El Cotillo
El Cotillo is a charming fishing village on Fuerteventura's northwest coast with multiple surf spots. The main break produces fun lefts that peel along a cobblestone bottom, with a dramatic shipwreck visible from the lineup. The village has become a surf town, with cafes and accommodation catering to wave riders.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (330°)
- Direction range
- 300° - 360°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (135°)
- Offshore range
- 100° - 180°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 2m
Water temp
20°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
5/10
👥 Summer Holidays (Jun 20 – Sep 7) — expect extra crowds
Access: Lefts peeling over cobbles beside shipwreck in port.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at El Cotillo?
El Cotillo works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 2m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at El Cotillo?
Offshore wind at El Cotillo blows from the SE (135°). Anything in the 100° to 180° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at El Cotillo?
El Cotillo wants NNW swell (300° to 360°) between 0.8m and 2m, with a period of 12s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf El Cotillo?
The main season at El Cotillo is Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Apr, May, Sep. Year-round swells. Left peeling over cobbles beside shipwreck in port.
How do I get to El Cotillo?
Fly into FUE, then allow about 35 minutes by road. Lefts peeling over cobbles beside shipwreck in port.
What kind of wave is El Cotillo?
El Cotillo is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, May, Sep
Year-round swells. Left peeling over cobbles beside shipwreck in port.
Getting There
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