El Médano sits on the southeast tip of Tenerife, right where the wind funnels off Montana Roja. It's the wind and kitesurfing capital of the Canary Islands, drawing a sporty, laid-back crowd that's quite different from the all-inclusive resorts further along the coast. The long sandy beach, Playa de El Médano, stretches out towards the red volcanic cone, and on a busy day the sky fills with kites. We like its scruffy energy. It's not polished, the promenade restaurants are hit-and-miss, and the constant wind isn't for everyone. But if you want an active, unpretentious base in Tenerife, it has a lot going for it.
Why Stay in El Médano
- Wind sports: Consistent trade winds make this one of the top kitesurfing and windsurfing spots in Europe. Schools and hire shops line the beach. Conditions are suitable for beginners on calmer days and challenging enough for experts when the wind picks up.
- Natural beach: The main beach and Playa de la Tejita (beneath Montana Roja) are undeveloped and backed by volcanic landscape rather than apartment blocks. Tejita has a nudist section and virtually no facilities.
- Year-round warmth: Tenerife's southern coast stays warm through winter (20-24°C). El Médano gets more wind than the west coast resorts, which keeps temperatures comfortable even in summer.
- Wind caveat: The wind is relentless. If you don't surf or sail, it can become annoying, especially on the beach. Sand blows, towels fly, and calm beach days are the exception rather than the rule.
Things to Do in El Médano
Kite or windsurf. That's the main draw. Several schools offer courses (from around €100 for a beginner session). Rental gear is available for experienced riders.
Walk up Montana Roja, the red volcanic cone at the end of the beach. It's a 30-minute climb to the summit with views over the south coast and across to Gran Canaria on clear days. Go late afternoon for the best light. The path is sandy and exposed.
The Saturday market in the town centre sells crafts, produce, and Canarian cheese. The plaza behind the beach has tapas bars and a relaxed evening scene. It's more backpacker-casual than resort-slick.
Day trips to Mount Teide (about an hour's drive up to the national park) are a must. The volcanic landscape above 2,000m is otherworldly. The cable car to the summit (around €38 return) requires advance booking, and the peak itself needs a separate free permit. Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje (20-30 minutes west) have the bigger resort attractions and whale-watching boats. Granadilla de Abona (15 minutes north) is a small town with a castle ruin and local restaurants away from the tourist strip.
