Playa de Las Teresitas is the favourite beach of the people of Santa Cruz and one of the most photographed on the island. Most of Tenerife’s natural beaches are of black volcanic sand, but Las Teresitas is a broad sweep of pale golden sand, famously brought in from the Sahara when the beach was built in the 1970s. It runs for about 1,300 metres beside the fishing village of San Andrés, with rows of palm trees along the back and the steep slopes of the Anaga mountains rising behind. A man-made breakwater offshore keeps the water calm, which makes it one of the best beaches on the island for young children and easy swimming. Facilities include lifeguards, toilets, showers and accessible access, as well as bars, restaurants, sun loungers and parasols for hire and a stand-up paddle area with lessons from an official school. Entry is free, and there is parking for more than a hundred cars.
How it works: the beach is on the Avenida Marítima de San Andrés, a short drive north-east of Santa Cruz along the coast road. Urban buses run from the city, and there is a car park behind the beach, which fills up on summer weekends. There is no entry fee, and loungers and parasols can be rented by the day.
What to expect: weekdays are relaxed, while weekends bring families from the city and a lively atmosphere. The north-east coast is often cloudier than the south, and the wind can pick up in the afternoon, but the breakwater keeps the water calm. The kiosks along the beach serve drinks and snacks, and San Andrés, at the southern end, has fish restaurants serving the day’s catch.
Making the most of it: arrive mid-morning on a weekday, choose a spot in the shade of the palms, and finish with fresh fish in San Andrés. For a wild contrast, drive the mountain road up from San Andrés to the Anaga viewpoints, or combine the beach with a morning in Santa Cruz or La Laguna.
What to expect
The experience
A long, sheltered sandy beach with full facilities, kiosks and rentals, next to a fishing village.
Best time
A weekday morning, before the weekend crowds and the afternoon wind.
How long
Half a day, or a full day with lunch in San Andrés.
Tips
Arrive early on weekends to find parking, and save room for fresh fish in San Andrés.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers based in Santa Cruz or La Laguna who want a classic sandy beach.
- Families
- Calm water behind the breakwater, lifeguards and facilities make it ideal for children.
- Couples
- Walk the length of the beach under the palms and stay for a seafood lunch.
- Pair with
- The Anaga Rural Park mountain roads, or La Laguna’s old town.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Is the sand at Las Teresitas from the Sahara?+
Yes, the beach was built with pale sand famously brought from the Sahara in the 1970s. It is one of the few golden-sand beaches on the island.
Is Las Teresitas good for children?+
Very, because a breakwater keeps the water calm and lifeguards are on duty. There are toilets, showers and kiosks along the beach.
How do I get to Las Teresitas from Santa Cruz?+
It is a short drive north-east of the city along the coast road, and urban buses run there. There is a car park with more than a hundred spaces.
Can I rent sun loungers at Las Teresitas?+
Yes, loungers and parasols are available to rent. Entry to the beach itself is free.
Where can I eat near Las Teresitas?+
The village of San Andrés at the southern end has fish restaurants serving local catch. There are also kiosks and bars along the beach.