Playa de Las Teresitas, an artificial beach located just 1.5 km from the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. This article will tell you everything you need to know about visiting this little piece of paradise.
Where is Playa de Las Teresitas and how to get there?
Las Teresitas Beach is located in the village of San Andrés, next to the Anaga Mountains and just a short drive from the center of Santa Cruz. To reach the beach by car, leave Santa Cruz and head north on Avenida Maritima towards Taganana. After less than 2 kilometers, take the exit to Playa de las Teresitas and follow the signs to the beach parking lot, which can accommodate nearly 100 cars.
If you are traveling by public transportation, numerous TITSA buses connect the city of Santa Cruz with the village of San Andrés and Las Teresitas beach. Just take the 910 or 945 bus and get off at the Las Teresitas stop, right next to the beach entrance.
Why visit Las Teresitas beach in Tenerife?
With golden sand imported from the Sahara Desert in Africa, Las Teresitas Beach offers one of the most unique beach settings in the Canary Islands. Its golden sand contrasts beautifully with the black volcanic sand beaches that are more typical of the island. The beach is very popular with locals due to its proximity to the capital and its calm, sheltered waters, which make it ideal for families with children.
Due to its location, protected by two breakwaters on either side, Las Teresitas beach offers mostly calm waters, especially in the areas closer to the shore. The breakwaters also ensure that this area is safe for swimmers, while experienced surfers and bodyboarders can enjoy the occasional Atlantic swell further out.
When was Las Teresitas beach built?
Las Teresitas is an artificial beach created in 1974 when sand was imported from Western Sahara and Morocco to create the golden beach. Prior to its construction, there was a local black sand fishing beach in San Andrés that was frequented by local fishermen.
The project, initiated by the Minister of Tourism, Manuel Hermoso Rojas, and approved by the Santa Cruz City Council under the leadership of Mayor Juan Régulo Pérez, aimed to create an attractive beach area with calm waters, protected from currents and waves by two breakwaters that surround the sandy area.
What facilities are available at Las Teresitas beach?
As one of the most popular beaches in Tenerife, Las Teresitas offers excellent facilities for visitors, including beach cafés, restaurants and beach bars, known as “chiringuitos” in Spanish. These cafés line the back of the beach and offer shaded seating areas, sun loungers for rent, tropical cocktails, snacks and light meals throughout the day.
Other facilities near the sand area include public restrooms, outdoor showers, a children’s play area, volleyball courts, picnic tables, and handicap ramps for easy access to the beach. Lifeguards patrol the beach daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and can assist with umbrellas, sun loungers and water equipment rentals.
Behind the long golden coastline facing the Atlantic Ocean, a pedestrian promenade lines the shore where visitors can stroll and take in the sights. The promenade connects to hiking trails that lead up to the Anaga Mountains for those who want to get some exercise with a view during their visit.
What to do at Las Teresitas beach?
Las Teresitas offers the perfect beach to enjoy the sun and sand with family and friends. Visitors flock to the wide, golden sands to relax on towels and blankets or rent sunbeds and umbrellas. The calm waters allow for leisurely swims without fear of rough currents or surprise waves.
For the more adventurous, parts of the beach further out from the breakwater walls offer decent bodyboarding and surfing waves on days when the swell picks up. The eastern side of the beach is also popular with snorkelers, hoping to spot colorful fish and marine life in the crystal clear waters protected by the rocky arms that wrap around part of the coastline.
Beachgoers looking for some exercise can join in the spontaneous beach volleyball games that take place on the golden sands of Las Teresitas. Pickup games often start near the public volleyball posts and are open to new players interested in burning some calories with the added fun of an ocean view.
What to bring for a day at Las Teresitas beach?
Las Teresitas has everything a beachgoer could want for a relaxing day at the beach, including cafés, chairs, umbrellas, restrooms and showers. However, visitors looking to save money often bring their own towels, blankets, sunscreen, food and drinks. Umbrellas and chairs can also be brought to secure your own shady spot on the sand.
The golden sands do get hot under the Tenerife sun, so be sure to bring adequate sun protection in the form of hats and UV-protective clothing. Swimwear is of course required for swimming, along with goggles and snorkels for exploring the underwater sights.
Beach toys, balls, Frisbees, and paddleboards or other water toys can also enhance your Las Teresitas experience if some active family beach fun sounds appealing.
Can you get to Las Teresitas beach by public transport?
Las Teresitas beach has excellent public transport connections to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, making it very accessible even without a rental car. Visitors can take the TITSA public bus 910 or 920 directly from the center of Santa Cruz to the Las Teresitas bus stop right next to the beach entrance.
Buses run frequently, especially during high season, and the short 10-15 minute bus ride is scenic and enjoyable, taking you high above the city and along the Atlantic coast before descending to the village of San Andrés and the seaside Playa de Las Teresitas.
Is Las Teresitas beach suitable for families?
With calm waters, golden sands perfect for sand castles, pedestrian promenades, beach cafés and play areas, Las Teresitas is arguably one of the best beaches in Tenerife for families. Parents love the peace of mind that comes with life guarded swimming areas and breakwaters that block waves and currents – allowing even small children to enjoy safe, supervised swimming along the coastline.
The shallow waters that extend far from shore are also calm and clear – perfect for children to spot colorful fish as they wade and play. Rental facilities provide everything families need for a fun-filled day of picnicking, sunbathing, sand castle competitions, ball games and swimming adventures.
When the little ones need a break from the sun, shaded cafés and palm trees offer respite and refreshments to recharge for more fun. Many families make a full day of their visit to Las Teresitas, enjoying both the water activities and the amenities of the restaurants, promenades and playgrounds well into the late afternoon.
Are there parking facilities at Las Teresitas beach?
Yes, Las Teresitas has a large dedicated beach parking lot that can accommodate nearly 100 vehicles. The parking lot is located on a small road just behind the beach and is free of charge. Arriving early in the peak summer season ensures the best chance of grabbing one of the parking spots within walking distance of the sand and facilities.
Free street parking is also available in the neighborhoods and streets surrounding Las Teresitas beach and leading up to the village area. However, these areas fill up quickly, so it is important to get a spot early during the busy tourist season. A mix of parking options makes Las Teresitas easily accessible for visitors with rental cars who want to include the beach in their Tenerife vacation itinerary.
Things to remember when visiting Las Teresitas beach
- Arrive early (around 10am) in peak summer season to secure sunbeds/umbrellas and parking
- Bring sun protection – hats, UV protective clothing, sunscreen
- Bring your own snacks and drinks to save money
- Confirm bus times for return trips to Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Enjoy both the beaches and facilities such as cafés, promenades, trails
- Swim only in areas patrolled by lifeguards (10am-6pm)
- Leave the beach as you found it to preserve its beauty
With golden sands, postcard views, calm waters and excellent facilities, Playa de Las Teresitas offers a complete beach experience for all ages and interests, right on Tenerife’s doorstep. This Atlantic seaside gem continues to welcome sun-seekers and vacationers year after year thanks to its winning combination of natural beauty and visitor infrastructure that combines relaxation, adventure and convenience into one popular destination on Spain’s Canary Coast.
