Windmill in El Cotillo

Windmill in El Cotillo (Molino de El Roque) is a stone flour mill in the municipality of La Oliva on Fuerteventura, standing near Tablero de la Molina, a short drive inland from the coastal village of El Cotillo.

Where the windmill stands

The mill sits on raised ground inland from El Cotillo, with open views over the surrounding fields and the northern coastline of Fuerteventura. It's one of many mills once built across the island to harness the steady, strong trade winds blowing in from the Atlantic. From El Cotillo it's only a few minutes by car, and the mill's tall, distinctive shape makes it visible from the road well before you reach it.

When it was built and what it was used for

The structure dates back to the early 20th century, a period when a network of mills was established across Fuerteventura to serve local farmers. It operated as a flour mill, grinding grain grown in the surrounding fields, mostly for nearby households and farms. Mills like this one were often shared among residents of several settlements, making them an important economic point for the north of the island at a time when agriculture was the main source of livelihood.

How the windmill was built

The building rises over three levels and carries four blades, a layout typical of Canary Island windmills from that era. It was built from stone, clay and lime — materials available locally and resistant to the sun, wind and salt air that wear down other coastal structures over time. That simple, solid form is why the mill has survived in good condition long after it stopped being used for grinding grain.

Why it's worth a stop

The windmill draws visitors mainly for the landscape around it. Its elevated position means you can see both the coastline toward El Cotillo and the dry, open interior typical of Fuerteventura. Many people time their visit for late afternoon, when the low sun brings out the shape of the mill and the surrounding terrain. It makes for a short, quiet stop for anyone exploring the north of the island who wants to see something beyond the beaches and surf-town atmosphere of El Cotillo.

What else to see nearby

El Cotillo itself is known for its natural rock pools (Los Lagos) and an old lighthouse, and this stretch of coast is popular with surfers for its beaches. A visit to the windmill pairs well with time in the village — it's an easy short detour inland before or after a walk along the coastal rocks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Molino de El Roque? It's a historic stone flour mill from the early 20th century, located in the municipality of La Oliva near El Cotillo on Fuerteventura.

Is the windmill still in use? No, it no longer grinds grain. It survives today as a landmark and a reminder of the island's agricultural past.

How do you get to the windmill from El Cotillo? It's a few minutes' drive inland from the center of El Cotillo, in the area known as Tablero de la Molina.

Is it worth visiting at sunset? Yes, the mill's elevated position and open surroundings make it a spot many visitors choose specifically for sunset.