Playa de El Médano - a sandy beach with a blue ocean in the background
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Playa de El Médano

4.5
·9k reviews·Granadilla, Spain

A vibrant beach known for thrilling wind sports, a scenic wooden promenade, and lively open-air dining.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Vibrant market atmosphere

CrowdHigh
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Playa de El Médano - a sandy beach with a blue ocean in the background

Playa de El Médano

Best Time

Weekends

Vibrant market atmosphere

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant beach known for thrilling wind sports, a scenic wooden promenade, and lively open-air dining.

4.5
(9k reviews)

"Beautiful beach, great for surfing, kite surfing, foil surfing and other water sports."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Plenty of parking, including spots for camper vans, makes accessing the beach easy. :car:

🌳 Shade from Trees

Seek out the trees for natural shelter from the intense sun. :evergreen_tree:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Wooden Promenade

The Wooden Promenade

Along the beach

A scenic wooden walkway carved into volcanic stone, offering stunning ocean views and access to amenities.

Wind Sports Haven

Wind Sports Haven

Western end of the beach

Ideal conditions for surfing, kitesurfing, and foil surfing, attracting athletes and spectators alike.

Shaded Coves

Shaded Coves

Various points along the beach

Natural trees provide welcome shade, perfect for relaxing away from the scorching sun.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wind

El Médano is known for its consistent winds, making it a paradise for wind sports enthusiasts. If you're not into surfing or kitesurfing, pack layers as it can get breezy, especially on the western end. The wooden promenade offers a pleasant stroll, but be prepared for wind-driven sand.

Weekend Market Buzz

The weekend market is a highlight, drawing crowds and offering a vibrant atmosphere. Arrive early to snag the best finds and avoid the peak rush. While the beach is popular for swimming, check wind conditions as they can impact water comfort.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Vibrant market atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter beach experience
Crowd
Low
When
August
Why
Optimal water temperature
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Cabo san lucas, vista a #playaelmedano #cabosanlucas #loscabos #bajacaliforniasur #sanjosedelcabo #mexico #beach
@cabocallejero
164K likes • 1.7M views

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Plenty of parking, including spots for camper vans, makes accessing the beach easy. :car:

🌳 Shade from Trees

Seek out the trees for natural shelter from the intense sun. :evergreen_tree:

reddit.com

Public transport day trips from El Medano

reddit.com

What's good to do in Tenerife?

🌬️ Wind Sports Paradise

Perfect conditions for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and more. :windblowingface:

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Promenade

Enjoy the wooden walkway with beautiful ocean views. :walking:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Plenty of parking, including spots for camper vans, makes accessing the beach easy. :car:

🌳 Shade from Trees

Seek out the trees for natural shelter from the intense sun. :evergreen_tree:

🌬️ Wind Sports Paradise

Perfect conditions for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and more. :windblowingface:

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Promenade

Enjoy the wooden walkway with beautiful ocean views. :walking:

🚽 Free Toilets Nearby

Convenient free restrooms are available in the town square. :toilet:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(9k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Playa de El Médano is praised for its vibrant atmosphere, excellent wind sports conditions, and scenic wooden promenade. Visitors appreciate the abundance of restaurants and the natural shade provided by trees. However, the strong winds can be a drawback for those seeking a purely tranquil beach experience.

"Great beach with plenty of coves for sunbathing or swimming. Depending on the wind at the far end, there are plenty of water sports. Restaurants and shops stretch the whole of the beach. The feel is very Spanish and not one of the tourists beaches that are down the coast. I have to mention my partner who liked looking at the lifeguards!"

Paul Meagher

"Beautiful beach, great for surfing, kite surfing, foil surfing and other water sports. There is a wooden promenade in the shopping area and a few small shops and coffee bars. Plenty of parking, including space for camper vans near the beach.
Great spot to visit, long stretch of beach (some parts sand and some parts rocky)
There are free toilets in the town square/ centre. Not far from. The airport (about 15 mins, €18 in a taxi due to the additional airport taxi charges)"

Not so Plain

"I liked this beach because of the trees, which are great for sheltering from the scorching sun. The sand here is lovely, and the water entry is nice. There are toilets and cafés nearby. The only downside is that it’s a bit windy."

Olga Virkovska

What People Like

Excellent wind sports conditions
Scenic wooden promenade
Lively beach bars and restaurants

What People Dislike

Can be very windy
Overcrowded on weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The quickest way to reach Playa de El Médano from the airport is by taxi, which takes about 15 minutes. Be aware that there are additional airport taxi charges, so the fare might be around €18. Reddit

While specific bus routes aren't detailed, it's generally possible to explore day trips from El Médano by bus within a couple of hours, suggesting public transport is an option for reaching nearby areas. Reddit

Yes, there is plenty of parking available at Playa de El Médano, including designated spaces for camper vans near the beach. Reddit

For those avoiding car hire, exploring El Médano and its surroundings by bus is a viable option for day trips within a few hours. Reddit

Playa El Médano is located in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Playa de El Médano is a public beach, and there is no entrance fee to access it. Reddit

As a public beach, Playa de El Médano is accessible at all hours. However, amenities like restaurants and shops will have their own operating times. TikTok

No advance booking is required for general beach access. If you plan on participating in specific water sports or dining at popular restaurants, it might be wise to check availability. Reddit

Generally, there are no specific restrictions for visiting the beach itself, but always be mindful of local regulations and respect the environment. Reddit

Visitors are typically allowed to bring their own food and drinks to public beaches like Playa de El Médano. Remember to clean up after yourself. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Playa de El Médano is renowned for water sports like surfing, kitesurfing, and foil surfing. It's also great for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the beach bars and restaurants. TikTokReddit

Yes, Playa de El Médano is popular for swimming, especially in coves. However, wind conditions can sometimes affect the water, so it's good to check the weather. Reddit

Yes, there are free toilets available in the town square/center, which is conveniently located near the beach. Reddit

The sand at Playa de El Médano is described as lovely, with some parts being sandy and others rocky. Reddit

The beach can get crowded, especially on weekends due to the market and its popularity for wind sports. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are open-air bars and restaurants stretching along the entire beach, offering a variety of dining options. Many are surprisingly good and affordable. Reddit

Yes, reviews suggest that the restaurants above the promenade are surprisingly good and affordable, making it a great spot for budget-conscious travelers. Reddit

Yes, there are a few small coffee bars located along the wooden promenade area. Reddit

The dining scene is lively with open-air bars and restaurants, contributing to the beach's vibrant atmosphere, especially during weekends. Reddit

While specific camper van facilities aren't mentioned, the numerous restaurants and bars along the beach should cater to all visitors, including those in camper vans. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The wooden promenade offers fantastic vantage points for ocean views. The coves and the vibrant atmosphere during the weekend market also make for great shots. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! The beach boasts breathtaking views, a unique wooden walkway, and the dynamic action of wind sports, all contributing to its photogenic nature. Reddit

Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds for serene shots. Late afternoons can provide beautiful golden hour light, though the wind might pick up. Reddit

Yes, the consistent winds make Playa de El Médano a prime location for capturing dynamic photos of kitesurfing, windsurfing, and foil surfing. Reddit

The combination of the volcanic rock promenade, the expansive beach, and the colorful sails of wind sports equipment creates unique photographic opportunities. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Playa de El Médano offers a good mix of activities for families. The sandy sections of the beach are great for building sandcastles, and the trees provide much-needed shade for little ones to play safely. While the wind can be strong, making it ideal for wind sports, it might make swimming less comfortable for very young children on certain days. The presence of restaurants and cafes along the promenade means easy access to snacks and meals. Reddit

Parents will appreciate the free toilets available in the town square for convenience. The wooden promenade is also a safe and enjoyable place for a family stroll, offering lovely views without the direct sand and wind. While the beach is popular, weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience for families. Reddit

🏄‍♀️ Adventure Seekers & Water Sports Enthusiasts

For those who thrive on adrenaline, Playa de El Médano is a dream destination. It's a world-class spot for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and foil surfing due to its consistent winds. Numerous schools offer lessons for all levels, so whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, you can get out on the water. The energy of the beach is infectious, with the constant activity of water sports adding to the excitement. Reddit

Even if you're not participating, watching the skilled athletes perform is a spectacle in itself. The western end of the beach is where most of the action happens. Beyond the wind sports, the beach is also suitable for swimming in calmer coves, and the long stretch of coastline provides ample space for exploration. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Wind Sports Capital

Playa de El Médano is a renowned hub for wind sports, thanks to its consistent and often strong winds. It's a prime location for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and foil surfing. The western end of the beach is particularly popular for these activities, attracting both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic beginners. Many local schools offer lessons and equipment rental, making it accessible for those looking to try something new. The dynamic visuals of colorful kites and sails against the ocean backdrop make it an exciting place to watch, even if you're not participating. Reddit

Travelers often mention the wind as a defining characteristic of the beach. While it's a dream for wind sports, it can also mean that swimming and sunbathing might be accompanied by a breezy atmosphere. The wooden promenade provides a sheltered area to enjoy the views without being directly in the wind's path. If you're planning to engage in water sports, checking the wind forecast is crucial for the best experience. Reddit

Beach Amenities and Atmosphere

The beach itself is a long stretch, featuring both sandy and rocky sections. A standout feature is the wooden promenade that is cleverly integrated into the natural volcanic stone, offering a pleasant walkway with excellent ocean vistas. This promenade is lined with numerous open-air bars and restaurants, creating a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends. Reviews highlight that these eateries are surprisingly good and affordable, providing a range of dining options for visitors. Reddit

Beyond the dining, practical amenities are also available. Free toilets are located in the town square, adding to the convenience for beachgoers. For those seeking respite from the sun, the beach is dotted with trees that offer natural shade, a welcome feature during the hotter months. The overall feel is described as distinctly Spanish, differentiating it from more tourist-centric beaches further down the coast. Reddit

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