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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant market atmosphere
Playa de El Médano
Best Time
Vibrant market atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant beach known for thrilling wind sports, a scenic wooden promenade, and lively open-air dining.
"Beautiful beach, great for surfing, kite surfing, foil surfing and other water sports."
🚗 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
Western end of the beach
Ideal conditions for surfing, kitesurfing, and foil surfing, attracting athletes and spectators alike.

Shaded Coves
Various points along the beach
Natural trees provide welcome shade, perfect for relaxing away from the scorching sun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wind
Weekend Market Buzz
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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:
Public transport day trips from El Medano
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at Playa de El Médano, including designated spaces for camper vans near the beach.
For those avoiding car hire, exploring El Médano and its surroundings by bus is a viable option for day trips within a few hours.
Playa El Médano is located in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Playa de El Médano is a public beach, and there is no entrance fee to access it.
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.
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.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions for visiting the beach itself, but always be mindful of local regulations and respect the environment.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
Yes, there are free toilets available in the town square/center, which is conveniently located near the beach.
The sand at Playa de El Médano is described as lovely, with some parts being sandy and others rocky.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Yes, reviews suggest that the restaurants above the promenade are surprisingly good and affordable, making it a great spot for budget-conscious travelers.
Yes, there are a few small coffee bars located along the wooden promenade area.
The dining scene is lively with open-air bars and restaurants, contributing to the beach's vibrant atmosphere, especially during weekends.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Absolutely! The beach boasts breathtaking views, a unique wooden walkway, and the dynamic action of wind sports, all contributing to its photogenic nature.
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.
Yes, the consistent winds make Playa de El Médano a prime location for capturing dynamic photos of kitesurfing, windsurfing, and foil surfing.
The combination of the volcanic rock promenade, the expansive beach, and the colorful sails of wind sports equipment creates unique photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🏄♀️ Adventure Seekers & Water Sports Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wind Sports Capital
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.
Beach Amenities and Atmosphere
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit