The editor's take
El Médano stretches almost two kilometres beneath the volcanic cone of Montaña Roja, and the trade winds that funnel down its bay have made it one of Europe's premier kitesurf and windsurf destinations. The vibe is barefoot and cosmopolitan: sun-bleached surfers padding into yoga cafés, German digital nomads stretched out on towels, and a town centre of low-slung whitewashed houses that has resisted the resort sprawl. Beginners can try downwind lessons in the morning calm; experts arrive in the afternoon when the wind hits 25 knots. Even non-surfers love the wide golden sand and the natural drama of the cone rising at the southern end.
The smaller cove of La Tejita next door is clothing-optional and quieter.
Walk to the lava platform under Montaña Roja at sunset for kite silhouettes.