El Médano is a charming seaside resort in the south-east of Tenerife. We were won over by this small village, which harmoniously combines grey sandy beaches, lively streets and a volcanic landscape dominated by Montaña Roja.
Find out more in our guide to the must-see places to visit and our useful tips in pictures!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Is the village of El Médano worth a visit?
Yes, El Médano is well worth a visit. This small-scale seaside resort offers an authentic, relaxed atmosphere. In fact, it features in our article on Tenerife’s most beautiful villages! We particularly appreciated its exceptional natural setting between grey sandy beaches and volcanic mountains, as well as its many opportunities for water sports.
1. Enjoy the magnificent Playa El Médano
Playa del Médano is one of the jewels of Tenerife’s south-east coast. A popular destination for its ideal wind conditions, it is a renowned surfing spot. With its fine sand and shallow waters, it’s ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts alike. With breathtaking views of Montaña Roja, it invites you to relax and contemplate. We loved this superb beach, which combines a change of scenery, tranquillity and fun!
Practical advice
- Prefer a visit outside the summer season and school vacations – busy periods
- Choose morning or late afternoon slots to avoid crowds
- Year-round bathing even in winter, although the water is colder
- Access ramp for people with reduced mobility
- Numerous water sports available – see options here!
2. Stroll through the narrow streets of the seaside resort
The village has a certain charm with its cobbled streets and colorful houses. We particularly enjoyed the pedestrian streets lined with shops, bars and cafés, where you’ll find a lively, bohemian atmosphere. As you stroll through the village, you’ll discover original statues, a craft market and the small El Médano chapel. The seafront promenade and Plaza El Médano, with its children’s park, add to the pleasure of exploration.
Practical advice
- Allow 30-45 minutes to explore the village
- Choose an early-morning visit for a more peaceful atmosphere
- Some staircases and cobbled lanes that may be difficult for people with reduced mobility
- There are a number of good restaurants in the village, including La Boquería Taberna, which serves seafood dishes.
3. Water sports: surfing, diving, paddling…
El Médano’s warm, windy climate makes it ideal for water sports. We were won over by the resort’s ideal conditions and the diversity of the activities on offer. You can try your hand at surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding and kayaking. Jet-skiing offers superb views of the coast, while scuba diving lets you discover Tenerife’s seabed.
Practical advice
- Prices and durations vary according to the activity chosen
- Keep an eye on the weather, as the strong winds at El Médano can make certain water sports difficult.
- Certain groups are not allowed to participate (pregnant women, the elderly, etc.).
- To enjoy the scenery, we recommend a paddle trip – see photos, prices and availability.
- For the more adventurous, tempted by a surfing session? – See photos, photos and availability.
- For explorers, discover the seabed by diving – see photos, photos and availability.
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
4. Contemplating the view from the Mirador de Montaña Roja
At Puerto del Médano, we discovered a charming viewpoint overlooking the mountains and the ocean. The mirador is home to a slender sculpture facing the sea. There’s also an information panel on the Montaña Roja nature reserve. A pleasant stroll along the water’s edge provides access to this site, which offers superb panoramic views. Colourful little fishing boats add to the charm of the place!
Practical advice
- Allow about 30min to explore the waterfront and observe the viewpoint.
- Paved floor on this side of the village
- Benches at harbor level to sit facing the ocean and enjoy the panorama
- The Restaurant Tanteo, which we particularly like, has a view of the Montaña Roja.
5. Explore the Montaña Roja nature reserve
Montaña Roja is a unique volcanic formation with a distinctive red hue. We were fascinated by its rare ecosystems, from sand dunes to wetlands, home to protected bird species. The panoramic hiking trail takes you to the summit for spectacular views of the coast and ocean. In our opinion, it offers the most beautiful scenery on the island!
Practical advice
- Allow about 2 hours for the full hike
- It takes an additional 25 minutes to reach the nature reserve from the resort via Playa del Médano and Playa de Montaña Roja.
- Relatively easy hike on a gradual slope
- Wear good shoes and carry water to avoid dehydration.
- Keep an eye on the sun and wind
- Respect protected areas to avoid disturbing birds
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6. Enjoy the nightlife of El Médano
Far from the hustle and bustle of Tenerife’s larger resorts, El Médano cultivates a more intimate evening atmosphere. We particularly like the relaxed atmosphere of the oceanfront bars. Here you can sip a drink as the sun sets, before extending your evening in one of the waterside restaurants.
Practical advice
- Several bars and restaurants with sea-view terraces
- Book your table in advance to enjoy the sunset, or arrive early.
- End your dinner with a stroll, lulled by the sound of the waves.
- Extend your evening with a stay at one of El Médano’s hotels – see top-rated accommodations.
Other attractions around El Médano
To complete your visit to El Médano, we suggest you explore the surrounding area, with its many interesting tourist attractions:
- Los Abrigos Natural Pools (12min drive)
- Arco de Tajao (17min drive)
- Castillo de San Miguel (25min drive)
Excursions from El Médano
We recommend 2 excursions, both magnificent and exciting, departing from El Médano:
- Hiking in the Anaga mountains and the enchanted forest: discover a primary forest unique in the world, where thousand-year-old trees and mist create a mysterious atmosphere – see photos, photos and availability.
- Buggy trip in the Teide National Park: experience an unforgettable, thrilling adventure through lunar landscapes – see prices, photos and availability.
How to get to El Médano + parking
Where is El Médano?
- On the island of Tenerife,
- To the southeast,
- Near Tenerife South Airport,
- Between Montaña Roja and Arenas del Mar.
Our map shows the most beautiful villages on Tenerife, including El Médano:
How to get there?
There are several options for getting to El Médano:
- by car: this is the most practical option we recommend for exploring the region freely. El Médano is easily accessible from Tenerife South Airport in just 15 minutes.
- by bus: Tenerife has a well-developed public transport network. Bus routes 408 and 409 serve El Médano. Please note, however, that journeys can take longer than by car. Find out more here.
Parking in El Médano
Free public parking is available next to the El Médano Skate Park, a 5-minute walk from the beach. The surface is a little bumpy, but the location is convenient for exploring the village.
Useful tips for visiting El Médano
How long and when is the best time?
Allow half a day or even a full day to fully enjoy El Médano, and especially its beach. In summer, the resort is busier, but the constant winds keep it cool. Spring and autumn offer ideal weather conditions and fewer tourists.
Visiting with children
El Médano is a top destination for families. There’s a playground in the village for the little ones to let off steam, while the beaches are perfect for swimming. Some water activities are not suitable for younger children, but snorkeling is a popular option for kids!
Best restaurants
See our selection of the best restaurants in El Médano:
- Restaurant Tanteo for its view of Montaña Roja
- El Ancla seafood restaurant
- La Boquería Taberna restaurant for Mediterranean cuisine
- Restaurant Familiar with its typical, charming façade
Visiting El Médano in winter
El Médano is a pleasant destination all year round thanks to its mild, sunny climate. We particularly appreciate the possibility of swimming even in winter, with temperatures remaining mild. Water sports activities are available all year round, and sunny days mean you can take full advantage of the beaches and hiking trails.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
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Most beautiful landscapes
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Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track (coming soon)
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Where to stay in Tenerife (coming soon)
Itineraries (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife (coming soon)
Teide National Park (coming soon)
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava (coming soon)
Garachico (coming soon)
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