If you’ve spent any time in El Médano, you’ll know it doesn’t take long to spot a windsurfer skimming across the bay.
For ten days this summer, that familiar sight gets taken to another level as the Wind&Waves Festival returns from 31 July to 9 August, bringing many of the world’s best windsurfers back to Playa de El Cabezo.
Now in its 12th edition, the event has become one of the highlights of Tenerife’s sporting calendar and continues to strengthen El Médano’s reputation as one of Europe’s premier windsurfing destinations.
World Championship Returns for a Third Consecutive Year
For the third year running, the festival will host the PWA/WWT World Championships in the Open, Junior and Masters categories, with both men’s and women’s competitions taking place.
The world’s top riders will once again compete in the powerful winds and waves that have made El Médano famous within the international windsurfing community.
New Competitions Added for 2026
This year’s programme introduces two new events alongside the World Championships.
For the first time, the festival will host the Spanish Open Windsurfing Championship, giving Spain’s top competitors the chance to compete on one of the country’s most iconic windsurfing beaches.
Also making its debut is the Foil Drive Challenge, reflecting the growing popularity of foil technology within the sport.
More Than Just a Sporting Event
While the action on the water remains the main attraction, the Wind&Waves Festival has grown into much more than a competition.
Visitors can also enjoy a lively festival atmosphere featuring food stalls, shopping areas, family activities and live music throughout the event.
It’s one of those occasions where even people with little knowledge of windsurfing can spend an enjoyable day by the beach soaking up the atmosphere.
Showcasing Tenerife to the World
Organisers and local officials see the festival as an important opportunity to promote Tenerife internationally.
The event attracts professional athletes, support teams and spectators from around the world while showcasing the island’s natural conditions for watersports.
For El Médano, it’s another chance to demonstrate why it’s consistently regarded as one of the best places in Europe for windsurfing, with reliable winds, excellent wave conditions and a relaxed seaside atmosphere that keeps competitors coming back year after year.