Things To Do in El Medano

At this red-painted beach bar you’ll find Popeye, Godzilla and Flash Gordon – just a few of the neon-coloured cocktails on offer. During the day it’s a laid-back kind of place with free books to read. At night, the jukebox does DJ duty for the hippie crowd. The crazy mural is worth checking out, as is the terrace-side view of Montana Roja.

A free bus service from the resort gets you to Jungle Park over in Los Christianos. They don’t stint on their animals here, with everything from big cats to hippos and penguins. You’ve also got 3 acres of lagoons and Indiana Jones-style rope bridges to get round, plus a high-speed bobsleigh to try out. When you’re hungry, you can take a break at one of the fast-food places here.

This place at the end of the coastal road is famous for its breakfasts. Order the special, and you'll be presented with a three-tier cake stand filled with the likes of scrambled egg, smoked salmon, cold meats, cheeses and fresh fruit. It's all washed down with a cold glass of sparkling wine, too. The juice menu is worth a look, too.

When it comes to nightlife, El Medano is more conversation and cocktails than foam parties and free shots. Along the beachfront, you’ve got bijou bars serving up dry martinis alongside boho places where the surf dudes hang out. Over in the town’s main plaza, meanwhile, the free-flowing sangria and live music means you won’t be getting an early night.

El Medano gets its dancing shoes on for this annual 3-day folk fest. It all happens on the town square where they throw a huge party to celebrate world music and dance. It’s not just the locals who get to show off their talents, though – bands from Slovakia, Bolivia and Russia also dress up in traditional costume to entertain the crowd.

Lined up by Playa El Medano you’ve got a mix of Canarian, Spanish and international eating places all with one thing in common – top seafood. Whichever catch of the day you choose, try it con mojos – doused in the local spicy sauce. The seafront fish restaurants are white tablecloth affairs, but if you want a cheaper supper head into the streets.

Surf shops, souvenir places and supermarkets – El Medano has them all. If you fancy a haggle, though, swing by the Saturday market on the main square – it’s one of the best on the island apparently. It’s a good spot for clothes and jewellery – and the freshly-made pastries go down well when you’re feeling peckish.