El Cotillo Holidays

Fishing history

Unlike some Canarian holiday spots, El Cotillo fell into the holiday game somewhat by chance. It was once one of Fuerteventura’s main fishing hubs, forging a trade route between the island and nearby Madeira. But when a bigger port took over, hotels gradually started to crop up to make the most of the scenic seafront setting. You’ll still see some old-school boats bobbing off the shore as you saunter along the shoreline, the village is filled with charming nods to its nautical history. Mural-emblazoned seafood restaurants and statues of fish crop up around the streets, and there’s still a harbour brimming with pint-sized boats.

Best for beaches

Chat to any local In El Cotillo, and they’ll tell you that they’ve not only got some of the best beaches in Fuerteventura, but in the entire Canary Islands. Because this part of the island – in the north west – isn’t that developed, the thick belts of pastry-coloured sand are accompanied by tufty dunes the odd rocky cove. Playa de Los Lagos and Playa de Marfolin are the two stretches closest to the village centre, but a 15-minute walk up the coast gets you to some really secluded spots – our pick of the bunch is Playa El Islote, where jet-black volcanic rocks create a cracked black pepper effect on the sand.

History and huge air

El Cotillo’s sleepy nature belies its sometimes-turbulent past – there’s a surviving defensive tower, the Torre del Tostón, which was built in the 1700s to defend the village from pirates. There’s still action out on the waves today, but in the form of thrill-seeking watersports fans. The swells on this stretch of coastline make it a sure-fire hit with kitesurfers, which makes for a great spectacle when you’re stretched out on the sand.