Las Teresitas Beach

Las Teresitas is the main city beach of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, on the coast at the foot of the Anaga mountains, next to the old fishing village of San Andrés, about seven kilometres northeast of the centre of the capital. It is unusual in the Canary Islands for its pale golden sand, since most natural beaches on the island are black or dark grey because of the volcanic rock from which they are made. The sand here was brought from the Sahara, in the early 1970s, when about a quarter of a million tonnes were shipped in to create a long, bright beach that would give the city a seaside resort. The contrast between the yellow sand and the dark green Anaga hills behind it has become part of the image of the place.

The beach is about one and a half kilometres long, with a gentle slope into the water, and it is protected from the Atlantic swell by a long breakwater built a short distance offshore. This makes the sea calm and shallow, with clear water that is very safe for children and for swimming. Rows of palm trees line the back of the beach, giving shade, and the promenade behind the sand has cafes, restaurants serving fresh fish, showers, toilets, changing rooms and sunbed rentals, with lifeguards in place during the season. The facilities are well maintained and the beach is cleaned daily, since it is very popular with the people of Santa Cruz at weekends and holidays.

The village of San Andrés lies at the north end, and it still keeps some of the character of a fishing community, with small boats pulled up near the shore, narrow streets and bars where you can taste grilled fish, fried squid and the local potatoes called papas arrugadas. Its fish restaurants are well known on the island and a good place for a long lunch. From here, a road leads into the Anaga Rural Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve with laurel forests, ridges and hamlets, which is one of the great walking areas of Tenerife.

The beach is reached by a local bus or by car from the city, and there is parking close to the sand, though it fills up at weekends in the summer. The beach is open at all times and there is no admission fee. It suits families with small children, swimmers and anyone who wants a day at the sea with all the services close at hand. The sun is strong, so bring sun protection.

The beach combines naturally with a walk in the Anaga mountains and a visit to the centre of Santa Cruz, where the Tenerife Carnival takes place each year.