El Médano is a town that attracts tourists as well as surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing enthusiasts. Surfing is among the top attractions in El Médano, thanks to its beautiful coastline and trade winds that make it an excellent windsurfing location. However, there is much more to do here.
Whether one participates in watersports or not, the beaches of El Médano are among the most scenic coastlines in Tenerife, so you cannot overlook them. Furthermore, the unique coastal landscape provides privileged ocean views and excellent hiking routes.
Many places and hotels and restaurants in El Médano await discovery, so I`ve prepared a thorough guide to ensure nothing is missed.
- Best beaches in El Médano
- Other natural sites
- The Cave of Santo Hermano Pedro
- Best restaurants
- Best places to stay
- Map
Table of Contents
Best beaches in El Médano
El Médano is a coastal town with some of the best surf, attracting enthusiasts for years. However, enjoying this village does not require an interest in water activities.
El Médano’s waterside location and deep blue waters are perfect for spending a day with family or friends. Additionally, visiting its beaches are among some of the top things to do in southern Tenerife, so you’ll love it here. Specifically, providing the weather cooperates, El Médano beach is ideal for taking photographs, so hopefully you’ll have some good fortune!
La Tejita Beach
For me, completing an activity at Playa de la Tejita, one of the most beautiful and expansive beaches located in El Médano, Tenerife is highly recommended. Stretching over half a mile, it’s one of the finest and untouched coastlines in El Médano and across all of Tenerife.
The beach is adjacent to the Montaña Roja Nature Reserve, an ancient volcanic crater with a reddish hue. Also nearby the mountain, there is a small area where nudity is permitted. The only downside here is the wind, as this area is one of the breeziest locations in Tenerife. Yet, if fortunate with the weather, you`ll find this beach to be very pleasant.
Of course, keep in mind that this is a beach without amenities, meaning there aren’t any showers, bathrooms, restaurants, or cafes. You’ll have to walk a bit if you want to eat something, so it’s best to come prepared with your own snacks and water.
To arrive by vehicle, take the Playa La Tejita exit and park in the lot. From there, you can stroll down the path to the beach which takes approximately 10 minutes.
La Pelada Beach
If you appreciate landscapes that are untamed, you should additionally check out La Pelada Beach. Spending time in this locale is one of the finest activities to engage in in El Médano, Tenerife since you can peacefully connect with nature in a serene setting. The beach has a scenic location, the Montaña Pelada Nature Reserve.
This peaceful inlet is additionally a short drive from El Médano, and it is around 30 mins from the downtown area. Since it is an isolated shoreline, you should be mindful of the sizes of the waves, particularly if you’re visiting with kids. There aren`t any lifeguards on obligation here, yet on the off chance that you go in the winter, it is not crowded by any stretch of the imagination so you can truly unwind. Additionally, recollect to pack some sustenance and drinks since there aren’t any eateries closeby.
El Médano Beach
One other pleasant endeavor in El Médano, Tenerife involves leisurely strolling along El Médano Beach. What is notable about this beach is its fine sand that has a gray hue and the vistas of the volcanic Montaña Roja.
If you like windsurfing and kitesurfing, the far side of the beach is perfect for practicing. In fact, this area hosts challenges like the World Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Championship.
Unlike the other beaches in El Médano that I cited, this one does include restrooms, showers, and eateries. There are also hammock and umbrella rentals and a visitor center.
Leocadio Machado Beach
Another excellent beach in El Médano that I recommend if you enjoy watersports is Leocadio Machado Beach. It’s named after the poet and writer, who in 1925, wroteEl loco de la playa, inspired by the town.
Leocadio Machado is the largest seaside beach in the city. It’s located in front of a coastal walkway where you can find bars, cafes, and needless to say, surf shops.
The trade winds have made this beach a paradise for people who love to surf and sail. If you’re coming here with family and prefer more tranquility, check out the northern end of the beach, which has fewer waves .
Other natural sites to see in El Médano, Tenerife
In addition to the beaches of El Médano, there are other beautiful natural landscapes to see here. The Montaña Roja (Red Mountain) and the Bocinegro Mountain stand out for their reddish hue, which contrasts with the blue sea. Also, the natural pools at Los Abrigos are a lovely place to relax in nature.
Montaña Roja Special Nature Reserve
Declared a Special Natural Reserve, this area is home to indigenous flora and fauna, particularly birds, as well as protected geological elements.
The Montaña Roja is a volcanic cone that was molded after an eruption many years ago. It covers 410 acres and stands 560 feet elevated. Its stony particles have been rusting over time, bringing about the characteristic hue that provides this mountain its name.
In addition, climbing this volcanic mountain is one of the top hikes in southern Tenerife, so it’s decidedly worthwhile.
Montaña Bocinegro
If scaling the Red Mountain is too demanding, you may seek to visit Bocinegro Mountain, another splendid scenery to behold in El Médano, Tenerife.
Bocinegro is a smaller mountain located within the protected region of Special Nature Reserve, so visiting it provides an ideal activity in El Médano. The scenery from here is delightful, and the refreshing sea breeze makes it perfect to appreciate.
On the slopes of Bocinegro, you’ll see old fortifications and World War II bunkers that hold cannons and other armaments to protect the city.
Los Abrigos natural pools
If you’re still uncertain what activities to partake in at El Médano, Tenerife, take a look at the Charco Los Abrigos. The region is surrounded by volcanic rocks, creating an ambiance that you’ll love. It’s one of the finest natural pools in Tenerife.
These natural swimming holes are in the municipality of Los Abrigos, so you’ll need to motor from El Médano to the Los Abrigos parking lot. There, you can leave your car and stroll down to the pools. This place tends to be more crowded on weekends, so it’s preferable to visit from Monday-Thursday if feasible.
While bathing in this unique and wild area is an amazing experience, you must be careful with the sea as the tide comes in .
The Cave of Santo Hermano Pedro
The Cave of Santo Hermano Pedro is a designated Asset of Cultural Importance (BIC) Historic Site and another attraction in El Médano worth seeing. This sanctuary is dedicated to Pedro de San José Betancur, also known as Santo Hermano Pedro, who, as a youth, sought refuge in the cave while caring for his family`s herds.
Throughout his life, he conducted religious and missionary work in Guatemala, where he founded the initial medical facility caring for the sick and the earliest school for children and adults without discrimination based on race or gender. He passed at 41 and was beatified at the Vatican’s St. Peter`s Basilica in 1980, then was canonized by Pope John Paul II in Guatemala City in 2002.
If you enter this cavern, you’ll see wooden sculptures of Santo Hermano Pedro, the first native of theCanary Islands. Devoted followers come here to leave prayer requests and gifts, so it’s rather a unique place .
Chiringuito Pirata & other restaurants in El Médano
While I said La Tejita Beach doesn`t have any cafes, you can still go to the very end of the beach to Chiringuito Pirata, an iconic location in Tenerife. Here, you can order some tapas or paella, or enjoy a few beers while overlooking the sea and Montaña Roja. My recommendation is to sip a mojito while watching the sunset.
However, Restaurante Familiar is one of the top restaurants in Tenerife. It gives a somewhat touristy vibe but the quality and pricing are great. Another quality eatery in El Médano for cuisine and drinks is Manfred’s Soul Café. It’s a laid-back café that also serves breakfast, and its oceanic panoramas are spectacular.
Similarly, I propose Veinte 04 Surf Café, a trendy restaurant serving wholesome meals and local products. The atmosphere is very lively, and the café hosts artistic events throughout the year.
If you have a passion for fish and seafood, check out El Ancla Médano Restaurant on the La Jaquita Beach promenade, which specializes in bluefish. Alternatively, if you want to experience some gastronomy from the north, Le Penon serves the finest Basque-French cuisine in Tenerife. Its style was inspired by the surfing culture of the island, and its innovative recipes from the Basque Country make it a popular place to dine in El Médano.
In conclusion, I suggest Barrio Cabezo if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option. Although it costs less, it`s a cozy local eatery with superb customer service and delicious dishes .
Where to stay in El Médano – Best hotels and accommodations
We stayed at the Kn Hotel Arenas del Mar Adults Only, not only one of the top rated hotels located in El Médano, but also one of the most visited hotels in the southern region of Tenerife. As implied by its name, it’s lodging specifically intended for grown-ups. It lies next to Jaquita Beach and features an outdoor swimming pool and spectacular views. We opted for the spa package, which cost extra but was worth the price.
A cheaper option is the Hotel Playa Sur Tenerife, which includes an outdoor pool, sunroom, garden, sauna, and massage service. All the rooms have balconies overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and along with the restaurant and poolside bar, there’s a piano lounge.
If you opt to lodge in an apartment in El Médano, examine the El Medano Marineda Loft Apartment, which possesses two bedrooms and one bathing area. It provides good value for money and lies near the town center, plus it incorporates a pool and garden terrace .
Map of El Médano
To ensure you don’t miss any of the locations mentioned in this guide, here is a map of El Médano.
That’s all from me! If you have any questions or you’d like to share your favorite things to do in ElMédano, leave me a comment. Last of all, have a great trip!
