There are many places to see in El Cotillo, where you can spend a few unforgettable days in Fuerteventura. This town with a maritime air has gained popularity in recent years, due to its beautiful beaches with turquoise waters and white sand, and it is one of the places that cannot be missing from your itinerary.
The first time we went to El Cotillo, Fuerteventura, we had just finished visiting the Calderón Hondo volcano, and we headed here out of pure curiosity. We had heard that we could find great food here, so we took the car to see what it was about.
Over time, we discovered the beaches of El Cotillo and a tranquility that left us completely fascinated. In fact, I think it is one of the best places to visit in Fuerteventura, so I decided to create this guide where I will tell you what to do in El Cotillo, where to eat, and a few other things for you to consider when planning your next trip.
1. Castillo del Tostón, one of the best places to visit in El Cotillo, Fuerteventura
The Castillo del Tostón is an iconic site to see in El Cotillo, so you must visit it no matter what. This 18th-century tower was built to watch the coast for the imminent appearance of pirates, and today it is a vantage point where you can get some of the best views of the coast.
1. Castillo del Tostón, one of the best places to visit in El Cotillo, Fuerteventura
It was declared a Historical Monument of Cultural Interest, and going inside it is one of the most interesting things to do in El Cotillo. At the top, you can find three perfectly preserved cannons and a drawbridge with iron chains that will transport you back in time. In addition, cultural events and other exhibitions are organized here, so if you are lucky, you can attend them for free.
At its base, you will find Playa del Castillo, so you can make this visit and then relax by the sea. So, if you are looking for something to do in El Cotillo without moving too much, I recommend including this activity in your itinerary.
2. Puerto de El Cotillo y Mirador Alto Grande, something essential to see in El Cotillo
El Puerto is one of the main points of interest to visit in El Cotillo, Fuerteventura. Here you will be able to see the small boats next to the pier, and the fishermen who get together every morning to carry out their tasks. This is basically the essence of the town.
2. Puerto de El Cotillo y Mirador Alto Grande, something essential to see in El Cotillo
However, most travelers head here for the beautiful views of the surrounding beaches, guarded by the Tostón Lighthouse, which I will tell you about later.
On the other hand, you will also find Mirador Alto Grande, the highest viewpoint in El Cotillo. From here you can see all the northern beaches and the picturesque facades of the town houses, making it a postcard image. I recommend you avoid it on windy days since they are usually much stronger up here.
3. The old lime kilns, one of the curious places to visit in El Cotillo
In case you did not know, it is normal to find old lime kilns along the coast of Fuerteventura. The Majorera island was a great exporter of this material, as it was one of the few resources it had in times of drought.
The Canaries built these kilns to cook the limestone near the ports, so they could ship it more easily for sale.
3. The old lime kilns, one of the curious places to visit in El Cotillo
For this reason, one of the most interesting things to see in El Cotillo is this set of five perfectly preserved ovens, which, in addition to telling the story of its past inhabitants and economy, are part of the island’s most valuable heritage.
If you decide to visit them, they are located behind the marina, just where the town ends. From here you will be able to appreciate beautiful landscapes, which include some of the wildest beaches.
4. Senda de los Cetáceos, something interesting to see in El Cotillo
The Senda de los Cetáceos is something different to see in El Cotillo, which both children and adults will love. This open-air museum is an exhibition of all the skeletons of the cetaceans that have been stranded on the coast of the island, either due to natural reasons or due to human action.
4. Senda de los Cetáceos, something interesting to see in El Cotillo
In addition to being an interesting tourist attraction, this project seeks to teach visitors about the biology of these incredible animals and make you reflect on our behavior towards the environment. If you are touring the island of Fuerteventura, you will find them in the most important cities. For example, in Puerto del Rosario a 10-meter tropical whale stands near the Playa Chica area.
In El Cotillo, there is the skeleton of a Cuvier’s beaked whale, a mammal that can swim up to 9,840 feet deep for more than two hours. It is one-of-a-kind and is almost 20 feet long. Personally, I did not know that an animal with such capabilities existed, but what surprised me the most was what I felt standing in front of this figure and becoming aware of its enormous size.
5. Playa de La Concha, the best beach in El Cotillo, Fuerteventura
Playa de La Concha is the most famous beach in El Cotillo, so I recommend you enjoy its turquoise waters and fine sand. This beach is made up of several small coves, so you will find a calm and protected environment where you can spend a day by the sea.
5. Playa de La Concha, the best beach in El Cotillo, Fuerteventura
If you are traveling with children, it is a good place to visit in El Cotillo with the little ones, since there are practically no waves, and you can park right at the entrance to the beach. It also has a lifeguard, so you can swim in peace, and there are several bars and restaurants where you can take a break and recharge your batteries nearby.
It is surrounded by a very beautiful natural reef where you can swim with some little fish, so to me, this is one of the best beaches in Fuerteventura.
6. Traditional Fishing Museum and Tostón Lighthouse, a cultural visit to make in El Cotillo
The Tostón Lighthouse is one of the essential places to visit in El Cotillo, Fuerteventura. Actually, it is located in Punta Ballenas, three miles from El Cotillo’s town center, but making the trip there is worth it.
6. Traditional Fishing Museum and Tostón Lighthouse, a cultural visit to make in El Cotillo
This lighthouse in El Cotillo was built in 1897 with the aim of guiding ships passing through La Bocaina Strait, which separates Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. However, today it also houses the Traditional Fishing Museum. This is another place to visit in El Cotillo if you want to immerse yourself in the Majorera culture and learn about its customs.
This tower is 131 feet high, so going up there will give you incredible panoramic views. I recommend that you visit it at sunset and watch the sun go down in this virgin and wild landscape.
7. El Cotillo town, something traditional to see in El Cotillo
Walking the streets of the town is one of the best things to do in El Cotillo. Here you will not find large stores or luxurious hotels, but you will be able to appreciate a calm atmosphere and authentic and traditional architecture.
The town is characterized by its white houses, whose doors are all painted in shades of blue. In addition, there are several murals that you will discover as you walk through its streets, making it very colorful and completely charming.
7. El Cotillo town, something traditional to see in El Cotillo
Although the urban beach is Playa del Muellito, you can go a little further from the center and visit others with more natural surroundings. In any case, regardless of what you choose, I assure you that you will find crystal clear waters and large expanses of fine sand in all of them.
Something very important to keep in mind is that El Cotillo town has some of the best places to eat in Fuerteventura, so don’t miss the opportunity to delight your palate in some local restaurants. Of course, deciding where to go can be a difficult task, but I will give you some recommendations later so that you can get the most out of the local culture.
8. Playa Los Charcos, something to visit in El Cotillo, Spain with children
Playa Los Charcos is one of the most beautiful beaches to visit in El Cotillo, but keep in mind that it is 1.8 miles from the center of the town. However, you can easily find it since it is the beach that houses the famous Tostón Lighthouse that I mentioned before.
8. Playa Los Charcos, something to visit in El Cotillo, Spain with children
It is named for the lagoons that form before reaching the sea, which are natural pools of crystal-clear water where you can relax and hang out on hot days. Here you will find shallow waters, so if you are traveling with children, you can enjoy with your family without worries.
You will find a quiet and private environment, so it is not uncommon for the beach to be frequented by nudists. In addition, water sports such as windsurfing are very popular, but the beach is so wide that you will always have your own space.
9. Molino del Roque, an emblematic site to see in El Cotillo
The Molino del Roque is a classic site to see in El Cotillo. In addition to being part of the island’s historical heritage, here you will find a privileged place to admire the sunset in a spectacular landscape.
9. Molino del Roque, an emblematic site to see in El Cotillo
This flour mill has three floors and four blades and was built in the 18th century, when the island’s economy was based mainly on the grain trade. Windmills were one of the most suitable constructions on an island with strong winds like Fuerteventura and served as its main source of energy.
10. Surfing at Playa del Castillo, something fun to do in El Cotillo
If you are thinking of doing some excursions in Fuerteventura, surfing in El Cotillo is one of the things you cannot miss. This is one of the most popular places to get started in this sport on the whole island, but it is also popular for surfers with experience who are looking for fun.
10. Surfing at Playa del Castillo, something fun to do in El Cotillo
If you are a beginner, I recommend you head to Playa del Castillo, which usually has the ideal conditions to learn this sport in the summer months, as it is surrounded by imposing cliffs. I did this course and I really liked it. I caught a couple of waves, so I ended up very happy.
If, on the other hand, you prefer to go for something more challenging, you can take advantage of the strong winds in the winter months, or head to Playa Aljibe de la Cueva, where you will find more intense waves throughout the year.
Where to stay in El Cotillo
El Cotillo, Spain is home to some of the best places to stay in Fuerteventura, so here are some accommodation suggestions to spend a dream vacation:
- Luxury: Coral Cotillo Beach, a hotel with modern facilities and activities for the whole family.
- Mid-price: TAO El Cotillo, one of the best apartments in El Cotillo with a traditional style.
- Budget: Cotillo Ocean View, some apartments in Fuerteventura with views and good value for its price.
And If you like adventure, keep in mind that El Cotillo is one of the best places to camp in Fuerteventura. There are three enabled beaches and a camping area, so you can choose the place that you like best and spend the night under the stars for free.
Where to eat in El Cotillo
If you are deciding what to do in El Cotillo, I suggest you consider one of the restaurants below and try some of the typical food in the Canary Islands. Like in all fishing villages, fish is the main star of El Cotillo’s gastronomy, but you also have other interesting options to choose from.
La Vaca Azul is a restaurant where you will find both tourists and local people. If you are looking for a place to enjoy the best Canarian fish, here you can savor the catch of the day and other delicacies at affordable prices. In addition, it is a place attended by its owners, and it has spectacular views of Muelle Chico from the dining room.
On the other hand, Azzurro Chill Out is also one of the best restaurants to visit in El Cotillo to delight your palate. It stands out for its Italian cuisine and its top-quality wines, but you can also try exquisite rice dishes and seafood. I like it because it has a very casual atmosphere, characteristic of a beach restaurant, and beautiful views of the ocean. If you want to watch the sunset, you can do so from its terrace, while sipping some cocktails.
Roque de los Pescadores is located in the port area, so if you are visiting Castillo del Tostón or one of the main places to see in El Cotillo, you will be just a few steps away. This typical Canarian restaurant has a terrace with panoramic views of the coast and serves some of the best Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine in the entire city. So, if you want to enjoy a traditional lunch or dinner, I recommend you bookmark this place.
Map of El Cotillo
Below, you will find a map where you can locate all the things to see in El Cotillo on your next trip:
I also recommend you take a look at our interactive map of Fuerteventura to find other places to visit in the area.
I hope this guide has helped you decide what to visit in El Cotillo on your next vacation in one of the best Canary Islands. If you are planning your trip and have any questions or want to share your experience in El Cotillo, you can leave me a comment below. I will be delighted to hear from you.
Enjoy your vacation!
