In the 16th century, the King Philip II sent the Italian military engineer Leonardo Torriani to fortify the coast of Santa Cruz de Tenerife,[1] among the most important places to protect was the Valle de Salazar (Salazar Valley) which is now the town of San Andrés.

Since the 17th century, it was considered necessary to defend the beach of San Andrés and to protect ships from pirate attacks.

During the Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1797, the castle played a very important role as shots from the castle destroyed the mast and riggings of the Theseus, the ship of Admiral Horacio Nelson.

During a heavy rain this stream flooded, and collapsed part of the castle, but the other half is still standing.

As of 2021[update] it is on the Spanish Lista Roja (Red List) as it is at risk of further deterioration.