El Medano, Tenerife

Friday, midday

Check into the newly refurbished three star Hotel Medano (doubles from £69, www.medano.es) and enjoy the fact that it recently escaped the wrecker’s ball as you take in the sweeping views of Tenerife’s most laidback beach resort town.

1pm

Ease down to the legendary Flashpoint Café (tel: +922-176 111), the epicentre of the thriving local watersports scene. Healthy salads and tapas style options tempt with ocean views.

2:30pm

Time to hit the surf now with Azul Kiteboarding (www. azulkiteboarding.com), who offer kiteboarding lessons for complete beginners.

7pm

Head to Familiar (tel: 627-587 758) and enjoy superb paella and fresh seafood in an unpretentious setting.

Saturday, 10am

Hike around the bay while it’s still cool enough and ascend Montana Roja, the iron infused volcano that looms over Medano. The views are epic to the town and south to the sweeping sands of Playa la Tejita.

1pm

Nip through to the neighbouring coastal oasis of Los Abrigos, home to an active fishing fleet. Enjoy their rich bounty at Restaurante Los Abrigos (www.restaurantelosabrigos.com), one of Tenerife’s best seafood eateries, where you can choose your fish from their chilled display.

3pm

Wander a few streets back from the busy waterfront boulevard and another El Medano appears of wee shops and cool café bars.

7pm

Return to the more touristy waterfront of El Medano for a relaxed tapas dinner at Imperio de Pintxo (tel: 922-176 304), where a creative fusion touch spices up the dishes on the edge of tiny Playa Chica. Their daily sliders are delicious.

Sunday, 9am

Rejoin the local kiteboarders or try your hand at windsurfing or paddle boarding. Alternatively just make for the protected bathing area for a dip in the cobalt blue Atlantic and congratulate yourself at discovering this chilled out slice of Macaronesia. ■

Robin Mckelvie

Easyjet (www.easyjet.com) fly to Tenerife South from Edinburgh with returns from £104.03. Holiday Autos (www.holidayautos.com) offer pick up and drop off car hire at Tenerife South. Lonely Planet’s guide to the Canaries features El Medano.