Playa de las Teresitas is the only beach in Tenerife with golden sand — and that’s no accident. In 1973, thousands of tonnes of sand were shipped from the Sahara to this small bay on the island’s north coast. The result? A kilometre-long stretch of soft, pale sand lined with palm trees, with the Anaga mountains as a backdrop — a striking contrast to the black volcanic beaches that dominate Tenerife.
Where is Playa de las Teresitas and how to get there?
The beach sits on Tenerife’s northeast coast, just past the fishing village of San Andrés, only 7 km from the centre of Santa Cruz de Tenerife — the island’s capital.
By car: From Santa Cruz, take the TF-121 coastal road — the drive takes about 10–15 minutes. There’s a large, free car park running along the beach. Note: on weekends and in summer, spaces fill up fast — arrive early.
By bus: From the Santa Cruz bus station, take TITSA line 910 — the ride takes about 15 minutes, with buses every 30–60 minutes. The stop is right at the beach.
Beach characteristics
Las Teresitas stretches about 1.5 km in length and is sheltered by two breakwaters, each over a kilometre long. Thanks to them, the water in the bay is calm and shallow — ideal for swimming, even with small children. It’s one of the safest places to swim in Tenerife.
The sand is light, soft, and pleasant underfoot — completely different from the island’s typical black beaches. If you’re looking for a sandy beach with golden sand in Tenerife, this is your best bet on the north coast.
Facilities
The beach is well equipped: showers, changing rooms, and toilets are available along the shore. Sun loungers with parasols can be rented. Several beach bars on the promenade serve drinks and snacks.
Right next to the beach, in the village of San Andrés, you’ll find excellent seafood restaurants — local, affordable, with fresh catches of the day. It’s a popular lunch spot for Santa Cruz residents.
Who is Las Teresitas for?
- Families with children — calm, shallow water thanks to the breakwaters. One of the safest spots on the island.
- Golden sand seekers — the only beach in Tenerife with genuine golden Saharan sand.
- Local atmosphere lovers — this is the beach of Santa Cruz locals, not a tourist resort. On weekends, it’s packed with Canarian families.
- Photographers — the view of the Anaga mountains from the beach is spectacular, especially at sunset.
Nearby beaches
For a taste of contrast — just a few kilometres towards Santa Cruz, you’ll find the typical black sand beaches of northern Tenerife. In the other direction, beyond the Anaga mountain pass, the wild Playa de Benijo awaits — a surfer’s paradise with dramatic cliffs.
Weather at Playa de las Teresitas
Teresitas is the only beach on Tenerife with imported golden Saharan sand. It lies just outside the island’s capital on the east coast. The weather here can be windier than in the south, but temperatures rarely drop below 20°C. Check the weather in Santa Cruz de Tenerife or nearby La Laguna.