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Wednesday, 19. August 2026
Beaches in Tenerife

Playa del Medano, three kilometres of natural sand and steady wind

Tenerife's longest beach curves from El Medano harbour to the 170 metre Montana Roja, with surf and kite schools lined up along the front, loungers for rent and shallow water that suits families.

Families in particular love Playa del Medano. But the beach is also extremely popular with surfers. So it’s no wonder that the Windsurfing World Championships have already been held there.

Medano Beach as seen from the air

Almost every holidaymaker in Tenerife has seen this beach at least once. It lies directly below Montaña Roja, the red mountain. This volcanic cone is not far from the southern airport and is therefore a landmark for holidaymakers arriving in Tenerife.

Playa del Medano is crescent-shaped and stretches from the harbour El Medanos to the 170-metre-high Montaña Roja. Incidentally, the beach got its name quite simply because of its nature: ‚El Médano‘ literally translates as ‚dune‘.



El Medano: a surfer’s paradise

The beach has become a surfing hotspot mainly due to its consistent winds. Kite-surfers also get their money’s worth here. Surf schools and shops line the shore. Beginners can take taster courses and hire the necessary equipment at affordable prices.

But the beach is also ideal for bathers. Parasols and sun loungers can be hired for a small fee. Thanks to the gently sloping seabed and relatively calm waves, families can also enjoy a carefree day at the beach.

A walk up to the „Red Mountain“ offers a change of scenery. On the way back, many visitors stop for a break at one of the numerous cafés. Medano’s restaurants are the perfect place to enjoy an affordable yet excellent lunch. In the evening, many visitors to Playa del Medano are drawn to the town’s bars and nightclubs. So there’s plenty of opportunity to let your hair down after a long day on the beach.

How warm is the water, actually? You can find the current sea temperature in Tenerife.

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