Articles about Fuerteventura 2

March 2006

Could you live in Caleta?

Amidst the breathtaking barren volcanic landscape and stunning beaches, the little British town of Castillo began to open itself up to me.

The first time in Castillo, I was in awe of the numerous friendly locals - nights out taking me back to my fun and carefree university years. The second time I was impressed by the Spanish culture, the manners of the young and the importance of family. The third time I got to see things a little closer up and reality began to set in.

It is said that you will either love Fuerteventura or hate it, like Marmite. Personally I love the island and hate Marmite.

By day the sun shines, the birds twitter on and fly around your head, cigarettes and alcohol are universally found at sensible low prices. The beaches are full of happy children and relaxed parents, the laid back culture oozes into your soul and Fuerteventura becomes a heaven, a Disneyland of how things should be.

However, as with every good Disney, there has to be a bad guy, an adversary.

My one bad experience has failed to deter me. Life is pretty cool here. A warning to other gullible visitors would concern elements of the British ex-pat community who appear to be either alcoholics or simply interested in gossiping about other peoples lives -sometimes both.

It doesn’t take long to pick them out but it is disappointing to find them even in paradise. That is the worst side of Castillo, the few bad fish that spoil the seas. Truth is that no matter where you travel, all facets of humanity will be evident as long as there are people around.

During six weeks of experiencing normal daily events, I met a selection of

extraordinarily nice people whom I now intend to keep in my life. I ate in wonderful restaurants, drank in charming bars, pottered around the market every Saturday and generally laughed and joked with my new friends.

Anyone interested in a Fuerteventura holiday taste sensation should try both drinking and dining at The Salsa Bar/Blues Bar, Tommy Nutter’s evening menu and the Caribbean. Try to catch Ian playing classical guitar at La Fuente restaurant for evening entertainment. The staffs are courteous and the food divine.

There are many other places to eat which are excellent but there are too many to mention.

Shopping for food is restricted to a group of Netto’s and a Spar but even produce from these is ripe with flavour and lacking in artificial preservatives. Eating in the Canaries seems to be incredibly healthy. Medicine, too, gets a positive report from me; many drugs are sold over the counter while back home I have to jump hoops to obtain them.

Local doctors also have the freedom to explore alternative therapies from around the globe which is greatly welcomed by me and others suffering from an illness.

One negative point for those with mobility issues is that the ramps are too steep and the town flooring becomes an ice rink when wet. However, it rarely rains - the sun is almost always out, a fresh sea breeze fills the streets of the town and relaxation is the new law.

A lovely day out can be found down at the harbour with the Oceanarium Explorer, a submarine trip, a catamaran whale watching trip including a very tasty paella, a sea lion show, an aquarium tour and last but not least the opportunity to have your photo taken with Harley the sea lion - a beautiful gentle giant with a big wet kiss. If you’re walking back take a look at Chris the Sandman’s work! He does fabulous sand sculptures on the beach and please do leave a euro or two on the mat, especially if you are taking pictures.

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