A beach with a name of its own
Las Teresitas is not just any beach in Tenerife. Its sand is not volcanic. It was brought from the western Sahara decades ago to create a golden-sand beach on the northern coast of Santa Cruz, next to the village of San Andrés.
The result is a combination that is hard to find elsewhere on the northern side of the island: fine sand, generally calm waters — thanks to the breakwaters protecting the bay — and the peaks of the Anaga massif as a backdrop.
It is Santa Cruz's urban beach. The one that locals know, that fills up in summer and that welcomes those looking for a morning by the sea without straying too far from the city centre.
What a day at Las Teresitas looks like
Las Teresitas works very well as a half-day trip from Santa Cruz. The seafront promenade along the beach, the bars and restaurants in San Andrés and the constant company of the sea make the pace there quite different from that of the city centre.
There is no need to arrive with a structured plan. Part of what makes this beach special is the flexibility it offers: a swim, a walk, some food in San Andrés or simply sitting and watching the Atlantic with Anaga in the background.
What to see and do at Las Teresitas
The beach
Golden sand, protective breakwaters and a seafront promenade running from one end to the other. Las Teresitas has a human scale: not enormous, but with enough space for the day to feel relaxed.
San Andrés
The small fishing village next to the beach has its own bars and restaurants, particularly known for fresh fish. It is worth walking through its streets before or after the beach.
The views to Anaga
From the beach, the mountains of the Anaga massif close the horizon to the north and east. That image — golden sand, blue sea and green mountain — is the most recognisable postcard of Las Teresitas.
The promenade
Walking the promenade along the beach is also a way to enjoy Las Teresitas without going in the water. The afternoon light is particularly beautiful in this area.
From the beach to the mountains: Anaga
Las Teresitas and the Anaga Rural Park share the same landscape but are completely different experiences. If you want to devote a full day to exploring Anaga in depth, our guide will help you prepare for that trip.
Getting to Las Teresitas from Santa Cruz
- Santa Cruz city centreStarting point
- Northern coastal roadDirection San Andrés, following the coast
- San AndrésFishing village next to the beach
- Playa de Las TeresitasGolden sand, views of Anaga
By car the journey from the centre takes about 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. There is also a local bus connection from Santa Cruz, which allows you to arrive without needing to park.
TENERIFE FROM SANTA CRUZ
From the city to the Atlantic
One of the advantages of staying in Santa Cruz is being able to combine city and beach without changing accommodation. Las Teresitas is just a few kilometres from the centre and allows you to add a beach day to your stay without too much planning.
Continue exploring from Santa Cruz
YOUR STAY IN SANTA CRUZ
Discover Tenerife from DE VILLA SUITES
A complete apartment in Santa Cruz de Tenerife to enjoy the city at your own pace and use as a base for exploring the island.