El Cotillo, Fuerteventura

El Cotillo - small fishing village with idyllic beaches

El Cotillo is a small, attractive, relaxed village in the northern end of Fuerteventura with some very attractive beaches and lagoons. Holidaymakers from other parts of Fuerteventura often make a day trip to the village.

El Cotillo has a charm of its own. Tourism is catching up with it but the village is well worth a visit. 

El Cotillo harbour

The village is based around the small harbour that is mostly used by local fishermen. The harbour is a relatvely new addition to the village - the old harbour can be found to the north over the headlad and is overlooked by some attractive bars and restaurants.

Pronounced "El Coateeeyo"  this fishing village is a shrine to the Virgin de Buen Viaje (good travel) and these words can be seen painted on the cliffs overlooking the old harbour to the right of the town of El Cotillo.

El Cotilo beaches

Fantastic beaches and lagoons lie to the south of El Cotillo.

Going left as you head into El Cotillo you head towards the cliffs where a number of footpaths lead down to the Playa del Castillo which is one of the nicest beaches in the region.

There are miles of beaches to the south of this part of Fuerteventura. They are excellent and even in high season are big enough not to be overcrowded.

The rugged track along the cliff tops of El Cotillo is really only suitable for four wheel-drive vehicles. This track runs all the way from El Cotillo to Corralejo passing many little deserted beaches along the way.

El Cotillo fort

Turning left at the sea front as you enter El Cotillo will take you past an assortment of attracive bars and restaurants, passing the new harbour and leading you to the Fortaleza del Tostón - a round fort built in the late 1790's to defend against invading pirates.

The fort now serves as a tourist information office and you are welcome to wander around the tower which is free to enter. People have been known to be locked in there when staff haven't bothered to check at closing time!

El Cotillo lagoons

Turning right as you enter El Cotillo brings you to the picturesque old harbour area with its small bars and restaurants. Further on leads to superb white beaches with crystal clear lagoons many of which have pedestrian access.

El Cotillo lighthouse

Further past the lagoons is the Faro or lighthouse. Around this area there are some marvelous coves ideal for a picnic.

El Cotillo - windsurfing and surfing

Heading to the south of El Cotillo is one of the main surfing and windsurfing areas of the island. The beaches of Playa del Ajibe de la Cueva and the Playa del Aguila are both wild and remote and made up of fine sand.

The sea here can be dangerous and in wintertime, the swell has been known to break over El Cotillo's harbour wall and sink small fishing boats.

The conditions are ideal for experienced surfers who head either to the beaches of El Cotillo and the even more isolated ones between El Cotillo and Corralejo. 

Getting to El Cotillo

El Cotillo can be easily reached by public transport. The number 8 bus makes the short journey from Corralejo. The number 7 route, runs from Puerto del Rosario to El Cotillo across the island offering a pleasant sightseeing tour.