BEGINNER
SURF TRIP GUIDE TO EL COTILLO
Overview
One of our favourite little spots on Fuerteventura, with some unspoilt surfing beaches just outside of town. Situated on the West coast of Fuerteventura, El Cotillo is a relaxed, wind-swept beach town. The town hasn’t been completely overrun by tourism managing to retain its small coastal town charm with low-rise buildings buildings, shops and sea view restaurants. It’s a great little place to stay if you’re looking to relax and take it easy for a while.
Getting to Cotillo
It’s a good idea to have your own vehicle whilst in Fuerteventura to give yourself more freedom and flexibility to explore. Cotillo itself is only a 22 minute drive from Corralejo along the FV-1, FV-109 and the F-10. From the airport it is around 40 minutes drive.
Whale bones outside of El CotilloGetting Around El Cotillo
El Cotillo is small enough to walk around.
If you are visiting the beaches in the south (Playa del Castillo and further southPlaya del Ajibe de la Cueva and the Playa del Aguila) you can take the car and park up on the cliff (be careful leaving valuables in the car as there have been reports of theft), however the rough roads are best suited to 4 wheel drive vehicles or cars that can handle the roads.
If you drive to the north of the town you’ll find the lagoons with white sand beaches and beautiful clear water and small bays separated by volcanic rock. Further north from the lagoons you’ll find the lighthouse (Faro).
Beaches
Piedra Playa
To the south of El Cotillo town you’ll find some unspoilt beaches. Less than a 10 minute stroll from the new harbour in El Cotillo you’ll get to Piedra Playa (also known as Stone Beach, Surfers Beach and Wild Beach). This beach is a great spot for surfing when the conditions are right (do not attempt to surf in bad conditions) and is also popular with kite surfers, wind surfers and surf schools. There’s a lifeguard station up on the cliff over looking the beach and a flag to give warnings about whether it is safe for you to swim. Best for beginners in the summer months, make sure you only enter the water if the waves and conditions look gentle, the swell in winter can make conditions particularly hazards for all but the most expert surfers.
Playa de Escaleras
Playa de Escaleras, also known as Steps Beach… well because of the steps down to the beach! It’s around 4 km’s from the village of El Cotillo, so your best bet is to drive down the rough gravel tracks (it’s not tarmacked) to reach it. This sandy beach is quite quiet and like Piedra Playa unspoilt by any local development. It’s also frequented by naturists.
Don’t forget to ensure you put your handbrake on when parking along the cliffs for these beaches. A few years ago in 2016 someone forgot and their car rolled off the cliff onto the steps at Playa de Escaleras. Luckily, no one was hurt but it’s worth just double checking before you get out of the car here.
La Concha
La Concha (or the shell due to its shape) has a horseshoe shaped reef with small gentle waves and plenty of stone circles made from gathering volcanic rocks are perfect for shelter from the wind. A bit of warning, it is fairly popular with naturists. There is a lifeguard stationed at the beach and a small restaurant nearby.
Where to Surf
Our guide to surfing in El Cotillo is focused on beginners. It’s a popular spot for surfers and surf camps when conditions are right, best time to surf is in summer and autumn. Keep an eye on conditions though as this beach break can be quite aggressive. If you’re still learning check out a local surf camp or shop for lessons.
Book your surf lessons here.
Piedra Playa
Piedra Playa is good surf spot to head to during the summer when the conditions are right for surfers who have some experience. The beach is sandy here and you won’t have to paddle too far to catch a wave. Avoid in winter if you’re new to surfing as the sandy bottom gets washed out and the waves are currents are powerful. There aren’t many facility here so bring plenty of water and food if you’ll be staying on the beach.
Where to Sleep
Star Surf Camps
Star Surf School is located in El Cotillo but they also make use of the coastlines to the North, West and East of Fuerteventura to ensure that you’re experiencing the best conditions for your level of surf expertise.
Fresh Surf
Fresh Surf’s surf house in El Cotillo is close the sea and Piedra Playa for surfing. Fresh Surf prides itself on having a welcoming and family friendly atmosphere and they also host yoga sessions to help you unwind after a hard days surfing.
If you are around El Cotillo and not staying at Fresh Surf fear not, classes are not exclusive to those staying at surf house.
Their yoga classes run at 6pm, 5 times a week and can be booked directly at their studio, just aside their surf school.
If you are feeling a bit stiff or would like that much needed relaxation, they also offer massage therapies onsite.
Surf Lessons
Shockwave Surf School
Shockwave surf school teaches lessons to surfers of all ages and abilities. Whilst teaching the techniques of surfing they also ensure that important aspects of respect and knowledge for the ocean is taught at the same time. Shockwave aim to take surfers to the best spots in north Fuerteventura whilst learning safely. They run surfing lessons rather than hosting surfers in a surf house or camp.
Where to Eat
Happy Cactus
VEGAN BREAKFAST LUNCH
Happy Cactus is the local go-to place for your pre (or post) yoga or surfing munchies.
This cute little vegan cafe is run by two friendly Italian sisters and it translates perfectly their journey to Fuerteventura in search of a more relaxed lifestyle.
Everything is freshly prepared and made to order, their specials menu changes daily and you can either pick a juice or smoothie from their selection or can create your own mix.
Make sure to save some space for their delicious guilt-free treats and peruse their grocery shop shelves for health products from all over Europe.
Where to Visit
Clean Ocean Project
Clean Ocean Project is a fascinating non-profit organisation created back in 2000, even if it seems like a fairly recent trend all these years later. The idea was born when its founder, Wim Geirnaert, decided to take the beach pollution matter into his own hands and invited some of his friends to help him clean up El Cotillo beach.
Since then, the project has been organising regular beach clean ups, raising awareness to protect our oceans and marine wildlife.
The shop in El Cotillo is one of their three eco-friendly branches where you can buy some very quality products made from recycled materials and a percentage of its profit is reverted back into the project.
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