Kitesurfing and windsurfing in El Médano: wind, season and where to stay

In summer. From May to September the trade wind usually blows at 15-30 knots; from October to April, at 10-25. The Tenerife tourist board counts around 300 windy days a year, so there's riding in every season.

The prevailing wind is the easterly to north-easterly trade wind, which comes in side and side-on along the town's shore. The Canary Islands government describes the trade winds as blowing above all in summer, which is why July and August are the busiest months on the water.

In winter there are fewer days of strong trade wind, but more variety: when the wind swings south or south-west, La Tejita works, on the other side of Montaña Roja. And according to the official Canary Islands tourism site, you can ride at El Médano at any time of day, whatever the tide.

Three, all within reach of town: El Médano beach for kiting and windsurfing, El Cabezo for advanced windsurfing, and La Tejita for southerly days. The Tenerife tourist board says none of them is suitable for unsupervised beginners.

On the main beach the water is buoyed into zones: swimming only next to the town, then surf and bodyboard, then windsurf, with kiting in the furthest and widest zone, towards Montaña Roja. Signs on land explain each zone, and there is a marked area for rigging kites.

• El Médano beach: east to north-east wind, intermediate to advanced, sand-and-rock bottom. The island's most popular kite spot and host of national and international championships.
• El Cabezo: advanced windsurfing, with wave peaks close by and trickier access. Not recommended for beginners.
• La Tejita: works in south and south-westerly winds, sandy bottom, suitable for all levels. The tourist board advises launching from the right-hand side.

Yes, with a school. There are several schools and equipment hire centres in town, and the sandy bottom makes those first sessions in the water easier.

What you shouldn't do is teach yourself: the official sources are clear that none of the local spots is suitable for unsupervised beginners. You don't need a special permit to kite in Tenerife, but the tourist board recommends third-party liability insurance and advises joining the sailing federation.

When choosing a school, ask about the instructors' qualifications, whether kit and insurance are included, and how lessons are planned around the day's wind. If you're here for a week, book your lessons early in the trip: if one day is flat, you'll have time to make it up.

El Médano has been drawing professional windsurfers from all over Europe for decades, and every summer El Cabezo hosts a round of the Windsurfing World Championship. In 2026 the Wind&Waves Festival brought the Tenerife windsurf World Cup and the Spanish Championship to El Cabezo from 31 July to 9 August.

If you're an experienced wave sailor, El Cabezo is your spot. If you're still progressing, the windsurf zone on the main beach gives you more room. And if you just want to watch, during the event all you need to do is walk down to the shore.

The basics can be hired in town, but if you're staying for several weeks it's worth bringing your own kit, or at least the personal bits.

• Wetsuit: ask your school which thickness they use at the time of year you're travelling.
• Your own harness and rash vest if you already ride: they're what you notice most when they fit.
• Water-resistant sun cream, sunglasses with a strap and a cap. At Tenerife South airport, AEMET records an average of 193 hours of sunshine even in January.
• A windproof jacket for after your session, when you're standing still on the beach.
• Third-party liability insurance that covers kitesurfing or windsurfing.
• If you're flying with kit, check your airline's sports equipment charges before you book.

For a week of lessons or riding, a holiday apartment near the beach is the practical choice. If you're coming for the season, a long stay with a discount, or a monthly rental, makes more sense.

Tenerife South airport is 10-15 minutes away by car, which you'll appreciate when you're travelling with board bags. And here's a way to save: our low season (April, May, June and September) overlaps in May, June and September with the summer trade-wind months. For stays of 30 nights or more, the accommodation discount rises to 25% in low season; it's 20% the rest of the year, and 10% from 15 nights.

We have three homes in El Médano, and the right one depends on how long you're staying.

For a holiday or a stay of a few weeks, Mirador Montaña Roja: a penthouse in the pedestrian centre, a minute's walk from the beach, with a terrace overlooking the bay, two bedrooms and room for 4. Bear in mind it's on the fourth floor with no lift, which matters if you're bringing boards and kites. Registration VV-38-4-0102529.

For several months, Surfing View, on the seafront by Playa Chica, and La Jaquita, in a residential complex with a pool. A written temporary rental agreement is signed before each stay, and the price is quoted on request.

Book direct with us and there are no platform fees and no security deposit. Send us your dates and we'll come back to you with availability.