El Cotillo
The sandy beach on Fuerteventura's west coast, sheltered from the trade winds.
South of El Cotillo village there's a long beach open to the west. Since the prevailing wind is north-easterly, it's usually offshore here, which makes it one of the island's most reliable options when the north shore is blown out.
Rip currents can be strong. Lock your car well.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | All levels |
| Best swell | W, NW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, NE, SE |
| Tide | Mid |
| Size | 1–2.5 m |
| Best season | All year |
| Crowd | Light |
| Localism | Low |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A shortboard or fish; a funboard in small swell. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf El Cotillo
The water is around 18 °C in winter and 22 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
For water from 17 °C.
View on AmazonFor summer days without a wetsuit, and against the sun.
View on AmazonThe safest, easiest board to learn on here.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.
View on AmazonHarder, so it doesn't melt in the heat.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
A calm vibe.
Surfing style
Beach break.
Hazards
Rip currents and shore break in big swell.
Map
Shapers near El Cotillo
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
La Oliva (Fuerteventura)
An isolated sand cove on the west coast, with a quality beach break.
La Oliva (Fuerteventura)
A fishing bay on the North Shore with soft rights, ideal for progressing.
Majanicho (Fuerteventura)
The best-known left on Fuerteventura's north coast, on the Majanicho track.
Corralejo (Fuerteventura)
The closest reef to Corralejo, with rights and lefts and lots of people.
All spots in the Canary Islands →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.