El Médano is the windiest town in Tenerife, blessed with relentless NE Trade Winds that blow year-round. It is a raw, volcanic landscape where the desert meets the ocean. According to Tenerife Wind Statistics, the probability of force 4+ wind (11-16 knots) exceeds 60% throughout the year, peaking in summer.
The main bay is divided by a harbor wall, creating two distinct zones: a protected flat water area and a wave/chop zone.
Detailed Wind & Conditions Chart
| Month | Wind Days | Avg Wind Speed | Air Temp | Water Temp | Wetsuit | Conditions | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15-18 days | 15-22 kts | 21°C | 19°C | 3/2mm | Swell/Chop | Medium |
| February | 15-18 days | 15-22 kts | 21°C | 18°C | 3/2mm | Swell/Chop | Medium |
| March | 18-20 days | 18-25 kts | 22°C | 18°C | 3/2mm | Mixed | Medium |
| April | 20-22 days | 18-25 kts | 23°C | 19°C | 3/2mm | Mixed | High |
| May | 22-25 days | 20-28 kts | 24°C | 20°C | Shorty/3/2 | Strong | High |
| June | 25-28 days | 22-30 kts | 26°C | 21°C | Shorty | Strong | Very High |
| July | 28-30 days | 25-35 kts | 28°C | 22°C | Shorty | Very Strong | Very High |
| August | 28-30 days | 25-35 kts | 29°C | 23°C | Shorty | Very Strong | Very High |
| September | 22-25 days | 20-28 kts | 27°C | 23°C | Shorty | Strong | High |
| October | 18-20 days | 18-25 kts | 26°C | 23°C | Shorty/3/2 | Mixed | Medium |
| November | 16-18 days | 16-24 kts | 24°C | 21°C | 3/2mm | Swell | Medium |
| December | 15-17 days | 15-22 kts | 22°C | 20°C | 3/2mm | Swell | Medium |
Data compiled from Windguru and Windfinder historical statistics.
Primary Spots
South Bay (The Bay)
The main wingfoiling area. Launch from the sandy beach near the Flashpoint cafe. The water is choppy but manageable. As you ride upwind towards the harbor wall, the water flattens out. Hazard: The "Godzilla" rock in the middle of the bay. It is marked, but stay clear.
The Harbor Wall
Protected by the port, this area offers the flattest water. Ideal for learning maneuvers. You must launch from the main beach and ride upwind to get here.
Cabezo
The legendary wave spot north of the town. Experts Only. The launch is rocky, the wind is onshore, and the waves break onto a reef. Home to PWA World Cup events.
Alternative Spots
La Tejita
On the other side of the Red Mountain (Montaña Roja). Works on strong Easterly winds when El Médano is blown out. Beautiful sandy beach, but the wind is offshore and gusty near the mountain.
El Cabezo (Downwind)
You can do a downwinder from El Médano to La Tejita (requires a pickup or a long walk back).
Best Time to Visit
Optimal: June-August for maximum wind reliability. It's windy almost every day. Winter: October-April for wave riding. The wind is less consistent (50-60%), but the Atlantic swells are bigger.
Gear Strategy
Bring or Rent?
- Bring: If you have a direct charter flight (e.g., from UK/Germany) that allows cheap sports equipment.
- Rent: If flying via mainland Spain or on low-cost carriers with high baggage fees. The rental gear in Médano is excellent.
Recommended Quiver: 3.5m and 5m wings. It gets very windy (30+ knots) in summer. Board: 75-95L.
Accommodation & Dining
Hotels
- Hotel Médano: The only hotel built over the water. Stunning views, sun deck. €80-120/night. Visit Hotel Médano
- Kn Hotel Arenas del Mar: Adults only, spa, 15 min walk to spot. €100-150/night.
- Hostel Casa Grande: Budget option, surfer vibe. €30-50/night.
Apartments
Many locals rent apartments on Airbnb/Booking. Look for "El Médano center" to be within walking distance of the gear storage.
Restaurants
- Flashpoint: Right on the beach. Burgers, salads, beers. The post-session hangout.
- Chiringuito Pirata: Located at La Tejita. Great paella and fresh fish.
- Manfred's Soul Cafe: Atmospheric spot for dinner.
Schools & Rentals
Full-Service Centers
- Tenerife Kitesurf/Wing: Located near the Flashpoint. Duotone/Fanatic gear. Lessons €100/2h. Rental €70/day. Visit TKS
- Godzilla Surf Shop: Legendary shop. Massive rental fleet. Weekly packages €250-300. Visit Godzilla
- Surf Center Playa Sur: Longest established center. Naish/JP gear. Visit Surf Center
Travel Logistics
Getting There:
- Tenerife South Airport (TFS): Only 10 minutes drive! You can see the spot from the airport. Taxi costs €15.
- Tenerife North (TFN): 45 minutes drive.
Transport:
- No car needed if staying in El Médano. Everything is walkable.
- Rent a car only if you plan to visit the volcano (Teide) or other parts of the island.
Local Rules & Etiquette
- Swimming Zones: Marked with yellow buoys. Do not foil inside swimming zones. Police fine heavily.
- Right of Way: Starboard tack priority. Wave riders have priority.
- Launch: Launch quickly and get away from the shore. The beach is narrow.
Resources
- El Médano Webcams - Check the whitecaps
- in2theBeach Webcam - Live view of the bay
- Azul Kiteboarding Webcam - Spot check
- Tenerife Surf Report - Swell inforecast
- Windfinder Médano - Forecast
- Tenerife Tourism