Visiting Las Teresitas Beach near Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Just a few miles north of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Teresitas Beach stands out from other beaches on the island for its golden sand imported from the Sahara. Stretching about 1.5 km and lined with palm trees, it provides a quiet setting for a day by the ocean.
An artificial yet harmonious beach
Unlike the black volcanic sand beaches typical of Tenerife, Las Teresitas owes its golden color to a massive shipment of Saharan sand in the 1970s. Despite its artificial origins, the site fits well into the landscape, with a breakwater protecting the beach from currents, making swimming comfortable even for families with children.
Mountain views and a preserved setting
In the background, the lush hills of Anaga contrast with the blue of the Atlantic. The nearby village of San Andrés keeps an authentic atmosphere with restaurants serving fresh fish. Unlike the high-rise tourist beaches in the south of the island, this area remains largely free of heavy development.
On-site activities and services
Las Teresitas is well-equipped with showers, beach bars, and sun lounger rentals. Water sports enthusiasts can go paddleboarding or kayaking, although the surf here is generally mild. For a panoramic view, a lookout point accessible by car offers a vantage point to see the entire bay and the surrounding mountains.
It is the closest beach to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, accessible by city bus. The sun sets quite early on this east side of the island, so do not go too late. Very few waves because it is protected by a jetty.