Apartamento Sotavento I (Isa)

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at a lot of places in the Canary Islands, but Apartamento Sotavento I hit differently – in the best way possible. Isa (that’s what locals call it) sits right on Calle El Cano, which honestly sounds way fancier than it is. El Médano isn’t trying to be Costa Adeje or anything flashy like that. It’s this laid-back fishing village that somehow became a windsurfing mecca, and that’s exactly why this place works so well.

The apartment itself? It’s got that perfect balance of being properly equipped without feeling sterile. You know what I mean – there’s actually decent coffee in the kitchen, the WiFi doesn’t cut out every ten minutes, and the shower has real water pressure. The terrace overlooks the town rather than the ocean (you’re about a three-minute walk from the beach anyway), but honestly, I preferred watching the morning routine of the neighborhood. There’s this little bakery – Panadería Carmen – literally around the corner where the smell of fresh bread drifts up around 7 AM. Fair warning though: El Médano gets properly windy, especially in the afternoons. That’s the whole point if you’re into kitesurfing, but your terrace breakfast might require some strategic plate-weighing.

What really sold me was how Isa clearly knows her stuff about the area. She left this little notebook with actual useful information – not just tourist trap restaurants, but where to get the best papas arrugadas (try Bar Playa Sur, not the obvious beachfront places), which supermarket has the freshest fish, and crucially, where to park during the windsurfing competitions when the whole town goes mental. The apartment’s location means you can walk to Playa El Médano in five minutes, but you’re also close enough to the bus stop for day trips to Teide or Los Cristianos without needing a rental car. I mean, you’ll probably want one anyway because Tenerife’s got so much to explore, but it’s nice having options. The building’s quiet – mostly seems to be other vacation rentals and a few long-term residents who’ve figured out this is one of the island’s best-kept secrets. September through November is absolutely perfect here, by the way. Still warm enough for the beach, but the summer crowds have cleared out and you can actually get a table at the good restaurants without planning three days ahead.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $94. Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Exceptional – Peter from Switzerland – 6 April 2023 (10/10)

  The apartment has a nice balcony view (into the garden and a bit of sea view). The sofa on the balcony is great for chilling in the evening.

• Very good – Sam from United Kingdom – 6 March 2023 (8/10)

  Easy check in – all as advertised. Clean and tidy
  
  What could be improved: La Tajita is a little outside of el Medano

• Superb – Birgit from Switzerland – 12 October 2023 (9/10)

  Die Lage ist fantastisch. Schlüsselübergabe tip top.
  
  What could be improved: Das Bett ist für Nordeuropäer etwas knapp (kurz)

• Superb – Laurence from Belgium – 4 February 2025 (9/10)

  Très bon accueil. Très réactif.
  Situation sud. Nous avons pu profiter du soleil sur la terrasse.
  
  What could be improved: Lit double assez petit, matelas un peu trop dur.

• Superb – Lapiazzadianna from Italy – 29 January 2025 (9/10)

  Disponibilità dell host,posizione,servizi essenziali nelle vicinanze

• Exceptional – Diro from Germany – 29 July 2024 (10/10)

• Very good – Ramunas from Lithuania – 17 April 2023 (8/10)

• Exceptional – Corina from Romania – 18 February 2023 (10/10)

• Exceptional – Andraž from Slovenia – 10 February 2023 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities