New Harbour

Mr Boo Boo · February 03, 2015, 15:22:50 PM

Got to say that when we over last month how good the new harbour looks, we were very impressed with the whole setup, loved the new bar over the dive centre and also the new restaurants by the harbour (we had lunch there most days during our stay and found the food / variety / prices to be very reasonable)... All credit to Barcelloâ€¦ two question's will the floating shop be returning or is deemed to be an eyesore, and what has happened to the mini train.

Also noticed that the cat population has reduced significantly (guess that could be down to the lady in the shop not being around)......

Captain Sensible · February 03, 2015, 15:27:53 PM

The mini train broke down , and I'm told that the company, who won the contract tender, returned it to the Ayuntamiento (local council). The matter was discussed in a meeting just before Xmas but I haven't heard what went on.

I wouldn't have thought that the floating shop will return, although I have heard some people say it will.

Mr Boo Boo · February 03, 2015, 15:38:21 PM

Quote from: Captain Sensible on February 03, 2015, 15:27:53 PM
The mini train broke down , and I'm told that the company, who won the contract tender, returned it to the Ayuntamiento (local council). The matter was discussed in a meeting just before Xmas but I haven't heard what went on.

I wouldn't have thought that the floating shop will return, although I have heard some people say it will.

Thanks Stephen, Guess it didn't fit in with the plans or the aesthetics for the area, noticed that the sea lion trainers were selling food but not quite the same though.

woe10 · February 03, 2015, 17:02:15 PM

Quote from: Chester Man on February 03, 2015, 15:22:50 PM
Got to say that when we over last month how good the new harbour looks, we were very impressed with the whole setup, loved the new bar over the dive centre and also the new restaurants by the harbour (we had lunch there most days during our stay and found the food / variety / prices to be very reasonable)... All credit to Barcelloâ€¦ two question's will the floating shop be returning or is deemed to be an eyesore, and what has happened to the mini train.

Also noticed that the cat population has reduced significantly (guess that could be down to the lady in the shop not being around)......

You're the only person I've heard say they like the so-called "Improvements" to the harbour. Generally in Caleta, people think it's horrible. No asthetics at all.

The Wally Trolley is kaput.

Cats: There's a rumour that feral cats are being collected and destroyed. Twinkle Trust are on the case.

Mr Boo Boo · February 03, 2015, 17:25:59 PM

Cant believe Mrs Man and myself are in the minority, 1000 times better than it was before.

Captain Sensible · February 03, 2015, 18:17:32 PM

The harbour area is so much better than it was

and my friends think so too

IsThisForumStillGoingWow · February 03, 2015, 19:40:12 PM

We had an hour and half to kill while the grandson did a dive at Deep Blue over Xmas period and had a drink in the new bar beforehand and snacks at the new restaurant while waiting for him to come back and thought it was lovely... and reasonably priced. Great views from the bar.
The Captain has some good pics of it on his website.

Deso · February 03, 2015, 20:40:03 PM

Quote from: Captain Sensible on February 03, 2015, 18:17:32 PM
The harbour area is so much better than it was and my friends think so too

I think it is a vast improvement, can I be your friend now?

Captain Sensible · February 03, 2015, 22:19:39 PM

My friend's list is growing!

bluefox · February 03, 2015, 22:28:51 PM

grand job done, only gripe i have is there's no secure entry to the boat area, anyone can just "walk" in.

gattaca66 · February 03, 2015, 23:36:32 PM

Well, the improvements get my vote (and Mrs G66's too!). We've seen the area develop over the past couple of years, and although the pre-refurbished harbour was 'quaint' in its way, it just looks so much better now, and the facilities are great. Love the new bar (El Faro) and its setting looking over the harbour, whilst the eateries and bars with various settings are nicely done. It can be a shame, I know, and disappointing to some when familiar places are removed of changed, but the alternative is the gentle slope towards decay in a resort that relies on tourist income. I'm no great fan of big players like Barcelo, but in this case I applaud their investment!

Mr Boo Boo · February 04, 2015, 08:12:00 AM

Quote from: Captain Sensible on February 03, 2015, 22:19:39 PM
My friend's list is growing!

So is mine Captain, didn't like being in the minority

, only wish the dive center outside area had more table and chairs, looking forward to more great meals and drinks when we return later in the year.

woe10 · February 04, 2015, 16:20:09 PM

Well, you obviously weren't here 20 years ago when the place was buzzing day and night.
15 - 20 ocean going yachts coming and going on a daily basis.
The Lighthouse Restaurant was the best in Fuerteventura, silver service, bookings only.
60's Disco/Live Music downstairs, great atmosphere.
No Oceanarium with cruelly penned-in Sea Lions crying all night.

All gone in mine and other people's opinion, who have lived here for quite a while. Sorry

Captain Sensible · February 04, 2015, 21:32:53 PM

We're living in the present Woe, not 20 years ago. Everything has to change with the times.

The harbour is a lot smarter now than it was when I moved here in 2003, and when I came on holiday here from 1992 to 2003.

IsThisForumStillGoingWow · February 04, 2015, 23:12:17 PM

Hopefully the rats have now been eradicated from the 'good ole' harbour with the new build. I agree Captain, you cant live in the past, much as woe loves to listen to the 60s music of Herman Hermits, Wayne Fontana etc (who?) and 70+ year old musicians that's not to eveyones taste.. life moves on.. I don't like Barcelo but think the fortune they have spent on the harbour has been well worth it. Its a damn sight cleaner down there now anyway.
And yes Woe i was living here when they were building Caleta Gardens.

IsThisForumStillGoingWow · February 04, 2015, 23:18:29 PM

Adf the lighthouse restaurant was probably the best in Fuerteventura soley because there WERE no other real restaurants here..when we 1st came over the rep told us to book in Casa Nostra in Happy Centre because it was one of the only restaurants in Caleta..and you had to book to make sure you got a seat.
We stayed at Villa Flo and the sole entertainment all week was flamenco dancing one night a week., (with a very dodgy bbq thrown in)

fifi · February 05, 2015, 00:45:27 AM

I love the new Harbour area. Caleta is looking very snazzy.

KWC · February 05, 2015, 07:39:29 AM

Need to call in and take a look at this new Harbour in April.

Progress is fine as long as its done sensibly of course and fitting to the area.

Mr Boo Boo · February 05, 2015, 08:06:18 AM

Agree re the sea lions, very cruel, We have coming to Caleta for the last 9 years and do think the changes have really improved the area, we couldn't believe how busy the area was in early Jan.

Ash - I was in Manchester centre Saturday night and the place was buzzing

Ivemovedon · February 05, 2015, 08:36:02 AM

Northern high streets have twice as many empty shops as those in the south.1 in 5 is unoccupied compared to 1 in 10 in the south. If the pub closures are in the same ratio as that then you'll be lucky to have a 'local' within 20 miles of you within a decade. Because in the south they are shutting down at a terrifying rate. Affordable housing springing up on every site or left derelict to rot for years on end.

I would imagine any town centre looks good on a saturday night. Its all the local independant shops in the suburbs that are going.

IsThisForumStillGoingWow · February 05, 2015, 10:08:36 AM

My local council (Tendring) send you a parking permit every year, which entitles you to park free of charge (after 11am) in any council car park to encourage people to use town centre shops. And it works. More councils should adopt this, even in winter my sea side town is still bustling (and there's always a queue outside the local butchers )

bluefox · February 05, 2015, 15:47:33 PM

all very interesting about the marina ....NOT.... (of which i'm a member) what is parking in manchester gotta do with castillo deportivo fuerteventura 2,000 mile's away ? ?

Archer · February 05, 2015, 16:03:11 PM

Not a lot. But you can park for free

bluefox · February 05, 2015, 17:00:52 PM

not for much longer i hear, when the barrier come's into operation, sooner the better, as for free "parking"/ mooring a boat is by no mean's free, it's very expensive, that's why i'm not happy about no secure entry to the boat area, i've asked, still awaiting answer.

pegtee · February 05, 2015, 17:13:40 PM

I agree the harbour, restaurants and bar look good but I think a guard rail of some description should have been placed between the footpath and the harbour. I feel it is quite dangerous nothing to stop anyone children or adults falling in.
It also looks as though it is to become barrier controlled parking so more parking spaces to go in Calleta.
I do however think it is a great improvement.

emmi · February 05, 2015, 18:21:36 PM

I think it is great and I like it without a barrier. Do you need a barrier between a pavement and the road? I think not.

Mr Boo Boo · February 06, 2015, 11:31:01 AM

Quote from: pegtee on February 05, 2015, 17:13:40 PM
I agree the harbour, restaurants and bar look good but I think a guard rail of some description should have been placed between the footpath and the harbour. I feel it is quite dangerous nothing to stop anyone children or adults falling in.
It also looks as though it is to become barrier controlled parking so more parking spaces to go in Calleta.
I do however think it is a great improvement.

Agree with PegTee - Surprised that they didn't include some sort of rail (maybe glass) !