El Cotillo

Overview

Situated on the northwest tip of Fuerteventura island, El Cotillo is a small town with plenty of character. From the old harbour, to its sprawl of beaches and mystical lagoons, this town boasts an intriguing old-world charm.

Despite the lack of tourism in certain parts of the town, particularly in the north, its serenity and unpretentiousness continues to attract an eclectic crowd of bohemians, surfers and peace-seekers, who have been visiting since the late 1960s.

History

Before the Spanish conquest in the 15th century, El Cotillo was the seat of power for the aboriginal chiefs of Maxorata and so the northern kingdom of Fuerteventura.

Since its subjugation by Spanish forces, the town has remained relatively peaceful despite garnering particular interest from Barbary pirates and English invaders in the 18th century. The Castillo del Tostón, constructed in 1743, was initially utilised as a defence tower to guard against such attacks, but this soon gave away to the peace and tranquillity which still envelops El Cotillo to this day.

Culture

As a former fishing hamlet, El Cotillo’s real character lies in the fact that it is not even slightly pretentious. Beautifully Mediterranean, locals enjoy a relaxed pace of life, punctuated by a daily siesta. However don’t mistake its languidness for slothfulness- fishing is still a big business here. El Cotillo's coterie of experienced fishermen, are often seen traipsing from the harbour each morning to transport their latest catches to the local restaurants.

Economy

El Cotillo’s economy is predominantly generated by fishing. In recent years, a number of low-rise apartment blocks have also sprung up, catering the steadily growing influx of holiday makers.

How to get there

By Bus:
You can catch the Tiadhe bus number 7 from Puerto del Rosario, which runs from 10:00 until 19:00 (three daily), and vice versa from 06:45 until 17:00 (three daily). Journeys both ways cost €3.95 and takes about 45 minutes.

Tiadhe bus number 8 has an hourly service from Corralejo, running from 09:00 until 21:00, costing €2.80. The return service from El Cotillo operates from 08:00am until 20:00 (hourly service except at 2.00pm) and costs €2.90.

By Car:
If driving from the airport, take the FV-2 motorway before turning onto the FV-10, just outside Puerto del Rosario, which runs directly to El Cotillo. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.

If travelling from Corralejo, take the FV-1 out of town before joining the FV-101 for El Cotillo, going via Lajares. The 20km journey takes approximately 20 minutes.

Sights

This former fishing village itself is the main attraction of El Cotillo. The old harbour is perfect for a relaxing stroll, you can see locals fishing or taking a refreshing dip in the sea water.

The Old Harbour

If looking for some peace and quiet, relaxing by the town’s atmospheric old harbour is a must. Whilst watching the sizable swells of the sea, you can imagine the masterful seamanship of past years. Back when the harbour was a commercial port, sailors would regularly direct their vessels through the narrow quay on almost insurmountable waves. As a result, the inscription on the adjacent rock face, reads:  “Viva la Virgen del Buen Viaje” (“Long Live the Virgin of Good Travel”). The surrounding area is also studded by a number of picturesque bars and restaurants.

Castillo del Tóston (fort)

Located near the new harbour, this small circular fort originally stood as a means of defence against possible attacks from misanthropic seamen. Nowadays it is used to mount art exhibitions, although there still sits a display of arsenal dating back to the town’s more precarious days. If your Spanish is lacking, there are information leaflets printed in English. While there, make sure to climb to the top of the tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the nearby white-sanded beaches.

Faro del Tóston (Lighthouse)

The Tóston lighthouse can be found north of El Cotillo township, past Los Lagos. Some section of the journey will be of dirt route but is easily negotiable. This iconic structure also houses the Museo de la Pesca Tradicional (Museum of Traditional Fishing).

Directions: take the coastal road towards north of El Cotillo, past Los Lagos.

Museums

There are often exhibitions held at the Castillo del Tóston and if you are visiting the lighthouse, don't forget to check out the Museum of Traditional Fishing contained within it.

Museo de la Pesca Tradicional (Museum of Traditional Fishing)

Museo de la Pesca Tradicional (Museum of Traditional Fishing) is housed within the iconic Faro del Tóston Lighthouse. Here you will learn about the history of traditional fishing in the island through exhibition and audiovisual presentation. There is also a small shop at your If museum is not your thing, there is an outdoor cafe behind the museum. It has transparent wind shields so you can enjoy your beverages and the sea view at ease. Only a few metres away from the water, you won't find many cafes closer to the sea than this one!

Directions: take the coastal road towards north of El Cotillo, past Los Lagos.
Opening hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 to 18:00, closed on Sunday and Monday.

Activities

A haven for watersports, El Cotillo has the perfect conditions for everything from kite surfing to snorkelling.

Surfing

El Cotillo is a surfers' paradise. How often do you get to ride consistent, long rolling waves within a picturesque surrounding of palm trees and almost-deserted white sandy mounds? There are many surf spots along El Cotillo's coastline to suit all levels of ability, whilst the all-year warm weather and water temperature means no serious disruption for keen surfers. There are surf shops offering courses, board rental, and surf packages. Surf camps are also available and some even incorporate Yoga routine into their daily schedule.

Kite Surfing (Kite Boarding)

If you’re intrepid enough to let yourself be at the complete mercy of the winds, why not try a spot of kite surfing? Fuerteventura being the 'strong wind' island, is also well-known for its 10 months worth of sunshine each year. These, along with the endless stretches of white sands and turquoise waters, make Fuerteventura the best island for wind sports. El Cotillo is an emerging hot spot and therefore is still relatively uncrowded. There are kitesurf centres and kite schools offering rentals, repair services and a variety of courses (from teaser course to windsurf camps). Accommodations can also be arranged.

Diving and Snorkelling

The clear waters and white sandy floor of make El Cotillo ideal for snorkelling and diving. However, there aren't many designated dive spots in El Cotillo, and they are difficult to find. There's a couple of surfing cum diving shops in El Cotillo offering dive courses here, but for actual diving trips, you will most likely be directed to the more popular dive spots around Corralejo and Isla de los Lobos.

Beaches

There are several main beaches in the area which are popular with locals, tourists and surfers alike. If you have your own vehicle (a sturdy one!), we recommend venturing along the dirt road connecting El Cotillo and Corralejo on the north coast. You will be rewarded with a series of remote wild beaches and excellent scenery.

Playas del Castillo, Aljibe and Águila

Beaches of El Cotillo are mainly an extension of fine white dunes, which means they are often wide and long. Well preserved due to the efforts of the local council, the town has the prodigal luxury of three beaches to its name which snake southwards. Playa del Castillo is a beach which contains a cluster of unique sculptures designed by French artist Kadir Attia, meanwhile Playa del Algibe de la Cueva and Playa del Águila are particularly remote and windswept, ideal for wind sports.

Las Lagos

North of the original kernel of the town’s fishing village lies Las Lagos: the lagoons. These contain shallow pools which are accompanied by a remote and rather scrubby desert landscape. This is one of the more developed beaches, with many apartments and tourist facilities built nearby.

Festivals

There is one fiesta in particular which is worth incorporating into your visit to El Cotillo.

Fuertemúsica (Fuerteventura Music Festival)

Held in early July, this lively festival draws in a motley crew of international artists ranging from traditional Flamenco to dub and reggae troupes. The big stage is set up in the lagoon area.

Restaurants

Despite being a small town, El Cotillo has an abundance of restaurants with ample opportunity to dine well, even if on a budget. If looking for a relaxed ambience and a welcome dose of authenticity, head to the old harbour.

Casta Rustica

With an open kitchen allowing you a preview of Canarian cooking, prepare to gorge on any number of reasonably priced dishes including the inevitable seafood smorgasbord and mouth-watering steaks. Served by welcoming and accommodating staff, always at hand to fill your glass, starters also include delicious Canarian wrinkled potatoes and goat’s cheese.

Address: Calle de la Constitución 1, 35650 El Cotillo, Fuerteventura island.
Telephone: +34 928 538 728

Mare Alta restaurant

This little tapas haven offers a wide selection of tasty and well-prepared tapas. Whether you are after a quick bite or a meal, this friendly restaurant with informal indoor and outdoor seating are sure to please. With reasonably priced dishes, it is hard to pass on the selection of yummy desserts on its menu.

Address: Calle 3. abril de 1978, 35650 El Cotillo, Fuerteventura island.

El Toscon Bar and Restaurant

Whether you have been away from home too long and missing the hearty home made European dishes, or just want a nice chill out drink with excellent view of the harbour, look no further than El Toscon. Run by a friendly British couple, this little gem can be found at the old harbour of El Cotillo. Offering tasty home cooked meals, a good selection of beverages, and terrace seating, it is an ideal place to spend the evening.

Address: Old harbour, 35650 El Cotillo, Fuerteventura island.

Nightlife

Catering to a more tranquil set, El Cotillo doesn’t have a vast nightlife, but has many bars tending to be languid affairs where locals chew the fat over a glass of cold beer. Head to El Toscon for a drink at its habour view terrace and watch the sun set.

If looking for something a little more hedonistic, head for the resort of Corralejo, 20km away, which is arguably the island’s party capital.