A fishing village on the Atlantic side
El Cotillo is a fishing village on the north-west coast, in the municipality of La Oliva. Its small harbour is the heart of the village. Around it you find lagoons, open beaches and schools for surfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddling, windsurfing and wingfoiling.
The tourism service lists lagoons and water-sport spots south of the village and along the north coast. Those places are different. A lagoon is not the same as a surf beach, and a beach that suits experts is not a place for a first swim. This is an independent guide with no link to the schools, the hotels or the municipality. Prices are as published in 2026.
Lagoons, bays and surf beaches
Three kinds of water, in three different places.
The lagoons
The tourism service places the lagoons south of the village. They are a different place from the surf beaches, and the hotel in the village puts the Los Lagos area about five minutes on foot from its door. Conditions still change with the tide and the swell, so read the flag.
The bays to the north
The tourism service counts La Concha among the small bays north of the village. Do not confuse it with the La Concha beach on Isla de Lobos, which is a separate place. A hotel in El Cotillo states 1.5 km to this beach.
Isla de Lobos →Surf and wind sports
The village has schools for surfing, kitesurfing, SUP, windsurfing and wingfoiling. Do not assume every beach is a beginner beach. Ask the school which spot suits your level on the day.
Naturist beaches
Spain's tourism portal describes several beaches near El Cotillo as naturist. Expect some bathers without clothes on those beaches. This does not mean every beach on the island allows it.
Our picks: tours with El Cotillo pick-up
A stargazing night and a panoramic day in the north.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Panoramic day tour of the north
Hotel pick-up in Corralejo, Lajares, Villaverde and El Cotillo, a driver, a guide and an air-conditioned minivan. Guided visits of museums and churches are not included.
Check availability →
Stargazing at Calderón Hondo volcano
A guide, water and head torches are included. The transfer from Corralejo, El Cotillo and Puerto del Rosario applies only if you choose the transfer option. Food and tips are extra.
Check availability →Tours from the capital to the north-west
Island excursions, boat trips and jeep safaris, with live prices and availability.
Faro del Tostón
The Faro del Tostón lighthouse stands north of the village. The ensemble has towers from 1897, 1955 and 1986. The tourism service gives the second tower as 13 m and the third as 37 m. The site has a museum of traditional fishing, but it is open only from time to time.
Opening hours, entry price and any permission to climb a tower are not fixed for 2026. The lighthouse page mentions parking but no fee. Go for the coastline and the view, and treat the museum as a bonus.
Getting there and where to stay
Planning notes for a day or a longer stay.
By bus
The island bus operator publishes timetable pages for lines 7 and 8 and notes that some runs follow variants. A direct connection at every time of day is not guaranteed. Read the current timetable before you go, and have a plan for the way back.
By car
A hire car is the most flexible way to link the village, the lagoons and the lighthouse. The lighthouse has parking. Parking fees at the beaches are not fixed here.
Hire cars at the airport →A hotel example
The Coral Cotillo Beach is a 4-star hotel on Avenida los Lagos. The operator states that La Concha is 1.5 km away and the Los Lagos area about 5 minutes on foot. These are figures for that hotel, not for every stay in the village.
Where to stay →Swimming safely
A red flag means swimming is banned. Follow the lifeguards, do not swim alone, and watch children. A beach description is not a forecast for today's swell.
Beaches →More of the island
Other guides for the same trip.
El Cotillo: frequently asked questions
Where is El Cotillo?
It is a fishing village on the north-west coast of Fuerteventura, in the municipality of La Oliva.
Is El Cotillo good for beginners?
The lagoons lie south of the village and the surf beaches are in different places. Do not treat all the beaches as suitable for beginners. Ask a school which beach fits your level on the day.
Is La Concha in El Cotillo the same as La Concha on Lobos?
No. The tourism service counts La Concha near El Cotillo among the small bays north of the village. The La Concha on Isla de Lobos is a separate bay below La Caldera.
Can I climb the lighthouse?
Entry price, opening hours and permission to climb a tower are not fixed for 2026. The museum of traditional fishing is open only from time to time. Check on site.
Are there nudist beaches near El Cotillo?
Spain's tourism portal describes several beaches near the village as naturist. That does not mean every beach on the island allows nudity.
How do I get to El Cotillo by bus?
The operator has timetable pages for lines 7 and 8. Some runs follow variants, so there is no guarantee of a direct bus at every hour. Read the current timetable before you travel.