Teresitas Beach (Playa de las Teresitas) is one of the most famous and beautiful beaches on the island of Tenerife, located on the northeastern coast of the Canary Islands. The beach is known for its golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and stunning backdrop of the rugged Anaga Mountains. Its calm and inviting atmosphere makes it one of the most visited beaches on the island, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing by the sea.
Teresitas Beach is located in the town of San Andrés, just a few kilometers to the northeast of the capital city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The beach is easily accessible by car, public transport, and taxi from different parts of the island. If you’re driving, take the TF-11 road, which leads directly to the beach from Santa Cruz. The drive takes approximately 15 minutes from the city center.
If you do not have a car, there are bus services from Santa Cruz to Teresitas Beach. The buses, operated by TITSA (the island's public transport service), run regularly throughout the day and can be boarded at various locations in Santa Cruz. The ride is short and convenient, taking around 20 minutes to reach the beach.
Taxis are also widely available and offer a convenient way to reach the beach. For those staying in nearby hotels or resorts, many of them offer shuttle services that will take you directly to Teresitas Beach for a small fee or even for free, depending on the hotel's amenities.
The weather in Tenerife is generally warm and sunny year-round, making it a great place to visit at any time. Teresitas Beach, located on the northern coast, enjoys mild temperatures throughout the year. During the summer months (June to September), temperatures typically range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), with pleasant sea breezes that make the beach even more enjoyable. The winter months (November to February) are cooler, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 20°C (59°F to 68°F), but the weather remains mild and perfect for a beach day.
Because of its location, Teresitas Beach tends to experience calm weather and gentle waves, which make it ideal for swimming. The beach benefits from the protection of a breakwater, which creates a sheltered area with clear waters. This makes it an excellent choice for families and people who prefer a relaxed beach experience.
Teresitas Beach is open to the public every day, and since it is an outdoor beach, it doesn’t have specific opening or closing times. However, it is most popular during daylight hours. The best time to visit the beach is typically between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, when the sun is at its brightest, and the beach is most active. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon is a good idea, as the beach tends to get more crowded during midday, especially in the summer months.
Teresitas Beach is famous for its unique golden sand, which was imported from the Sahara Desert in the 1970s. The beach’s soft, golden sand is one of the reasons it stands out from many of the other natural beaches on the island, which typically have darker volcanic sand. The beach is also well-known for its calm waters, making it ideal for swimming and water activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
The beach is surrounded by palm trees and has a picturesque view of the Anaga Mountains, adding to its beauty and tranquility. The protective breakwater ensures that the water remains calm and clear, allowing for a peaceful beach experience. Teresitas Beach is also a family-friendly destination, offering plenty of amenities such as showers, restaurants, sunbeds, and umbrellas.
Access to Teresitas Beach is free, and visitors can enjoy the sand and water at no cost. However, there are facilities at the beach that may charge small fees. For example, sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, providing a comfortable way to relax by the sea. The cost for renting a sunbed is usually around €4-€5 per day, and umbrellas are typically rented for €3-€4 each. There are also a variety of beachside cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal or snack while taking in the view of the sea.
For those arriving by car, there is a large parking lot near the beach where you can park for free. However, during peak seasons, such as the summer months, the parking area can fill up quickly. Arriving early is recommended if you want to secure a parking spot.
Teresitas Beach was originally a small, natural cove with black volcanic sand like many of the island's other beaches. In the 1970s, a project was launched to transform the beach into a more attractive destination for tourism. The most notable aspect of this project was the importation of golden sand from the Sahara Desert in Africa. This golden sand was spread across the beach, giving Teresitas its signature look and making it one of the most unique beaches on the island.
The beach's development also included the construction of a large breakwater, which protects the beach from strong currents and large waves, ensuring calm waters for swimming. Over the years, the area surrounding Teresitas Beach has been further developed with additional amenities, including restaurants, cafes, and public restrooms, making it a convenient and accessible beach destination for locals and tourists alike.
Teresitas Beach offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the most popular things to do at the beach: