Where to Stay in El Médano?
Published on 19 January 2026
To get off the beaten path, head to El Médano, a small seaside village in the south of Tenerife. It’s the ideal spot for water sports and surfing enthusiasts, like surfing and kitesurfing. We saw plenty of them when we visited. At the same time, the waves and currents were perfect for it! Plus, the accommodations in the village are cheaper compared to other places on the island. It's far from the big all-inclusive resorts of other southern towns.
If you want to walk around, you’ll have all the amenities nearby: beach, restaurants, cafes, and shops. If you're still undecided, we recommend checking our comprehensive page on the best accommodations in Tenerife to compare El Médano with other spots on the island. It could help you out!
Our Favorite Accommodation in El Médano
Recommended Accommodations in El Médano
Hotels in El Médano
We invite you to discover the most comfortable hotels in El Médano with a whole host of services and premium facilities. If this is the type of establishment you're looking for in a small seaside village, start your search with the following. And if you want to be near a calmer beach than El Médano for a relaxing swim, we invite you to check our selection of beachfront hotels in Tenerife.
Hotel
Playa Surf CBbC Hotel
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Parking Facing the sea, this modern hotel offers a peaceful setting with a large saltwater pool, a Mediterranean restaurant, and a quality breakfast buffet. The rooms are simple yet comfortable and clean, with balconies and sometimes ocean views. The premises are well-maintained, and Wi-Fi is available throughout.
You'll enjoy a peaceful and relaxing stay almost right on the sand. The attentive and warm welcome, along with the sound of the waves, is always a delight! This spot is loved by both surf enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil place to unwind by the sea.
Hotel
Hotel Ventus
Air conditioning This aparthotel offers bright rooms with balconies, air conditioning, and a kitchenette. The decor is simple yet pleasant, and the amenities include a TV, free Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom. Located just minutes from El Médano beach, it provides quick access to the beaches and restaurants of a lively yet peaceful neighborhood.
You'll enjoy functional, practical accommodation before a flight or for a short stay on the island. The welcome is warm and self-check-in makes arrival hassle-free, even late at night. You'll appreciate the cleanliness, good bedding, and close proximity to the sea. It's an unpretentious but well-located address, perfect for a simple and comfortable stopover.
Hotel
Kn Hotel Arenas del Mar
Swimming pool
Spa Restaurant Air conditioning Located right by the beach, this adult-only hotel offers a perfect blend of comfort and relaxation in a peaceful setting. The rooms are large, bright, and well-equipped, some featuring balconies and others offering sea views. The property boasts a heated outdoor pool, a spa, a gym, and several restaurants, including one specializing in seafood and local flavors (a true delight!).
You will enjoy a truly tranquil environment, perfect for relaxation while being close to the city center and the sea. The staff is attentive, and the ocean view is one of the location's greatest assets. This destination will appeal to those looking to combine rest, comfort, and a natural setting in the south of Tenerife.
Hotel
Hotel Médano
Restaurant Located literally on the beach, this intimate hotel extends over the sea with a stunning terrace built like a pier. The rooms are simple, understated but comfortable, some with balconies and ocean views. There is a bright restaurant overlooking the sea, a bar, and several sun-kissed terraces to enjoy the sun and the panorama of the bay and the Red Mountain.
You will enjoy a peaceful setting, lulled by the sound of the waves. The staff is welcoming and attentive. The place is suitable for couples and families who wish to stay by the water, just steps away from shops and restaurants in the center. No parking, but it's possible to park nearby.
To quickly compare these hotels in El Médano, feel free to look at the table below. It’s a visual aid to help you even more!
| Name | Location | Features | Reviews | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playa Surf CBbC Hotel | El médano | Exceptional location, sea view, attentive staff, pleasant pool, cleanliness, good breakfast, on-site restaurant, calm atmosphere. | You'll appreciate the direct sea view, the calm of the place, and the kindness of the staff, making the stay particularly pleasant. | 130€ | Book |
| Hotel Ventus | El médano | Cleanliness, good location, proximity to the beach and airport, air conditioning, kitchenette, self-check-in, comfortable bedding, welcoming staff. | You'll appreciate the cleanliness of the rooms, the simplicity of the stay, and the proximity to the sea for a convenient and relaxing stopover. | 135€ | Book |
| Kn Hotel Arenas del Mar | El médano | Sea view, heated outdoor pool, spa, attentive staff, spacious rooms, peaceful environment, diverse restaurants, direct beach access. | You will appreciate the tranquility of the place, the ocean view, and the warm welcome from the attentive staff. | 200€ | Book |
| Hotel Médano | El médano | Exceptional location, direct beach access, sea view, cleanliness, warm staff, sunny terraces, good breakfast, calm atmosphere. | You'll be charmed by the unique situation over the water, the direct ocean view, and the peaceful atmosphere conducive to relaxation. | 210€ | Book |
Other Recommended Accommodations in El Médano
Now for the simpler accommodations in El Médano. To give you an idea, you'll find small hotels and pleasant apartments. They are often unpretentious and without frills, but at budget-friendly prices. This is what we recommend if you want a cheap holiday to spend more on activities or renting water sports equipment. To stay on affordable addresses, know that we've compiled budget hotels in Tenerife in a specific guide.
Hotel
Casa Grande Surf Hostel
Parking This youth hostel is right by the sea in a relaxed atmosphere, ideal—just as often—for meeting new people. It offers bright dorms with bunk beds, shared bathrooms, and access to a communal kitchen with other travelers. There is also a terrace, a dining room, a laundry room, as well as a small convenience store and a place to store or rent surfing equipment.
You will enjoy a lively, calm, and warm place, where interactions flow naturally among travelers. The beach is just next door, and you can easily grab a drink or a bite to eat here. The welcome is simple but friendly. If you are looking for a convivial place to meet people, you are in the right spot.
Hotel
Apartamentos Los Laureles
Air conditioning These apartments offer a simple yet functional setting in the heart of the city, perfect for an independent stay. The accommodations include a well-equipped kitchenette, a living area, and a comfortable bedroom. Everything needed for cooking is provided, and the spaces are perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. The building has an elevator, and everything is air-conditioned, which is convenient during the hot season.
You will appreciate the impeccable cleanliness, the kindness of the host, and the central location, close to shops and restaurants. This is an ideal spot for easily exploring the region, whether for a few days or a full week, without hassle.
Hotel
Edificio Playa Chica
These beachfront apartments offer a simple yet functional setting, perfect for enjoying the nearby coastline. They feature a living room, equipped kitchen, and some have a balcony or terrace with a beautiful ocean view. The premises are clean and well-maintained, with direct access to the beach (Playa Chica) and nearby shops.
You'll enjoy convenient and well-located accommodation for exploring the southern coast of Tenerife. Travelers appreciate the immediate proximity to the sea, the generous size of the accommodations, and the easy access to bars and restaurants. The place is suitable for both couples and families looking for a quiet stay just steps from the water.
If you're debating between several accommodations in El Médano, this summary table is an additional help. At a glance, you'll see everything you need to know about each one.
| Name | Location | Features | Reviews | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casa Grande Surf Hostel | El médano | Central location, friendly atmosphere, welcoming staff, terrace, cleanliness, beach proximity, good breakfast, good value for money. | You will appreciate the warm atmosphere and the spirit of sharing, perfect for meeting other travelers just steps from the sea. | 49€ | Book |
| Apartamentos Los Laureles | El médano | Central location, cleanliness, air conditioning, equipped kitchen, attentive host, spacious apartment, good value for money, fast Wi-Fi. | You will appreciate the impeccable cleanliness, the central location, and the attentive reception that make the stay simple and pleasant. | 60€ | Book |
| Edificio Playa Chica | El médano | Sea view, central location, spacious apartments, well-equipped, close to the beach, cleanliness, good value for money. | You'll appreciate the direct ocean view and the immediate proximity to beaches, bars, and restaurants, making it perfect for a stay with your feet in the water. | 105€ | Book |
Conclusion
We’re coming to the end of this page on accommodations in El Médano. To put it simply, whether you’re looking for a star-rated hotel or a simpler establishment, you’ll be served. What we can tell you is that El Médano is a very pleasant village where you are immersed in the local life. And, at the risk of repeating ourselves, it's a windy area, a good playground for surfing or kitesurfing.
Plus, if you don't plan to rent a car, you have everything within reach in the heart of El Médano. And if you want to extend the journey without a car to other parts of the island, you can also check our selection of car-free hotels in Tenerife to find other sector ideas and addresses near amenities.
FAQ - Where to stay in El Médano
Is El Médano really the best place to stay in Tenerife if I want to surf or kitesurf?
For board sports, it’s one of the best choices on the island: you get direct access to the spots, with a daily surf and kitesurf vibe and easy-to-reach schools/rentals. El Médano has the advantage of being a small village, so you cut down on travel and can fit in sessions early in the morning or at the end of the day without logistics. Budget-wise, accommodation here is more affordable than in the big resort areas in the south.
Which accommodations in El Médano are the most convenient if I want to do everything on foot (beach, restaurants, cafés, shops)?
To do everything on foot, choose a place in the center, between the seafront and the shopping streets: you’ll reach the beach, restaurants, cafés, and mini-markets in just a few minutes, without relying on a car. The most convenient options are apartments with a kitchen (ideal for managing session schedules and meals), small hotels/hostels close to the promenade, and residences with a balcony to dry wetsuits and towels. We recommend a location slightly set back from the seafront, as it often offers the best balance between proximity and quieter nights.
Is El Médano also suitable for a “lazy beach and swimming” vacation, or is it better to aim for a calmer beach elsewhere?
For a “beach + swimming” stay, it can work, but it’s not the most appealing option if you’re looking for a sea that’s always calm. Here, the vibe is more dynamic, with sometimes choppy conditions and a regular breeze that cools the air. In return, you enjoy a long beach, beautiful sunsets, and a pleasant village life, with everything within easy reach. If your priority is to swim for a long time in very calm water, choose a more sheltered bay or a beach protected by breakwaters.
Can the wind become annoying on a daily basis for sleeping, eating on a terrace, or walking along the seafront?
Yes, the breeze can be noticeable day to day, especially in the afternoon: it’s pleasant when it’s hot, but it can be annoying on terraces (sand, towels blowing away) and make some walks feel cooler. For sleep, it depends on exposure: a frontline place with older windows can be noisier (wind + waves) and harder to ventilate without drafts.
Where should I stay in this seaside village if I want a good balance between a tight budget and a pleasant setting?
In El Médano, for the best budget/setting balance, we recommend an apartment or small guesthouse 5–15 minutes’ walk from the shore rather than right on the front line. You keep quick access to the beaches and central addresses, while paying less and gaining peace and quiet. Studios with a kitchenette are especially good value: you cut down on restaurant meals and can easily manage your schedule. For a pleasant setting, look for a balcony, good natural light, and if possible an open view (without necessarily being sea-facing).
Written by the Les Deux Pieds Dehors team
The entire Les Deux Pieds Dehors team has scoured the web from top to bottom to find the best accommodations for your budget and travel style, and offer you this wonderful selection.