Overview

El Cotillo is a world-famous wave spot on the northwest coast of Fuerteventura, named after the charming, authentic fishing village nearby. It's one of the most powerful and exciting wave spots in the Canary Islands.

The spot produces fast, powerful waves breaking near Castillo beach. The shorebreak can be intense, requiring quick launches. The wave quality is excellent when NE wind meets NW swell — clean faces, long rides, and serious power.

This is expert territory. The combination of shorebreak, fast waves, rocks, and powerful currents makes El Cotillo a spot for experienced wave riders only. But for those with the skills, it's one of the most rewarding wave spots in the Atlantic.

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Spot forecast for Cotillo / Fuerteventura

Sunrise 08:00 · Sunset 19:21

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< 7 kn7–12 kn13–20 kn21–30 kn31–40 kn41+ kn Gusts Your minimum: 7 kn

Next tides

High tide Tue 20 · 10:07 · 1.9 m
Low tide Tue 20 · 16:33 · 0.9 m
High tide Tue 20 · 22:51 · 1.8 m
Low tide Wed 21 · 04:39 · 1 m

Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo

Cotillo / Fuerteventura: when to go?

Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)

Season · peak

450h

in July · 31 rideable days

The season runs from May to October, peaking in July: 29 rideable days a month and 450 hours of usable wind, at 25 °C. The low point is November, at 16 days.

Rideable days per month

Wind strength when it is rideable

7-12 knots · 35%13-20 knots · 64%21-30 knots · 1%

When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 13 and 20 knots — 64% of rideable hours. That is the most versatile range, where most kites work. The coldest month is March, at 21 °C. The wettest month is March, with 25 mm.

Monthly averages: Cotillo / Fuerteventura

Monthly averages — Cotillo / Fuerteventura — averaged over 2 years of records — Weather data by Open-Meteo.com — How it is calculated
Month	Rideable days	Usable wind	Temperature	Rain
January	16.5	142 h	23 °C	4 mm
February	21.5	221 h	22 °C	3 mm
March	16.5	195 h	21 °C	25 mm
April	23.5	296 h	22 °C	19 mm
May	28.0	414 h	22 °C	9 mm
June	29.5	455 h	23 °C	9 mm
July	31.0	450 h	25 °C	7 mm
August	30.5	435 h	27 °C	5 mm
September	28.5	382 h	26 °C	3 mm
October	25.5	280 h	25 °C	8 mm
November	16.0	162 h	25 °C	10 mm
December	20.0	195 h	21 °C	19 mm

Photo gallery of Cotillo / Fuerteventura

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Technical details of Cotillo / Fuerteventura spot

The spot works with winds from N, NNE, NE, NNW.

Depending on conditions: ENE.

RideableDepending on conditions Not rideable

Spot functioning

Launch from the beach quickly to clear the shorebreak. Ride the fast, powerful waves breaking over shifting sandbars.

Directional board essential. Twin-tip riders can use the waves as excellent kickers for massive jumps.

Some schools organize boat-supported sessions from Corralejo to access the best wind zone.

Separate zones for surfing, kiting, and windsurfing — respect the designated areas.

Spot opening date · Required level

Spot opening date: Open all year round
Year-round. Best with NW swell October–March. Works in summer with wind swell from strong NE trades. Best at low to mid tide.
Required level: Expert

On the water

Powerful waves 1–3m+ breaking over sand. Strong currents. Water 18–23°C. 3/2mm wetsuit.

Parking

El Cotillo is on the northwest coast of Fuerteventura, about 30–40 min drive from Corralejo. The village has parking. Walk to Castillo beach area.

Basic amenities in the village: restaurants, bars, accommodation. No dedicated kite centre at the wave spot.

Wind specificities

Best with NE to NNE wind (side-offshore to cross-shore). Works best at low to mid tide with a NW swell.

The wind can be turbulent close to the beach due to the cliffs, but stabilises offshore. 15–25+ knots.

Hazards

Powerful shorebreak: launch quickly to avoid getting caught. The shorebreak can be very heavy.

Fast breaking waves: waves break fast over sandbars — the location of sandbars shifts, changing the wave.

Rocks: volcanic rocks at the edges. Sharp and dangerous.

Strong currents: rip currents and longshore drift common with bigger swell.

No rescue service.

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Live

Currently, there is no weather station at this spot. If you want to change this, help us fund one: Weather Station Project

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Webcams near Cotillo / Fuerteventura

Webcams provided by Windy.com

Schools, shops and places to stay nearby

Directory: Spain

Nearby spots

All spots: Canarias

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Cotillo / Fuerteventura kitesurf, wingfoil and surf spot