If you're looking for somewhere to kite all year round in Europe, it's undoubtedly the Canary Islands. A group of Spanish archipelagos is located in front of the Moroccan coast. Spring throughout the year attracts millions of tourists from all over Europe, especially those from colder climates.
Tenerife, one of the islands, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, specifically for its spectacular volcanic scenery. However, as far as kitesurfing is concerned, it offers light wind conditions and little waves or radical days with over 40 knots and two metres waves.
Strapless or twintip share a broad area that can be divided into three main sectors such as "el Muelle" suitable for wave-hunters, "la Bahia", for freeride and "el Rincon" at the bottom of the bay, where you can go big as well as train unhooked.
The Canary Islands enjoy an exceptionally mild climate. Located on the Atlantic, just north of the tropic of cancer, a short distance from the African coasts of Morocco and Western Sahara, it is below the "trade winds" called Aliseos, which are constant winds from the north-east around 25 knots.
Winter temperatures are around 19 degrees, and summer temperatures are around 25-30 degrees. In July and August, there is a higher chance of finding oneself immersed in a wave of desert heat from Africa called "Calima", but also strong winds over 35 knots. Rarely will it rain in the south of Tenerife, while it will often rain in the northern part of the islands; odd.
The island of Tenerife is very well connected with the rest of Europe through its two airports and multiple seaports, allowing it to be reached from almost all of Europe with direct flights.
Once on the island, the central spot for kitesurfing, El Medano, is just 5 minutes away from the Tenerife south airports.
A rental car is the best solution if you want to get around and visit the island, but even buses and taxis are easily accessible. Moving between the islands with internal flights and ferries is also possible.
El Medano has a variety of restaurants in town that offer tapas and beers for most of the day, and at night you can choose between Italian, Spanish, Canary and many others. Our local fishing town has the best fresh fish ever!
El Medano is pretty active during the daytime and less at night, but there are a few pubs where you can spend the night listening to live music or having a drink somewhere! If you are looking for a good party, you can reach the close town of Las Americas, which hosts some of the best parties and nightlife.
If you're unlucky and do not find wind during your holidays in Tenerife, do not despair, you can explore the whole island's other adventures on quads, trekking routes, climbing, mountain biking or surfing.
Several surf spots depend on the direction of the swell or at calm sea; you can go diving and explore Tenerife marine life!
An island with 15 different microclimates, just waiting to be discovered!
All the islands have an adequate internet connection
El Medano has been a destination for watersports lovers for decades. From hotels to hostels to independent apartments, prices can vary depending on the season you choose, but more or less will always remain affordable for most people.
I recommend organising some time in advance to secure an apartment in the small town of El Medano or sea view just behind the kiteboarding spot.
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Well, apart from the fact the island has a great reputation, this location has many things to offer for your kite holiday or trip. A place with great waves and butter flat water, a place with steady, reliable side shore wind, lots of space and astonishingly uncrowded! Only 7km away from the overcrowded spot of Paje lays this fairly undiscovered...
If you want an adventure, pack your bags and get ready for a van holiday in Sweden. The excitement of it all is that you will be moving around, discovering and chasing the wind around Sweden’s beautiful western coast. Most of the spots are about 30-60 minutes apart and one of the main reason why life on wheels is highly recommended....
By Nicolo Giornelli
Nik moved to El Medano in Tenerife 5 years ago searching for wind! He’s been kitesurfing since 2013. Nik works at a local shop Wet Watersports and is always up for a session!
Playa Sur is the most popular spot and enjoys a good mix of flatter water and waves. When it gets windy, it can get choppy on the inside.
The windy months to go kitesurfing in Tenerife are January, February, March, June, July, August, September, November, December
15-year-old Lorenzo Casati slaying waves in Tenerife.
Kids these days! Watch Jeremy Burlando and the crew session at a 'secret' spot in Tenerife.
