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El Cotillo
If you feel the need to burn off some après meal
calories, or you just fancy seeing El Cotillo
and its beaches without
walking, the best way is by bike and the only place you need to go is to Richard at the
Cycle hire shop. He also hires out surfboards.
If you are sat overlooking the new harbour (and the
surfing beaches), you will see a strange
circular building standing by itself on the cliff top. This is the Torre del Toston (Toston Tower)
which was constructed to deter the English, Moorish and Arab pirates and
it's name is part of the local history as the port of El Cotillo
was actually called Puerto del Roque up to 1626. Then it was then renamed to Puerto del
Tolston, and as recently as fifty years ago, renames again to the more familiar El
Cotillo.
Although
it has a more modest use now as a tourist office and a venue for various
arty type
exhibitions,
it was actually a crucial part of the local defense system. It would typically house
a
garrison of about twelve men and they would have three cannons to ward
off unwanted intruders,
mainly
pirates.
In
1949 it was officially declared an historic monument and has been proudly
maintained ever since.
It is
definitely worth a visit. Climb
the steps for some great views over the new harbour and the
surfing
beaches in the distance.
All
in all a good way to idle away a couple of hours from the hustle and
bustle of the more
livelier
resorts on the island. But the jewel in the crown for me is the Old Harbour, where they have
replaced
the old road with a beautiful new promenade. Here is the home of LA VACA AZUL.
This
place is now under the management of Claude (who speaks perfect English)
and has recently
been
totally refurbished, boasting a new, large terrace. The views across the old town and out
to
sea
are spectacular to say the least, and combined with an excellent
menu.....just perfect!
Grapevine
recommendation. If you can, try to
get a table on the top level, in the far end
so
you can watch the sunset, then go for the stuffed peppers to start, and
the rest is up to you!
Here
is one of the coolest places in El Cotillo, AGUAYRE, meaning “Paradise in the ancient
Guanche
language, and is a must to visit.
A very large, double fronted airy and spacious setting
with
huge terraces, serving an imaginative & comprehensive selection of
food and drinks (the best
milk
shakes on the island). Great decor
with a view to die for across the bay to those famous
beaches.
After a recent refurb, it’s now twice the size it was before. Serving breakfasts as well as
a
huge range of snacks and meals from pizzas to wraps, sandwiches to
salads, Mexican and
pasta
- not to mention the TWENTY-TWO different flavours of milkshakes! I can’t do it justice
here
so go and see for yourselves.
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