El Médano – between beaches, volcanic landscapes and water sports

El Médano combines beaches with varying conditions, distinctive volcanic cones and a strong water sports tradition. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, these differences can help you decide which activities and landscapes you want to shape your trip: beach days, volcanic scenery, water sports or local culture.

Beaches and water sports in El Médano

Playa de El Médano has fine grey sand and offers views of the volcanic cone of Montaña Roja. The different sections of the beach also vary: the part closest to town is more family-friendly and has smaller waves. The section farthest from town, by contrast, is suited to windsurfing and kitesurfing. When planning your stay, you can consider whether you prefer calmer waves or a stretch of beach suited to these water sports.

Playa Chica combines calm water and golden sand with El Médano’s small fishing pier. Playa de La Tejita offers a different setting: it is more than a kilometre long and lies in El Médano next to Montaña Roja. Playa El Cabezo is also suitable for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The beach is also the venue for several international championships in these sports, including the Windsurfing and Kitesurfing World Championship. Event dates may vary; check the current dates if you are interested in attending.

Montaña Roja and Montaña Pelada

Montaña Roja is a 171-metre-high volcanic cone formed by a coastal eruption. The area covers 166 hectares of inorganic sandy areas and wetlands. Protected birds such as the Kentish plover can be seen there. Playa de La Tejita lies right next to the cone, linking the coastal landscape with this striking volcano.

The natural monument of Montaña Pelada also has a distinctive geological history. Its features include a volcanic cone formed by an underwater eruption, a fossil dune and vegetation adapted to sandy soils. From El Médano, you can reach the protected area via Avenida Juan Carlos I. After parking at the end of the road, continue on foot. Access and parking conditions may change; check them before you travel. To reach Montaña Roja, take the TF-64 towards El Médano, then continue on the TF-643. Here too, it is advisable to check road and parking conditions in advance.

Trails, water sports and excursions

In El Médano, the Wind Center Playa Surf water sports school offers lessons and equipment rental for windsurfing, kitesurfing, wing foiling and surfing. If you have a specific activity in mind, check the provider’s current offerings, as its services may change. Playa El Cabezo is a particular draw for windsurfing and kitesurfing; the championships held there also give the beach an international sporting profile.

The former Muelle-embarcadero de El Médano is now a footpath connecting Playa Chica, Paseo del Picacho and Avenida José Miguel Galván Bello. For a longer walk to the coast, the Hermano Pedro pilgrimage route runs from Vilaflor through the municipalities of San Miguel de Abona and Granadilla de Abona to the coast of El Médano. Access roads and entry to individual protected areas may change, so it is worth checking current conditions before travelling.

Local traditions and culture

During the Romería Barquera, the image of the Virgin Mary is carried from the church of El Médano to the central beach. There, the procession continues through the bay by boat. The Romería takes place in late September as part of the local festivities. If you would like to plan your stay around this date, check the event dates for the year in question.

A cultural route through the town is the GUÍA de ESCULTURAS EL MÉDANO, featuring stone, wood and steel sculptures for public use and enjoyment. Individual artworks and how the route is presented may change. Cueva del Santo Hermano Pedro is a sanctuary dedicated to Pedro de San José Betancur. Together with the Hermano Pedro pilgrimage route, it reveals another side of El Médano beyond beaches and water sports.

Discover more destinations: Amarilla Golf, Atogo, San Isidro, Chimiche, La Mareta, El Salto, Palomas.

Back to the main travel overview: Granadilla De Abona.