Kitesurf spots in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

This open-coast break at the point between Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos is very much the sheltered, resort side of Tenerife, so it has a quieter, more incidental feel than the island's wind-machine spots. It works best on NE flow, which is the unusual case here since the usual trades are blocked or offshore down this southwest corner and reliable wind days are limited and seasonal rather than the near-daily blasting found at El Medano. Expect a wave-prone, swell-exposed setup that suits intermediate and advanced riders comfortable steering in moving water. The sandy beach gives reasonable room to launch and land, but the surrounding stretches are busy tourist beaches where kiting is often restricted, so space and timing matter. Crowding from swimmers and sunbathers is the real constraint; ride early or off-peak and give bathers a wide berth.

The Harbour Wall at El Medano is the windiest corner of Tenerife's main wave bay, a committing spot reserved for experienced riders. The NE trade wind blows cross-onshore from the left of the wall, strong and steady at 12-30-plus knots, with the most constant wind from May to September and a June-to-August peak, though it works year-round. The water is wave-prone, with waves breaking onto the reef off the wall's outer edge. There is sandy beach to rig on, but the spot is shared with many windsurfers and the reef and rocks demand respect, so it is for kite experts only. El Medano is one of Europe's most reliable wind towns and gets genuinely busy in summer. Mind the rocks and the crowd of windsurfers sharing the water.