If you’re looking for a breathtaking white sand beach to relax on while in Tenerife, look no further than the Playa de Las Teresitas. This stunning artificial beach is located north of San Andrés village in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and it’s one of the most popular beaches in the Canary Islands. Unlike most of the other black sand beaches in Tenerife, the Playa de Las Teresitas has beautiful white sand that makes for a perfect place to relax and take in the incredible views.
The history of Playa de Las Teresitas
The Playa de Las Teresitas beach is one of the most beautiful ones in Tenerife. Located in the north of the island, it is a haven for tourists and locals alike. The white sand and clear blue waters are breathtaking, and the beach is well-equipped with parasols and sun loungers. It is also one of the few beaches on Tenerife that is man-made.
The history of the Playa de Las Teresitas goes back to the 1970s. At that time, the island was rapidly growing in popularity as a tourist destination, but there were very few natural beaches that could accommodate the influx of visitors.
A popular tourist destination
Playa de Las Teresitas is a breathtaking white sand beach and a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and it is easy to see why. The beach is around 1.3 kilometers long and the sparkling white sands and crystal-clear waters are simply stunning, and the views of the nearby mountains are simply breathtaking.
Visitors can enjoy plenty of activities on the beach, including swimming, sunbathing, windsurfing, and kayaking. There are also numerous cafes and restaurants dotted along the shore, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up the incredible atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a place to unwind or an activity-packed seaside adventure, the Playa de Las Teresitas is sure to exceed your expectations.
Located just 15 minutes north of Santa Cruz, the island capital makes this sandy beach very popular and easy to reach.
A Beach made of Saharan Sand
Playa de Las Teresitas is a stunning example of human engineering meets natural beauty. The man-made beach, located in the small town of San Andrés in the Canary Islands, was created in the 1970s to provide the community with a much-needed tourism boost. Originally, the area was mostly rocky with a small strip of black sand. It was divided into three sections, each with its own name: Tras la Arena, Los Moros, and the area bounded by the ravine of Las Teresas. There was also a private spa in the middle of the beach. However, the real draw for visitors was surfing. The waves off the coast of Playa de Las Teresitas were some of the best on the island.
Above the beach, which is sandwiched between two mountains, were farms and orchards producing bananas, mangoes, tomatoes, and avocados for much of the town’s income. These have now been supplanted by tourist industry development.
It became clear that black local sand from Tenerife was too expensive so they looked for alternatives. The white Sahara Desert variety ended up being more appealing to tourists and the City Council obtained a loan in 1971 with 150 thousand metric tons worth of purchases which cost around €20 million at today’s rates (approx €6 million back in 1971).
Amenities at Playa de las Teresitas
The Playa de Las Teresitas beach is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Canary Islands. This stunning stretch of golden sand is flanked by clear blue waters and offers breathtaking views of Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain. Visitors can enjoy plenty of amenities, including changing rooms, toilets, medics, lifeguards, and a kiosk selling food and beverages.
The beach is also clean and well kept, making it a perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. After a day spent lounging on the sand, be sure to sample some of the delicious bars and restaurants in San Andres. You won’t be disappointed by the amazing selection of cuisine on offer at incredibly good prices.
How to get there
The Playa de Las Teresitas is one of the most popular beaches on Tenerife island. The beach is located just a short bus or car ride from the capital city of Santa Cruz. To get to the beach, take the bus line 910 which departs every 10-15 minutes from the central bus station for only €1.25, or drive north on the highway toward Puerto de la Cruz. After about 20 minutes, you will see a sign for the beach on your right.
Turn onto the road and follow it for about another kilometer until you reach the parking lot with 100 free parking spaces. From there, it is just a short walk to the white sand and blue waters of one of Canary Islands’ most popular beaches – Playa de Las Teresitas.
Travel tips if you are coming to the beach
- Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreens as the sun can be quite strong on the island.
- If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the week rather than on weekends or holidays.
- There are several restaurants and cafes located near the beach, so you won’t have to go far to find a bite to eat.
- And finally, don’t forget to enjoy the incredible views!
