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

A superb establishment in the small town of El Médano. It is just a few meters from the beach and the center. It's the right balance to enjoy the local vibe and explore the rest of the south without too much driving.

  • Hotel Médano  : Seafront hotel with bright rooms and ocean-facing terraces, a panoramic restaurant, and direct access to the beach in a relaxed setting.
For an initial overview, check out the following map that brings together all the accommodations we particularly like in El Médano. This way, you'll see which establishments are close to the beach or set back in quieter neighborhoods. If you prefer, you can combine with other more touristy towns of Southern Tenerife, like Los Cristianos for example. It will make your itinerary more varied!

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.

Playa Surf CBbC Hotel - Facade and swimming pool Hotel

Playa Surf CBbC Hotel

El médano
Swimming pool Restaurant Parking
From
130€ / night
Book

Overlooking the sea, this modern hotel offers a peaceful setting, with a large saltwater pool, a Mediterranean restaurant, and a high-quality breakfast buffet. Rooms are simple yet comfortable and spotless, with a balcony and, in some cases, ocean views. The property is well maintained, and Wi‑Fi is available throughout.

Set almost on the sand, it’s an ideal base for a calm, restorative break. The staff are warm and attentive, and the sound of the waves is a constant pleasure. It’s just as popular with surfers as with travellers looking for a quiet spot to unwind by the sea.

Calle Gaviota, s/n, Paseo Ntra. Sra. de las Mercedes de Roja, 58, 38612 El Médano, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Hotel Ventus - Facade and swimming pool Hotel

Hotel Ventus

El médano
Air conditioning
From
135€ / night
Book

This aparthotel offers bright rooms with a balcony, air conditioning, and a kitchenette. The decor is simple but pleasant, and 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 to the restaurants in a lively yet peaceful neighborhood.

Count on a practical, functional stay—ideal before a flight or for a short stay on the island. The welcome is warm, and self check-in makes things easy, even if you arrive late. You’ll appreciate the cleanliness, comfortable bedding, and the immediate proximity to the sea. It’s an unpretentious but well-located address, ideal for a simple, comfortable stopover.

Av. Príncipes de España, 22, 38612 El Médano, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Espagne
Kn Hotel Arenas del Mar - Facade and swimming pool Hotel

Kn Hotel Arenas del Mar

El médano
Swimming pool Spa Restaurant Air conditioning
From
200€ / night
Book

Set right next to the beach, this adults-only hotel strikes a fine balance between comfort and relaxation in a peaceful setting. Rooms are spacious, bright, and well equipped—some with balconies, others with sea views. The hotel has a heated outdoor pool, a spa, a gym, and several restaurants, including one specialising in fish and local flavours (a real treat).

It’s genuinely quiet here—ideal for unwinding—while still close to the town centre and the sea. The staff are very attentive, and the ocean view is one of the property’s standout features. This hotel will appeal to travellers looking to combine rest, comfort, and a natural setting in the south of Tenerife.

Av. Europa, 2, 38612 El Médano, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Hotel Médano - Facade and swimming pool Hotel

Hotel Médano

El médano
Restaurant
From
210€ / night
Book

Set quite literally on the beach, this small-scale hotel reaches out over the sea thanks to a superb terrace built like a pier. Rooms are understated—simple yet comfortable—with some offering a balcony and ocean views. There’s a bright restaurant looking out to sea, a bar, and several well-exposed terraces to enjoy the sun and the panorama over the bay and Montaña Roja.

The setting is calm, with the sound of the waves in the background. The staff are welcoming and attentive. It suits couples and families alike who want to stay right on the water, just steps from the shops and restaurants in the town centre. There’s no on-site parking, but you can park nearby.

Calle Picachos, 2, 38612 El Médano, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

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 views, attentive staff, pleasant pool, cleanliness, good breakfast, on-site restaurant, quiet atmosphere. You’ll appreciate the direct sea views, the peaceful setting, and the kindness of the staff, which makes the stay especially enjoyable. 130€ Book
Hotel Ventus El médano Cleanliness, good location, close to the beach and the airport, air conditioning, kitchenette, self check-in, comfortable bedding, welcoming staff. You’ll appreciate the clean rooms, the straightforward stay, and the close proximity to the sea for a practical, restful stopover. 135€ Book
Kn Hotel Arenas del Mar El médano Sea views, heated outdoor pool, spa, attentive staff, spacious rooms, quiet setting, varied restaurants, direct beach access. You’ll appreciate the peaceful setting, the ocean views, and the warm welcome from staff who take great care of you. 200€ Book
Hotel Médano El médano - Exceptional location - Direct beach access - Sea views - Cleanliness - Warm, friendly staff - Sunny terraces - Good breakfast - Quiet atmosphere You’ll be charmed by the unique setting right on the water, the direct ocean views, and the peaceful atmosphere that makes it easy to unwind. 210€ Book

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.

Casa Grande Surf Hostel - Facade and swimming pool Hotel

Casa Grande Surf Hostel

El médano
Parking
From
49€ / night
Book

This youth hostel sits right by the sea, with a relaxed atmosphere that—like many hostels—makes it easy to meet people. It offers bright dorms with bunk beds, shared bathrooms, and access to a communal kitchen used by other travelers. There’s also a terrace, a dining area, a laundry room, a small convenience store, and a space to store or rent surf equipment.

It’s a lively yet calm and welcoming place, where conversations between travelers happen naturally. The beach is right next door, and you’ll have no trouble finding somewhere nearby to grab a drink or a quick bite. The welcome is simple but friendly. If you’re looking for a sociable place to meet people, you’ve come to the right spot.

C. Galo Ponte, 7, 38612 El Médano, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Apartamentos Los Laureles - Facade and swimming pool Hotel

Apartamentos Los Laureles

El médano
Air conditioning
From
60€ / night
Book

These apartments offer a simple yet functional base in the heart of town, ideal for a fully independent stay. Each unit includes a well-equipped kitchenette, a living area, and a comfortable bedroom. Everything you need to cook is provided, and it’s a great place to unwind after a day of exploring. The building has a lift, and the whole property is air-conditioned—particularly welcome in the warmer months.

Guests especially appreciate the spotless cleanliness, the host’s kindness, and the central location near shops and restaurants. It’s a convenient base for getting around the area, whether you’re here for a few days or a full week.

C. Iriarte, 4, 38612 El Médano, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Edificio Playa Chica - Facade and swimming pool Hotel

Edificio Playa Chica

El médano
From
105€ / night
Book

These seafront apartments offer a simple, functional place to stay—ideal when you want the coast right on your doorstep. Each apartment has a living area and an equipped kitchen, and some also come with a balcony or terrace with lovely ocean views. The property is clean and well maintained, with direct access to Playa Chica and shops right next door.

It’s a practical, well-positioned option for exploring Tenerife’s south coast. Guests particularly value the immediate access to the sea, the generous apartment sizes, and how easy it is to reach nearby bars and restaurants. It works well for couples and families looking for a quiet stay just moments from the water.

vda. Jose Maria Galvan Bello 5, Apartamentos 1,2,3,4,5,6,7, 38611 El Médano, Spain

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 - Close to the beach - Good breakfast - Good value for money You’ll appreciate the warm, shared atmosphere—ideal for meeting other travelers just steps from the sea. 49€ Book
Apartamentos Los Laureles El médano Central location, spotless cleanliness, air conditioning, fully equipped kitchen, attentive host, spacious apartment, good value for money, fast Wi-Fi. Guests appreciate the impeccable cleanliness, the central location, and the thoughtful welcome, for a simple, enjoyable stay. 60€ Book
Edificio Playa Chica El médano Sea views, central location, spacious apartments, well-equipped kitchens, close to the beach, clean and well maintained, good value for money. Guests highlight the ocean views and the unbeatable location close to the beach, bars, and restaurants—ideal if you want to be right by 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).

Author Laura Calles

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.

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