Old Harbor El Cotillo
A charming seaside destination in El Cotillo, renowned for its fresh seafood, traditional tapas, and vibrant culinary scene.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch the freshest seafood
Old Harbor El Cotillo
Best Time
Catch the freshest seafood
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming seaside destination in El Cotillo, renowned for its fresh seafood, traditional tapas, and vibrant culinary scene.
"Everything we tried was fresh and tasty - incredible cheesecake!"
🎯 Book Ahead for Popular Spots
Popular restaurants like Olivo Corso and La Vaca Azul can get busy. Consider making a reservation to secure your table. :ticket:
🐟 Savor Fresh Seafood
Don't miss out on the incredible seafood, especially the mussels and fried squid. Freshness is key here! :fish:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seaside Dining Terrace
Old Harbor
Enjoy fresh tapas and traditional dishes with stunning ocean views. A truly memorable culinary experience.
Authentic Russian Salad
Various Restaurants
Savor a traditional Russian salad made with actual fish, a rare find that delights many visitors.
Crispy Fried Squid
Various Restaurants
Indulge in small, perfectly fried squid with the lightest, crispiest batter. A must-try local delicacy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Reservations are Key
Embrace Local Flavors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Restaurants in El Cotillo in May
🎯 Book Ahead for Popular Spots
Popular restaurants like Olivo Corso and La Vaca Azul can get busy. Consider making a reservation to secure your table. :ticket:
🐟 Savor Fresh Seafood
Don't miss out on the incredible seafood, especially the mussels and fried squid. Freshness is key here! :fish:
🍰 Don't Skip Dessert
The cheesecake is frequently praised as incredible. Save room to try this delightful sweet treat! :ice_cream:
🥂 Enjoy Local Wine
Pair your meal with a local dry white wine, which is noted to pair exceptionally well with tapas. :wine_glass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Popular Spots
Popular restaurants like Olivo Corso and La Vaca Azul can get busy. Consider making a reservation to secure your table. :ticket:
🐟 Savor Fresh Seafood
Don't miss out on the incredible seafood, especially the mussels and fried squid. Freshness is key here! :fish:
🍰 Don't Skip Dessert
The cheesecake is frequently praised as incredible. Save room to try this delightful sweet treat! :ice_cream:
🥂 Enjoy Local Wine
Pair your meal with a local dry white wine, which is noted to pair exceptionally well with tapas. :wine_glass:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Old Harbor El Cotillo for its delicious and fresh traditional dishes, especially seafood and tapas. The friendly staff and charming seaside ambiance, complete with art exhibitions, create a highly enjoyable dining experience. While popular spots can get busy, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many eager to return.
"Lovely experience.
We came due to the high rate reviews and we did not regret it!
Staff were super friendly, we got a table straight away and we were happy to find traditional dishes on the menu.
Everything we tried was fresh and tasty - incredible cheesecake 🤤"
Costanza Stornello
"Finally, a proper Russian salad!
So happy to find a place that serves a real Russian salad—with actual fish, not just potatoes and mayonnaise. The portions were generous, everything we tried was very tasty, and the staff were super friendly and welcoming.
I also loved the art exhibition inside the restaurant—it added a unique and creative touch to the overall experience."
Mariam Kantariya
"This is one of our favorite restaurants in El Cotillo. We've been here so many times and it never ceases to amaze us. Our favorite is the "dados de atun" just fantastic! Thank you Clara and staff, such an amazing experience, as always!"
Rebecca Pollack
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Harbor El Cotillo is accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public buses also serve the area, connecting it to other parts of Fuerteventura.
Parking can be challenging during peak hours, especially in summer. Arriving early or considering public transport is advisable.
Yes, the Old Harbor area is very walkable and best explored on foot to discover its charming restaurants and views.
Exploring El Cotillo on foot is ideal for the harbor area. For wider exploration of the island, renting a car is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Old Harbor El Cotillo itself is a public area and does not require tickets for entry. Access to restaurants and shops is free.
Restaurant hours vary, but most are open for lunch and dinner. It's best to check individual restaurant schedules, especially outside peak season.
For popular restaurants like Olivo Corso and La Vaca Azul, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner.
Some restaurants feature art exhibitions. While entry to the restaurant is free, specific exhibition fees, if any, would be determined by the establishment.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Must-try dishes include fresh seafood like mussels and fried squid, traditional tapas, and the highly-rated cheesecake.
Many restaurants offer tapas and vegetable dishes that can cater to vegetarians. It's advisable to inquire about specific options.
Prices vary, but expect mid-range costs for dining. Tapas can be a more budget-friendly way to sample various dishes.
Absolutely! Old Harbor El Cotillo is known for its traditional Spanish cuisine, including authentic Russian salad and local specialties.
Yes, many restaurants are accommodating to families and can prepare simpler dishes like chicken with vegetables for children.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the harbor, colorful boats, seaside restaurants, and the ocean views, especially during sunset.
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh but still offers vibrant colors.
Generally, yes, but be mindful of other diners. Some restaurants may have unique art exhibitions worth capturing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider choosing restaurants with seaside views for a pleasant dining experience that the whole family can enjoy. While reservations are recommended for popular spots, many places are happy to seat families, especially if you arrive a bit earlier. The focus on fresh, simple ingredients often appeals to children.
🍽️ Food Enthusiasts
Foodies will also appreciate the local wine selections and the delightful desserts, especially the highly-praised cheesecake. The combination of authentic flavors, friendly service, and scenic views makes for an exceptional culinary adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Culinary Delights of Old Harbor
Beyond the main courses, the tapas scene is vibrant. You can expect a delightful array of small plates, from fresh anchovy salads to tender fried beef and flavorful cheeses. Don't overlook the desserts; the cheesecake is often described as incredible. Many restaurants also offer a curated selection of local wines, with the dry white wine being a particular favorite for pairing with tapas.
For those dining with children, most restaurants are accommodating and can prepare simpler, healthy options. The overall dining experience is enhanced by friendly and charming staff who are happy to help with menu questions. Some places even offer complimentary honey rum drinks after the meal, adding a sweet finish to a memorable culinary journey.
The Ambiance and Experience
Many restaurants in the area also feature unique artistic touches. One review specifically mentioned an art exhibition inside a restaurant, which added a creative and distinctive element to the dining experience. This blend of delicious food, beautiful scenery, and artistic flair creates a memorable visit for many travelers.
While the harbor itself is a focal point, the surrounding area is also worth exploring. The town is generally considered Spanish, which is often a good sign for authentic local food. The staff are consistently described as friendly, welcoming, and charming, contributing significantly to the positive overall impression of the Old Harbor.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit