Fuerteventura Forum

General Chit Chat & Queries - no commercial links => General Chat => Topic started by: Banana_man on September 13, 2016, 22:47:24 PM

Title: Staying for a month
Post by: Banana_man on September 13, 2016, 22:47:24 PM
After 2 holidays to Esquinzo and a holiday to Corralejo (all in hotels), we're looking for a 1 month stay.

Sadly there's little accommodation to rent in Esquinzo (1 bed apartment), so looking for advice.

Where is best to stay that has easy walking access to the beach (ideally a naturist beach), a nearby bar or two (nightlife isn't important to us), and also a local supermarket where we can get food.

Esquinzo ticked these boxes, especially with the Mercadona which would have been ideal.

Costa Calma keeps coming up with lots of rental properties, but we've never been there.

Is that a good suggestion, or is there somewhere better?
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: Pandali on September 14, 2016, 10:45:08 AM
Try the Naturism thread. Maybe someone can help.
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: warriors on September 14, 2016, 21:33:23 PM
hi
when are you thinking of? have you tried El Cotillo?
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: Banana_man on September 17, 2016, 13:24:09 PM
Hi Warriors

March/April of next year.

Looked at El Cotillo, but looks a bit remote to stay for a month.

I won't have a rental car, so need everything nearby.

Costa Calma is looking promising, although have never been there before.

Is there a decent sized supermarket in the town?
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: Snowdrop on September 17, 2016, 13:47:49 PM
Maybe corralejo - has everything you want.  Try looking around Palm Springs complex area as nearest to the beaches you are looking for (about 20 min stroll)
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: Tamkid on September 17, 2016, 16:13:18 PM
There is an hourly bus service from El Cottilo into Corralejo, if that helps.
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: Archer on September 17, 2016, 17:37:14 PM
Banana - Costa Calma does not have a town, just a resort, purpose-built by a German about 30 years ago, with a few hotels and a handful of restaurants. Nothing interesting. The supermarket is small.
After 1 week you may be bored, unless you have a car or use the buses a lot. Jandia/Morro Jable are to the south and Tarajalejo or Gran Tarajal north.
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: bedouin on September 17, 2016, 17:54:47 PM
Quote from: Banana_man on September 17, 2016, 13:24:09 PM

Costa Calma is looking promising, although have never been there before.

Is there a decent sized supermarket in the town?

In fact, there are quite a few basic small supermarkets in Costa Calma.  There's also a selection of bars and restaurants. The beach is mainly textile, but there are naturists at the south-eastern end, near the H10 Tindaya and H10 Playa Esmerelda hotels.  There's a fair amount of rental property about half a mile north-east, in the middle of Costa Calma.  But the very best naturist beaches start at Risco del Paso, about 3 miles south-east from Costa Calma - there are buses which go along the main road, but you'd have quite a walk to get to the beach.  Or you could perhaps hire bikes.

However, I'm not sure I'd want to spend a month in Costa Calma.  And I certainly wouldn't want to spend a month in Corralejo.  But when I go for a couple of weeks, I'll usually book a week in the south, and a week in the north.  Makes a nice change, and the contrasting styles of the places can be interesting.
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: Windermeregolfer on September 18, 2016, 08:51:53 AM
Quote from: Banana_man on September 17, 2016, 13:24:09 PM
Hi Warriors

March/April of next year.

Looked at El Cotillo, but looks a bit remote to stay for a month.

I won't have a rental car, so need everything nearby.


Hi re El Cotillo, we could def spend a month there  :D  there are at least 2 decent supermarkets in the "village" as I call it and there is always plenty to do with a good number of restaurants and bars for people watching with a number overlooking the old and new harbour's.

You have a choice of the lagoon beaches or the surfing beaches south of the village.

I am sure MLA on here would give you lots of advice about the village and you could check out the El Cotillo Facebook page  which has tips and lots of great pictures. You might also get some tips from Solcal who stays there for a couple of months at a time.

If there was a golf course nearer to El Cotillo we would have probably bought a villa if there had been some for sale there, but they are mainly apartments.   
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: warriors on September 18, 2016, 10:14:14 AM
hi Banana
as people have explained the bus service to Corralejo is hourly and reliable. It also stops in Lajares which is a great place to wonder round and have a meal. There are 2 decent supermarkets and another couple of smaller ones in the village. There is a good variety of restaurants all within easy walking distance and a few nice bars-all you need really and your added bonus is the lagoons where you can find lovely quiet spots and get your kit off!!
best of luck
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: luvfuert on September 18, 2016, 10:18:06 AM
I stay in Costa Calma four times a year for three weeks at a time and never get bored! There are several smaller supermarkets, but there is a good sized Spar at Bahia Calma centre where you can get most things that you will need, plus a fresh meat counter a fresh fruit and veg and a delicatessen, all well stocked. There is a wonderful bakers next to it where you can sit outside with a coffee and pastry, as well as other shops and restaurants. The Playa Esmeralda is a good start for clothes optional, a good walk au naturel for miles to Risco del Paso and onto Jandia / Morro Jable, passing through Esquinzo. The beaches have to be seen to be believed! A car is a good option, visit La Pared for the surfing and quiet beaches, Cofete is a surreal and stunning beach. You could also visit the north of the Island. Enjoy.
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: Banana_man on September 18, 2016, 23:27:16 PM
Thank you.

Lots of food for thought.

I've found some lovely accommodation in Costa Calma, even nicer than what I've found in El Cotillo - but the way you speak of El Cotillo, I will look in to again.

What are the main benefits of El Cotillo?  The hourly bus service is very useful, and makes it feel less disconnected.
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: Windermeregolfer on September 19, 2016, 08:14:54 AM
El Cotillo is a very nice fishing village with some very traditional parts
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: warriors on September 19, 2016, 08:53:22 AM
in our opinion Cotillo does not feel like a resort as such, the village is nicely spread out with lovely little back streets and a very nice selection of restaurants, not sure how long this will last as more people seem to be discovering it. It is undeniably tatty in some places but again part of the charm for us as there is not the manicured resort feel with AI hotels and kids running riot (there is only 1 AI hotel in Cotillo).
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: bedouin on September 19, 2016, 12:52:53 PM
I've been to El Cotillo twice, and I think it's a scruffy little place with little to commend it.  I know that some people love it, but if it were truly attractive it would have been developed much more.
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: duncolm on September 19, 2016, 13:33:08 PM
Quote from: bedouin on September 19, 2016, 12:52:53 PM
I've been to El Cotillo twice, and I think it's a scruffy little place with little to commend it.  I know that some people love it, but if it were truly attractive it would have been developed much more.

I think you may have just identified why so many of us like El Cotillo.....
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: bedouin on September 19, 2016, 15:09:08 PM
Quote from: duncolm on September 19, 2016, 13:33:08 PM


I think you may have just identified why so many of us like El Cotillo.....

You mean you all like scruffy little places?
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: paully on September 19, 2016, 16:36:31 PM
Tis the locals that like to keep it that way...It keeps the emmets out..Meanwhile those in the know just accept it for what it is  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: duncolm on September 19, 2016, 17:19:47 PM
Quote from: bedouin on September 19, 2016, 15:09:08 PM
Quote from: duncolm on September 19, 2016, 13:33:08 PM
I think you may have just identified why so many of us like El Cotillo.....

You mean you all like scruffy little places?

I think of it as preferring substance to style.
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: warriors on September 19, 2016, 17:40:41 PM
lets face it -you either love it and go back again and again etc or you just don't get it. We get it and are moving there 1 week from today!!!!!!
each to their own i say
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: bedouin on September 19, 2016, 17:57:21 PM
I hope Banana_man doesn't end up in El Cotillo for a month!  If he does, perhaps he'll come back and share his thoughts.
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: Tamkid on September 19, 2016, 19:06:39 PM
In all honesty, you would have to really love it to spend a month there, I understand the attraction to a degree, but for me its a max of a couple of hours once a month, and then only if its not windy, getting pebble dashed isn't funny, in the winter months i.e. November through to February it can be a desolate place, at nights its a bit creepy as well. If it was my choice I would go to Cost Calma, the beaches (as someone has already described) are breathtaking, its much better for longer more scenic walks ref sand, sea and mountains.
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: LAshire on September 19, 2016, 20:07:13 PM
Shhh!!!!!... now peeps, totally agree with the last post and would not change a thing.
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: suendrob on September 19, 2016, 20:51:50 PM
We absolutely Love El Cotillo and we'll be there next week  ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D

Just for the week, then moving on to Corralejo for another week, same each year.

El Cotillo is perfect for a wind-down, it has Charm by the truckload, idyllic beaches, as much or as little company as you wish. A week is enough though (plus a day trip second week).

In times to come, we intend coming to the Island for 2-3 months, starting at New Year each time.
It'll be Corralejo for us, right in the town, not a satellite estate. An easy walk to anywhere we want, bus to the beach and El Cotillo, car hire for wider exploring from time to time.

El Cotillo - great for a week or so, but any longer -- serious risk of cabin-fever.
Would suit long-term stay for a writer, artist or similar, though.
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: RVEEE on September 19, 2016, 21:16:55 PM
La Pared does it for me; close to Costa Calma for shops etc, but a couple of minutes away on the west coast means that you are very rarely sand blasted. It gives you extra flexibility. Plus you get fabulous sunsets, rather than bright dawns.
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: Tamkid on September 19, 2016, 23:12:50 PM
Fuerter, its a strange place, I can never really grasp what I love about it. I once gave a lift to a street artist into Corrie many years ago, a east European juggler, the Corrie town council used to hire them to entertain the kids during the peak season, I asked him what he liked about Fuerter, he said its the last place of freedom in Europe, no restrictions, nobody really bothers you, I think that is what really attracted me in the first place, maybe El Cotilo is the last place on the Island that has that feel about it, everywhere else has changed. The Italian bakery in Cotillo is heaven, don't mind the staff, they hate everyone who isn't a surfer but they can certainly bake cakes and make latte. Enjoy your stay, let us know what you decide.
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: erik_tonny on September 20, 2016, 08:30:46 AM
It's Corralejo and Fuerteventura. No english nicknames please.
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: bedouin on September 20, 2016, 09:20:27 AM
Quote from: erik_tonny on September 20, 2016, 08:30:46 AM
It's Corralejo and Fuerteventura. No english nicknames please.

And we'll have a capital E on English, please!
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: Ernie on September 20, 2016, 10:21:27 AM
Unless you are the type who likes to spend all day every day on the beach (in which case the lagoons take some beating) then a month in Cotillo without a car wouldn't be much fun, not least because the town and beaches are pretty spread out and it would quickly get tiring walking about everywhere.

I have a place in Cotillo and spend 3-4 months a year there so I obviously like it but I wouldn't be without a car.

HTH
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: dampsquib on September 27, 2016, 02:24:12 AM
Quote from: Banana_man on September 13, 2016, 22:47:24 PM
After 2 holidays to Esquinzo and a holiday to Corralejo (all in hotels), we're looking for a 1 month stay.
Sadly there's little accommodation to rent in Esquinzo (1 bed apartment), so looking for advice.
Banana_man - Did you consider and reject the Monte del Mar Aparthotel in Esquinzo?
I stayed in a nice apartment there last year. I was on a Half-Board option, but had a nice kitchen area with hob, microwave, sink, and full size fridge. They do a self-catering option, though the extra for B&B or HB is very reasonable.
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: Snowdrop on September 27, 2016, 12:13:52 PM
As someone else has said around Palm Springs complex in corralejo - much more going on there than quiet cortillo I think.  Try asking about accom for corralejo on 'corralejo we love you site' lots of pics on the site too of the town.  Then if you wish to visit el cortillo for odd day or two get the bus that way.
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: Banana_man on November 26, 2016, 18:10:27 PM
Quote from: dampsquib on September 27, 2016, 02:24:12 AM

Banana_man - Did you consider and reject the Monte del Mar Aparthotel in Esquinzo?
I stayed in a nice apartment there last year. I was on a Half-Board option, but had a nice kitchen area with hob, microwave, sink, and full size fridge. They do a self-catering option, though the extra for B&B or HB is very reasonable.

I did look at it - can't remember why we rejected it now.  It may have been price (as we needed a month).

We decided to go with Costa Calma in the end, just because the property itself outshone everything else we could find, and it's very close to the beach.
Title: Re: Staying for a month
Post by: 2FV on November 28, 2016, 11:04:39 AM
Quote from: Tamkid on September 19, 2016, 23:12:50 PM
Fuerter, its a strange place, I can never really grasp what I love about it. I once gave a lift to a street artist into Corrie many years ago, a east European juggler, the Corrie town council used to hire them to entertain the kids during the peak season, I asked him what he liked about Fuerter, he said its the last place of freedom in Europe, no restrictions, nobody really bothers you, I think that is what really attracted me in the first place, maybe El Cotilo is the last place on the Island that has that feel about it, everywhere else has changed. The Italian bakery in Cotillo is heaven, don't mind the staff, they hate everyone who isn't a surfer but they can certainly bake cakes and make latte. Enjoy your stay, let us know what you decide.

Well said. Cotillo is certainly unique and beats anywhere else on the island. 👍🏻