El Medano Holidays

If you fancy a Tenerife jolly that's a bit different from the usual south coast scene, El Medano's got your name on it. This breezy beach town on the island's southeast corner is where colourful kites fill the sky, golden sand stretches for miles, and nobody bats an eyelid at salty hair and sandy feet. It's Tenerife's coolest resort – literally, thanks to the trade winds – and just 7km from the airport.

☀️ Good to Know

• 🌡️ Year-round sunshine with summer highs in the mid-to-high 20s and winter staying mild at 15-21°C – though expect a proper breeze most days

• 💰 Brilliantly affordable – pints from €2, tapas meals around €8-15, and Menu del Día deals for under €12

• 🏄 The undisputed watersports capital of Tenerife – if you've ever fancied having a go at windsurfing or kitesurfing, this is the place

✨ El Medano Highlights

• 🏖️ Natural golden sand beaches stretching over 2km – the only ones like this in Tenerife, created from volcanic pumice erosion

• 🌋 Montaña Roja nature reserve – a 171m volcanic cone with Mars-like red landscapes and brilliant coastal walks

• 🪁 World-class windsurfing and kitesurfing with schools dotted along the promenade for beginners to pros

• 🍤 Proper Canarian tapas scene along the seafront paseo – think fresh fish, local wines and sunset views without the tourist trap prices

• 🎪 Lively Saturday market with artisan crafts, local produce and that authentic Spanish market buzz

🏨 El Medano Hotels

El Medano's hotel scene keeps things relaxed and characterful – think beachfront charm over high-rise glitz. You won't find mega-resorts here, just friendly spots that match the town's laid-back surf vibes.

For a look at our full range, head to our El Medano hotels page. Here are a few handpicked favourites.

Living it up

• 🏨 Hotel KN Arenas del Mar Beach & Spa 4-star spa retreat perched on a scenic bay with outdoor pool, fitness centre and treatment rooms – proper romantic vibes with Atlantic views

• 🏨 Medano Hotel The iconic beachfront spot built right over the ocean – four sun terraces above the waves where you can slip straight into the sea for a dip

• 🏨 Playa Sur Tenerife Overlooking the beach with sand practically blowing into the lobby – saltwater pool, sauna and sunset views from the terrace

Budget-Friendly

• 🏨 Carel No-fuss hostal in the heart of town – doubles and apartments with kitchenettes, an onsite bar for tapas and cold beers, and the beach just 400m away

🎯 What to Do in El Medano

Families

• 🏖️ Head to the town beach near Plaza de El Médano – shallow waters, nautical-themed playground and more ice cream vendors than you can shake a cone at

• 🌋 Hike Montaña Roja nature reserve – an easy 30-minute climb to the summit with proper wow-factor views over the coastline and neighbouring islands

• 🚴 Rent bikes from Bike Point and cruise the flat coastal paths – electric options available for anyone who'd rather let the motor do the hard work

Couples

• 🍷 Sunset tapas crawl along the wooden boardwalk – El Timón and Chiringuito Pirata are local legends for fresh fish and cold wine

• 🧖 Book a pamper day at one of the hotel spas, then grab dinner at La Lata del Gofio for proper Canarian classics like watercress stew and almogrote

• 🌅 Catch the sunset from Playa de la Tejita – the wild, windswept beach beneath Montaña Roja with barely a soul in sight

Groups

• 🪁 Sign up for a windsurfing or kitesurfing lesson – Red Rock Surf Academy and Surf Center Playa Sur will have you riding the waves in no time

• 🤿 Try diving or snorkelling with one of the local schools – the clear waters are brilliant for spotting tropical fish and volcanic rock formations

• 🎉 Day trip to Playa de las Américas when you fancy swapping the chilled vibes for proper nightlife action

Culture Vultures

• ⛪ Walk to the Cave of Santo Hermano Pedro – a pilgrimage site and Asset of Cultural Interest where the famous Canarian saint once sheltered his flock

• 🎨 Browse the Saturday market for local crafts, Canarian cheeses and handmade souvenirs with proper island character

• 🍴 Taste authentic Canarian cuisine at Familiar or sample the best pizzas in south Tenerife at Wairua – both local favourites with ocean-view terraces

📅 When to Visit El Medano

Summer (June–September)

26-29°C

Peak season for watersports with reliable trade winds keeping things breezy. The sea's warmest in August (around 23°C), and the beaches buzz with surfers and sun-seekers. Expect windier conditions – brilliant if you're here to ride the waves, bring a hair tie if you're not.

What's On

• 🏆 PWA World Cup Tenerife (Early August) The world's best windsurfers descend on El Cabezo beach for the annual Grand Slam event – expect colourful sails, world-class competition and a properly electric atmosphere

• 🎭 International Folk Dance Festival (Mid-August) Traditional dance groups from across the world perform along the seafront, with accompanying craft fairs and Canarian food stalls

Spring (March–May)

22-26°C

Lovely shoulder season with warm days, fewer crowds and calmer winds. Perfect for beach walks, hiking Montaña Roja and exploring without the summer bustle.

What's On

• 🎭 Santa Cruz Carnival (February–March) Tenerife's legendary carnival celebrations kick off in the capital – catch the main parades in Santa Cruz then enjoy El Medano's own smaller street parties

Autumn (September–November)

24-27°C

Golden hour vibes with warm seas (still swimmable into November), beautiful light for photos and a more relaxed atmosphere as summer winds down.

What's On

• ⛵ Romería Barquera Medanera (3rd week September) El Medano's biggest fiesta – locals dress in white, decorated floats parade through the streets, and the plaza fills with food stalls, concerts and beach parties celebrating the patron saint

Winter (December–February)

18-21°C

Mild and sunny – proper coat-free weather when the UK's shivering. Winds ease off compared to summer, so you might actually get a few still days perfect for sunbathing without sand in your sandwich.

What's On

• 🎄 Christmas & Three Kings (December–January) Festive markets, nativity scenes and the magical Three Kings parade on 5th January – Spanish Christmas celebrations done properly

🗺️ Nearby Resorts

• 🏌️ Golf del Sur Just along the coast – Tenerife's golf-and-chill hotspot with world-class courses and luxury hotels

• 🏖️ Los Cristianos 15 minutes by car – classic Tenerife sunshine with calmer beaches, harbour restaurants and easy access to ferries

• 🌴 Playa de las Américas 20 minutes away – when you fancy swapping the surf vibes for buzzing nightlife and big resort energy

• 🏝️ Costa del Silencio 10 minutes up the coast – quiet, laid-back alternative with natural pools and proper peace and quiet