This tiny, picturesque village is the starting point for one of Tenerife’s most popular hikes.
Set 2,000 feet (600 metres) above sea level, Masca rests precariously on a plateau surrounded by the stunning Teno Mountains. Almost completely isolated from the rest of the island until the 1970s, this beautiful village consists of little more than a church, a few restaurants and a handful of old stone houses. Despite its relative seclusion, the village is now among the most popular destinations in Tenerife. Stop here to enjoy its charms before continuing on to nearby hiking trails.
The actual journey to Masca is an exciting part of the experience. As you wind along the narrow access road, the views of the steep gorges below are as beautiful as they are stomach churning.
Walk through the village’s lovely centre and stop for a break at one of the quaint bars in the plaza. Peek inside the 18th-century Church at Masca.
Learn more about this beguiling village’s development at the Masca Museum. Set in a historic house, the museum features six rooms that explore how life has changed over the years in this rural settlement. See old farming tools and photographs, along with rooms decorated with traditional furnishing.
Don’t miss the Masca Nature Centre, which provides an informative introduction to the area’s natural scenery. Through multimedia exhibits and audiovisual displays, the museum presents an overview of the flora, fauna and geology you will encounter during hikes in the surrounding region.
Follow the popular Barranco de Masca trek, with a challenging route along a stunning gorge. The trail finishes at Playa de Masca, a pristine beach where you can cool off with a swim. Although this trek is popular, it’s also deceptively steep and difficult. The hike down takes 3 hours you can skip the long climb back by pre-arranging a water taxi from Playa de Masca to Los Gigantes harbour.
Masca is located in northwestern Tenerife at the base of the Teno Mountains. Reach it by bus from Buenavista or Santiago del Teide.
