There’s a part of Tenerife that doesn’t try to impress you. No neon signs, no all inclusive wristbands, no karaoke bars pumping out noise at noon. El Médano just sits there on the southern coast, wind in its hair, doing its own thing, and honestly? That’s exactly why people fall in love with it.
I’ve been coming here for years, and it never gets old. It’s the kind of place where you can sit on the main square with a coffee, watch the kites dancing above the beach, and genuinely feel like you’ve found somewhere real. Not a resort. A town.
So What Actually Is El Médano?
El Médano is a small coastal town on the south east tip of Tenerife, about 10 minutes from the airport. It’s home to roughly 8,000 people and has grown a lot over the past two decades. A friend of mine moved here from Galicia about twenty years ago, and she tells me that back then there were barely a handful of buildings. You had to drive all the way to Los Cristianos just to do a weekly shop.
Now it’s a proper town with supermarkets, restaurants, a lively square, and a beach scene that draws people from all over Europe. But somehow, it’s kept its soul. It still feels Spanish. It still feels local. And that’s rarer than you’d think in Tenerife.
Why Is El Médano So Windy?
This is the question everyone asks, usually while holding onto their hat.
El Médano sits right in the path of the trade winds that blow in from the north-east. In summer especially, the wind is almost constant. For most beach towns, that would be a problem. For El Médano, it’s the whole point.
Those winds are what make this one of the best spots in the world for windsurfing and kiteboarding. The Professional Windsurfers Association has held competitions here for years, and the conditions are genuinely world-class. But here’s the thing people don’t always mention: that same wind keeps the town cool in summer. While the rest of the south bakes, El Médano stays fresh. Locals know this. It’s one of the reasons so many Tinerfeños choose to live here.
The Beaches: What You Need to Know Before You Go
El Médano has several beaches, and they’re all quite different. Don’t just rock up to the first one you see and assume that’s it.
Playa El Médano
This is the main beach, right next to the town square, and it’s the one most families head to. It sits in a sheltered bay, so the waves are calm and the water is shallow near the shore. Kids love it. There’s a boardwalk running along the edge, lined with cafés where you can sit and watch the world go by. If you’ve got little ones, there’s also a Playground on the square itself, which is genuinely handy when they’ve had enough sand.
It’s not a quiet beach, but it’s a good one. Busy, friendly, and easy.
Playa Machado
Walk along the boardwalk from the main beach and you’ll reach Playa Machado. This is where things get more interesting. The beach is divided into zones: one for surfers, one for windsurfers, and the section closest to Montana Roja is reserved for kiters. It’s organised chaos, and it’s brilliant to watch.
Beyond the water sports area, the beach gives way to wild sand dunes covered in native plants. It’s a proper nature spot, and kids absolutely love scrambling around on the dunes. From here you can also pick up a path that takes you towards Montana Bocinegro, Montana Roja, or Playa La Tejita.
Playa La Tejita
La Tejita is a longer, wilder beach on the other side of Montana Roja. You can walk there from El Médano by following the path around the base of the mountain, which takes about 20 to 25 minutes and is worth every step.
It’s known as a nudist beach, though in practice it’s a mix of nudists and people in swimwear, and nobody bats an eyelid either way. What you do need to know is that La Tejita has strong currents and a decent swell. It’s not a beach for nervous swimmers or young children. If you’re a confident swimmer, it’s one of the best beaches on the island. If you’re not, enjoy it from the shore.
Playa El Cabezo
El Cabezo is on the eastern side of El Médano and it’s a favourite with surfers, bodyboarders, and windsurfers. It’s often very windy out there, and parts of the beach are rocky, so it’s worth watching where the locals get in before you wade in yourself. The upside? It’s rarely crowded. Even on a busy weekend, you can usually find space.
The Markets: Worth Getting Up Early For
El Médano has two markets on the main square, and both are genuinely good.
The farmer’s market runs every Wednesday from 8am to 1pm. It’s small, but the produce is local and fresh. You’ll find fruit, vegetables, free range eggs, homemade cheese, and cakes that are far better than anything you’d find in a supermarket. It’s mostly locals who shop here, which tells you everything you need to know.
The craft market is every Saturday from 9am to 2pm. It’s bigger and more varied, with stalls selling clothes, handmade jewellery, and souvenirs. It’s a good browse even if you’re not planning to buy anything.
What to See Near El Médano
The Cave of Santo Hermano Pedro
A short drive from El Médano, this small sanctuary is dedicated to Saint Pedro de San José Betancur, a Canarian-born saint who is said to have rested in this cave as a boy while tending his family’s flock. Inside, there’s a wooden statue of the saint surrounded by offerings and handwritten prayers from devotees. It’s quiet, simple, and genuinely moving. Worth a visit even if you’re not religious.
Frequently Asked Questions About El Médano
Is El Médano good for families?
Yes, very much so. Playa El Médano is calm and shallow, the town is walkable, and there’s a playground right on the square. It’s relaxed rather than rowdy, which suits families well.
Is El Médano only for windsurfers and kiters?
Not at all. The water sports crowd is a big part of the town’s character, but there’s plenty here for people who just want a good beach, decent food, and a genuine Spanish atmosphere. You don’t need to be sporty to enjoy it.
Is El Médano too windy for a normal beach day?
It depends on the time of year and which beach you choose. Playa El Médano itself is sheltered and usually fine. The other beaches can be windier, especially in summer. Locals tend to go in the morning before the wind picks up.
How do I get to El Médano from the airport?
It’s about 10 minutes by car from Tenerife South Airport. You can also get there by bus; the 470 route connects El Médano with Los Cristianos and the airport area. Check titsa.com for current timetables.
Is El Médano expensive?
Compared to the big resorts, no. It’s noticeably more affordable, especially for food and drink. You’ll find good local restaurants where a full meal with wine won’t break the bank.
A Final Thought
El Médano isn’t for everyone, and I think that’s part of its charm. If you want a pool bar and a sun lounger with a number on it, there are plenty of other places in Tenerife for that. But if you want somewhere that feels real, somewhere with wind in your face and good coffee and a beach that actually has character, El Médano is worth the trip.
Go on a Wednesday morning. Hit the market. Sit on the square. Watch the kites. You’ll understand pretty quickly why people who come here once tend to keep coming back.
Have you been to El Médano? Got a favourite beach or a café you think everyone should know about? Drop it in the comments below. Always good to hear from people who know the place.
