Originally a fishing village, El Medano is a small resort on the south coast of Tenerife fairly close to the airport and twenty kilometres from Playa de las Americas. It is a quiet resort more suited to families and couples than young singles. It has one of the best beaches on the island although it can be rather windy. El Medano is a pleasant resort with a good range of accommodation from high rise hotels to apartments, and with many restaurants, bars and leisure facilities.
El Medano has the largest natural beach in Tenerife having two kilometres of white sand. It is however a windy corner of the island and this attracts wind surfers but may be off-putting for sunbathers. There are a small number of shops supplying essentials as well as a market. The cafes and restaurants serve mainly traditional food and the nightlife is low-key. Those looking for relaxation in a peaceful resort as well as water sport enthusiasts will enjoy an El Medano holiday.
An El Medano holiday attracts many wind surfers as international competitions are held off the beach. The sandy beach is popular with families with small children although the wind can sometimes be a problem. Couples of all ages enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this resort.
An El Medano holiday can be taken at any time of year. Summer temperatures can reach thirty degrees with winter temperatures in the high teens. It can feel cooler here in the winter than in other resorts in Tenerife because of the cooling effect of the wind.
El Medano is a pleasant resort which is spread around the original fishing village. It lies in a small bay with the Red mountain behind. It has an attractive square and its narrow streets have many small bars and pavement cafes.
The white sandy beach is one of its greatest assets and attracts many holidaymakers every year. Apart from September and October, it is a windy area perfect for sports such as wind surfing. It attracts international competitions in the sport. Para-sailing is another popular activity. The beach itself slopes gently into the clear blue water making it safe for children and weak swimmers. Care must always be taken however, and it is best to swim parallel to the shore as the waters of the Atlantic can have strong undercurrents. The clarity of the water makes it ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling. The promenade along the beach has many bars, cafes and small shops providing day long refreshments. For those who like walking the two national parks in the area, Montana Roja and Montana Pelada are well worth visiting.
El Medano is a good base for exploring the south of the island. There are water parks and golf courses in the vicinity as well as the famous Eagle Park much loved by adults and children alike. There are opportunities for whale and dolphin watching as well as big game fishing where large fish such as blue and white marlin can be caught.
El Medano nightlife is very low-key. Evenings are spent in bars and restaurants along the sea front enjoying a meal and a drink while watching the sun sinking into the ocean. Those looking for excitement can take a bus or taxi to neighbouring Playa de las Americas which never sleeps.
There are shops in El Medano that provide holiday essentials as well as beach paraphernalia and gifts. There is also a market where you can barter for your bargains. Since one of the attractions of shopping in Tenerife is that it is duty free it is worth taking the bus to nearby Playa de las Americas where the prices of perfume, alcohol, cigarettes, cameras and electronic goods are all considerably cheaper.
El Medano has a number of bars and restaurants providing a range of menu many of which serve traditional food. Typical Canarian food is the spicy mojo sauce and the salty new potatoes that are boiled in sea water before being baked. Fish features prominently on menus and is often served with the green variety of mojo sauce.
