Tenerife's 'sunniest beach' happens to also be the island's 'most beautiful'

Tenerife is famed for its incredible beaches, but its volcanic landscape means that most of these offer black sands. While still very beautiful in their own right, they can catch holidaymakers offguard, especially if tourists are expecting white sandy shores.

However, the largest of the Canary Islands does actually boast some golden sandy beaches, and one of them has just been revealed as the holiday hotspots' 'sunniest beach'.

Playa de las Teresitas has been crowned the island's best spot for sun-seekers in new rankings from Saga Holidays.

The travel experts looked at factors including sunshine hours and average temperatures to determine the winners, with Teresitas impressing thanks with a daily average of 10h37m of sunshine, and balmy temperatures of 26C. There's an added bonus for visitors too, as it's often tipped to be one of Tenerife's most beautiful beaches thanks to its azure waters and soft golden shores that are lined with palm trees.

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The one-kilometre-long beach itself was actually man-made in the 1970s, with the sands imported from the Sahara Desert. As part of the project, breakwaters were put in along the shore to help keep the waters calm and swim-friendly, making it a popular destination for families.

While it can get very busy during the peak seasons thanks to its proximity to Santa Cruz de Tenerife - and therefore heaps of hotels, restaurants and bars - it's still a firm favourite with those wanting to make the most of those postcard-worthy views.

One happy holidaymaker took to Tripadvisor to praise the gorgeous beach, writing: "Playa de las Teresitas is, in my humble opinion, the most beautiful on the island. Golden sand, crystal clear waters and equipped with all amenities."

Another added: "Clean beach and tranquility assured, perfect for spending time even with small children, the water is shallow for several meters".

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If you want to visit, there are a number of direct flights to Tenerife from the UK. It's worth noting that although Tenerife North Airport is closer as it's half an hour's drive from the beach, most budget carriers fly to Tenerife South Airport, such as easyJet and Ryanair. Still, this airport is an hour's drive from the beach so it's still very doable if you're thinking of staying in the area.

The nearest holiday resort is Santa Cruz de Tenerife where you'll find plenty of hotels, and it sits about a half hour drive from the beach, so can be an ideal base if you want a mix of all-inclusive resorts, trips to the beach and access to plenty of Tenerife's most popular attractions.

Overall, Teresitas actually took the fourth spot in Saga's rankings. The crown of Europe's sunniest beach actually went to Ölüdeniz Beach in Fethiye, Turkey. The iconic beach not only boasts fine sands and crystal-clear waters, but it's home to the 'Blue Lagoon' that's a hit with the social media crowd.

You can check out the full list of Europe's top 10 sunniest beaches below:

Ölüdeniz Beach (Blue Lagoon), Fethiye

Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes

Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa

Playa de las Teresitas, Tenerife

Agia Fotia Beach, Crete

Playa de Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

Lay’s Mile Beach, Limassol

Elafonissi Beach, Crete

Tsamadou Beach, Samos

Praia do Barril, Tavira

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