Why Tenerife for a Kitesurfing Holiday
El Médano is not a random destination. It is one of the few places in Europe that combines consistent trade winds in summer, warm water year-round, a flat shallow beach with no dangerous currents for beginners, and good flight connections from across Europe.
But a well-planned kitesurfing holiday requires more than choosing a destination. The logistics matter: the course, the accommodation, getting there, and how much time you actually have. I wrote this guide because most of my students arrive with the same questions. Here are the answers.
El Médano: What You Need to Know About the Spot
El Médano is a small coastal town in the south of Tenerife, in the municipality of Granadilla de Abona. With fewer than 10,000 residents, it has become over the years the kitesurf hub of the island — and one of the most recognised spots in Europe.
The main beach is long and sandy. The water is shallow with a sandy bottom, which makes it ideal for learning: you can stand up after a fall, and there are no strong lateral currents that would pull you far from shore.
The Main Spot
El Médano main beach is where most lessons take place. Cross-onshore wind, moderate swell, sandy bottom and good visibility of other riders. The ideal spot for learning and making real progress.
What Makes the Wind Here Special
The north-east trade winds that cross the Atlantic from June to September are channelled by the mountains in the interior of Tenerife towards the south coast. The result is a spot that on good wind days delivers 15 to 25 knots — ideal for beginners and appealing for advanced riders.
One important note: the wind is not constant all year round. Anyone who tells you otherwise is overselling it. Between October and May there are wind days, but the pattern is less predictable. For a learning holiday with fixed dates, summer is the safest choice.
When Should You Go?
The most reliable months are June, July and August. The trade wind blows almost daily, typically from midday until sunset. For beginners wanting to make the most of their course, these are the best months.
May and September are also solid options: still windy, but less crowded at the beach and generally cheaper for flights and accommodation. A good choice if you want to avoid peak season.
Winter (December to March): There are wind days — sometimes very good ones — but no guarantees. If you are flexible and can stay for several weeks, winter can deliver excellent sessions. For a short holiday with fixed dates, the risk is higher than in summer.
Temperature reference: in summer, air temperature around 26–28°C and water around 23–24°C. In winter, 19–21°C in the air and 18–19°C in the water. The water is warm enough year-round to ride without a wetsuit — in winter many riders wear a light 2mm shorty for longer sessions.
How Many Days Should You Plan For?
The honest answer depends on what you want to be able to do at the end of the trip.
Minimum (5 days): 3 course days. After a 9-hour beginner course you will handle the kite safely, master bodydrags and make your first board runs. Possible, but very tight.
Recommended (7–10 days): Enough time to complete the basic course and add further lessons to consolidate what you have learned. Particularly viable if you already have experience in wind or water sports. The most common route is to continue with lessons after the initial course — the progression is significantly greater.
Comfortable (2 weeks): If you want to ride independently with real confidence when you leave, give yourself two weeks. It depends on the person and how quickly they progress — but with a solid course block, this is a realistic goal.
Important: build in buffer days. Some days the wind does not come, or you are simply exhausted. That is part of the process — not wasted time.
Booking a Course: What Actually Matters
Not every kite school in El Médano operates the same way. Some will hand you a certificate after 9 hours and send you on your way. Others make sure what you have learned is genuinely consolidated. The difference in outcome is significant.
What defines a good school:
- Official certification: What matters is that the instructor is certified by a recognised body — IKO, a national sailing or sports federation, or any equivalent governmental or official qualification. Certification means they have received specific training in safety and teaching methodology.
- Experienced instructor: Ask how many years they have been teaching and whether they speak your language. Communication barriers during safety moments are a real problem on the water.
- Equipment included: A serious course provides everything you need. You bring nothing except swimwear and sunscreen.
- Maximum 1 or 2 students per instructor: More than that and individual attention suffers at the moments that matter most — and it is a safety issue.
This website also has a free online course — 9 modules covering wind theory, safety systems and first steps in the water. Students who arrive having done it consistently progress faster from day one.
How Much Does a Kitesurfing Holiday in Tenerife Cost?
I cover course prices in detail in a separate article: How much does learning to kitsurf in Tenerife cost?. For the full holiday, here is a rough guide:
- Beginner course (9 hours): €350–550 depending on format (group, semi-private or private)
- Accommodation: €60–120 per night for an apartment or guesthouse in El Médano
- Flight from Europe: €100–400 depending on season and departure city
- Full week (7 days): €1,000–1,800 as a realistic estimate
Comparable to a ski week in the Alps — but with 23°C water temperature and no lift queues.
Where to Stay in El Médano
El Médano is a small town. That is an advantage: everything you need is within a few minutes' walk.
Stay close to the beach: The simplest rule. An apartment or room within 5 minutes' walk from the main beach saves time and effort. On some course days you will walk back and forth several times.
Apartments: The standard choice for kitesurfers. Space for wet gear, a kitchen, and flexible timing. For summer, book two to three months in advance — demand is high.
Guesthouses and small hotels: If you prefer service, there are several options in the town. Prices start at around €70–80 per night for a single room.
What to check before booking: Storage for equipment and a decent Wi-Fi connection.
Getting to El Médano
Tenerife South Airport (code TFS) is about 10 to 15 kilometres from El Médano — roughly 15 to 20 minutes by taxi or rental car. A taxi from the airport costs approximately €15–20.
There are direct flights from most major European cities year-round. Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, Vueling and others cover the route with varying frequency depending on the season.
Important: Tenerife has two airports. Tenerife North Airport (TFN) is on the other side of the island — getting it wrong adds over an hour of travel time. Make sure you book for TFS (Tenerife Sur / Aeropuerto Reina Sofía). This is a surprisingly common booking mistake.
Rental car: Not essential for a learning holiday in El Médano where everything is walkable. Useful if you plan to explore other parts of the island on wind-free days. You can compare rental options at www.autoreisen.com.
What to Do on Windless Days
Some days the wind does not arrive or is too light for beginners. It happens. The best approach is to plan for it rather than treat it as wasted time.
Surfing: El Médano has good surf conditions even on calm days. For a kitesurfer, work on the board translates directly.
Explore the island: Teide National Park, the Anaga peninsula in the north, the village of Masca. Tenerife has far more to offer than its south coast. A windless day is a good day to see it.
Rest: Kitesurfing is more physically demanding than it looks from the outside. A day out of the water is not a wasted day — it is recovery for the next sessions.
Preparation Checklist Before You Leave
Bookings:
- Course confirmed with the instructor — in high season, check availability early
- Accommodation in El Médano booked (in summer, 2–3 months in advance is wise)
- Flight to TFS (not TFN)
What to pack:
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (UV exposure on the water in direct sun is intense)
- Multiple swimsuits — they will be wet every day
- Sports shoes or water shoes for the beach
- A light windproof jacket for cooler evenings in spring or autumn
What you do not need to bring: No kite equipment, if you are taking a course. The instructor provides everything you need. If you are not taking a course and want to bring your own equipment to practise what you have already learned — that is absolutely fine.
If you have questions about availability, course formats or which option suits your goals, get in touch on WhatsApp. I reply in English, Spanish or German.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year for a kitesurfing holiday in Tenerife?
The most reliable months are June, July and August, when the north-east trade winds blow almost daily. May and September are also good options with fewer crowds. In winter there are wind days but without the consistency of summer.
How many days should I plan for my first kitesurfing holiday?
For a first learning trip, I recommend at least 7 days: 3 course days plus 4 days for independent practice and rest. If you want to be genuinely riding independently when you leave, plan for 10 to 14 days.
Which Tenerife airport should I fly into?
Tenerife South Airport, code TFS (Aeropuerto Reina Sofía). Not TFN (Tenerife North), which is on the other side of the island and adds over an hour of travel. This is a very common booking mistake — double-check before confirming.
Do I need to bring my own kitesurfing equipment?
If you are taking a course, you do not need to bring any kite equipment — the instructor provides everything needed. Just bring swimwear, sunscreen and sports shoes. If you are not taking a course and already have experience, you are welcome to bring your own gear to practise what you have learned.
How far is El Médano from Tenerife South Airport?
About 10 to 15 kilometres — roughly 15 to 20 minutes by taxi or rental car. El Médano is one of the closest towns to the airport, making arrival and departure very straightforward.