Playa de El Medano, Tenerife
4.4 / 5 Windy golden-sand beach beside a volcanic cone in El Medano, Granadilla de Abona, Tenerife, Canary Islands · Hidden gem
Photo: Berthold Werner, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
El Medano is a seaside town on the south-east coast of Tenerife, with a long beach of golden sand beside the volcanic cone of Montana Roja. Steady winds make it one of the best places in Europe for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The town has a relaxed feel with cafes and surf shops.
Practical info for Playa de El Medano, Tenerife
| Access | Easy to reach from El Medano, on foot or by short drive. |
|---|---|
| Car parking | Free and paid parking near the town and the beach. |
| Sunbeds & umbrellas | Sunbeds, parasols, surf and kite schools, cafes and showers in season. |
| Food & drink | Cafes, bars or restaurants are close by. |
| Good to know | Walk up Montana Roja for views of the coast, and check the wind before you swim. |
Last verified: October 2026. Compiled from official tourism pages, visitor guides and recent reports. Prices, fees and rules change by season, so confirm locally before you go.
Planning your visit to Playa de El Medano, Tenerife
Sand beaches are usually gentle underfoot and easy for swimmers and children, though they can be exposed to wind and waves, so check conditions on the day. Bring a hat and extra water, as shade can be scarce away from facilities.
Access is rated easy, so most visitors can reach the beach without a long walk or special equipment.
The usual season runs June–September. Visiting near the start or end of that window usually means fewer people, but the sea is cooler and some facilities may not be open yet or may have closed for the year. We flag this beach as a hidden gem, so it is quieter than the headline beaches nearby, but it is no secret: arrive early in peak summer.
Related guides: Best Family-Friendly Beaches · Most Romantic Beach Getaways · Best Time to Visit Each Country · Best beaches in the Canary Islands
Featured in: Hidden Gem Beaches in Spain · Beach finder
View Playa de El Medano, Tenerife on the map · Compare with all beaches
Best months to visit Playa de El Medano, Tenerife
The swimming season here runs from June to September. July, August are the warmest and busiest, with the sea around 23 °C, so arrive early for parking and a good spot. June and September are quieter and cooler: good for walking and photos, though some beach bars and lifeguard posts may not be open yet or may already have closed for the year.
Who Playa de El Medano, Tenerife suits
Sand makes it comfortable for sunbathing, building sandcastles and long walks along the water line. Easy access makes it practical for families, older visitors and anyone with a pushchair. It is flagged as a hidden gem, so it suits travellers who prefer quieter places over the headline beaches. Food and drink close by make it easy to stay for the whole day.
Getting there and nearby
Free and paid parking near the town and the beach. The beach sits at about 28.044, -16.536 on the map, so use the map link above for directions. If you are planning a day around it, the closest other beaches on our list are Playa de Los Cristianos, Tenerife (18 km), Playa de Las Americas, Tenerife (19 km), Playa de las Teresitas (62 km).
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Playa de El Medano, Tenerife?
Playa de El Medano, Tenerife is best visited June to September. The sea is typically around 23 °C in season. Walk up Montana Roja for views of the coast, and check the wind before you swim.
How do I get to Playa de El Medano, Tenerife?
Access is rated easy. Free and paid parking near the town and the beach.
What facilities does Playa de El Medano, Tenerife have?
Sunbeds, parasols, surf and kite schools, cafes and showers in season.
Where is Playa de El Medano, Tenerife?
Playa de El Medano, Tenerife is in El Medano, Granadilla de Abona, Tenerife, Canary Islands (approx. coordinates 28.0441, -16.5362).
Is Playa de El Medano, Tenerife good for children?
Access is rated easy and the beach is sandy, which usually suits families. Check water and weather conditions on the day and keep children in sight near the water.
What should I bring to Playa de El Medano, Tenerife?
Facilities: Sunbeds, parasols, surf and kite schools, cafes and showers in season. A hat and sun protection are useful. Bring water and snacks if there is no kiosk or restaurant.
Is there parking at Playa de El Medano, Tenerife?
Free and paid parking near the town and the beach. Fees and rules change, so confirm locally.
Are there sunbeds at Playa de El Medano, Tenerife?
Sunbeds, parasols, surf and kite schools, cafes and showers in season. Prices are approximate and change by season.
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Beaches near Playa de El Medano, Tenerife
Playa de Los Cristianos, Tenerife
Los Cristianos, Arona, Tenerife, Canary Islands · 4.2 / 5 · 18 km away
Playa de Las Americas, Tenerife
Playa de las Americas, Adeje, Tenerife, Canary Islands · 4.1 / 5 · 19 km away
Playa de las Teresitas
San Andres, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain · 4.5 / 5 · 62 km away
Playa de Benijo, Tenerife
Benijo, Anaga, Tenerife · 4.5 / 5 · 67 km away
Playa de Amadores, Gran Canaria
Amadores, Mogan, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands · 4.5 / 5 · 86 km away
Playa de Mogan, Gran Canaria
Puerto de Mogan, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands · 4.4 / 5 · 86 km awayBrowse all beaches in Spain or compare every beach.
Scores are editorial ratings from the EuroShores team. Last updated 2026-10-25.