Playa de las Teresitas
San Andrés, Tenerife, Spain
Tenerife's beloved golden beach — Saharan sand, palm trees, and sheltered calm water with the dramatic Anaga Mountains as a backdrop.
San Andrés, Tenerife, Spain
Tenerife's beloved golden beach — Saharan sand, palm trees, and sheltered calm water with the dramatic Anaga Mountains as a backdrop.
Location
San Andrés, Tenerife
Best For
Families, Swimming
Water Temp
20–25°C (year-round)
Crowds
Moderate (mostly locals)
Parking
Large free car park
Facilities
Full, Lifeguards, Sun Beds
Playa de las Teresitas is arguably Tenerife's finest beach and a genuine natural treasure — a kilometre-long sweep of fine golden sand that stands out spectacularly against Tenerife's typically black volcanic shores. The sand was imported from the Western Sahara in the 1970s and the beach has been carefully maintained since, creating a landscape of swaying palms and warm yellow sand against the rugged verdant slopes of the Anaga Rural Park behind.
The beach is protected by a semi-circular breakwater that keeps the water exceptionally calm and safe for all ages. The Atlantic swell that reaches many of Tenerife's northern beaches rarely disturbs the sheltered lagoon at Teresitas, making it ideal for families with young children and anyone preferring a gentle swim. The water is warm year-round by Atlantic standards — rarely below 20°C even in winter.
Las Teresitas remains more of a local beach than a tourist one — it lies near the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife (8km) rather than in the main southern resort zone near Playa de las Américas. As a result, you're more likely to be swimming alongside Canarian families than package tourists, giving it an authentic character that the resort beaches often lack.
Flat, accessible beach with good facilities. Wheelchair ramps and access mats are available. The gentle slope into the water and sheltered conditions make it one of the most suitable beaches in the Canary Islands for visitors with limited mobility.
From Santa Cruz de Tenerife, take bus line 910 (Titsa) directly to San Andrés/Las Teresitas — the journey takes about 30 minutes. By car, take the TF-12 north from Santa Cruz — the signposted road to San Andrés leads directly to the large free car park at the beach.