Date of publication 01/06/2017
Discover hidden corners of Tenerife on a paddleboard Paddle surf
The trendy sport. A perfect way to explore the coast of Tenerife.
We’re heading to the island of eternal sunshine in search of long coastal outings. The plan is to unwind and stay active. This time, we’re not chasing perfect waves, even though Tenerife has them year-round from north to south. We’re after relaxed, low-risk routes along its delicate coastline, gliding on a paddleboard.
We crave that sense of freedom, the wind brushing our eyelashes while the sound of the sea is all that surrounds us. It’s an ideal time to get started in paddleboarding, and there’s no better place than the island of Tenerife.
The climate here is perfect all year round, and Tenerife stands out for its diversity and lush green areas. One key detail when choosing a wetsuit is the water temperature in the area, which usually ranges between 64 and 77°F. If you tend to feel the cold, a lightweight 2 mm wetsuit with short sleeves and long legs, or the reverse, will do the job. If you run warm, and considering the effort involved in paddling, you can simply enjoy the sea in a swimsuit, bikini, or even as nature intended in one of the island’s nudist coves.
For everyone, wearing reef shoes or neoprene booties is recommended when getting in and out of the water at different spots. This is especially important if your feet are more used to office floors than rugged terrain, as the volcanic rock that carpets many of the island’s more remote areas can be tough underfoot.
Before setting out on routes that typically range from 3 to 9 miles, it’s worth going over a few basic guidelines to make the most of the experience while avoiding common mistakes. This sport, originally from Polynesia, has grown significantly in recent years. It appeals to many because it doesn’t require intense preparation to enjoy, unlike other water sports.
First, understand how your body works on the board. In general terms, your whole body acts like a sail, guiding direction, while waves and currents influence speed and movement. From there, it’s about learning the rhythm step by step. You’ll paddle with your entire body, not just your arms. It’s a full-body workout where your chest, core, and legs all play a role. Keep your hands well spaced, your gaze fixed on the horizon to maintain balance, and fully submerge the paddle to generate propulsion without straying too far from your stance.
It’s also important to learn how to fall, or at least be ready for it at any moment. Safety is key in surfing, and just as much in paddleboarding. Always check sea conditions, including currents, wind, and forecasts before heading out. Wear your leash, apply sun protection, and consider a rash guard for extra coverage. A life vest can also add peace of mind.
At the same time, routes should be planned carefully and responsibly. A sudden shift in wind or sea conditions can quickly change the situation. The ocean is vast, so mapping out your route in advance helps avoid crowds and misunderstandings. Surfers tend to be respectful of nature and protective of their favorite spots.
With everything in place, it’s time to explore. Here are five easy, must-do routes in Tenerife, combining clear waters and manageable currents with striking landscapes and a strong surf culture.
Los Gigantes
First, set your sights on the towering cliffs of Los Gigantes, the highest sea cliffs in the entire Canary Islands.
In the increasingly popular harbor of the same name, several companies offer guided outings for added safety. The views from sea to land are unlike anything else, while the hard-to-reach beaches add a sense of adventure. Without a doubt, this is one of the most spectacular paddleboarding routes for exploring the island from the water. Facing west, these cliffs rise more than 1,300 feet above the sea, sheltering the area from the trade winds.
One of the most highly recommended companies organizing these excursions is Teno Activo. Based in the popular resort town of Los Gigantes, the team knows the best routes and local secrets and also offers other adventures, including kayaking through Masca Gorge, a dramatic ravine that opens out beneath the cliffs.
From Las Teresitas to Igueste de San Andrés
For a longer route, one of the best options is to set out from Las Teresitas Beach and continue to El Roquete in Igueste de San Andrés. The distance is just under 6 miles, filled with a sense of peace. There is a slight catch: the route can be tempting for beginners, but its length should not be underestimated. You need to be reasonably fit and used to regular exercise to complete it without becoming exhausted.
Along the way, the wild Anaga massif gradually comes into view, a green peninsula that still retains much of its untouched character. Then, paddle stroke by paddle stroke, landmarks begin to appear, including Semáforo de Anaga, a former maritime signaling station, and the small village of Igueste de San Andrés, where the route ends. Set within a ravine-like valley, this spot has become one of Tenerife’s favorite destinations for surfers thanks to its left-hand wave. Once you have finished the route by sea, there are also hiking trails nearby, if you still have energy to spare.
After so much time on the water and among the ravines, Santa Cruz de Tenerife offers plenty of characterful places to recharge. Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey is a hotel with a heated pool and spa just a short walk from the city center, ideal for restoring your energy before heading back out on the water.
The Palm-Mar surfing hub
Next, head toward Arona to paddle along Palm-Mar. This tourist area lies beneath Los Mogotes mountain and borders the Malpaís de la Rasca Special Nature Reserve. It is an ideal setting for an easy-going route close to low-lying volcanic rock formations.
For a complete introduction to the area, Wawa Shop is one of the main meeting points, run by Jonathan González, a European WSL surfing champion. The store is located at Avenida Santiago Puig 1, in the Paraíso Royal shopping area of Arona, surrounded by surf culture and lively bars. Inside, you will find surf equipment, clothing, and accessories, and the team also organizes surfing competitions and can offer advice on local conditions and routes. From here, one option is to start in Los Cristianos and paddle toward Palm-Mar, gradually leaving the buildings and lively resort atmosphere behind as you approach your destination.
If you want to extend your stay, Costa Adeje is close by and home to some of the island’s best beachfront hotels. Iberostar Waves Bouganville Playa, just over 65 feet from El Bobo Beach, is a family-friendly hotel with children’s pools and waterslides, perfect for younger travelers after a day on the board. If you are looking to unwind as a couple, Iberostar Selection Sábila, an adults-only hotel by the sea, offers an All Inclusive option and plenty of peace after the route.
Around El Médano
With its distinctive Montaña Roja rising in the background, this beach has become one of the island’s best-known spots for water sports. Yes, it can get busy, but it is well worth experiencing. One of El Médano’s biggest advantages is its infrastructure for these sports. The rise of surfing and kitesurfing here has led to a growing number of shops, schools, and adventure companies offering the equipment needed to try paddleboarding as well.
Along with all these facilities, El Médano offers photogenic views of its distinctive volcanic cone and several beginner-friendly routes. This compact bay is an excellent training ground for anyone hoping to progress quickly. Many of the companies and schools operating in the area also include a short hike up the iconic mountain as part of their excursions, timed to watch the sunset. It is hard to imagine a better way to end the day.
From Güímar to Las Galletas
This stretch covers a total of around 31 miles of coastline, ideal for those who prefer to explore independently. One of the main advantages of this part of the island is that it is well protected from the prevailing northwesterly winds. As a result, its coves, beaches, and small harbors attract more adventurous paddlers who do not need extensive facilities, especially since El Médano is really the only town in the area with a strong paddleboarding identity.
This is therefore a good option for anyone with some paddleboarding experience who wants the freedom to plan routes more spontaneously. The key is to know the area well, choose your destination with currents and swell in mind, and take in the volcanic formations along this eastern side of Tenerife. It is less crowded than many other parts of the island, yet full of places worth discovering.
And remember, Iberostar has some of the best hotels in Tenerife. With a wide range of options across the island, you can choose the area that best suits the kind of stay you have in mind.
ALEJANDRO 'JAJI' IGLESIAS
Imágenes de Cordon Press y Getty Images
HAZLO REALIDAD
