Overview

Costa Calma is a tranquil resort on the western shore of the Jandía peninsula, in the southern reaches of Fuerteventura. Its name — meaning "calm coast" — is an accurate description. Unlike the bustling resort towns to the north, Costa Calma developed as a quieter alternative, attracting visitors who want to combine outstanding beaches with a low-key atmosphere. The resort is compact and modern, with low-rise apartment complexes and hotels spread across gently sloping ground that runs down to one of the island's finest stretches of sand. Windsurfers and kitesurfers in particular have long regarded this part of Fuerteventura as a world-class destination, thanks to the reliable trade winds that funnel along the peninsula, but the sheltered lagoon sections of the beach are equally attractive for families and swimmers.

Beaches & nature

The beach at Costa Calma is a continuation of the vast, virtually uninterrupted sandy shoreline that defines the Jandía peninsula. The main resort beach stretches for several kilometres, with powdery white sand and clear turquoise water. The northern end, fronting the main resort complex, tends to have calmer conditions and is good for swimming; further south towards Playa de Sotavento, the conditions become progressively more exposed, creating the ideal wind and wave combination that has made this beach globally famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing competitions. The Jandía Natural Park, which protects the volcanic highlands and remote beaches at the southern tip of the peninsula, begins just south of the resort and provides a dramatic wilderness backdrop. The park's interior trails offer excellent hiking through rugged volcanic terrain with panoramic views of both coasts.

Things to do

Windsurfing and kitesurfing are the headline activities, and Costa Calma hosts some of the most prestigious competition events on the international circuit. Several well-established schools operate directly on the beach and cater to complete beginners through to advanced riders. Snorkelling and scuba diving are rewarding in the clear, warm waters offshore; dive centres offer courses and accompanied dives to reefs and wrecks. Inland, the wild terrain of the Jandía peninsula invites exploration by hired jeep or on horseback. The small commercial centre of the resort has a reasonable selection of shops, cafés, and a supermarket for self-caterers. Day trips north to Morro Jable and the old village of Gran Tarajal are worthwhile for a change of scenery, and the remote beach of Playa de Cofete — accessible only by dirt track — is one of the most spectacular in the Canary Islands.

Eating & nightlife

Costa Calma's dining scene is modest in scale but covers the essentials well. The main commercial area has a selection of restaurants catering primarily to the resort's international guests, with menus ranging from Canarian fish dishes to international staples. Fresh seafood — grilled dorada (gilt-head bream), pulpo (octopus), and langostinos (prawns) — is always the best order. A handful of beachside bars provide the setting for lazy lunches and sundowners. Nightlife is intentionally restrained; Costa Calma attracts visitors who prefer early nights and early mornings over late-night entertainment. Those seeking a more animated evening should head north to Morro Jable, where the restaurant and bar scene is livelier.

Getting around

Costa Calma lies approximately 60 kilometres south of Fuerteventura Airport (FUE), roughly a 45-minute drive via the FV-2 motorway. Regular bus services connect the resort to the airport and to Morro Jable to the south, but the timetable is relatively limited compared to the busier northern resorts. Car hire is strongly recommended for staying here, both for the flexibility it provides within the resort and for exploring the Jandía peninsula's remote beaches, particularly the challenging track to Playa de Cofete. The resort itself is small enough to cover on foot, and bicycles are available for hire for exploring the flat coastal paths. Taxis can be booked through hotel receptions.

When to go

Like all of southern Fuerteventura, Costa Calma enjoys one of the best climates in the Canary Islands, with warm temperatures and low rainfall year-round. Summer (June to September) is the hottest period, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C and sea temperatures reaching a comfortable 24–25°C. The trade winds are stronger in summer and early autumn, which is exactly when the windsurfing and kitesurfing community is at its most active. Winter (November to February) sees pleasantly mild temperatures around 20°C and is popular with European visitors seeking winter sun. Spring is arguably the most pleasant season for non-water-sports visitors, combining warm weather with fewer crowds and calmer conditions for swimming.