Fuerteventura

El Cotillo

An authentic fishing village, now a surfing destination, El Cotillo offers pristine beaches and natural lagoons, ideal for a relaxing holiday in Fuerteventura.
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Tucked away on the north-western coast of Fuerteventura is El Cotillo, a little-known gem waiting to be discovered by travellers in search of authenticity and natural beauty. This small fishing village, with its narrow streets and traditional white houses, still maintains an authentic and relaxed atmosphere, far from the mass tourism that characterises other parts of the island.

El Cotillo is a place where time seems to pass more slowly, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its tranquillity and rustic charm. The harbour, the beating heart of the local community, offers a picturesque spectacle with colourful boats gently swaying on the crystal-clear waters. Here, fishermen continue to ply their trade as they have for generations, bringing their fresh catch to local restaurants every day.

The real magic of El Cotillo lies in its breathtaking coastline, characterised by a series of pristine beaches and natural lagoons stretching north and south of the village. These beaches, with their golden or white sand and turquoise waters, offer a paradise for lovers of sun, sea and water sports.

But El Cotillo is not only beaches. The village is rich in history and culture, as evidenced by the presence of the Faro del Tostón, a historic lighthouse that stands majestically on the rocky coastline, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to being an iconic landmark, this lighthouse also houses a small museum that tells the maritime history of the region.

El Cotillo is also a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, especially surfers. The northern beaches are renowned for their powerful waves, attracting enthusiasts from all over the world. At the same time, the protected lagoons offer ideal conditions for swimming and snorkelling, making El Cotillo a versatile destination for all types of travellers.

Beaches of El Cotillo

Playa del Castillo

The beaches of El Cotillo are the real treasure of this resort, offering a variety of experiences for every type of visitor. Playa del Castillo1 is famous for its natural lagoons. Here, the calm, shallow waters, protected by rock formations, create natural pools perfect for families with children and those seeking relaxation. The fine white sand contrasts beautifully with the blue sea, creating postcard landscapes.

Not far away is Playa de la concha2, a shell-shaped bay that boasts golden sand and turquoise waters. This beach is ideal for swimming and snorkelling, especially on calm sea days. Its natural shape protects it from the winds, making it a pleasant refuge even on the windiest days.

For surfers and adventurers, Playa del Aljibe de la Cueva3, located south of the village, is a must. This wild beach is renowned for its powerful waves that attract experienced surfers from all over the world. Even if you are not a surfing enthusiast, it is worth visiting for its spectacular views and breathtaking sunsets.

Those seeking tranquillity and privacy will find their own piece of paradise at Playa del Águila4. This small, hidden cove, accessible via a short path, offers crystal-clear waters and a feeling of seclusion that is increasingly rare to find. It is the perfect place for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy the sound of the waves in peace.

Finally, north of El Cotillo, Playa de los Charcos5 offers a unique experience with its natural pools formed by lava. These crystal-clear pools of water are perfect for safe swimming, even when the sea is rough, and offer an incredible natural spectacle with the ocean crashing against the surrounding volcanic rocks.

Things to do in El Cotillo

The Tostón Tower

Besides the beautiful beaches, El Cotillo offers several attractions worth exploring. A walk along the old port is a must to immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of this fishing village. Here you can observe the local fishermen at work, colourful boats moored and enjoy panoramic views of the sea.

The Torre del Tostón, also known as Castillo de El Cotillo, is another must-see attraction. This 18th century defensive tower stands as a sentinel over the coastline, offering visitors a breathtaking view of the ocean and surrounding coastline. The tower also houses a small exhibition on the history of piracy in the Canary Islands, offering a fascinating insight into the region’s tumultuous past.

The historical centre of El Cotillo is a fascinating maze of narrow streets and traditional white houses. A stroll through these streets allows you to admire typical Canarian architecture and discover small shops selling local handicrafts, cosy cafés and quaint restaurants. It is not uncommon to come across colourful murals that add a touch of modern vibrancy to the historical charm of the village.

Nature and birdwatching enthusiasts will find a visit to the wetlands near El Cotillo interesting. These areas are home to a variety of migratory birds and offer unique opportunities for wildlife observation in a pristine natural environment.

Finally, for those wishing to explore beyond the confines of El Cotillo, boat excursions are available from the local port. These trips offer the chance to spot dolphins, visit the nearby island of Lobos or simply enjoy a sunset cruise with spectacular views of the Fuerteventura coastline.

Where to stay in El Cotillo

El Cotillo offers a variety of accommodation options to suit the needs of all types of travellers. Tourist flats are particularly popular, offering flexibility and comfort, especially for families or groups. For a more curated experience, there are small boutique hotels that combine the charm of traditional architecture with modern comforts.

Backpackers and surfers can opt for budget hostels, while those seeking more privacy can choose villas and holiday homes. For nature lovers, camping areas are available nearby. Regardless of the choice, most accommodations are strategically located within walking distance of El Cotillo’s beaches and main attractions.

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Recommended hotels in El Cotillo

We offer a selection of hotels at El Cotillo to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in El Cotillo, sorted by number of reviews.

Hotel
Coral Cotillo Beach
Cotillo - Avenida A Los Lagos, s/n
8.6Fabulous 1.459 reviews
The Family Rooms with Pool View at the Hotel Coral Cotillo Beach provide a spacious 29m2 setting for a comfortable stay.
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Hotel
Cotillo House
Cotillo - Calle San Pedro 2
8.5Fabulous 1.251 reviews
Located in Cotillo and within 100 metres of Playa de Los Lagos, Cotillo House features a terrace, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi throughout the property.
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Apartments and vacation homes in El Cotillo

If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at El Cotillo. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at El Cotillo are in high demand.

Apartment
TAO El Cotillo
Cotillo - Avenida Hermanas del Castillo, 4
8.2Very good 1.203 reviews
Located 500 metres from Cotillo Beach, Tao Apartamentos el Cotillo features bright, modern apartments with balconies or terraces.
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Apartment
Cotillo Ocean View
Cotillo - Calle Francisca Franquis Gonzalez, 10
8.4Very good 786 reviews
Cotillo Ocean View overlooks Cotillo Bay in northern Fuerteventura.
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Apartment
Apartamentos Juan Benítez
Cotillo - La Caleta 4
8.9Fabulous 534 reviews
Set in northern Fuerteventura, Apartamentos Juan Benitez have a small seasonal outdoor pool.
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How to get to El Cotillo

Reaching El Cotillo is relatively easy, despite its secluded location on the north-western coast of Fuerteventura. Fuerteventura International Airport, located near the capital Puerto del Rosario, is the main entry point for visitors arriving on the island. From here, El Cotillo can be reached by a car journey of about one hour.

For those who prefer public transport, there is a bus service from the airport to El Cotillo, with changes in Puerto del Rosario. Although this option is cheaper, travel times are longer and schedules can be limited, especially on weekends and public holidays.

The most convenient and flexible option to reach El Cotillo is to rent a car directly at the airport. This not only facilitates the initial transfer, but also allows you to freely explore the island during your stay. The road to El Cotillo is well signposted and in good condition, offering spectacular views along the way.

For those arriving from other parts of Fuerteventura, such as the popular resorts of Corralejo or Caleta de Fuste, taxi and private transfer services are available. These can be more expensive, but offer convenience and speed, especially for groups.

El Cotillo Weather

What's the weather at El Cotillo? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at El Cotillo for the next few days.

Sunday 24
22°
23°
Monday 25
22°
23°
Tuesday 26
22°
24°
Wednesday 27
22°
24°
Thursday 28
22°
23°
Friday 29
22°
23°

Where is located El Cotillo

El Cotillo is located on the north-western coast of Fuerteventura, 40 km from Puerto del Rosario Airport. It is 25 km from Corralejo and 80 km from Morro Jable, in the extreme south of the island.

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