El Cotillo lies on the northern coast of Fuerteventura and has a transfer time from the airport of forty minutes. Originally a small fishing village, it has become a popular holiday destination with a number of sandy beaches, sheltered coves and lagoons offering a range of water sports. An El Cotillo holiday offers complete relaxation where it is possible to find privacy in secluded coves. Restaurants serve mainly traditional dishes and there is a marked absence of fast food outlets.
El Cotillo offers a relaxing holiday with a choice of wonderful sandy beaches being lapped by crystal clear waters. There are many leisure and sporting facilities in the area, all of which can be enjoyed in warm sunshine.
El Cotillo holidays to a variety of people from families and couples of all ages, to water sports enthusiasts. Those families with teenage children may find it a little quiet in the evenings.
El Cotillo holidays can be taken at any time of year as the summers are pleasantly hot and the winters mild, rarely dropping below twenty degrees.
El Cotillo is a small resort on the north west of Fuerteventura that has spread around a tiny fishing village. There are two harbours separated by a headland. To the north is the old harbour where there are wonderful beaches and lagoons. The water in the lagoons is shallow and warm, ideal for families with children and for less confident swimmers. When bathing on the open beaches, it must always be remembered that the waters are a powerful ocean with strong dangerous undercurrents, which can catch even strong swimmers by surprise. The beaches to the south of the old harbour, Playa del Ajibe and Playa del Aguila are favoured by experienced surfers as the waves, especially in the winter months, can be heavy. There are so many beaches, large and small, that it is always possible to find a private and secluded spot. A 4x4 vehicle is necessary for exploring further along the cliff tops as the roads and tracks are rather primitive.
El Cotillo has hotels, villas and apartments accommodating most budgets. It boasts some of the best fish restaurants on the island and its shops supply essential provisions as well as gifts and souvenirs. An eighteenth century fortification, built as a defence against marauding pirates, now serves as a tourist information centre.
An El Cotillo holiday is a chance to switch off, unwind in the sun and soak up the relaxing atmosphere of this charming resort.
El Cotillo nightlife is very low-key, reflecting the resorts popularity with families and couples. There are some good bars and restaurants, particularly around the old harbour, but El Cotillo is not a resort that parties through the night. Neighbouring Corralejo is slightly livelier.
El Cotillo shopping is limited to holiday essentials. Since one of the attractions of shopping in the Canary Islands is that goods are virtually tax free, a shopping trip to Corralejo or Puerto del Rosario is recommended. The shopping centre in Corralejo has a variety of shops, while the narrow streets of the old town are crammed with craft stalls and tiny shops selling goods that are ideal for gifts and souvenirs.
It is said that El Cotillo has some of the finest fish restaurants in Fuerteventura. It can not be doubted that the ingredients are fresh, as the fishermen land their catch daily in the old harbour. The restaurants mainly serve traditional dishes and there is a noticeable absence of fast food outlets. A good way to sample Spanish food is to order a plate of tapas which consists of a medley of bite-sized dishes. Tapas are also ideal for filling the sometimes long gap between lunch and dinner, which is served later in Spain than at home.
Children are always made very welcome in Spanish restaurants and their tastes and portion sizes are usually accommodated.
Local wines are pleasant and inexpensive.
