Igüeste de San Andrés

Overview

Igüeste de San Andrés is a small picturesque hamlet of around 700 inhabitants high on the northeast coast of Tenerife. Tucked away at the end of a coastal road it sits in a valley within the stunning Anaga Mountains.

The village enjoys a cool, tropical climate and is surrounded by a multitude of interesting plant and animal species. Country cottages and apartments are scattered up verdant hillsides of the gully while some crops grow below. It is a tropical paradise surrounded with mango, guava, avocado and banana plants.

Approximately 14km from the capital city of Santa Cruz, the village is easily accessible. From here excursions can be made to Roque Bermejo, Antequera Las Casillas and Punta de Anaga. There are also several tranquil natural beaches that are easily reached by boat. The peaceful village is a popular spot for holiday rentals.

History

The land where this village now sits was previously inhabited by the Guanches.

Culture

The culture here as with island culture in general takes its influence from various sources, making it unique. It can be traced back to the days of the indigenous Guanches. Since the conquest by Alonso Fernández de Lugo and his men, it has taken on a culture rooted on Spanish traditions. The town has also been influenced by other parts of Europe and Africa.

Economy

The village relies largely on crops such as mango, guava, avocado and banana. Fishing and tourism also play a part in the economy here.

How to get there

By Bus:
A TITSA bus can be taken to Igüeste de San Andrés from the city of Santa Cruz.
The bus route 245 can be caught from Santa Cruz and takes approximately 20 minutes. Buses are infrequent however.

By Car:
The most convenient medium for reaching Igüeste is by car or motorcycle. Once you reach the TF-121 follow it to the end of the route where you will find the village. This is also a popular cycle route.

Flora and fauna

This lush basin could be described as a tropical paradise with fruits such as mango, guava, avocado and banana grown here.

The Anaga Mountains are an outstanding area for botanic biodiversity. In this valley there are various species of Canarian plants from coastal flora to the evergreen forests in higher altitudes. One of the largest populations of mastic tree in Tenerife can be found here. Drago trees can also be observed.

There are almost 2000 species of invertebrates that live around the rural land of Anaga. 239 of these are endemic to Tenerife. There is also a high population of endemic molluscs in the surrounding area. Other species of Anaga are the dark tailed laurel pigeon and the white tailed laurel pigeon, which are only found in the Canary Islands.

Weather

Being divided by a mountain range the south of Tenerife is dry and hot, while here in the north it is cool with regular bouts of rain in the winter months. The temperate climate means temperatures are stable, ranging from 17- 25 °C.

Sights

Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol

A fiesta dedicated to San Pedro commences at this small church on 29^th June each year.

Activities

Surfing

Surfers from all over travel to this village on the coast. The sheltered reef break has fairly consistent surf with winter months proving the best time for this sport. It is best around high tide and the ideal swell direction is from the northeast.

Walking

Tranquil natural beaches of black sand are nearby and can be reached by footpath. A challenging hike to El Semáforo is worthwhile for some wonderful views. The climb up to La Atalaya at 425 metres above sea level is also an enjoyable hike of medium difficulty.

Beaches

Playa de Zapata

This cosy, isolated beach is one of the gems of the island. A footpath around 4km in length starts in Igüeste de San Andrés.

Playa de Antequera

The second biggest natural beach in Tenerife is situated about 5km north of Igüeste de San Andrés. It has limited accessibility and can only be reached on foot or by boat. A boat trip can be organised from here.

Playa de las Gaviotas

Nude sunbathing is accepted at this tranquil beach to the south of Igüeste de San Andrés. The volcanic sand beach is approximately 200 metres in length and is nestled between the Anaga mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.

Playa de las Teresitas

This beach is approximately 6km south of Igüeste de San Andrés. It is popular and often lively. Unlike other beaches on the island made up of dark volcanic material this beach consists of golden sands. This is because Las Teresitas is an artificial beach, made by the authorities in the 1970s with 98,000 cubic metres of sand from the Sahara desert.

Festivals

On 29th November is the eve of Fiesta de San Andrés Apóstol. The festivities are enjoyed here as well as in the nearby village of San Andrés. San Pedro the Apóstol is also celebrated here on 29th June.

Other important island traditions celebrated include Virgen del Carmen, Fiestas de la Cruz and Corpus Christi. Big annual fiestas such as Nochevieja, Nochebuena and Navidad (New Year’s Eve, Christmas Eve and Christmas) are also enjoyed here.

Restaurant 

Bar-Restaurante Rincón de Anaga

This bar and restaurant is situated at the edge of the Igüeste de San Andrés and stands out on entering the small village. The pretty yellow building is the main eatery here and offers a range of snacks and Canarian cuisine.

Address: Calle Lomo de Llano, 9, 38140 Igüeste de San Andrés, Tenerife.
Telephone: +34 922 599 000

Vending machine

Well the village is small so you’re limited in terms of eateries, however if you need a drink anytime day or night there is an open-air vending machine. At the far end of the hamlet you will find the drink machine chained to the wall so that no-one is cheeky enough to run off with it.

Nightlife