Surfing & Windsurfing in Tenerife
Consistent Atlantic swell and reliable trade winds have made Tenerife a genuine watersports destination, not just a calm-beach one.
Tenerife's surf and windsurf scenes are concentrated in different spots depending on what you're after. El Médano, on the southeast coast near the south airport, is the island's best-known windsurfing and kitesurfing base thanks to consistently strong trade winds — it's hosted international competitions and has a cluster of schools right on the beach.
Surfing is more spread out: the north coast, around Puerto de la Cruz and further west, picks up bigger, more consistent Atlantic swell than the sheltered south, with a handful of well-regarded breaks for more experienced surfers. Playa de las Américas also has surf schools catering to complete beginners on smaller, gentler waves.
By activity
| Activity | Best area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windsurfing & kitesurfing | El Médano | Consistent trade winds; several schools on the beach |
| Surfing (beginners) | Playa de las Américas / Los Cristianos | Gentler waves, schools offering lessons |
| Surfing (experienced) | North coast (Puerto de la Cruz and west) | Bigger, more consistent swell; some serious breaks |
- ✓Wetsuits are recommended year-round on the north coast — the Atlantic here is cooler than the sheltered south.
- ✓Trade winds at El Médano are strongest and most reliable in summer, though it's windsurfable most of the year.
- ✓Board and equipment rental is widely available at the main beaches — you don't need to bring your own gear.