San Andrés is a coastal town on La Palma, in the Canary Islands, with cobbled streets, colourful Canarian houses and views across the sea. Its main historic stop is the Church of San Andrés Apóstol, founded in 1515 and later enlarged. Inside, look for three Baroque altarpieces and the Flemish image of the Virgen de La Victoria. A walk through the lanes and along the seafront gives you time to take in the town’s historic corners and its setting among banana fields.
A coastal town with a long history
San Andrés is a coastal settlement on La Palma, surrounded by banana fields. Its cobbled streets and colourful Canarian houses lead through a compact historic centre, with the sound of the sea close by. The town was an important meeting point for merchants on the island and held particular importance during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Take time to wander beyond the main streets. The Calle de la Plaza, the Chapel of El Pilar and an old lime kiln on the coast are among the places to look for as you explore.
Inside the Church of San Andrés Apóstol
The Church of San Andrés Apóstol was built in 1515 in honour of the town’s patron saint. It began as a single-nave church and was enlarged in later centuries, eventually taking its current Latin-cross form. The building is in the centre of San Andrés and was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1986.
Inside, look for three Baroque altarpieces and the church’s religious images. The Flemish Virgen de La Victoria is a notable work; the image of the Virgen del Rosario is Baroque. The church’s architecture and artworks offer a closer look at the town’s religious history.
Walking the seafront
A walk along the coast brings the town’s stone lanes and houses into view from a different angle, with the hills rising above the ocean. The route between Charco Azul and San Andrés can be followed along the seafront. You can pause at terraces and local restaurants along the way, with banana fields adding to the landscape around town.
Perguntas frequentes
What is there to see in San Andrés?
Explore the cobbled streets and colourful Canarian houses, visit the Church of San Andrés Apóstol, and walk along the seafront. The Calle de la Plaza, Chapel of El Pilar and an old coastal lime kiln are also points of interest.
When was the Church of San Andrés Apóstol built?
The church was built in 1515 in honour of San Andrés Apóstol. It was enlarged over the centuries and later took its current Latin-cross form.
What can you see inside the church?
Look for three Baroque altarpieces, the Flemish Virgen de La Victoria and the Baroque image of the Virgen del Rosario.
When is a good time to visit San Andrés?
Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends. Early morning and late afternoon are suggested for softer light.
