El Médano holidays

How to reach El Médano

• Flight time: From London and other major UK airports flights to Tenerife South Airport (Reina Sofía), which is the nearest airport to El Médano, take around 4 hours 30 minutes.

• Transfer time: Tenerife South Airport is within a 15-minute drive of El Médano. Taking a taxi from the airport would be the fastest transfer choice, but travelling by bus is a more economical option.

• Price: The short taxi journey from the airport will cost about €20–€25, while a single ticket on the airport Titsa bus costs just €3–€5.

Best time to visit El Médano

Because of its warm year-round climate and numerous amounts of sunshine, El Médano is a brilliant place to visit at any time. However, deciding on when to take your holidays to El Médano will be dependent on your personal preferences.

• December to February is an inviting respite from the British winter, with days reaching a balmy 21°C. Very little rain falls here, and most days boast 7 or more hours of sunshine. Now is the perfect season for taking part in more energetic outdoor activities.

• March to May spring arrives, when temperatures rise from 21°C to 24°C. For those who prefer smaller numbers of people, the town is relatively peaceful. There will be ample amounts of sunshine and only one or two wet days per month.

• June to August is the peak tourist season, particularly for Spanish families that flock here for their holidays. With as much as 11 hours of sunshine every day, temperatures reaching 27°C and a gentle breeze, it’s a perfect weather recipe for water sports.

• September to November offers comfortable daytime temperatures (25°C to 23°C) and a lower volume of visitors. Expect the occasional rain shower in November but there will still be lots of sunshine, perhaps 8 to 9 hours every day.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: The official language of Tenerife is Spanish. You will find that English is widely understood, especially in tourist spots, however, trying to communicate with some basic Spanish won’t go unnoticed by the natives.

• Local habits and customs: El Médano has an easygoing, surf-town atmosphere, where casual apparel is the norm. Many folk tend to eat their evening meal a bit later; restaurants start to get busy from 8 pm.

• Currency: The island of Tenerife uses the Euro. ATMs are easy to locate, and credit and debit cards are accepted in the majority of establishments; though it’s best to carry a small amount of cash for tips.

• Getting around: An efficient bus service links El Médano to many neighbouring towns. Tickets are priced between €2 and €5, depending on your final destination. Rent a car if you prefer more freedom; rates begin at €25 per day.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage on the island of Tenerife is 230 volts, and the plug types are C and F. UK travellers will need to bring an adaptor for their electrical appliances.

• Time zone: Tenerife operates on Western European Time, which is the same as GMT. During Daylight Saving Time, it switches to GMT+1.

Best things to do in El Médano

While this lively resort on the southeast coast is primarily renowned as the windsurfing capital of Tenerife, El Médano holidays offer much more, from safe beaches and family-friendly attractions to an intriguing landscape that promotes outdoor activities.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Montaña Roja: For the ultimate view of El Médano, check out this iconic red volcanic cone. An easy walk to the top gives amazing vistas of the town and coastline, plus, you can even see the nearby islands on a clear day.

Parks and gardens

• Tejita Beach Nature Reserve: Next to Montaña Roja, nature enthusiasts will enjoy this protected area. The pristine sands, jagged rock formations and variety of bird species come together to offer a combination of relaxation and discovery.

Historical monuments

• Cave of Hermano Pedro: Drive a few kilometres back towards the airport to this remarkable cave, which was the childhood sanctuary for Tenerife’s first saint, Hermano Pedro. These days it’s an important pilgrimage site, where inside the cave is a wooden sculpture of the saint beside holy offerings and prayers of the faithful.

Day trips in the area

• Santa Cruz de Tenerife: The capital of the island, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is an appealing blend of modern and historic buildings. Attractive leafy squares provide a great spot to chill out. Notable attractions include the Tenerife Auditorium and the atmospheric Our Lady of Africa Market.

• Teide National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, where you can go for scenic drives or take to the trails on foot while being inspired by the stunning volcanic landscape.

Activities for families in El Médano

Surfing may take centre stage in El Médano, but there are still plenty of things to do that will engage both parents and children of all ages.

• Beaches: The long black-sand beach at El Médano has calm shallow waters that make it idyllic for a day of fun with all the family. The constant breeze helps cool the youngsters down.

• Educational attractions: Children yearning for something a little more educational might find Parque Eólico fascinating, a wind farm with an interactive visitor centre where they can learn about renewable energy.

• Water parks: Tenerife boasts some excellent water parks, but the nearby Siam Park is considered one of the best in Europe. Its thrilling slides, lazy rivers and wave pools will surely provide a memorable day out for all the family.

• Boat excursions: The Submarine Safari, which departs from nearby Golf del Sur, is one of the most popular boat tours with children. A great way to experience the local marine life without getting wet!

Free things to do in El Médano

From exploring fascinating landscapes to enjoying local events, El Médano boasts plenty of attractions that won’t involve spending a fortune, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travellers.

• Beach outings: All Tenerife’s beaches are free for everyone to use. You can sunbathe, swim or stroll along the shoreline on whichever one you choose without spending a cent.

• Local festivals: Try to visit during one of El Médano’s annual celebrations, such as the Romería de San Isidro in May or the Carnival festivities, where you can enjoy parades, live music and dancing free of charge.

• Promenade stroll: Wandering along El Médano’s paved promenade is a lovely, cost-free way to pass time. As well as a great vantage point for watching the sunset over the ocean, there’s always something going on to catch your eye.

Nature and outdoor activities in El Médano

• Wind-based sports: The El Médano coastline has constant winds that provide fantastic conditions for both windsurfing and kitesurfing, with international contests frequently held here. Lessons and rentals are offered for all skill levels.

• Other water sports: There are calmer sections of El Médano’s bay where you can try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Paddle along the coastline while keeping an eye out for marine life.

• Scuba diving and snorkelling: The local dive shops provide excursions to nearby reefs and underwater caverns, which conceal a diverse range of marine life, including vibrant fish, turtles and rays.

• Hiking: There is a plethora of places to get your hiking boots on in the vicinity of El Médano. Keen hikers find Montaña Roja, a volcanic cone, to be very rewarding. The walk is gentle, and at the peak, you can see for miles over the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding areas.

• Cycling: In the centre of El Médano there are places where you can rent a bike to pedal your way through the network of cycle routes, which go from inland gentle coastal trails to more strenuous off-road terrain.

Discover stunning beaches on your El Médano holidays

El Médano, located on Tenerife's southern coast, is a haven for beach enthusiasts seeking a memorable holiday experience. Renowned for its natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere, this coastal town offers a variety of beaches catering to different preferences.

Playa del Médano – ideal for water sports enthusiasts

As the longest natural beach in Tenerife, stretching approximately 2 kilometres, Playa del Médano boasts fine golden sand and shallow waters, making it a hotspot for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to the consistent winds. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag, ensuring top-quality services and ideal swimming conditions.

Playa de la Tejita – perfect for tranquil retreats

Adjacent to the iconic Montaña Roja, Playa de la Tejita is one of Tenerife's most beautiful beaches, classified as a protected natural area. This expansive stretch of golden sand offers a serene environment, ideal for those seeking relaxation away from the bustling tourist spots.

Playa de Leocadio Machado – a surfer’s paradise

Playa de Leocadio Machado is a true windsurfing and kitesurfing haven thanks to its constant breeze. Its long and wide sandy expanse provides ample space for both surfers and sunbathers, making it the perfect beach for a mix of adventure and relaxation.

Playa Chica – family-friendly fun

For families, Playa Chica offers a charming spot with its small, sheltered beach. Integrated seamlessly into the town, it features calm waters and easy access to local amenities, making it a convenient and safe choice for those with children.

Playa del Cabezo – for the adventurous souls

Playa del Cabezo is another excellent spot in El Médano, ideal for swimming and sunbathing while offering great conditions for water sports enthusiasts looking to catch some waves. Its laid-back vibe and natural beauty make it a must-visit.

When planning your El Médano holidays, these beaches offer diverse experiences, from thrilling water sports to peaceful sunbathing spots. Each beach has its unique charm, ensuring that every visitor finds their perfect seaside escape in this beautiful part of Tenerife.

Local dishes in El Médano

While holidaying in El Médano, one of the best parts is trying the local cuisine, which reflects the volcanic and coastal identity of Tenerife. Indulge in fresh seafood, hearty regional dishes and flavours that evoke both the Canary Islands and mainland Spain.

Some typical dishes

• Papas Arrugadas: Small potatoes boiled in heavily salted water and served with spicy mojo sauce – a mix of garlic, cumin, paprika, olive oil and vinegar – are a staple of any Canarian menu.

• Garbanzas: This hearty chickpea stew is flavoured with chorizo, vegetables and aromatic spices.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Pulpo a la Gallega: Galician-style octopus, boiled and then seasoned with olive oil, paprika and coarse sea salt, is often served on a wooden platter.

• Cherne: A firm white fish, cherne is normally grilled and paired with the Canary Islands’ signature wrinkled potatoes, papas arrugadas.

Meat dishes

• Conejo en Salmorejo: Rabbit that has been marinated in a garlicky, vinegary sauce and slow-cooked to perfection, is a true local favourite.

• Cabrito Asado: Offering a taste of traditional Canarian cuisine, this roast goat dish is usually seasoned with garlic, herbs and spices.

Sweets and desserts

Traditional Canarian sweets are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Two of the most popular are frangollo, which is prepared from corn, milk, honey, almonds and raisins, and bienmesabe, a sweet almond cream that is often served with ice cream.

Local drinks

• Malvasía wine: The volcanic soil found in Tenerife produces excellent wines, and the sweet, white Malvasía is especially popular.

• Barraquito: Not your typical coffee drink, this one is layered with espresso, condensed milk, foamed milk and a splash of Licor 43, and topped with cinnamon and lemon zest.