Beaches

Playa de Las Teresitas

A golden, palm-backed beach just outside the capital, made with sand shipped in from the Sahara.

Las Teresitas is the beach locals actually use — a long, gently curving stretch of golden sand a short drive from Santa Cruz, created in the 1970s using sand imported from the Western Sahara and protected from the open Atlantic by a breakwater.

That breakwater is what makes it stand out: the water stays calm even though it's on the more exposed north side of the island, which is unusual and part of why it's such a popular family beach with residents, not just tourists.

Details
SandGolden (imported)
FacilitiesLoungers, showers, beach restaurants
Good forFamilies, a more local atmosphere
Nearest townSanta Cruz de Tenerife / San Andrés
  • Very calm, shallow water thanks to the breakwater — a reliable choice for young children.
  • Palm trees along the promenade give proper shade, unlike a lot of resort beaches.
  • Popular with locals on weekends — an easy, low-key contrast to the resort beaches further south.