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SoulSurfers.info > Destinations > Canary Islands > Tenerife
Windsurfing & Kitesurfing on Tenerife |
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Tenerife
The biggest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife features the diversity of landscapes and climate zones. The tallest peak of Spain, dormant volcano Teide (3817 m above sea level), sits in the center of the island. The landscape changes as you go up to the peak: abundant vegetation, big forests, and lunar like landscapes in the height zone over clouds. Besides, the North of Tenerife is much greener than the South, because the clouds of the Passat winds are often blocked in the valleys, leaving humidity. In the South of Tenerife the weather is warm, dry and sunny.
Tenerife's capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is located on the north of the island. The southern part of Tenerife houses the well-known touristic zones Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos with its wide variety of lodgings, restaurants, bars, and nightlife. All along the southern coast of Tenerife, there are other smaller resorts, such as Costa del Silencio, El Medano and Los Giantes.
El Medano, located about 10 km from Tenerife South Airport, is a windsurfing capital of Tenerife. Originally a fishing village, El Medano has developed in a style of its own, completely different to the commercial resorts. The typical narrow streets, pleasant town square, fishermen boats in the small harbour create a special atmosphere. Las Americas with its overcrowded beaches and hopping nightlife is only 20 minutes away, but here in El Medano you almost forget about its existance.
Windsurfing on Tenerife
El Medano (which, by the way, means sand dune) features a cross shore wind and average swells of 1 metre (max 2 metres). Next to the town there is another bay, called El Cabezo. Generally, the wind is stronger and the waves are bigger in El Cabezo. This spot is for experienced surfers. Sailing outside of the bays is not advisable due to strong currents and swells. For beginners, El Medano is not the perfect choice, since the waves can be really strong and waterstart skills are highly recommended.
Surf Center Playa Sur (www.surfcenter.el-medano.com) is located at the Hotel Playa Sur and offers Naish equipment.
Fun Factory/Fanatic Board Center (www.fanatic.el-medano.com) is located next to the beach of El Cabezo. It's equipped with Fanatic boards and Gaastra sails.
Kitesurfing on Tenerife
To tell the truth, El Medano is not the best place in the world for kiteboarding. A small launch area and the proximity of rocks at the end of El Cabezo bay make this spot suitable for experienced kiters only. The spot near Hotel Playa Sur is a better choice, since the beach here is a bit longer and provides better launch.
Canaries Travel Info - Learn more about travelling to the Canary Islands >>
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