El Cotillo is a small fishing village situated on the rugged North West coast of the island. There are fantastic beaches here where the world kite surfing championships are held .Mostly deserted on the south of the village of El Cotillo you usually have to shelter out of the very strong winds that blow here.(the blowing sand stings your legs quite severly if you have no cover to your legs) However the strength of the surf here is well worth the visit .We found it excellent for body boarding.Even with temperatures in the 90s the temperature of the water here is still very invigorating. Beware going out too far here though .There are vicious undercurrrents that could take you out to sea.Never let children play unsupervised on these beaches.There is no danger however if you are sensible . If you venture further south along the cliff tops do not do so in ordinary hire cars.A 4 wheel drive on these un surfaced tracks is essential.
To the North of the village there are shallow lagoons ideal for families.The water here is crystal clear set in the black volcanic rocks that form all of these islands.The sands here are soft and white.In recent years (click on the link for photos and more info about el cotillo) more holiday apartments have been built in this area and it is steadily getting busier but for the moment it is still largely unspoiled agreat place to stay for a pure beach experience or a great place to visit for the day from other parts of the island.
There are excellent sea food restaurants to be found here .The catch is brough in every day to the new harbour.Even this new harbour is subject to storm insurgence when the weather is severe more often in winter but not exclusively so . In short El Cotillo is amust visit place if you visit the island.Get there before this area becomes the new Corralejo! From Corralejo , El Cotillo is about 25 minutes drive or so.There is a rough track to the village on the north coast but this is best only tackled if you are in a 4 wheel drive.Many hire cars have underestimated the quality of the road here and been stuck.There are better roads if you head south from Corralejo and then head inland.Just folow the signs.
