El Cotillo, Fuerteventura, The Canaries

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El Cotillo is situated on the northwest corner of the island; approximately 40mins drive from the main airport of Puerto del Rosario. The journey from the airport will take you through some of the most spectacular views you could imagine. The roads are easy to navigate and very pleasant to drive on. 

The village of El Cotillo was, and to a certain extent still is, a small fishing village. It is pronounced by the locals El Coa-tee-yo and it is here you will find the ‘laid back’ way of life we often dream about whilst back at our own homes. The main heart of the village is the new fishing harbour. In the early mornings you can watch the local fishermen returning with their daily catch to supply the local restaurants. Now you can’t get fresher than that. 

Next to the harbour if you look to your left you will see the Fortrelza del Toston, an ancient fortress. It was built in 1790 to defend against invading pirates. Today it houses a small art gallery. In the centre of the village is the old harbour where you can sit in one of the small bars or restaurants and watch the waves come crashing in, this is quite spectacular on a rough day but be prepared to get wet if you sit too close. 

The main draw for visitors to El Cotillo has to be its array of beautiful white sandy beaches around the calm turquoise lagoons. These Lagoons are unique to the Island and attracts people from all over the Island. Unlike many of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura has an abundance of white sandy beaches blown directly across from the Sahara. It was the lagoons that attracted us to El Cotillo in the first place and certainly the reason we wanted our Apartment in Fuerteventura here. The beach and lagoons start just about 10 min walk from the apartment.