Playa de Las Teresitas, Tenerife

01/10/2026

Playa de Las Teresitas is the favourite beach of the people of Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. It lies next to the small fishing village of San Andrés, a few kilometres north-east of the city. Most beaches on Tenerife have black volcanic sand, but Las Teresitas has golden sand. This is because the sand was brought by ship from the Sahara Desert in the 1970s. The beach is about 1.3 kilometres long and is surrounded by steep green mountains, which makes the setting very beautiful.

What to See

A long stone breakwater protects the beach from the open sea, so the water is usually calm and safe for swimming. This makes it a very good beach for families. Palm trees give shade along the sand, and there are kiosks, showers and toilets. From the road above the beach there is a famous viewpoint where you can take photos of the golden bay and the mountains. In the village of San Andrés nearby there are small restaurants that serve fresh fish and local food. Behind the beach rise the Anaga Mountains, a nature area with good walking paths.

How to Get There and Practical Information

Las Teresitas is about 8 kilometres from the centre of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. You can get there by car in about 15 minutes, or by local bus from the city. There is a car park next to the beach, but it can be full at weekends. The beach is free to use, and sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented. It is busy on summer weekends with local families, so weekdays are quieter. The north of Tenerife can be cloudier than the south, so check the weather before you go.