Playa de El Médano

Playa de El Médano

Playa de El Médano is the longest stretch of sand in the municipality of Granadilla de Abona, in southern Tenerife. About 750 metres long, it extends at the foot of the El Médano tourist village and is dominated by the unmistakable silhouette of Montaña Roja, a volcanic cone that serves as a backdrop to the whole bay. Its sand, in grey tones of volcanic origin, and the proximity of the village make it one of the busiest and best-equipped urban beaches in the area.

The feature that has made El Médano world-famous is the wind. The constancy of the north and northeast trade winds, present much of the year, has turned this spot into one of the great international references for windsurfing and kitesurfing, host to top-level events and championships. That same circumstance defines the character of the beach: the area closest to the village offers more sheltered, calmer waters, ideal for families and for bathing, while the more distant sections, exposed to the wind and swell, are the domain of the athletes.

What the beach is like

It is a wide beach, of grey volcanic sand and easy entry into the water, integrated into the El Médano promenade and surrounded by bars, restaurants and shops. It is part of the extensive El Médano coast, which connects with other beaches and coves nearby, and is one of the usual starting points for exploring the various beaches of southern Tenerife.

Services and features

• Sand: grey volcanic, fine-grained with an easily accessible sandy bottom.

• Surveillance: Granadilla de Abona Town Council maintains a lifeguard service in the summer season, with adapted bathing during a daily time slot.

• Facilities: showers, toilets, bins, cleaning service, bars and restaurants on the promenade, plus sunbed and parasol rental.

• Access: nearby parking with around a hundred spaces, adapted access and a connection to public transport.

• Sports: an international windsurfing and kitesurfing spot thanks to the regularity of the north-northeast wind.

Recommendations

For family bathing it is best to stay in the section closest to the village, where the sea is usually more sheltered. On windy days, the swell and gusts increase noticeably in the more distant part: respect the instructions of the lifeguard service and reserve that area for sports. More information at the Granadilla de Abona Town Council and on the official portal Tenerife Tourism.