El Cotillo Holidays: Beaches, Tostón Tower and Getting There
Provincia de Las Palmas · Canary Islands · Spain · 1,190 residents · on the coast
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El Cotillo is a small coastal village of around 1,190 people in the Canary Islands, sitting just 20 metres above the Atlantic on Fuerteventura. Its landmark is the Torre del Tostón, a fortified tower a few minutes' walk from the centre, and the shoreline either side is lined with beaches such as Playa de Marfolín and Playa del Castillo. Further along the coast, the Tostón Lighthouse marks the headland. The climate is mild all year, with daytime highs between 21°C and 27°C and very little rain, and Fuerteventura airport, with direct flights from the United Kingdom, is roughly 26 minutes away by car.
Why go
- The Torre del Tostón, a historic fortified tower, stands only about 0.3 miles from the village.
- Daytime highs stay between 21°C and 27°C, so every month of the year suits a holiday.
- Fuerteventura airport has direct UK flights and lies about 26 minutes' drive from El Cotillo.
Top sights in El Cotillo
Tower, Lighthouse and Atlantic Beaches
The best-known sight is the Torre del Tostón, a listed cultural property and fortified tower roughly 0.3 miles from the village. It is the obvious first stop, and it gives a sense of how this stretch of coast was once watched over. Further out, about 2.3 miles away, the Tostón Lighthouse stands on the shoreline and makes a good walk or short drive, particularly towards the end of the day.
The rest of El Cotillo is about the beaches. Playa de Marfolín is closest, around 0.4 miles from the centre, followed by Playa del Castillo at about 0.7 miles and Playa del Águila at roughly 2.1 miles. All are well suited to families looking for an easy beach day.
Tours, excursions and tickets in and around El Cotillo can be booked directly on this page through the activity cards below.
Tours & tickets in El Cotillo
Guided tours, day trips and tickets in and around El Cotillo can be booked in advance, priced in GBP.
See tours & tickets (opens GetYourGuide in a new tab)Where to stay in El Cotillo
Choosing a Base in El Cotillo
With a population of around 1,190, El Cotillo is a village rather than a resort town, so expect a quiet, low-key stay rather than nightlife. Staying near the centre puts you within walking distance of the Torre del Tostón and Playa de Marfolín, while the beaches to the south, such as Playa del Castillo, suit those who want to be right by the sand.
If you prefer a livelier evening scene, Corralejo is about 9 miles away and makes a straightforward alternative base. Live hotel prices for El Cotillo are shown on this page so you can compare what is available for your dates.
Hire a car
The easiest way to reach El Cotillo and the villages around it is a hire car from Fuerteventura (FUE), about 26 min away.
Best time to visit El Cotillo
Weather Across the Year
- 22°CJan4 mm
- 21°CFeb16 mm
- 22°CMar14 mm
- 23°CApr8 mm
- 23°CMay11 mm
- 24°CJun14 mm
- 26°CJul3 mm
- 27°CAug6 mm
- 26°CSept3 mm
- 27°COct12 mm
- 26°CNov5 mm
- 23°CDec10 mm
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
El Cotillo has no real off-season for weather: every month of the year is pleasant here. Winter highs sit around 21°C to 23°C with nights near 16°C, which makes January to March a welcome escape from a British winter. January and September are among the driest months, with almost no rainy days.
The warmest period runs from July to November, when daytime highs reach 26°C to 27°C, peaking in August and October, and nights stay above 19°C. Rain is scarce throughout the year; February is the wettest month by volume at around 16 mm, while June has the most rainy days, though showers are usually brief.
Full monthly table
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 22°C | 16°C | 4 mm | 10 h |
| Feb | 21°C | 16°C | 16 mm | 10 h |
| Mar | 22°C | 16°C | 14 mm | 11 h |
| Apr | 23°C | 17°C | 8 mm | 12 h |
| May | 23°C | 18°C | 11 mm | 12 h |
| Jun | 24°C | 20°C | 14 mm | 13 h |
| Jul | 26°C | 21°C | 3 mm | 12 h |
| Aug | 27°C | 22°C | 6 mm | 11 h |
| Sept | 26°C | 21°C | 3 mm | 12 h |
| Oct | 27°C | 21°C | 12 mm | 10 h |
| Nov | 26°C | 19°C | 5 mm | 10 h |
| Dec | 23°C | 17°C | 10 mm | 9 h |
Averages 2015–2024. Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
Getting there from the UK
Flights and Ferries from the UK
The nearest airport is Fuerteventura (FUE), which has direct flights from the United Kingdom. It lies about 18 miles from El Cotillo, an estimated 26-minute drive, so car hire or a transfer gets you to the beach within half an hour of collecting your luggage.
If you are combining islands, Corralejo is the nearest ferry port, about 9 miles away, with crossings of around 30 minutes to Playa Blanca on Lanzarote. Arrecife, about 34 miles away on Lanzarote, has ferry links to Las Palmas and to Corralejo via Playa Blanca.
By air
- Fuerteventura (FUE)18 miles, about 26 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
By car and ferry
Nearest ferry ports: Corralejo (9 miles), Playa Blanca (16 miles), Arrecife (34 miles).
El Cotillo is good for
Around El Cotillo
Day Trips from El Cotillo
La Oliva, the municipality El Cotillo belongs to, is the closest neighbour at about 7 miles. Corralejo, at roughly 9 miles, is the larger resort and ferry port, and Puerto del Rosario, the biggest town nearby with a population of over 35,000, is about 16 miles away. Small Betancuría, home to fewer than 800 people, lies around 18 miles off.
Further afield, Pájara is about 24 miles away and Tuineje around 25 miles. El Golfo, at about 23 miles, and Puerto del Carmen, at about 27 miles, are across the water and are reached using the Corralejo to Playa Blanca ferry, so allow a full day for either.
Tips from Robin
Practical Tips for Your Stay
El Cotillo is a village of around 1,190 residents, so choice of shops and restaurants is more limited than in Corralejo, about 9 miles away. Car hire is worth considering if you want to reach the Tostón Lighthouse, Playa del Águila and the towns further inland.
This is an exposed Atlantic coast, so bring a layer for breezy evenings even when daytime highs are in the mid-20s. Because the weather is pleasant all year, the village stays in demand through the British winter as well as summer, so book ahead for school holidays.
Questions people ask
How far is El Cotillo from Fuerteventura airport?
Fuerteventura airport (FUE) is about 18 miles from El Cotillo, an estimated 26-minute drive. The airport has direct flights from the United Kingdom, so the transfer is short once you have collected a hire car or met your taxi.
What is the weather like in El Cotillo in winter?
Winter is mild. From December to March, daytime highs sit around 21°C to 23°C, with nights near 16°C to 17°C. Rain is light: January is one of the driest months, and February, the wettest, sees only around 16 mm.
Is El Cotillo good for families?
Yes, for families wanting a quiet stay. Playa de Marfolín is about 0.4 miles from the centre and Playa del Castillo about 0.7 miles, both suited to family beach days, while the Torre del Tostón is an easy short outing.
Can I take a ferry to Lanzarote from near El Cotillo?
Yes. Corralejo, about 9 miles away, has ferries to Playa Blanca on Lanzarote, with a crossing of around 30 minutes. That makes a Lanzarote day trip practical, including visits to Puerto del Carmen or El Golfo.
When is the hottest time to visit El Cotillo?
August and October are the warmest months, with daytime highs of around 27°C. July, September and November are close behind at about 26°C, and nights in high summer stay above 20°C.