La Tejita (El Medano)

La Tejita (El Médano), Tenerife, Canary Islands is one of the best-known surf spots in the south of Tenerife, set near the laid-back town of El Médano and the famous La Tejita beach.

Quick description

• Type of spot: Beach break
• Best for: Surf, bodyboard, and sometimes beginners to intermediate surfers depending on conditions
• Wave quality: Can be fun and hollow at times, but often windy and variable
• Wind exposure: Very exposed to the trade winds, so conditions can get choppy
• Best swell: North, northwest, and west swells often work well, depending on sandbanks
• Best season: Autumn to winter generally offers the most consistent surf, though waves can appear year-round

What it’s like

La Tejita is a wide, open sandy beach with plenty of space, which makes it a comfortable place to paddle out and surf without heavy crowding. Because it faces the Atlantic and is open to wind, the surf can be highly changeable. On a clean day with the right swell direction, it can produce enjoyable beach-break peaks, lefts and rights, and occasionally more powerful waves than you might expect for the area.

Conditions to expect

• Wind: Often onshore or cross-shore, especially in the afternoon
• Crowds: Usually lighter than more famous spots in mainland Europe, but can be busy when conditions are good
• Hazards: Strong currents, wind, and shifting sandbanks
• Tide sensitivity: Can work better at certain tides depending on sand movement

Who it suits

• Beginners: Possible on small, mellow days, but wind and currents can make it tricky
• Intermediate surfers: Good for practice and fun sessions
• Advanced surfers: Not usually a heavy-wave destination, but can still be enjoyable when the swell lines up

Vibe

The area has a relaxed, natural feel, with the dramatic backdrop of Montaña Roja nearby and a more low-key atmosphere than busier resort beaches. It’s a great spot if you want a surf session in a scenic, open setting.