Welcome to El Cotillo. Once in this quit, heaven on the Earth place, you want to know what are the best El Cotillo beaches.
For such a tiny village, there are plenty of options.
Either if you want to have family fun day, surfing adventure, or remote time away of the crowds, you will find it here.
El Cotillo is very special place for me.
My first trip was cancelled in 2022, so by the time I finally arrived in 2025, my expectations couldn’t have been higher.
In short, El Cotillo stole my heart.
Read my El Cotillo beaches guide and it might very well steal your too. If you are traveling to the south of Fuerteventura, read my guide on the beaches in south.
Playa del Castillo: for sunsets, surfers, and van life
Playa del Castillo is the biggest beach in El Cotillo and the first one you’ll see when arriving by bus. Below a dramatic cliff popular with sunset lovers, it’s also one of Fuerteventura’s favourite spots for van life.
Fuerteventura allows free, legal camping, so there are plenty of vans.
If you’re travelling by campervan, you’ll have no trouble meeting fellow travellers here.
The beach itself is a haven for surfers, yoga enthusiasts (I have often seen group yoga sessions there) and dog owners.
Thanks to its huge size, it allows all kinds of beach activities.
Without exception of frisbee, picnic or even football.
As the waves can be big, and current very strong, it is not the best place for kids, and families.
If you love dramatic views, sound of waves crushing to the shore(side note, it can get really loud here), or love sports related to the sea, this is your place.
Playa La Concha: the calm bay, with one timing caveat
This one is not to be mistaken with Playa de Las Conchas on La Graciosa. Located on the other side of El Cotillo, some 15 minutes walking from the village centre, it offers a totally different vibe than Castillo.
It is a bay, therefore there are only gentle waves. Only disturbance can be the ever present wind. This only on the windy day obviously. On a windless day, you are good to go.
Good thing is that if the wind hits you on the west coast, the east coast with Corralejo beaches is only half an hour drive and its beaches will be welcoming you without a wind.
Turquoise water, soft sand, a public bathroom and little snack bar makes this place a nice spot for everyone who wants to enjoy an easy going day at the beach.
Insider tip: If you have the chance, don’t visit it during the weekend, should you want to enjoy it uncrowded. The is is one of the most favourite among El Cotillo beaches also for the locals.
Playa de Los Lagos: the family beach
This isthe beach located between del Castillo and la Concha.
Thanks to the stones located along the beach, it is a very peaceful beach with no waves.
It has a big sand area, shallow water which makes it ideal for families.
There is small football pitch real for fathers-sons game. Located just below some superb El Cotillo restaurants, or second BUS STOP (Iglesia) it definitely has its charm.
As there is also HipperDino supermarket just 5 minutes away, it has all one might need for relaxed beach day.
Playa el Rio:the one locals might not thank me for sharing
Despite risking exposing this paradise and therefore maybe the frustration of a few locals, I will recommend this place. This is an amazing spot that belongs to the best El Cotillo beaches. I found it during my first trip to El Cotillo.
Located some 30 minutes hike away from the La Concha beach.
The hike is all the way along the coast.
Be prepared to meet some naked people, as this is a famous naturalist area. But after you pass this section, the real paradise awaits. Crystal clear water, small bay and private beach with Fuerteventura sun. What can be better?
My recommendation is to go there before noon should you want to be by yourself.
Insider Tip: Thanks to its tiny size, chances are, you will not be alone. If you don’t want to share this beach with others, walk a bit towards the sea on the left side. There is another hidden spot that has two stone-circled (those serve as wind protection and you find them on the entire island) laying spots. You shall be lucky there.
What was remarkable is level of the water during low tide, but what else can you do here then fully love it?
Playa de la Escalera and Playa de Esquinzo: raw beauties away from the crowd
While those two beaches are natural extensions of Castillo beach, it takes quite some time to reach them.
Be prepared to either drive 20 minutes offroad(don’t do it with your rental car, unless it is 4×4), half an hour biking on the same road, or 1.5 hrs walking.
While it can take some time to arrive there, both beaches are paradise.
Escalera being a bit smaller, and more wild and raw (there are no stone circles, and it can be reached only via steep stairs).
Playa de Esquinzo (not to be mistaken for Esquinzo beach in south of Fuerteventura) has a bigger sand area, making it an ideal spot for dogs, or picnic with friends, while being away from the crowds of the other main beaches.
We spent Christmas day here in 2025, and it was an unforgettable experience.
El Cotillo Beaches: which one to choose?
I hope you enjoyed mine El Cotillo beaches guide. When choosing which beach fits you best it will highly depend on your needs and on transportation.
Fun family day, sporty adventure or remote paradise. The good thing is El Cotillo got it all.
Also, because of its size, you can combine several beaches in a one day.
With that said, choose:
Playa del Castillo for sunset and surf energy.
Playa La Concha for an easy, calm day with facilities nearby, just not on a weekend. Los Lagos if you’ve got kids.
Playa el Rio if solitude is the actual goal and you don’t mind a walk.
Playa de Escalera or Playa de Esquinzo if you want a beach that takes real effort to reach, and are happy to be the only people on it.