El Cotillo facts for kids
El Cotillo is a cool coastal town. You can find it on the northern part of Fuerteventura island. This island is part of the Canary Islands in Spain. El Cotillo is known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed vibe. About 1,300 people live there.
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History of El Cotillo
El Cotillo has a long history. It started way back in the 1600s! Back then, it was a small fishing village. People called it "Puerto del Roque."
Early Days as a Port
The island's government built a special house there. It was called "Casa del Puerto del Tostón." This spot became an important port. Ships would arrive here from Madeira, bringing goods to Fuerteventura.
From Fishing to Fun
For a long time, fishing was the main job for people in El Cotillo. But in the 1980s, things changed. More and more visitors started coming! Tourism became a big part of the town's life. This made the town grow a lot.
Amazing Places to See in El Cotillo
El Cotillo is famous for its incredible beaches. Many people say they are some of the best in Europe!
Beautiful Beaches
You'll find bays with super clear water here. The sand is soft and fine. Some popular beaches are "La Concha" and "Los Lagos." In 2016, a newspaper said El Cotillo's beaches were in the top ten in Europe. People on the travel website TripAdvisor voted for them!
The Old Tostón Tower
The most famous building in El Cotillo is the Torre del Tostón. This cool tower was built a long time ago, in the year 1700.
Why the Tower Was Built
The tower was built to protect the coast. Pirates used to attack from places like France, England, and North Africa. The Torre del Tostón helped keep the town safe. In 1949, it was recognized as an important historical site.