November Sunbathing

[Bambam1988]

Hey

I was just wondering a few things and would appreciate if anyone had any input really.

Me and my wife are visiting El Cotillo in mid Nov. Firstly I was wondering how busy with naturists it will be at that time of year, we are not super fussy  but don't like it to be too busy with naturist but also don't like being the only ones on a beach (maybe others can relate to this?). 

I'm assuming from what I've read the beaches to the north are the naturist beaches and should be easy to find?

and lastly

How chilly is the water at that time of the year as I am a complete wimp when it comes to water temperature 

Anyway, any input would be greatly appreciated

[Cotillo_Tom]

Hi Bambam,

Firstly, welcome to the forum. You will find loads of information on here for your trip to this little corner of heaven.  

Go north of Cotillo, the far end of La Concha Beach, you will not be alone but you will not be packed out either. You will not need factor 50+, but you will need some sun protection. As long as you don't expect to have wall to wall sunshine from dawn to dusk and temps into the 30's, you will be fine.  The odd cloudy day, the odd cloud most days. Temps mid-twenties.  

Hitting the water will require a sharp intake of breath, but once you are in, you will be fine and you will dry off in the sun instead of the towel. 

Have a great time.  

Tom.

[Bambam1988]

Thanks for your response and welcome

Ha, we will have to see if I am brave enough for the sharp intake of breath when getting into my sea, despite living in cornwall I am a complete wimp for cold sea swims   

From reading I can see there are a few good spots over Corralejo and some other popular spots in the south. Are there any other good beaches around El Cotillo that I should visit in your opinion, can be nudist and non nudist I guess (obviously prefer to catch the sun all over!) Also we are going to have a hire car so, is it worth venturing down to the southern beaches?

[Will]

There is a very very long span of beaches down south. Is it worth it? Depends on how long your trip is. If it's a long enough trip makes more sense to spend a few days down south. It's a long drive in both directions.

But the south varies from almost city beaches with the promenade in sight or far more secluded . Plus everything in between.

[Fizzy Lemonade]

The beaches in the south are great for walking, recently we walked a couple of  times along with shorter walks from the Royal Palm Hotel to beyond Mal Nombre which is a nice few kilometres round trip 

You can also walk the Grande Playas just outside Corralejo which is much closer to you, Flag beach is fine for walking, the Dunes beach takes a bit more out of your legs due to the softness of the sand but a nice few kilometres round trip there too, you should cover up between the two Riu hotels & bring some water

[Magoo]

Hi Bambam 

We have visited Fuerteventura fo about 25 years at different times of the year. We have never found the sea too cold to swim. The only gripe that I have with winter visits, is the short days. This may restrict your Southern expedition, but I would do it anyway, if only to check the area out. The FV1 is the fastest but most boring route. The west coast mountain road is interesting with lots of things to see, but is a day trip in itself.

Take note that El Cotillo has two sides to it. The lagoons and the more open beach that is more popular with surfer dudes.  Head towards the lighthouse and you will see areas with parked rental cars. Don’t be tempted to drive to far off road as punctures can be costly and you won’t be insured. The lagoon we use drains at low tide so time your visits. I would advise taking any food, drink and shade you may need.  Also a pair of neoprene slip on shoes are advisable for swimming as the rocks are sharp. Don’t forget to take a face mask and snorkel to engage in mutual inspection with the fish. 

I am a fan of the South but we always visit El Cotillo at least once. It is very Robinson Crusoe so I would say that a hire car is essential

Cotillo Tom. Question. Has the sea weed issue gone away? There was a lot of it on our last visit that was choking some of the lagoons

[Cotillo_Tom]

Hi Magoo,

Seaweed, like the tide, comes and goes!!

At high tide a few weeks ago, we were left with considerable "mountains" of it, all above high tide level, so not going back out to sea.  They aren't too quick removing it with machinery, but it is going rather slowly. 

Unfortunately, the flies just love it so we are bombarded with flies right now!!!  Grrrr!  2 or 3 in the room all the time despite much swotting 

Tom.

[Magoo]

Hi Tom

Thanks for that. We have been to El Cotillo for day visits several times and only once had the seaweed issue, it didn’t stop us swimming, but reduced the visibility in the lagoon.  It’s a shame, as El Cotillo is one of the best places on the island for safe snorkelling. Most places are too sandy or are on the unsheltered west coast.