El Médano vacation packages

Best things to do in El Médano

While this lively resort on the southeast coast is primarily renowned as the windsurfing capital of Tenerife, vacations in El Médano 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 offers amazing vistas of the town and coastline; plus, on a clear day, you can even see the nearby islands.

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 create a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery.

Historical monuments

• Cave of Hermano Pedro: Drive a few kilometers back towards the airport to visit this remarkable cave, which was the childhood sanctuary for Tenerife’s first saint, Hermano Pedro. Today, it's an important pilgrimage site, with a wooden sculpture of the saint inside, 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 great spots to relax. 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 enjoy scenic drives or take to the trails on foot, inspired by the stunning volcanic landscape.

Activities for families in El Médano

Surfing may take center stage in El Médano, but there are still plenty of family-friendly activities available for all ages.

• Beaches: The long black-sand beach at El Médano has calm shallow waters that are perfect for a day of family fun. The constant breeze helps keep everyone cool.

• Educational attractions: Children interested in learning something new might find Parque Eólico fascinating, a wind farm with an interactive visitor center 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 provide a memorable day out for the whole family.

• Boat excursions: The Submarine Safari, departing from nearby Golf del Sur, is one of the most popular boat tours with children. It's 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 offers plenty of attractions that won’t break the bank, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers.

• Beach outings: All Tenerife’s beaches are open to the public for free. You can sunbathe, swim, or stroll along the shoreline without spending a dime.

• 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 at no cost.

• Promenade stroll: Wandering along El Médano’s paved promenade is a lovely, cost-free way to pass the time. It's a great vantage point for watching the sunset over the ocean, with plenty of sights to catch your eye.

Nature and outdoor activities in El Médano

• Wind-based sports: The El Médano coastline, with its constant winds, offers fantastic conditions for both windsurfing and kitesurfing, and international contests are often held here. Lessons and rentals are available for all skill levels.

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

• Scuba diving and snorkeling: Local dive shops offer excursions to nearby reefs and underwater caverns, home to a diverse range of marine life including vibrant fish, turtles, and rays.

• Hiking: The vicinity of El Médano offers plenty of places to hike. Enthusiastic hikers find the walk up Montaña Roja, a volcanic cone, particularly rewarding. The walk is gentle, and at the peak, you can enjoy miles of ocean views and the surrounding areas.

• Cycling: In central El Médano, there are places where you can rent a bike to explore the network of cycle routes, ranging from gentle coastal trails to more challenging off-road terrain.

Discover stunning beaches on your El Médano vacation

El Médano, situated on the southern coast of Tenerife, is a paradise for beach lovers seeking an unforgettable vacation experience. Known for its natural beauty and lively atmosphere, this coastal town offers a variety of beaches to suit every preference.

Playa del Médano – Perfect for water sports enthusiasts

As the longest natural beach in Tenerife, stretching approximately 2 kilometers, Playa del Médano features fine golden sand and shallow waters, making it a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to the consistent winds. The beach has earned the Blue Flag, guaranteeing top-quality services and ideal swimming conditions.

Playa de la Tejita – Ideal for tranquil retreats

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

Playa de Leocadio Machado – A surfer’s paradise

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

Playa Chica – Family-friendly fun

For families, Playa Chica provides a charming spot with its small, sheltered beach. Seamlessly integrated 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, perfect 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 vacation, 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 on vacation in El Médano, one of the highlights is sampling the local cuisine that embodies the volcanic and coastal character of Tenerife. Enjoy fresh seafood, hearty regional dishes, and flavors that reflect both the Canary Islands and mainland Spain.

Some typical dishes

• Papas Arrugadas: These 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: A robust chickpea stew seasoned 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, often served on a wooden platter.

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

Meat dishes

• Conejo en Salmorejo: Rabbit marinated in a garlicky, vinegary sauce and slow-cooked to perfection is a local favorite.

• Cabrito Asado: Offering a taste of traditional Canarian cuisine, this roasted 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, made from corn, milk, honey, almonds, and raisins, and bienmesabe, a sweet almond cream often served with ice cream.

Local drinks

• Malvasía Wine: The volcanic soil in Tenerife produces excellent wines, with the sweet, white Malvasía being especially popular.

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