Overview of El Médano

Overview

El Médano literally translates into English as ‘the sand dune’ and here you will find no shortage of glorious sands. Considered the ‘coolest’ resort in Tenerife it is located just 12 kilometres from Reina Sofia airport. The strong winds make it a popular spot with wind surfers. The resort has been the proud host of many a wind/kite surfing championship. The landscape combines a mesmerising view of Mountain Roja (the red mountain) with a vast stretch of golden sand perfect for sunbathing. It is a protected area due to its ecological significance. This bohemian paradise offers a sun bleached boardwalk and a selection of cafes, restaurants and bars. The atmosphere is open minded, relaxed and very friendly.

 

History

The town is home to an important site of historical and religious interest. A cave in the town was for a period frequented by Peter of Saint Joseph Bentacur, more commonly known as Hermano Pedro. A shepherd in the highlands of Vilaflor until the age of twenty four; he enjoyed recuperating in this secluded resting spot, located just by La Tejita beach.

Hermano Pedro was a devoutly religious man. Although he very much wanted to be a priest, he struggled to understand the theological material and was forced to withdraw from the seminary. He became a Franciscan tertiary in the convent of Costa Rica in Guatemala.

During his life he visited many schools and hospitals tending to the vulnerable and afflicted. Eventually he opened a hospital for the convalescent poor. He wrote up a new rule based on prayer, penance, fasting and generosity. Having once found shelter in a little cave here, this humble and religious man would go on to give shelter to thousands of poverty stricken people.

Hermano Pedro was beatified on June 22nd 1980 and canonized the same year on July 30th, by Pope John Paul II. He is accredited by the Pope as being the first Canarian and Guatemalan saint.

  

Culture

El Médano is an open minded and laid back resort favoured by surf enthusiasts from across the world. It is also home to workers in the nearby resorts of Playa Las Americas and Los Cristianos. 

Economy

The economy of El Médano is driven mainly by the influx of surfer tourists. There are a variety of windsurfing schools in the area including the renowned Official Test Centre and Surf Centre Playa. The area is also agriculturally rich, producing a variety of fruit and vegetables such as potatoes as well as grapes which are made into fine local wine.

How to get there

By Bus:
There are two TITSA buses stopping at El Médano. The 470 departs from Los Cristianos several times a day, on the hour. On the West coast take the 116 from Santa Cruz which departs every two hours.

By Car:
If travelling by car from Santa Cruz (north), take the main motorway TF-1 which runs along the east coast followed by TF-64. This journey should take around 45 minutes. Similarly, motorway TF-1 is the fastest route to El Médano from the south.