At the far northwest tip of Fuerteventura, where the island turns its back on the resorts of the south, there's an old fishing village with two very different sides. On one, a string of turquoise lagoons so calm they feel like natural swimming pools. On the other, an open ocean that breaks hard and pulls in surfers from half the world. That contrast is El Cotillo, one of the island's most distinctive corners.
A few minutes' walk south of the village, a coastal path leads to Las Lagunas: a series of clear rock pools cut off from the open sea by volcanic rock barriers. Waves filter through the rocks and arrive gentle, so the water stays warm with barely any current. It's the most photographed spot in El Cotillo and, by far, the island's best swimming spot for young children.
Each lagoon has its own depth and character: the ones closest to the village are shallow and perfect for little ones, while the pools further south, towards Rocas Negras, get bigger and pick up a little swell.
El Cotillo sits 35-40 minutes by car from Corralejo along the FV-1 and FV-10, and a bit over an hour from the resorts in the south of the island. There's no frequent public transport, so the usual way in is by rental car or as a stop on an organised tour of northern Fuerteventura. It's worth setting aside half a day: between the village, the lagoons and the northern beaches, there's enough for a full outing.
The village faces Playa del Castillo, calmer waters right by the harbour, while heading north the coastline opens into wide sandy beaches where some of the Canary Islands' best waves break. It's no accident that El Cotillo regularly hosts surf and bodyboard contests.
If you fancy trying it without ever having touched a board, the easiest way in is booking the surf lesson in Corralejo: four hours with beach theory and small-group coaching, hotel pickup and drop-off included, for €49.50 per adult.
Since El Cotillo shares a road with Corralejo, plenty of visitors turn the trip into a full loop around the island's north. If your plans already take you through Corralejo, it's worth booking the catamaran to Isla de Lobos with paella and drinks too: four hours at sea with a swim and snorkel stop, time ashore on the island, and lunch on board, for €62 per adult.
Where exactly are the El Cotillo lagoons? A few minutes' walk south of the village, along the coastal path towards Rocas Negras. They're signposted and free to access.
Is El Cotillo a good beach for kids? The lagoons are, thanks to their calm, shallow water. The open beaches to the north, on the other hand, have strong surf and aren't the best choice for young children.
How long does it take to reach El Cotillo from Corralejo? Between 35 and 40 minutes by car along the FV-1 and FV-10.
Still exploring the north of the island? The full Corralejo guide, Isla de Lobos in detail and all our things to do in Fuerteventura.
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