Updated in 2026: Igueste de San Andrés is one of those corners of Tenerife that feels as though it lies at the end of everything. In a way it does: at the end of the road, beneath the slopes of Anaga, with the sea in front and a tranquillity unlike that of the tourist areas.
It is a perfect outing if you are in Santa Cruz, if you are visiting Las Teresitas and want to continue a little farther, or if you fancy a short excursion through Anaga without committing to a long route. But take note: Igueste is not a convenient beach with parasols and a beach bar. It is a small village with a narrow road, limited parking, changing sea conditions and trails that must be taken seriously.
Where is Igueste de San Andrés?
Igueste belongs to the Anaga district of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It lies beyond the village of San Andrés, nestled in the Igueste ravine and very close to the sea. The journey from central Santa Cruz is short, but the final section of road signals that you are entering a different rhythm: bends, slopes, white houses and beautiful views.
The most beautiful feature of Igueste is its unusual mixture of mountain and coast. On the same walk, you can hear the sea, see fruit trees in the valley and look up towards the slopes of Anaga.
How to get there by car
From Santa Cruz, head towards San Andrés and Las Teresitas. Before the beach, continue towards Igueste on the TF-121. The road is narrow and winding, so do not rush. If you meet buses, local residents or oncoming cars, use patience and common sense.
Parking inside the village is limited. Do not block entrances, garages, turning areas or places where a bus or emergency vehicle may need to pass. In villages like this, parking “for just a moment” can become a problem for the people who live there.
How to get there by bus
You can also take TITSA bus route 945, which connects Santa Cruz, San Andrés and Igueste de San Andrés. It is a very sensible option if you do not want to drive on a narrow road or if you are going walking and would rather forget about parking. Check the current timetable with TITSA before setting out, because services are not as frequent as they are on a tourist avenue.
What to see in Igueste de San Andrés
- The village itself: white houses, quiet lanes and the atmosphere of a road’s end.
- The Igueste coastline: pebble shores, small bathing areas and very blue water when conditions are favourable.
- Church of San Pedro Apóstol: a simple landmark within the village.
- Igueste ravine: the valley that explains the area’s moist, fertile character.
- The trail to the Anaga Semáforo: the best-known route if you want to walk.
Beaches and bathing areas
Igueste has places such as Playa del Llano, the small El Burro beach, the pebble shores of Igueste and the El Porís area. These are natural spots, not urban beaches with every service. Whether it is safe to swim depends greatly on the sea, wind and swell.
My advice is simple: if the sea is rough, look but do not enter. Anaga is wonderful, but it does not forgive carelessness. Take water shoes or footwear suitable for stones, avoid swimming alone and do not go too close to areas struck by waves.
PR-TF 5.1 trail: Igueste de San Andrés to El Semáforo
The most popular trail is PR-TF 5.1 Igueste de San Andrés–El Semáforo. WebTenerife describes it as a path that starts in Igueste, partly cut into the rock, and climbs Montaña de Las Toscas to the old Anaga signalling station, or Semáforo.
It is not an extremely long route, but it is steep and requires comfortable footwear, water, sun protection and alert legs. The reward is the view over Igueste, Santa Cruz, the sea and the Anaga coast. Although El Semáforo is photogenic, it is an old structure: do not enter deteriorated buildings or take foolish risks for a photograph.
What about Antequera Beach?
Routes lead from Igueste towards places such as Antequera and Zápata, but I would not recommend treating them as an improvised stroll. They are more demanding routes, with exposed sections or paths that are difficult to follow if you do not know the area. If you want to reach Antequera, prepare the route carefully, check the trail’s condition and take a map, water and suitable experience.
For a first visit to Igueste, concentrate on the village, the nearby coast and the trail to El Semáforo if you fancy a walk. That is enough to fall in love with the place without making things complicated.
Easy half-day plan
- Leave Santa Cruz early.
- Stop first at Las Teresitas if you want a photograph or a calm swim.
- Drive up to Igueste on the TF-121 without rushing.
- Walk around the village and go down to see the coast.
- Walk the trail to El Semáforo if you have suitable footwear and water.
- Return to San Andrés for fish or continue towards Santa Cruz.
Practical tips
- Do not take a large car unless you need one: the streets and turns are narrow.
- Take water: the heat is noticeable even on a short walk.
- Check TITSA if you travel by bus: route 945 does not run continuously.
- Respect residents’ peace: Igueste is not a film set; it is an inhabited village.
- Avoid trails in rain or strong wind: conditions underfoot can change quickly in Anaga.
Frequently asked questions about Igueste de San Andrés
Where is Igueste de San Andrés?
It is in the Anaga district of the municipality of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, beyond the village of San Andrés and close to Las Teresitas.
Can you get there by bus?
Yes. TITSA route 945 connects Santa Cruz, San Andrés and Igueste de San Andrés. Check the timetable before setting out.
Are there beaches in Igueste?
Yes. There are small bathing areas, pebble shores and places such as Playa del Llano, El Burro and El Porís. They are natural areas, and swimming depends on sea conditions.
Is the trail to the Anaga Semáforo difficult?
It is not very long, but it is steep and requires comfortable footwear, water and care. It is not a flat beach promenade.
Is it worth travelling from southern Tenerife?
Yes, if you combine it with Santa Cruz, Las Teresitas or Anaga. If you travel from the south solely to see Igueste, calculate the time carefully because the outing becomes considerably longer.
