Tenerife is not only the largest island in the Canary Islands, it is also home to Spain's highest mountain, the 3715 metre-high Pico del Teide. The island has an extremely varied landscape, so you should definitely make the most of days when there is a lull to go on a few excursions. The centre of the windsurfing scene is El Medano, just a few minutes' drive from the airport. There are many flats and fewer hotel beds here. Even though a lot has been built in recent years, mass tourism has not found its way here. The windsurfing infrastructure is perfect. There are several stations, test centres and shops in El Medano. At the other spots in Tenerife, however, you will need to bring your own equipment.
Spot Guide Tenerife
1 El Medano
El Medano, Tenerife's main spot, is just a hop, skip and a jump from the airport. The large bay is divided into two parts. In the southern part, freeriders and slalom pilots in particular find perfect conditions. Larger waves are rare. There are also several well-equipped windsurfing and kitesurfing centres here. Many professionals and regatta riders take advantage of the training camps that take place all year round. The entry point on the sandy beach is shallow, so that beginners can also have a go when there is less wind. However, many kitesurfers also love the bay, although they are mainly found in the southernmost part. At the northern end of the bay at the jetty, there is a good wave for frontside riding, but there is also a current. However, the wind is a little gustier here and there is practically no direct access. You can either cross up from the south or sail here from the neighbouring Cabezo Bay.
2 El Cabezo
Upwind, the wave spot El Cabezo borders directly on El Medano. This is where the international wave elite cavort, and not just for the Wave World Cup in August. Numerous professionals train and live here all year round. Together with the holidaymakers, it can get pretty crowded on the water. The wind blows diagonally onshore and with a good swell, the conditions can be challenging - also because there are some rocky slabs covered in sea urchins lurking at the entrance. Especially at low tide, the legendary rock - which goes by the telling name of "Godzilla" - provides plenty of fin junk. Nevertheless, this spot is one of the best in the Canary Islands and is suitable for both jumping and riding the waves.
3 Las Americas
Much rarer than the spots around El Medano, Las Americas, in the centre of the tourist strongholds in the southwest of the island, attracts visitors with good conditions. Normal trade winds don't even arrive here. Only low-pressure systems with winds from the north-west and, above all, the hot Calima desert wind from the south-east bring the Canary Islands spot to life. The entry point is in front of the "Parque Santiago III" apartment complex. A top spot with the right swell, but only for experienced wave surfers due to the rocky entrance and the sharp reef. There is an absolute shortage of official car parking spaces!
Alternatives:A freeride alternative to El Medano, if the trade winds are too northerly and do not reach the bay, is offered byGüimar (4). After about 35 kilometres heading north on the coastal motorway to Santa Cruz, you turn off and come to Playa Nueva.
Further spot guides to the Canary Islands:
