Playa de las Teresitas: when to go and where to park

The golden-sand beach near Santa Cruz - worth the trip, if you time it right.

Why go

A kilometre of golden Saharan sand (yes, really imported), calm shallow water behind a breakwater, palms for shade and fish shacks at the back. It is the beach Tenerife postcards promise.

When to go

Weekday mornings are bliss. Weekend afternoons belong to the locals - the beach fills up and parking becomes a sport. Arrive before 11am or after 4pm.

Parking and buses

The car park along the beach is free but small; late arrivals circle. The TITSA bus from Santa Cruz Intercambiador stops right at the sand and costs a couple of euros - the stress-free option if you are staying in the capital.