Playa de Las Teresitas is no ordinary beach. Until the 1970s, it was little more than a stony shoreline with the typical dark volcanic sand found across much of Tenerife. But the island’s authorities had a bold vision: to create the perfect golden sand beach that would attract visitors with its calm waters and postcard-worthy scenery. And so began one of the island’s most ambitious coastal projects.
Thousands of tonnes of golden sand were shipped directly from the Sahara Desert to Tenerife. Engineers also constructed two massive breakwaters, each stretching more than a kilometre, to shield the bay from the Atlantic Ocean’s waves, thereby creating perfect family-friendly swimming conditions. These works, completed in 1973, transformed the coastline into a tranquil paradise for swimming and marked a milestone in Tenerife’s tourism development.
So, what makes Las Teresitas beach in Tenerife such a favourite among both locals and visitors? The answer lies in a combination of its unique features. First and foremost, there is the golden sand, soft underfoot and perfect for barefoot strolls or even a little sandcastle building — a striking contrast to the more common black-sand beaches found elsewhere on the island. Thanks to the protective breakwaters, the ocean here is calm and shallow, creating some of the safest swimming conditions on Tenerife. This makes Playa de Las Teresitas especially popular with families with children and those who prefer a gentle, relaxing swim. Another advantage is the wide shoreline: even at the height of summer, it rarely feels overcrowded, and there is almost always space to spread out and enjoy a quieter corner of the beach. Finally, the excellent facilities — from convenient parking, showers, and changing rooms to the beach bars serving drinks and fresh seafood — mean you can easily spend the entire day by the sea without needing to leave.
Like most beaches in Tenerife, Playa de Las Teresitas is public and free to enter. The only things you need to pay for are extras such as sun loungers, parasols, or food and drinks from the chiringuitos that line the beach.
If you’d like to break up a laid-back beach day with something more active, you can, for example, learn to stand-up paddleboard, hire a kayak for a gentle paddle in the sheltered bay, or join a short snorkelling taster session — all available on Las Teresitas or nearby in San Andrés.
👉 Explore more island highlights in our Tenerife attractions guide.
Facilities at Playa de Las Teresitas
- Showers and toilets: Clean and convenient, especially after a dip in the salty Atlantic water.
- Changing rooms: Handy for slipping into swimwear or fresh clothes.
- Sun loungers and parasols: Available for hire (typically just a few euros each).
- Beach bars and restaurants (chiringuitos): Perfect for a light snack, a refreshing drink, or freshly cooked seafood while enjoying ocean views. Prices are slightly higher than in town, but most reviews praise the quality and relaxed atmosphere.
- Parking: A long, free car park runs alongside to the beach. Spaces fill quickly at weekends and during summer, so arrive early to secure a spot.
Playa de Las Teresitas is beautiful year-round, but if you want to avoid the busiest times, plan your visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Morning light also offers ideal conditions for photography, bathing the golden beach of Tenerife in a warm glow.
Mirador de Las Teresitas: A Postcard-Perfect Panorama
Before you set foot on the golden sands, make sure to stop at the Mirador de Las Teresitas, the viewpoint perched on the hillside above the beach. From here you’ll enjoy the iconic postcard-perfect panorama that has graced countless Tenerife travel guides and become one of the island’s most recognisable images. The entire stretch of Playa de Las Teresitas unfolds beneath you, framed by turquoise waters and dramatic curves of the coastline, while in the distance you can often spot ships heading towards the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It’s the ultimate spot for unforgettable holiday photos.
How to Get to Playa de Las Teresitas and the Viewpoint
Las Teresitas beach and its viewpoint are located on the north-east coast of Tenerife, just a few kilometres from the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in the village of San Andrés.
Travelling there is easy:
- By car: This is the most convenient option. From Santa Cruz, simply follow the TF-11 road towards San Andrés — the route is clearly signposted. The viewpoint is located above the beach on the road leading down, and you can enter “Mirador de Las Teresitas” directly into your sat-nav, or use the GPS coordinates 28.5085° N, 16.1834° W.
- By bus (TITSA): Regular buses (route 910) run from Santa Cruz to Las Teresitas, with the stop just a short walk from the beach. To reach the viewpoint, you’ll need to walk uphill or take a short taxi ride. You can always check the latest schedules on the official TITSA website.
- By taxi: A quick but more expensive option, especially if you’re travelling from further away on the island.
👉 Planning more beach time? Discover our hand-picked guide to the best beaches in Tenerife for more standout spots across the island.