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El Cotillo is a very characteristic place that has retained the original charm of a fishing village dedicated to the Virgin of Good Voyage (Vergin del Buen Viajo).
A classic Canarian-style village, with whitewashed houses that seem to have stood still in time.
This village, near Corralejo, is one of the best destinations of Fuerteventura and just 38 km from Puerto del Rosario, tha capital of the island.
The small and charming town of El Cotillo is one of the few areas on the coast that has managed to maintain its traditional charm.
It differs from the larger tourist villages of Fuerteventura for its tranquility and authenticity.
Precisely because of the peace that reigns in El Cotillo at Fuerteventura, it is a very popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
The roads to reach its enchanting beaches, the most beautiful of all the cities of Fuerteventura, are almost all dirt roads, but this does not prevent a visit.
What to visit in El Cotillo?
The contrasting landscapes between volcanic rocks overlooking the ocean, breathtaking beaches, long stretches of dirt roads, are what characterise the village of El Cotillo .
You can visit the most beautiful caves of Fuerteventura , the beach of Ajuy , or in a few minutes reach the traditional and ancient towns of Betancuria and Antigua .
Here there are some of the most beautiful caves of Fuerteventura, that enchant everyone with their charm.
There is no shortage of places of cultural and historical interest to visit in El Cotillo, as in the rest of the island.
We can list some:
The Toston Lighthouse
El Faro del Toston is located in Punta Balena 5 km north of El Cotillo in Corralejo.
This lighthouse together with those on the island of Los Lobos and Pechuguera in Lanzarote form a triangle to signal the passage of ships in the strait that separates the two islands.
Agustin Pallares Padilla, a writer and scholar of history, geography and botany, was born in the lighthouse.
Traditional Fishing Museum
The Traditional Fishing Museum, located inside the Toston Lighthouse in El Cotillo, is an unmissable place to visit during the voyage to the oldest Canarian island.
One of the most picturesque towns in Fuerteventura, El Cotillo has always managed to maintain its traditional fishing activity.
The location has always continued the daily delivery of fresh fish throughout the island of Fuerteventura.
The beaches of El Cotillo enjoy a spectacular panorama like all the beaches of Fuerteventura.
The Toston Tower
The Toston Tower is a small tower that was used as a defense against pirate attacks that besieged the island of Fuerteventura in the 18th century.
Near this building there are old lime kilns, which in the past were a very important industry for the whole island.
Cuvier’s Beaked Whale Skeleton
Beautiful, very special structure with a breathtaking view, a stone’s throw from the Toston Tower.
What to do in the evening in El Cotillo?
In all of Fuerteventura, El Cotillo is one of those places that you fall in love with for the sensations of peace, relaxation and well-being that it manages to transmit.
Strolling through the alleys of this unique place is a must to enjoy its charms and savor the authentic taste of an ancient fishing village.
Throughout the day, in addition to enjoying the best beaches of Fuerteventura , you can do activities such as: trekking, yoga or golf .
The island’s wild, volcanic landscape, mountains, hills and lava fields create a dramatic backdrop for the most beautiful sunsets at El Cotillo .
In this small town there is no shortage of bars and restaurants with terraces overlooking the ocean, where the kindness and hospitality of the Canarians stands out, in addition to the delicious traditional dishes.
If you are looking for a more lively nightlife and the discos of Fuerteventura, Corralejo can be reached in a few minutes by car.
Which are the best beaches in El Cotillo?
The beaches of El Cotillo offer breathtaking views of rocky mountain ranges and the shades of ocean colors.
They are part of the most beautiful beaches of the island , unmissable on an itinerary in Fuerteventura .
La Concha Beach
La Concha beach is the queen of a series of white sand coves with transparent turquoise waters.
On this beach the sea is often calm and even on windy days it is possible to swim in peace.
At low tide, many beautiful pools of clear, warm water form between the rocks, where many small fish often gather.
This beach at El Cotillo is an ideal place for families and small children.
It is also equipped with public toilets and showers and a kiosk for eating or drinking quick meals in close contact with the sea.
Los Charcos Beaches
Playas de Los Charcos is a collection of small beaches with deep blue water, black rocks and fine sand.
Even in this beach in Fuerteventura you can enjoy the spectacle of small fish and other marine creatures.
All this while walking among the rocks in the shallow, warm water in the pools formed by the low tide.
Castle Beach
Playa del Castillo is a beach of El Cotillo partially sheltered from the wind by a large cliff.
This beach in northern Fuerteventura is very famous for surfing and water activities.
Also on Castillo beach, you will also find some kiosk-restaurants in a very quiet atmosphere in perfect Canarian style.
Eagle Beach
Playa del Aguila, also called Playa de la Escalera is a beach that appears going down to the south, after a long stretch of rocky coast.
Escalera beach can be reached by walking up a rather adventurous long concrete staircase.
In this stretch of coast the sea is always rough and the currents are strong, so it is advisable to be very careful.
Eagle beach is charming, intimate and surrounded by dark rocks that create fanciful profiles.
Esquinzo Beach
The wonderful Esquinzo beach is very famous especially for those who want to practice surfing and kitesurfing Fuerteventura.
If you come to visit Esquinzo beach, at low tide you will find calm waters like a natural pool between the cliffs.
Near Playa de Esquinzo , the path to the Barranco de los Encantados begins, a canyon carved by water and wind where fog often channels in, creating truly magical atmospheres.
El Cotillo Beach & Lagoons
El Cotillo Beach & Lagoons is a spectacular beach, magnificent colors black of the rock contrasting with the white of the sand, turquoise water and blue sky.
The views from this beach of El Cotillo at Fuerteventura are pure magic.
How to get to El Cotillo?
Getting to El Cotillo from Corralejo is very simple, as the distance between the two locations is only 20 km.
To get to El Cotillo from Corralejo you can use the following means of transport:
- Buses, line No. 8 in about 40 minutes
- Taxi in 20 minutes
Instead, to get to El Cotillo from Puerto del Rosario it is approximately 37 km, which can be covered in 35 minutes.
For a trip in total freedom and autonomy you can opt for a car rental at Fuerteventura.
Given the long stretches of dirt roads along the route, it would also be advisable to rent a motorbike or scooter.
Published on: 9 June 2025
By: Redazione
