Playa de las Teresitas

About

Playa de Las Teresitas is a picturesque, man‑made beach on the northeastern coast of Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. Stretching roughly 1.3 kilometres (0.8 miles) and 80 metres wide, the shoreline is renowned for its bright white sand, a stark contrast to the volcanic, black sands that dominate the surrounding islands. The fine grains were imported from the Sahara Desert in the 1970s, giving the beach a stunning Mediterranean‑style appearance that attracts visitors year after year. The idea for the beach emerged in the 1960s when Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s growing tourist industry needed a reliable, family‑friendly destination. Engineers Pompeyo Alonso and Miguel Pintor designed a comprehensive plan, and by 1971 the city council secured a substantial loan to purchase 150 000 cubic metres of Sahara sand, which arrived in over 5 million bags. The beach officially opened on 15 June 1973 after construction of breakwaters and infrastructure that protected the sand from being washed away by waves and wind. Today visitors can enjoy more than just the sand. A modern promenade runs along the water’s edge, lined with cafes, bars and restaurants offering local dishes and tropical drinks. A parking lot accommodates over 100 cars, and a dedicated bus service connects the beach to nearby towns, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. Playa de Las Teresitas is especially popular in spring and autumn, when temperatures are comfortable and crowds are smaller. The beach is ideal for families, couples and beach‑lovers seeking a clean, safe environment for swimming, sunbathing, and leisurely strolls across its gentle waves.

Highlights

• White Sahara Sand
• Pristine Beach
• Scenic Promenade

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At a glance

• Typical visit: about 3 hours