MarMédano Apartamento 3

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at my fair share of vacation rentals across the Canary Islands, and MarMédano Apartamento 3 honestly caught me off guard – in the best way possible. You know how sometimes a place just feels right the moment you walk in? That’s exactly what happened here. The apartment sits on the third floor of this unassuming building on Calle Miguel el Pescador (love that street name, by the way – “Miguel the Fisherman”), and while the exterior won’t win any architecture awards, step inside and you’ll get why this place pulls a 9.5 rating.

The location is what really makes this spot special, though. I mean, you’re literally a two-minute walk from Playa del Médano, which – if you’ve never been – is this gorgeous stretch of golden sand that feels way less touristy than the southern resort areas. The wind picks up in the afternoons, which makes it perfect for kitesurfing if you’re into that, but honestly, I just loved watching the kiters do their thing while I nursed a beer from the nearby chiringuitos. The apartment itself has this lived-in comfort that you don’t get at sterile hotel chains. The kitchen actually has proper knives and decent pans (you’d be surprised how rare that is), and there’s this little balcony where you can hear the ocean if you listen carefully – well, when the wind dies down anyway.

What struck me most was how the owners clearly know their guests. There’s a folder with local recommendations that goes way beyond the typical tourist traps. They pointed me toward this tiny family-run restaurant called Casa Toño about three blocks inland where I had the best papas arrugadas of my entire trip. The Wi-Fi actually works (crucial for anyone trying to stay semi-connected), and the shower has proper water pressure – small things that matter when you’re staying somewhere for more than a night or two. The building can get a bit echo-y with footsteps from upstairs neighbors, but honestly, by 10 PM everything quiets down since most people are either out exploring or crashed from a day at the beach. Parking was easier than I expected too – there’s usually a spot within a block or two, which is saying something for this area during peak season. If you’re the type who needs resort amenities and daily housekeeping, this probably isn’t your vibe. But if you want to feel like you’re actually living in El Médano for a few days rather than just passing through, this place nails it perfectly.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $217. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 4

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities