Bahia de El Médano, Playa Sur

El Mèdano's big sandy bay – also known as 'Playa Sur' – is the classic Tenerife spot. Challenging but doable for beginners, it's also ideal for improving wavesailors: great for daily progress in wave heights of 1m to 2m. Those who like it bigger head further out to play in the Atlantic swell: kiters generally ride the south of the bay while windsurfers tend to stay further upwind. It’s mostly the amenities that make this place so popular though. Town and apartments are walkable while kit can either be hired at the centre, or store your own in containers right at the spot. At 'Flashpoint’ you can get food and drink all day long, complete with a view of the water. In such a relaxed setting, most people don’t hold the gusty wind close inshore against the place. But don’t be fooled by the crescent-shaped bay – you can’t drift away, yet it's a rocky shore downwind with seriously limited landing potential.