk you through the top attractions to visit to make the most of an outdoor holiday in Costa Calma.

Jandía Natural Park 

On the southernmost tip of Fuerteventura lies Jandía Natural Park, a nature reserve which occupies the greater part of the peninsula of Jandía. The park spans a vast area of over 14,000 hectares and is formed by an arc of mountains that opens to the north. It’s home to Pico de la Zarza (translating to “peak of the brambles”), the highest peak on Fuerteventura, at an altitude of 807m above sea level. Hiking to this summit is a popular trail that begins in the town of Morro Jable, leading through the countryside, and gradually ascending to the island’s highest point. The trail is approximately six to seven kilometres long and typically takes three to four hours to complete. The terrain can be steep and rocky and you’ll be facing a constant incline, so it’s worth investing in some sensible footwear suitable for hiking. It’s also best to start early in the day to avoid the midday heat, particularly because you’ll be hiking to the most humid part of the island.

The trade winds that blow over Jandía Natural Park carry moisture from the Atlantic Ocean, making Pico de la Zarza more humid than the rest of the island, which is generally much drier. Jandía Natural Park is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna which will delight nature lovers. Many species in the park are native to the Canary Islands, such as the pride of Tenerife, an endemic plant with a tall, spiky inflorescence covered in blue flowers, which thrives in the park’s volcanic soils. There are nearly 30 species of birds inhabiting the park including the Egyptian vulture, a rare species often seen soaring above, and the Sardinian warbler, a small songbird that dwells in the scrubby areas. One of the most fascinating creatures is the mantis shrimp, which is found in the waters off the park’s coast. This colourful crustacean is known for its powerful appendages, which it uses to deliver one of the fastest and most forceful strikes in the animal kingdom. In fact, a mantis shrimp’s punch has the same acceleration as a 22-calibre bullet!

In 1987, Jandía Natural Park was declared a protected area and has gained a reputation for being a place of contrasts. Although much of the park features dry, arid landscapes characteristic of Fuerteventura, with rocky plains, sand dunes, and sparse vegetation, certain areas on the mountain slopes are more humid. This has created microclimates that support lush vegetation and surprisingly abundant biodiversity rarely seen elsewhere on the island. The park has been shaped by its volcanic origin and its geological history has resulted in dramatic terrain featuring ridges, ravines (barrancos), and steep cliffs, which have developed from the effects of erosion over millions of years. The isthmus of La Pared (“The Wall”), which connects Jandía to the rest of Fuerteventura, was formed by ancient lava flows and sedimentary processes that closed the strait that once separated Jandía as an independent island. Before the Spanish conquest in the fifteenth century, the isthmus marked the boundary between two kingdoms: Maxorata in the north and Jandía in the south. 

Windsurfing  

Few things are more exhilarating than clutching onto a boom, feeling the wind catch the sail, and the surge of power that propels you across the water! Windsurfing is an electrifying dance between you, the wind, and the sea that will leave you energised and connected to the elements. From the acoustics of the waves lapping your board to the rush of wind in your ears, some say that windsurfing is the ultimate freedom. From May to September, the conditions in Costa Calma are optimal for windsurfing, when the steady and strong trade winds, known as the “alisios”, are at their peak. They provide consistent wind conditions ranging from 15 to 30 knots, which is perfect for beginners, freeriders, and advanced windsurfers with a need for speed. Playa de la Barca in Costa Calma is the location for the Windsurfing and Windfoil World Championships, which typically take place in July or early August and feature competitions in slalom and freestyle windsurfing.

If you’re a complete newcomer who’s never windsurfed before and you’d like to try your hand at riding the waves, consider taking windsurfing lessons at a local school. Even if you’re at an intermediate level, or a windsurfing pro looking to brush up on your technique, people of all ages and abilities can benefit from lessons. Many schools offer instructors who hold teaching certificates from the VDWS, the RYA, and similar organisations, so you can be sure that they have the qualifications to provide high-quality instruction tailored to your skill level. Many of the instructors are also multilingual, so you can comfortably learn in your preferred language. Windsurfing schools typically cater to small groups, ensuring that you receive personalised attention. Costa Calma offers tranquil, shallow lagoons, which are perfect for beginners to practise in safe, manageable conditions.

Beaches  

The Canary Islands are synonymous with sun, sea, and sand, so there’s no doubt you’ll be indulging in a day or two at the beach during your holiday. For those who enjoy a more laid back beach day, Playa de Costa Calma is the first choice. It stretches for approximately 1.5 to 2 km along the southeastern coast of Fuerteventura and is part of a chain of interconnected beaches that extend further south, leading to Playa de Sotavento, which spans around 9 km. Playa de Costa Calma’s idyllic shoreline is sheltered from strong winds, so it’s ideal for those who prefer quieter conditions and peaceful walks. 

On the other hand, if you’d prefer to get stuck into some high-octane water sports, Playa de Sotavento is the best choice for you. The beach is divided into five areas: Mirador, Risco del Paso, La Barca, Mal Nombre, and Los Canarios. A sandbar located between 100m to 300m offshore creates a lagoon, which is perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Every July, the PWA Windsurfing World Cup takes place on Playa de Sotavento, bringing together elite athletes to showcase their skills in one of the world’s best windsurfing destinations.

From reconnecting with nature at Jandía Natural Park to catching the breeze at windsurfing school and frolicking on the beach, there are plenty of ways to explore the great outdoors in Costa Calma. Once you’ve established what sights you’re going to see and which activities you’re going to tackle, it’s time to turn your attention to where you’re going to stay.

Where to Stay 

El Caseto: This cosy bungalow is a home away from home, offering you all the comforts you need for an enjoyable stay, including free WiFi, private parking, and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The apartment has room to dine indoors or outdoors on the terrace, which faces onto the garden. You’ll also have access to a private pool so you can let off steam after a day of sightseeing. El Caseto is in a fantastic location, only 700m from Playa de Costa Calma, 2.2 km from Matas Blancas Beach, and 2.8 km from Esmeralda Beach. A beach day is only a stone’s throw away!

Beachfront Granillo: Picture this: you’re reclining in a hammock with your favourite tipple, devouring an irresistible page-turner with a view of the shimmering horizon where the sea meets the sky. If this sounds like your vibe, Beachfront Granillo could be the apartment for you. This two bedroom apartment features a lush garden and a terrace, so you can spend evenings dining al fresco as the sun sets behind you. The property comes with a fully equipped, open-plan kitchen with a large island in the centre, as well as stylish and functional sofas, so whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet night in, you’ll have the perfect space to relax and unwind in comfort. 

Casa la Concha: Any sun worshipper who takes the time to top up their tan will know that sun loungers are at a premium on public beaches, and unless you head to the beach bright and early, most of the best spots have already been snatched up! At Casa la Concha, which comes with a private patio, you won’t have to battle for a prime spot because the sun loungers and umbrellas mean that you can soak up the rays from the comfort of your own apartment. You can also make use of the barbecue facilities to add a British flair to your mornings with a hearty fry-up for breakfast.

How to Get There

A range of carriers offer direct flights from the UK to Fuerteventura Airport (FUE), including Jet2.com, Ryanair, TUI, easyJet, British Airways, and BA Euroflyer. The cheapest month to fly is in December, with flights starting from just £26. The journey from Fuerteventura Airport to Costa Calma takes just over an hour, and to eliminate as many bumps in the road as possible, pre-book your transfer with Shuttle Direct. This will get you to your accommodation quickly and safely and means that you don’t need to worry about organising transport after you’ve landed. Shuttle Direct has a reputation for providing reliable airport transfer services, so you can relax knowing that your travel plans are in good hands. 

Overview

UK to FUE flight time: 4 hours 23 minutes

FUE to Costa Calma distance: 66 km

Shuttle Direct transfer time: 1 hour 12 minutes

Types of Transfer 

Taxi: Pre-booking a taxi for your Fuerteventura Airport transfer gives you peace of mind that you’ll have a vehicle waiting for you upon your arrival at the terminal, eliminating the stress of looking for a ride or waiting in long queues. Pre-booking also means that there are no hidden charges, as the service will be provided at a fixed price. As well as avoiding having to negotiate fares with your driver, you also avoid having to share the ride with other passengers, giving you the comfort and convenience of travelling alone, and making your journey as smooth as possible.

Shuttle bus: If you’re keeping a close eye on costs, one of the more budget-friendly ways to transfer from Fuerteventura Airport to Costa Calma is by shuttle bus. Shuttle buses operate on a set schedule, which guarantees a timely departure without the hassle of last-minute arrangements. With everything arranged beforehand, you won’t need to worry about finding transportation upon arrival. Not only will you be splitting the costs with other passengers, but you’ll also be riding with them, creating a more social experience and giving you the chance to make new friends.

Private transfer: If, however, you value your personal space, then a private transfer from Fuerteventura Airport to Costa Calma will suit you down to the ground. Enjoy the convenience of being picked up at the airport and dropped off directly at your accommodation without any additional stops. Private transfers are faster than shared options as you won’t need to wait for other passengers or make any detours along the way. You can also enjoy the luxury of a personalised service tailored to your schedule, and you won’t have to worry about navigating public transport. It’s a win-win!

Minibus transfer: If you’re looking for a Costa Calma transfer that will allow you to travel with friends or family, a minibus transfer could be the solution. Not only does travelling by minibus keep everyone together and make coordination easier, but the larger capacity vehicle means that there will be ample room for both passengers and luggage. This is ideal if you’re travelling with extra baggage or equipment. Minibus transfers also offer a door-to-door service, with no need for multiple stops along the way, so you get to your destination quicker, helping you kick off your holiday right away.

Choosing the Right Transfer 

The decision about which airport transfer option is the best for you ultimately comes down to whether you rank cost or convenience as most important. 

Cost: If you’re on a tight budget, or would simply prefer to save your holiday money for activities and souvenirs (who doesn’t love a good fridge magnet?), then opt for a shuttle bus. Because the cost is shared over multiple passengers and you won’t be dropped off at the doorstep of your accommodation, the price is significantly reduced. With an economical shuttle bus, you can arrive at your destination relaxed, recharged, and ready to start your adventure.

Convenience: If you’re happy to pay for the luxury of a private service, then a pre-booked taxi or private transfer are the best options for you. You can enjoy the convenience of being picked up at the airport and delivered right to the door of your accommodation. A friendly, professional driver will greet you at the terminal ready to whisk you to your destination. These options are also more time efficient, as your driver will take a direct route to your destination without any stops along the way. 

About Shuttle Direct 

At Shuttle Direct, we pride ourselves on our track record for providing comfortable, convenient, and cost-effective airport transfers tailored to your travel needs. Whether you prefer a pre-booked taxi for a stress-free journey or an affordable shuttle bus, our local drivers and well-maintained vehicles ensure a seamless start to your trip. With pre-booked services, fair pricing, and a strong reputation for punctuality, we make airport transfers simple and straightforward. Leave the logistics to our experienced drivers and get on with enjoying your holiday!