Tenerife is not Hawaii. But for Europe, it's the closest thing — waves year-round, water at 20-24°C, and a north-easterly trade wind that makes El Médano the European kitesurfing capital. The south offers regular breaks for beginners. The north, powerful reef waves for advanced surfers. And in between, enough diversity for every surfer to find their spot — from the laid-back longboarder to the competitive kiter.
Beginners: Playa de Las Américas (Las Palmeras) has a regular beach break and surf schools every 50 meters. Expect 35-45€ for a 2-hour lesson with equipment. El Médano also works when the wind drops (rare). Intermediate: Playa del Socorro (Los Realejos) is the most consistent spot in the north — right and left on sandy bottom, works well with north-west swell. Punta Blanca (near Las Américas) offers a long, clean right. Advanced: La Izquierda de El Roque (Bajamar) is the island's most respected reef spot — hollow left on rocky bottom, territorial locals, helmet recommended. Almáciga (Anaga) offers world-class waves when north swell rolls in, in a wild setting.
El Médano is Tenerife's wind spot. Trade winds blow 300 days a year, between 15 and 30 knots, with a regularity that kiteboarders around the world envy. Playa de la Tejita and Playa de El Cabezo are the two main spots — Tejita for beginners (flat water on the east side), Cabezo for experts (waves and jumps). About ten kite and windsurf schools line the promenade — 3-hour lessons from 100€, equipment rental 60-80€/day. Peak wind season: June to September. In winter, wind is more irregular but waves make up for it.