El Cotillo is a charming coastal village in northwestern Fuerteventura with a laid back vibe, perfect for those looking to get away from the tourist masses. Today the little city has a few restaurants and hotels, but its history dates back to the 17th century when it maintained a trade route to neighboring island Madeira.
When visiting one of the greatest things to do is check out a cluster of lighthouses, Faro del Tostón. At first I only noticed the newly built candy cane structure from 1986, it is the tallest of the bunch standing 98 feet tall. Then I saw the second octagonal beacon which was built in 1960 and elevated 49 feet, looking drab and whitewashed today. Lastly the oldest of the three and the tiniest too, the brick building from 1897 is just 19 feet high.
Inside there is a museum telling the history of the lighthouses and the fishing village. Walking out onto the fossil beach, look at the old compacted sandstone seabed made up of ancient creatures. This are holds the highest fossil record on the island, so with a keen eye you never know what you might discover. A chunk of a shipwreck sits on shore, showing the need for a great lighthouse in these rough seas.
There is a half mile trail with informational panels around the area, great for birding and tidepooling.
East of the lighthouse are the lagoons of Playa los Charcos which can be reached on foot. Their clear turquoise water and powdery white sand contrast the black as night lava rocks, a true slice of paradise.
Find a zucco, one of the circular lava rock refuges, and enjoy sunbathing sans wind.