The municipality of La Oliva, in the north of Fuerteventura, is one of the favourite places for those who want to rest and enjoy nature. In just a handful of miles you have everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. If you’re looking for long sandy beaches, historical sites, or a walk along the edge of a volcano, then you have to come to La Oliva. But also, if you want to disappear in its small and paradisiacal coves, or practice water sports.
One of the towns that is booming is El Cotillo. This town is chosen by surfing lovers, kitesurfing and windsurfing, whether they are experts or amateurs. Most of these sportsmen and women are concentrated in the El Castillo beach, also known as Piedra Playa.
EL CASTILLO BEACH AND SUCCESSIVE
El Castillo beach is located 1 kilometer south of the village of El Cotillo. Its name is due to the fact that it is under the protection of an old defensive bastion, built in the 18th century: the Tower of Nuestra Señora del Pilar y San Miguel, better known by all, as the Tower of El Tostón or the Castle of Rico Roque.
Although many people call Playa del Castillo the entire coastline between the military fortification and El Rincón de los Morteros, the truth is that this entire stretch of coast is made up of three successive beaches: Playa del Castillo, Playa Aljibe de la Cueva and Playa de los Mallorquines.
This part of the coast of Fuerteventura is exposed to strong winds for much of the year, which have made it an attraction for lovers of boards and sails. Moreover, these beaches have been positioned by their crystalline waters and nature, located within an incomparable framework, as one of the most beautiful in the north of Fuerteventura. It is a highly recommended area to enjoy the sunsets, and to take long walks.
The sands that make up the Playa del Castillo and Aljibe de la Cueva invite you to relax and enjoy incredible landscapes. Many people come here every day to witness spectacular sunsets
El Castillo beach or Piedra Playa is the first cove we find, if we leave El Cotillo heading south, after having passed the Torre del Tostón. It is an isolated beach, made up of sand, gravel and pebbles. It is just under 200 meters long and 35 meters wide. It is easily accessible, whether on foot or by car. Although it is windy, and the waves are strong, the area at the foot of the high escarpments is more sheltered from the winds. It is the ideal space to go with children
El Castillo beach is linked to the Aljibe de la Cueva beach. In fact, the physical separation between the two beaches hardly exists. The Aljibe de la Cueva beach has more than 1. 5 kilometers of fine sand beach, ideal for walking. This area is the most exposed to the winds, so for most of the year you will see quite a few kite surfers. It’s one of those spots where surfing and kitesurfing schools give their classes.
The name Aljibe de la Cueva is due to the fact that behind this beach there was a freshwater spring, which served to quench the thirst of both the inhabitants of Puerto del Tostón and their animals. One of the most unique features of the Aljibe de la Cueva are the large basaltic blocks scattered along the shore, which remind us, once again, of the important volcanic activity the island had to undergo thousands of years ago.
Next to the Aljibe de la Cueva beach, and behind a rocky spur, there is one of the most unknown and fascinating coves: the Majorcan beach. This cove is a little over 200 metres long and about 40 metres wide, and is surrounded by escarpments that reach the bottom of the sea, forming one of the most beautiful and unique natural spots of Fuerteventura coasts.
Although the Playa de los Mallorquines less than 3 kilometers from El Cotillo, here you will have that inexplicable feeling of being completely isolated. There is also a small hut made of stones and wood, which increases that feeling. The most comfortable way to access this beach is at low tide. For a few hours, the coastline withdraws enough to let us pass towards the Mallorquines.
Don’t forget to get out of there before the tide comes in again. If we get stuck in Los mallorquines, there’s a way out through the rocky escarpments. However, we must keep in mind that due to the orography and the wind, any trip or slip can be a problem in case we need someone to help us.
Frequently Asked Questions about Playas del Castillo
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