El Medano holidays

El Medano holidays pair the longest beach in Tenerife with a hippie‑friendly vibe, relaxed cafés and restaurants, and steady trade winds that make it the island’s watersports capital. Set beside Montaña Roja and just seven kilometres from Tenerife South Airport, it’s an easygoing Canary Island escape.

Best beaches in El Medano

El Medano lines up some of Tenerife’s most distinctive beaches. The star is Playa El Medano, the island’s longest beach, known for its Blue Flag status and gently shelving soft sands. Nearby, Playa Machado and Playa El Cabezo draw windsurfers and kitesurfers, with international competitions held at the latter. For something quieter, Playa de la Pelada is a secluded cove, while Playa de la Tejita offers wide natural golden sand and big‑sky views of Montana Roja.

Exploring El Medano town

El Medano keeps the feel of a laidback former fishing village, now loved by a friendly surfing community. Spend your holiday dipping into its cafés and eateries, especially around Plaza de El Medano, where budget‑friendly dining spots serve tapas and pints from around €2. Come Saturday, the square fills with a bohemian market showcasing local artists’ wares. Evenings are all about authentic Canary Island tapas restaurant crawls, sunset drinks, and relaxed hangouts like La Lata del Gofio.

Montana Roja hikes from El Medano

El Medano is nestled between two picturesque mountains – Montaña Roja and Montaña Pelada. The hike up Montaña Roja is straightforward and takes about an hour in total, with roughly a 30‑minute climb to the summit of the 171-metre-high Red Mountain. It’s a 10‑minute drive from El Medano to the trailhead, and the top rewards you with wide panoramic views across the coast and towards Montaña Pelada. If you want to explore further, the nearby Cave of Santo Hermano Pedro adds an extra stop to your outing.