4.7 (5)•Nature Area•El Médano, South Tenerife
A 171 m coastal volcanic cone inside a 166 ha special nature reserve between El Médano and La Tejita.
Montaña Roja is the result of a coastal eruption now joined to the island by volcanic material. The reserve mixes sand, wetlands, beaches, rocky edges and bird habitat, including protected species around the shore and wetland zones. For visitors, the value is simple: a quick climb with strong views and a clear sense of how wind, volcano and beach meet on this coast. Stay on paths, avoid sensitive areas and choose shoes for loose volcanic ground.
This is an easier south-coast stop, but food, shade and short transfers still make the day better.
Blog context
Useful planning notes connected to this place: weather, transport, routes, and nearby decisions.
A practical 2026 El Médano guide for wind, La Tejita, Montaña Roja, airport timing, water-sports energy, swimming expectations and calmer south-coast alternatives.
A practical 2026 arrival guide for renting a car at Tenerife South Airport: queues, deposits, insurance excess, damage photos, fuel rules and where to keep the first evening easy.
A clear comparison of south Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz, La Laguna, Santa Cruz and El Médano — with weather, beaches, driving and split-stay advice.
Traveler photos
Guest review summary
Commonly mentioned by visitors.
Visitors value the quick climb-to-view ratio and the way the cone frames La Tejita and El Médano.
The reserve pairs well with a south-coast beach day, especially when the wind is manageable.
Views over the ocean, airport side and wind-sport coast are broad for such a short walk.
The route is exposed to sun and wind with almost no shade.
Loose ground and unofficial paths can be slippery.
Parking pressure rises around La Tejita and El Médano on busy beach days.
Facilities are limited inside the reserve itself.
Recommended reviews
Dr. Des Walsh
Source: Google Maps
2 months ago
A tricky, slippery climb where good shoes and sticks help. The reviewer specifically says to stick to the path and keep off planting areas.
Paul Meagher
Source: Google Maps
3 months ago
Good area for walking, running or cycling, with several route options. For the red mountain, the signed path is safer than other routes.
Sławomir Nadziak
Source: Google Maps
in the last week
A recent short review gives the most important practical warning here: be careful with the sun.
Michal Czako
Source: Google Maps
a year ago
A short hike with views over the beach below the mountain; this reviewer estimated around 50 minutes to the top.
Svetlana Ginevic
Source: Google Maps
3 years ago
A short mountain hike with broad ocean views, the airport nearby and a sandy beach at the foot of the volcanic cone.
Short Does Not Mean Careless
The climb is brief, but people still slip on loose ground and informal paths. The signed route is the practical choice, not just the rule-following choice.
KnowTenerife
Wind Shapes The Visit
El Médano's wind can make the walk feel cooler and more exposed at the same time. Hold hats, protect skin and expect blowing sand near the beaches.
KnowTenerife
This Is A Reserve, Not Empty Land
The open look can be misleading. Wetlands, planted areas and bird habitat are part of why the site is protected, so shortcuts do real damage.
KnowTenerife
Yes for active children used to uneven ground, but avoid heat, strong wind and informal steep routes.
Use shoes with grip for the climb. Sandals are fine for the beach, but a poor choice for loose volcanic ground.
No. Stay on marked paths and avoid planted, wetland or sensitive areas.
La Tejita, El Médano or a short south-coast beach plan.
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