Playa de las Teresitas (beach)

Characteristics

Playa de Las Teresitas is located near the village of San Andres in Tenerife. It attracts visitors with its golden sand, which has been imported from the Sahara, making it one of only two yellow sand beaches on the island.

Length and width: The beach stretches to a length of approximately 1.3 kilometres and a width of between 80 and 120 metres, providing ample space for relaxation and outdoor play.

Facilities and infrastructure:

• Golden Sand: Soft and clean sand, ideal for families to relax and play.
• Cheap Stalls: There are kiosks on the beach offering drinks and snacks at affordable prices.
• Toilets: Public toilets are available for the convenience of visitors.
• Bars: Several beach bars offer refreshments and snacks.
• Lifeguard: Lifeguards are always on duty on the beach, making your holiday safe.
• Breakwater: The breakwater system provides a calm and safe swimming environment, protecting the beach from big waves.
• Sunbeds and parasols: Available for hire, providing comfort and protection from the sun.
• Disabled Access: There are special access routes and facilities for people with disabilities, making the beach accessible to all.

These features make Playa de Las Teresitas an attractive holiday destination for locals and tourists alike.

Description

Playa de Las Teresitas is undoubtedly the jewel among the beaches of Tenerife, attracting attention with its unique yellow sand and picturesque views. Located just a few kilometres north of Santa Cruz, the capital of the island, this beach is the ideal place for those seeking privacy and the beauty of nature close to the urban infrastructure.

The beach is surrounded by a picturesque landscape: on one side it is bounded by the sea and man-made breakwaters that protect it from the Atlantic waves, and on the other side there are green hills covered with lush vegetation. The artificial breakwaters have been created to make the sea off the beach calm, which is especially appreciated by families with children.

Las Teresitas beach attracts with its golden sand, which was brought from the Sahara desert in the 1970s. This was done to transform the originally volcanic black sand into a more tourist-appealing yellow sand. The visual contrast between the bright sand and the blue of the ocean creates a truly breathtaking picture.

The beach has comfortable wooden sun loungers and umbrellas that can be rented for a small fee. There are also snack and drink stands on the beach, and the local beach bars offer a wide range of refreshments and light meals, allowing visitors to enjoy a day at the beach without having to leave the area.

In summary, Playa de Las Teresitas is not only the perfect place to swim and sunbathe, but also offers visitors everything they need for a comfortable and carefree holiday.

History

The history of Playa de Las Teresitas is closely linked to the development and changes in Tenerife in recent decades. The beach was originally a small stretch of black volcanic sand, typical of most beaches on the island. However, in the 1970s, the local authorities decided to transform Las Teresitas into one of the most attractive holiday destinations for locals and tourists alike.

As part of this project, it was decided to change the appearance of the beach by importing yellow sand from the Sahara Desert. This was done in order to create a warmer and more attractive image that would attract more visitors and differentiate it from the usual volcanic landscape of Tenerife. The amount of sand brought to the beach was more than 270 thousand cubic metres, which allowed for a complete transformation of its appearance.

In addition, artificial breakwaters were built to protect the beach from sea waves and currents that could carry away the new sand and change the contours of the beach. These structures played a key role in creating a calm and safe swimming area, making the beach ideal for families with children.

Over time, Playa de Las Teresitas has acquired the status of a cultural and tourist symbol of the island. Not only is it a popular destination for holidaymakers, but it is also the venue for various events such as festivals and concerts, further reinforcing its importance in the cultural life of Tenerife.

The history of Playa de Las Teresitas is thus an example of the successful transformation of a natural landscape into a thriving tourist destination that has retained its uniqueness and appeal over the decades.

What's nearby, what to see

Playa de Las Teresitas is not only a great holiday destination in its own right, but is also close to many interesting sights to visit during your stay in Tenerife.

• San Andres Town: The town of San Andres, close to the beach, is one of the oldest settlements in Tenerife. Here you can immerse yourself in the traditional Canarian culture, enjoy the local cuisine in one of the restaurants and stroll through the cosy streets lined with colourful houses and historic buildings.
• Las Teresitas Lookout: Just off the beach, there is a lookout point that offers magnificent views of Playa de Las Teresitas and the surrounding area. It is an ideal spot for photographs, especially at dawn or dusk, when the soft light creates a truly magical atmosphere.
• Castillo de San Andrés: In San Andrés itself, the Castillo de San Andrés is worth a visit. Built to protect the island from pirate raids, this historic building is now a popular tourist attraction and cultural venue.
• Fish restaurants in San Andrés: After a day at the beach, visitors can enjoy fresh fish and seafood at one of the many restaurants that specialise in seafood. These establishments often offer dishes from the catch of the day, ensuring freshness and quality.

These places make the area around Playa de Las Teresitas an ideal location not only for a beach holiday, but also for exploring Tenerife's cultural and historical heritage.

Beaches nearby

In addition to the picturesque Playa de Las Teresitas, Tenerife offers a number of other unique beaches, each worthy of a visit. Explore these beauties during your holiday on the island and enjoy the variety of natural scenery and activities available to every visitor.

• Playa de las Gaviotas: Located just a short drive east of Las Teresitas, Playa de las Gaviotas is a favourite among locals and tourists. This secluded beach with dark volcanic sand and crystal clear waters offers ideal conditions for snorkelling and diving. The high cliffs surrounding the beach create a sense of seclusion and tranquillity, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature.
• Playa Cueva del Agua: Located in a secluded corner close to Playa de Las Teresitas, Playa Cueva del Agua attracts those seeking tranquillity and privacy. Access to this beach can be a little more difficult, guaranteeing fewer visitors and a quieter atmosphere. The beach is ideal for picnics, meditation or simply enjoying the quietness of the surrounding nature. It is also a great place to observe the local flora and fauna, including a variety of bird species that inhabit the cliffs and caves nearby.

Why visit these beaches: These beaches not only add to the beauty of Las Teresitas, but also offer visitors the opportunity to explore Tenerife's unique natural diversity. Whether you prefer an active holiday or relaxing days on the sand, you'll find the perfect spot nearby Las Teresitas.

When planning a trip to these beaches, don't forget to bring sunscreen, swimming gear and perhaps snorkelling or diving equipment to fully enjoy the marine adventures that Tenerife has to offer.

How to get there

Access to Playa de Las Teresitas is characterised by its convenience due to its proximity to the capital of Tenerife, Santa Cruz. Here are a few ways you can get to this wonderful beach:

• By Car: Getting to Playa de Las Teresitas by car is relatively easy. From Santa Cruz, head northeast on Avenue Manuel Hermoso Rojas, cross over to Avenue de Anaga and follow it. After about 10 minutes of driving, after passing through a small tunnel, you will see signs for the beach. There is a large car park by the beach where you can leave your car.
• By public transport: There are regular buses from Santa Cruz to the beach. You can take bus line 910, which leaves from the central bus station in Santa Cruz. The journey will take about 15-20 minutes. Buses run at 10-15 minute intervals throughout the day.
• By Taxi: A taxi from Santa Cruz is a quick and convenient way to get to Las Teresitas. The taxi journey will take about 10 minutes and the cost will depend on the departure point in town.
• By bike: For the outdoor enthusiast, you can reach the beach by bike. From Santa Cruz, there is a walking and cycling path that runs along the coast, making the ride not only convenient but also extremely scenic.

These options make a trip to Playa de Las Teresitas accessible and convenient for all who wish to enjoy its beauty, regardless of their preferred mode of transport.

Parking: Convenience and Safety

Location and car parking capacity: The popular Playa de Las Teresitas beach has an extensive car parking area which is located directly at the entrance. This provides easy and quick access to the sandy shoreline. The car park can accommodate a large number of cars, making it ideal for visitors coming for a day out on the beach. Due to its convenient location, visitors can easily carry beach supplies and picnic baskets from their cars directly to the sea.

Free use of the car park: One of the main attractions of the car park at Playa de Las Teresitas is that it is free of charge. Visitors can leave their cars in the car park for the entire duration of their stay, without any additional charges. This feature makes the beach particularly popular with families and tourists who plan to spend the whole day enjoying the sun and sea.

Security measures in the car park: The car park is equipped with all the necessary security measures, including regular patrols and lighting at night. These measures provide peace of mind for visitors, allowing them to enjoy their holiday without worrying about the safety of their cars.

Additional Amenities: Toilets and showers are located adjacent to the car park, allowing visitors to freshen up after a day at the beach. There are also often vendors at the entrance to the car park area offering drinks and snacks, adding convenience for those who want to grab a bite to eat before leaving or stock up before a day at the beach.