Tenerife
Spain
Why Visit?
If you're looking for somewhere to kite all year round in Europe, it's undoubtedly the Canary Islands. A group of Spanish archipelagos is located in front of the Moroccan coast. Spring throughout the year attracts millions of tourists from all over Europe, especially those from colder climates.
Tenerife, one of the islands, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, specifically for its spectacular volcanic scenery. However, as far as kitesurfing is concerned, it offers light wind conditions and little waves or radical days with over 40 knots and two metres waves.
Strapless or twintip share a broad area that can be divided into three main sectors such as "el Muelle" suitable for wave-hunters, "la Bahia", for freeride and "el Rincon" at the bottom of the bay, where you can go big as well as train unhooked.
Wind and Weather
The Canary Islands enjoy an exceptionally mild climate. Located on the Atlantic, just north of the tropic of cancer, a short distance from the African coasts of Morocco and Western Sahara, it is below the "trade winds" called Aliseos, which are constant winds from the north-east around 25 knots.
Winter temperatures are around 19 degrees, and summer temperatures are around 25-30 degrees. In July and August, there is a higher chance of finding oneself immersed in a wave of desert heat from Africa called "Calima", but also strong winds over 35 knots. Rarely will it rain in the south of Tenerife, while it will often rain in the northern part of the islands; odd.
Getting Around
The island of Tenerife is very well connected with the rest of Europe through its two airports and multiple seaports, allowing it to be reached from almost all of Europe with direct flights.
Once on the island, the central spot for kitesurfing, El Medano, is just 5 minutes away from the Tenerife south airports.
A rental car is the best solution if you want to get around and visit the island, but even buses and taxis are easily accessible. Moving between the islands with internal flights and ferries is also possible.
Food and Drink
El Medano has a variety of restaurants in town that offer tapas and beers for most of the day, and at night you can choose between Italian, Spanish, Canary and many others. Our local fishing town has the best fresh fish ever!
Nightlife
El Medano is pretty active during the daytime and less at night, but there are a few pubs where you can spend the night listening to live music or having a drink somewhere! If you are looking for a good party, you can reach the close town of Las Americas, which hosts some of the best parties and nightlife.
No Wind?
If you're unlucky and do not find wind during your holidays in Tenerife, do not despair, you can explore the whole island's other adventures on quads, trekking routes, climbing, mountain biking or surfing.
Several surf spots depend on the direction of the swell or at calm sea; you can go diving and explore Tenerife marine life!
An island with 15 different microclimates, just waiting to be discovered!
Internet
All the islands have an adequate internet connection
Accommodation
El Medano has been a destination for watersports lovers for decades. From hotels to hostels to independent apartments, prices can vary depending on the season you choose, but more or less will always remain affordable for most people.
I recommend organising some time in advance to secure an apartment in the small town of El Medano or sea view just behind the kiteboarding spot.
Related
Flights
Rating 3.8
Spain
Featured
Sao Miguel Do Gostoso
Sao Miguel Do Gostoso is a kitesurfing paradise yet to be known by many. Imagine the best wind conditions in Brazil but without the crowds. Enjoy the adventure of northeast Brazil, a quiet and safe region full of like-minded good people. Hundreds of kilometres of wild beaches and dunes to travel with your buggy, epic downwinders, lagoons, waves, and more....
Punta Chame
Punta Chame, located close to a quiet fishing village, the spot offers a vast beach with a lot of space for beginner and advanced kitesurfers to practice and progress, making Punta Chame is an excellent place for kitesurfing. Besides that, there are fantastic places to travel to while you are visiting Panama. Wind and Weather Panama gets consistent wind from...
Praia do Bilene
Mozambique is one of the most exciting countries you'll ever visit - the long Indian Ocean coastline is dotted with incredible beaches. From Kitesurfing to surfing, scuba diving, safaris, fishing and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Make sure you take a break from kiteboarding and check out Kruger National Park while you are there - you won't...
By Nicolo Giornelli
Nik moved to El Medano in Tenerife 5 years ago searching for wind! He’s been kitesurfing since 2013. Nik works at a local shop Wet Watersports and is always up for a session!
Been to Tenerife? What did you think?
Where are the Best Kitesurfing Beaches in Tenerife?
Playa Sur is the most popular spot and enjoys a good mix of flatter water and waves. When it gets windy, it can get choppy on the inside.
- Wind: Cross on from the left
- Waves: little or choppy
- Shorebreak: Small
When is the Best Time to go Kitesurfing in Tenerife?
The windy months to go kitesurfing in Tenerife are January, February, March, June, July, August, September, November, December
Statistics
Do you know a good kitesurfing school here?
Kitesurfing Articles that Mention Tenerife
Kitesurfing Videos and News in Tenerife
3 years ago
15-year-old Lorenzo Casati slaying waves in Tenerife.
4 years ago
Kids these days! Watch Jeremy Burlando and the crew session at a 'secret' spot in Tenerife.