Good to know
Good to Know
- Playa de Las Teresitas is 15 minutes north by car or bus (€1.25–€1.35 round-trip); the 910 bus runs directly from the port.
- Both locations offer free or affordable access; Teresitas has no entry fee, César Manrique charges ~€7.50 adult admission.
- Sunbed rentals at Teresitas (€6 for 2 + umbrella) are among Tenerife's cheapest; expect wind and sand blowing on windy days.
- César Manrique Maritime Park is ideal for a quick dip without leaving the city; it's family-friendly with shallow areas for children but water is cold year-round.
- Best beach season: June–September (warmest water ~24°C (75°F)); December–February cooler (18–20°C (68°F)) but still accessible.
- Both venues get busy on weekends and good-weather days; visit weekday mornings for fewer crowds.
- Teresitas has port infrastructure visible and occasional industrial ship traffic; if you prefer untouched scenery, consider nearby wilder beaches in the Anaga region (longer drive).
Beaches
Playa De Las Teresitas
- Sand Type
- Golden (imported from Sahara)
- Best Season
- June to September (water temperature ~24°C (75°F)); accessible year-round but cooler December–February (18–20°C (68°F))
- Designation
- Family-friendly, full-service
- Sunbed Rental
- €6.00
Per day for 2 sunbeds and 1 umbrella
- Water Conditions
- Calm and shallow year-round due to protective breakwater
- Distance From City Center
- Approximately 15 minutes by car to San Andrés
- Notes
- Occasionally experiences wind that can blow sand; industrial port ships visible in distance; crowds on warm weekends; closes early (around 6 pm).
- Description
- A 1.5 km golden sand beach with calm, shallow waters protected by a breakwater. Sand was imported from the Sahara Desert in the 1970s. Popular with families and local swimmers.
Amenities
- Free beach access
- Free parking
- Sunbed and umbrella rental
- Showers and changing rooms
- Public toilets
- Lifeguard service
- Beach bars and restaurants (chiringuitos)
- Children's play area
- Accessible facilities (ramps, support for wheelchair users)
César Manrique Maritime Park (Parque Marítimo César Manrique)
- Hours
- Open year-round
- Admission
- €7.50
Adult day admission
- Sand Type
- Not applicable—saltwater pools with black volcanic sand beach area
- Designation
- Full-service, quiet, family-friendly
- Sunbed Rental
- €7.50
Approximately; combined entry-plus-sunbed packages sometimes offered
- Water Conditions
- Saltwater pools; unheated seawater (cold in winter months)
- Children Admission
- €4.00
Children up to 11 years; children under 3 free
- Distance From City Center
- City center waterfront (South coast)
- Notes
- Unheated seawater makes pools cold, especially October–April; pool access occasionally limited due to renovations; quieter weekday atmosphere; brings urban beach experience to city center.
- Description
- A 22,000 m² saltwater pool complex featuring 3 pools, volcanic rock landscaping, palm trees, and art installations. Designed by renowned Canarian artist César Manrique; opened 1995. No traditional beach sand, but offers secure, managed swimming.
Amenities
- 3 saltwater pools with varying depths
- Separate shallow area for children with waterfalls
- Showers and changing rooms
- Sun terraces and loungers
- Restaurants and bars
- Gym facilities
- Free parking
- Lifeguard service
- Small black volcanic sand beach area
Overview
Santa Cruz de Tenerife itself has no safe swimming beaches due to port contamination and industrial activity. The main beach destination for visitors is Playa de Las Teresitas (15 minutes north in San Andrés). The city also offers the César Manrique Maritime Park—a saltwater pool complex in the city center—as an alternative.
City Swimming Advisory
Swimming prohibited in Santa Cruz de Tenerife city proper due to port contamination risk and industrial activity. Playa Valleseco (near ferry port) has poor bathing conditions.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this beaches research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
- 1.spain.info
- 2.2001beach.com
- 3.mindtrip.ai
- 4.tripadvisor.com
- 5.tourtravelworld.com
- 6.wanderlog.com
- 7.sandee.com
- 8.nomads-travel-guide.com
- 9.canarias-lovers.com
- 10.hellocanaryislands.com
- 11.tripadvisor.com
- 12.officialtaxitenerife.com
- 13.visitcanaryislands.org
- 14.canarias-lovers.com
- 15.en.wikipedia.org
- 16.wanderlog.com
- 17.cestee.com
- 18.xe.com
- 19.xe.com
More About Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Cost of Living in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Visas in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Safety in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Co-working in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Connectivity & Internet in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Best Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Emergencies in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Walkability & Transport in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.