Las Teresitas Beach: The North's Golden Sand
A few minutes from Santa Cruz, in the north-east of the island, Las Teresitas beach is a one-off in Tenerife: a large beach of golden sand, lined with palm trees and protected by a breakwater that keeps its water calm. Backed by the Anaga mountains, it's the favourite of locals and families. We haven't been ourselves yet; this guide gathers the essentials, verified and up to date, and complements our page on Tenerife beaches.
The essentials at a glance
- Where: near the village of San Andrés, a few minutes from Santa Cruz, in the north-east.
- Sand: golden and imported, a rarity in the north; palm trees and calm water.
- Vibe: family-friendly and local, protected by a breakwater, calm swimming.
- Setting: backed by the Anaga mountains, with fine viewpoints.
Our approach: verified research, not first-hand experience (yet)
- We haven't visited Tenerife ourselves yet. This guide is built from thorough research — official sources and up-to-date data — to help you plan your stay transparently.
- We'll enrich it with our own on-the-ground experience after our next visit. Until then, the details are indicative: in particular, check swimming conditions on site.
Why go to Las Teresitas?
Because Las Teresitas beach is a rarity: in the north, where black sand dominates, it unrolls a large expanse of imported golden sand, lined with palm trees. Protected by a breakwater, it offers calm water ideal for family swimming.
It's the favourite beach of Santa Cruz locals, with an authentic, relaxed feel, far from the big southern resorts. The neighbouring fishing village of San Andrés is known for its fish restaurants.
Services and atmosphere
Las Teresitas is a landscaped, patrolled beach designed for families. You'll find palm trees for shade, basic services and plenty of restaurants in the neighbouring village of San Andrés.
Swimming at Las Teresitas
Thanks to its protective breakwater, Las Teresitas beach offers one of the calmest swims in the north of the island, with few waves. It's a reassuring choice for families, in a natural setting dominated by Anaga.
The beach combines well with a visit to Santa Cruz and the historic centre of La Laguna, both close by.
How to get to Las Teresitas?
The beach is a few minutes' drive from Santa Cruz, via San Andrés. There's a car park nearby, but it fills up quickly at weekends and in summer: arrive early.
To plan the rest of your stay, head to our Canary Islands guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Las Teresitas beach?
Near the village of San Andrés, a few minutes from Santa Cruz, in north-eastern Tenerife, backed by the Anaga mountains.
Is Las Teresitas' sand natural?
No: unlike the black sand of the north's natural beaches, Las Teresitas was landscaped with imported golden sand, making it a rarity on the island.
Can you swim at Las Teresitas?
Yes, it's one of the calmest swims in the north: a breakwater protects the beach from waves, making it ideal for families.
Is Las Teresitas good for families?
Yes: calm water protected by a breakwater, golden sand, palm trees for shade and basic services make it a much-loved family beach.
What is there to do around Las Teresitas?
Eat fish in San Andrés, visit Santa Cruz and the historic centre of La Laguna, or explore the nearby Anaga massif.