Las Teresitas beach is undoubtedly one of the most renowned and significant beaches in Tenerife. This urban beach boasts a rich history filled with interesting facts and stories that many are unaware of, featuring elements that could easily belong in a movie.
On June 15, 1973, the first and only artificial beach in Santa Cruz of Tenerife opened to the public, merging what were previously three distinct beaches. These three sections were known by different names depending on their proximity to local neighbourhoods, eventually coalescing into what is now known as Las Teresitas beach.
The part located in the middle of the beach was once home to a palace owned by Princess Diana of Orleans and Duke Karl of Württemberg, adding a touch of royalty to the area’s history. The other sections, with names such as “Behind the sand” and “The Moors”, also had intriguing backgrounds that contributed to the beach’s unique character.
An image shared by the Facebook group Old photos of Tenerife showcases Las Teresitas before its transformation, depicting a rugged coastline with black sand and an absence of protective structures.
Las Teresitas Beach: A Hazardous Past
Local residents recall a time when Las Teresitas beach was considered perilous, with strong waves crashing against rocks and claiming lives. The challenging conditions posed by the beach’s location made it a dangerous spot for swimmers.
The transformation of the beach, covering nearly one and a half kilometers with volcanic sand, was a costly endeavour due to the limited availability of suitable sand. To fund this project, the City Council obtained a loan of 50 million pesetas (over 300,000 euros) to acquire the sand needed for the beach’s renovation.
The initial renovations of Las Teresitas beach commenced in 1968, involving the construction of breakwaters and a sea cut that helped maintain the new sand, imported from the Sahara Desert. This white sand beach, with depths ranging from 1.5 to 4 meters, was officially opened to the public on June 15, 1973.
Initially, there were concerns about the imported sand from the Sahara, with fears of scorpions, insects, and ants coming along with it. Despite these initial worries, Las Teresitas beach remains a popular destination for both locals and tourists, attracting visitors with its unique history and picturesque setting.
