02.18.08
Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura beach improvements
Caleta de Fuste property
Caleta de Fuste has been an incredibly popular tourist destination on Fuerteventura’s East coast for many years, this is the reason property for sale in Caleta de Fuste is so in demand. Its close proximity to the airport provides it with easy and convenient access; its purpose built nature provides tourists with the facilities and entertainment that they want and its safe natural harbour and horseshoe shaped beach has always been a popular attraction with families.
However, even though the beach itself is natural, the white sand that makes up the surface of the beach was imported some years ago and due to being very fine sand that was only put on the surface of the original beach, much of it has been blown away over the years leaving the beach with a less than perfect surface layer.
In addition, when the harbour walls were built a few years ago to protect the harbour and bay, they also greatly reduced the flow of water through the harbour entrance, with the result that the volume of fresh, moving sea water reaching the beach is not sufficient to stop the build up of silt on the sea bed.
For many years the local authorities in Fuerteventura have lobbied the Spanish government for funds to correct these issues and rejuvenate the whole area. Even though the funding seemed close on a number of occasions, there was always a final hurdle that got in the way, or red tape that could not be overcome.
Eventually the federation of local businesses in Caleta de Fuste, the Asociacion de Empresarios y Comerciantes (A.E.C.A) decided that they would make it their mission to secure the funding for the good of the whole area.
So, working in conjunction with all the relevant local authorities they have worked tirelessly to lobby the government in the peninsula for the funding required. This culminated in a recent meeting in Madrid where it was confirmed that funding of around 4.5 Million Euros has been agreed.
The project that has been approved will see the entire beach of Caleta de Fuste and the sea bed leading out towards the harbour entrance, dug out to a depth of around 1.5 metres. Also the western side of the beach currently comprises a large rock formation that acts as a natural barrier to the tidal flow; this will also be dug out to improve the water flow to the beach and stop the silt deposits from building up on the shore of the beach.
Following this, the entire dug out area will be filled with white sand of a slightly larger grain, to reduce the amount lost through wind and wave action. The finished beach and harbour will then boast pristine white sand, over a metre deep, across the entire beach and even under the water out towards the harbour entrance.
There will also be works along the Eastern side of the beach and harbour to improve the appearance and access. In addition, the coastal path surrounding the beach and harbour is due to be extended, resulting in a continuous coastal path, all the way from Costa Antigua to the North of Caleta right round to the Atlantico Centre and Hotels to the South of the town.
At the time of writing, companies are being asked to carry out their studies and submit tenders for the work, with this process due to be completed by summer this year. The actual work on the beach is scheduled to commence at the end of 2008 and will be completed within 18 months. Obviously a major concern is the continued use of the beach and facilities whilst the work is underway.
Plans are therefore in place to close down half of the beach, carrying out all the works with as little disruption as possible, leaving the other half operating as a central focus for peoples holidays as normal. When the first half is completed, this will be opened to the public whilst the work begins on the remainder.
The model for this ambitious project is the incredibly beautiful and successful Anfi beach in Gran Canaria and its completion will undoubtedly transform Caleta from a resort that is merely popular with holiday makers and property owners alike, to one that is positively sought after.