What to visit in Tenerife? San Andrés - an atmospheric town on the slopes of Anaga and delicious ice cream
- Jan 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 15
If you are wondering what to see in Tenerife and want to discover lesser-known corners of Tenerife, away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist resorts, San Andrés is a place you cannot miss. Situated at the foot of the majestic Anaga Mountains and right next to the popular Playa de las Teresitas beach, this charming town is often overlooked in sightseeing plans, despite being on the route of many trips around the island. The cascading houses, centuries-old fig trees, narrow streets are really impressive. It offers not only spectacular views and a truly Canarian atmosphere, but also the opportunity to try some of the best ice cream in Tenerife. It is the perfect place to relax after a day full of excitement.
The history of San Andrés: an authentic atmosphere at your fingertips.
San Andrés is one of the oldest towns in Tenerife, founded in the 16th century . Walking through its narrow, cobbled streets, you can feel time slow down. Here you will find traditional Canarian houses with characteristic wooden balconies and the small church of San Andrés (Iglesia de San Andrés), which is one of the most important monuments in the area.
Also worthy of note is the Castillo de San Andrés – a former defensive fort from the 17th century, which was supposed to protect the town from pirate attacks. Although the fort is now largely in ruins, it is still an important historical point and a curiosity for visitors interested in the island's past.
Importantly, San Andrés is located in close proximity to one of the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife – Playa de las Teresitas . If you want to combine sightseeing with relaxation on the sand, this place is the perfect choice.
Stop in for some delicious ice cream.
I wasn’t always a fan of ice cream. But since I moved to Tenerife, I’ve discovered a few places that serve delicious ice cream. I can’t say which ones are the best on the island, but each one is definitely worth a visit. One of those places is Bambola Gelato Crepes & Gofres , which is famous for its handmade, natural flavors. Mango, guava, gofio and pistachio – these are just some of the options that will conquer your palate. For ice cream, I recommend the local cortado or barraquito – they are truly delicious.
Local restaurants – the flavors of San Andrés.
San Andrés is not only beautiful views and charming streets, but also great food. In the town you will find several restaurants that serve local specialties and international cuisine. Here are some places worth visiting:
Bar Los Churritos – a traditional Canarian restaurant where you can try fresh fish and seafood at affordable prices. The choice of dishes is limited, which is due to the local specificity of the place, but it is loved by locals, which is a testament to its quality. If there is no room in this local bar, you can go ahead and drop by the restaurant next door , Restaurante Lena Tenerife or El Rinconcito de Anaga.
In the same vein, we recommend Tasca El asunto los Parres , where you will find delicious local food, seafood,
For lovers of Italian cuisine Restaurante Il Limoncello – if you’re in the mood for something different, check out this restaurant, which serves delicious pizza and pasta.
In general, you can eat well in most restaurants in San Andrés. All places with Google reviews above 4.1 are worth considering. For example, this restaurant, Los Pinchitos Restaurant, is located in the central part of the town and overlooks this impressive graffiti de Andrés Domínguez Baute , which you can read more about below, or Restaurante El Surtidor . All of them are local and there’s something for everyone.
Just remember to check Google Maps (the data is usually up to date) before you head out for food or drinks to see if the place is open. Many bars have a siesta and opening hours or days vary.
What to visit in Tenerife - interesting places in the vicinity of San Andrés.
Anaga Mountains – this is where you can set off on breathtaking, scenic hiking trails through lush laurel forests. The trails are of varying difficulty, so there is something for everyone. You can treat San Andrés as a stopover before or after your mountain trip, as hiking in the Anaga Mountains can take you hours.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife – The capital of the island, just a few kilometres from San Andrés. It is worth visiting for the city atmosphere, shopping and restaurants, as well as the beautiful city park, which is a free botanical garden in the centre of the city. It is worth considering combining these two attractions, because a visit to the capital can take practically the whole day ;D
Playa de las Teresitas – the famous golden beach, whose sand was brought straight from the Sahara. It is a great place to relax both before and after a walk through the charming San Andrés. The town picturesquely stretches against the background of the Anaga Mountains and is visible from the shore of the beach, which adds even more charm. A walk from the beach to San Andrés and back is a great option for people who like to spend their time actively. Combining these two attractions guarantees unforgettable experiences and is probably the best option! :)
Any useful tips before your visit?
The best way to get to San Andrés is by car , although there are also TITSA buses from Santa Cruz. The road runs along the coast, offering beautiful views.
Go in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat and crowds.
Bring comfortable shoes , especially if you plan to walk the nearby trails in the Anaga Mountains.
San Andrés is very photogenic, there will be many opportunities to take many beautiful photos, so a charged phone or camera will definitely come in handy.
San Andrés is a place that captivates with its peace, authenticity and closeness to nature. It is an ideal destination for those who want to take a break from the tourist bustle and feel the real atmosphere of Tenerife. Don't forget about ice cream - it will be the sweetest ending to your visit!
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