Top 10 Things to Do in El Médano + 3 Hidden Gems
Welcome to El Médano, a charming coastal town in southern Tenerife that perfectly blends authentic Canarian culture with world-class beaches and water sports. Whether you're here for a few hours or a few days, this guide will help you make the most of your visit.
Updated January 2025 with the latest beach access info, parking details, and local restaurant picks from someone who actually lives here.
Getting to El Médano
Flying into Tenerife South Airport (TFS)? You're only 10 minutes away from El Médano!
Directions from Tenerife South Airport:
- Head northwest and turn left to join TF-1 highway
- Take exit 57 toward TF-64/San Isidro/Granadilla/El Médano
- At the roundabout, take the first exit onto TF-64
- Continue on TF-64 and follow signs to El Médano
- You're there! Time to hit the beach.
With a car, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace—no waiting for buses or taxi rides.
Best Beaches in El Médano
El Médano is famous for its stunning beaches, each with its own character. Here are the must-visit spots:
1. El Médano Beach
The main beach and heart of El Médano. This long, golden sand beach stretches for over a kilometer and is perfect for families.
Why visit:
- Calm waters ideal for swimming
- Beachfront restaurants and cafes
- Stunning views of Montaña Roja
- Great for sunset watching
Best for: Families, swimmers, sunbathers
2. La Tejita Beach
A wide, natural beach located west of El Médano, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.
Why visit:
- Less crowded than Playa Grande
- Clothing-optional section at the far end
- Beautiful dunes and natural landscape
- Perfect for long beach walks
- Excellent beach bars (chiringuitos)
Best for: Couples, nature lovers, those seeking tranquility
Pro tip: Rent a car for just 2-3 hours to explore both Playa Grande and La Tejita in one afternoon—they're only 5 minutes apart by car!
3. Playa Chica
A small, protected cove perfect for families with young children.
Why visit:
- Very calm, shallow waters
- Natural rock pools for kids to explore
- Less windy than other beaches
- Great snorkeling spot
Best for: Families with small children, snorkelers
4. Playa La Jaquita
A family-friendly coastline just north of the town center featuring natural tidal pools, lifeguards, and a wide promenade.
Why visit:
- Shallow rock pools that double as natural “kids clubs”
- Recent accessibility upgrades with ramps and shaded seating
- Boardwalk lined with playgrounds, cafés, and workout areas
- Plenty of parking
Best for: Families, accessibility needs, chill afternoon dips
5. La Bahía (Playa Grande)
The windsurfers' arena—this is where the action happens!
Why visit:
- World-class windsurfing and kitesurfing
- Watch professional athletes in action
- Windsurf schools and equipment rental
- Vibrant, energetic atmosphere
Best for: Water sports enthusiasts, spectators
Activities & Things to Do in El Médano
6. Water Sports
El Médano is one of Europe's top destinations for wind-powered water sports.
Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
- Consistent trade winds year-round
- Multiple schools offering lessons for beginners
- Equipment rental available
- International competitions held here
Other Water Activities:
- Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)
- Surfing at nearby spots
- Snorkeling and diving
- Sailing
7. Montaña Roja (Red Mountain)
This iconic 171-meter volcanic cone is the symbol of El Médano and offers one of the best short hikes in Tenerife.
The Hike:
- Duration: 30-45 minutes to the top
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Distance: Approximately 2km round trip
- Best time: Early morning or late afternoon (avoid midday heat)
Why it's worth it:
- 360-degree panoramic views of the coast
- Stunning volcanic landscape
- Perfect photo opportunities
- Watch the sunset from the summit
Getting there: With hourly car rental, you can park at the base, hike up, enjoy the views, and be back in town within 2 hours—paying only for the time you used!
8. Local Dining
El Médano has a fantastic food scene mixing traditional Canarian cuisine with international options.
Must-try dishes:
- Papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce)
- Fresh fish caught daily
- Canarian stews (ropa vieja, puchero)
- Churros for breakfast or dessert
Best areas to eat:
- Beachfront promenade (Playa Grande)
- Town center around Plaza del Médano
- Beach bars at La Tejita
9. Shopping & Town Life
El Médano maintains its authentic character with local shops, weekly markets, and a relaxed vibe.
Weekly Market:
- Every Wednesday morning in the town square
- Fresh produce, crafts, and local products
Nearby Attractions (Easy Day Trips)
10. Explore Nearby Towns & Teide National Park
With a flexible rent a car, these spots are within 30 minutes:
- Los Abrigos: Charming fishing village (10 min)
- Golf del Sur: Golf courses and marina (10 min)
- Costa del Silencio: Quiet resort town (15 min)
- Vilaflor: Highest village in Tenerife (25 min)
- Teide National Park: Spain's highest mountain (45 min)
Practical Tips for Visiting El Médano
Best Time to Visit
- Year-round destination with mild winters
- Peak season: July-August (busiest, most expensive)
- Best weather: April-October
- Windiest months: June-September (best for water sports)
What to Pack
- Sunscreen (essential year-round)
- Swimwear and beach towel
- Light layers (evenings can be breezy)
- Comfortable walking shoes for Montaña Roja
- Hat and sunglasses
Getting Around
- With hourly car rental: Maximum flexibility and convenience
- On foot: Town center is very walkable
- Bike rental: Available but limited
- Bus: Infrequent service, not recommended
Parking
- Free parking available throughout town
- Street parking in residential areas (free)
Local's Bonus: Hidden Gem Restaurants
Looking for where the locals actually eat? Skip the touristy spots and try these three hidden gems:
11. AB Origine - Best Pizza in El Médano
My personal favorite and the only authentic Neapolitan pizza in El Médano. Fresh sourdough, soft yet crunchy crust, and generous authentic toppings in a relaxed atmosphere with family-like service. If you're craving real Italian pizza, this is your spot.
12. Madre Mia! - Champion Burgers
This burger joint serves the best burgers in town, hands down. Classic and innovative flavors with meat cooked to perfection on homemade brioche buns. They've won and been finalists in national burger competitions multiple times. The secret? High-quality dry-aged beef patties sourced through their own butcheries (yes, they're butchers too).
13. Restaurante El Med Veg - Vegetarian Paradise
The best vegetarian restaurant in El Médano and a true hidden gem. The menu changes daily with beautiful starters and mains like parmigiana. They also serve off-the-beaten-path drinks like Kombucha and Fritz Cola. Affordable prices, great service, and tucked away from the main tourist strip.
Pro tip: These places get busy during peak dinner hours (8-10 PM). Arrive early or make a reservation if possible!
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is El Médano from Tenerife South Airport?
El Médano is only 10 minutes (8km) from Tenerife South Airport via the TF-1 and TF-64 highways. It's one of the closest beach towns to the airport, making it perfect for a quick beach stop on arrival or departure day.
What are the best beaches in El Médano?
The top 5 beaches are:
- El Médano Beach (main beach, families)
- La Tejita (natural, quiet, naturist-friendly)
- Playa Chica (protected, great for kids)
- La Jaquita (accessible, natural pools)
- La Bahía (windsurfing paradise)
Is El Médano good for windsurfing?
Yes! El Médano is one of Europe's top windsurfing destinations with consistent trade winds year-round, especially strong from June to September. Multiple schools offer lessons for beginners, and you'll see professional athletes training here regularly.
Can you hike Montaña Roja?
Yes, Montaña Roja is a 30-45 minute easy-to-moderate hike with stunning 360° views of the coast. Best done early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. The trailhead has free parking nearby.
What's the best time to visit El Médano?
El Médano is a year-round destination with mild winters. For the best weather, visit April-October. The windiest months (June-September) are ideal for water sports, while calmer months are better for swimming and sunbathing.
Ready to Explore El Médano?
Don't let rigid rental schedules limit your adventure. With Yeyecar's hourly rent a car, you're free to explore El Médano and Tenerife South on your own terms—whether that's 2 hours or 2 days.
Download the Yeyecar app and start your El Médano adventure today. No queues, no deposits, just pure freedom.