Masca is an exceptional village perched at an altitude of 650 metres in the Teno Rural Park massif, north-west of Tenerife. It’s known for its breathtaking panoramas, sloping streets and traditional stone houses. It’s an authentic hamlet whose unique natural setting makes it a popular destination for hikers and tourists alike.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in the village of Masca in Tenerife, and some useful tips for planning your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Is the village of Masca worth a visit?
Yes, the village of Masca is well worth a visit. Listed as a Site of Cultural Interest, this traditional hamlet offers an authentic insight into rural Canary Island life. We were won over by its steep cobbled streets and stone houses clinging to the mountainside. The natural setting is splendid, with breathtaking views of the vertiginous walls of the Barranco de Masca.
In our opinion, it’s one of the best experiences you’ll have during your stay in Los Gigantes.
1. The winding road to the Masca Valley
The adventure begins at the access road, TF-436. It winds its way from Santiago del Teide through breathtaking scenery. We had a great time on this narrow road with its tight bends. The route offers spectacular views of ridges and gorges covered in stunning vegetation. The steep gradients and breathtaking panoramas make this a memorable experience, but one that requires a little vigilance.
- Journey time: 40min from Puerto de Santiago
- Difficult access after 11 a.m. (heavy traffic)
- Tip: come early in the morning to avoid traffic problems
2. Magnificent panoramas from the TF-436 road
Along this spectacular route, we made several stops to admire the breathtaking views over the rugged terrain of this part of the island of Tenerife. In particular, the Mirador de Cherfe offers a magnificent view of the lush valleys and surrounding mountains. The descent to the village is particularly impressive, with Masca gradually revealing itself, nestled among gigantic cliffs that seem to touch the sky.
- Tip: stay alert despite the beauty of the landscape
- Watch out for parking at watchtowers
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3. Discovering the heart of the village
In the village, we strolled along the cobbled streets winding between traditional houses. On the Plaza de Masca, we really liked the little Chapel of the Immaculate Conception and, above all, the majestic Indian laurel in the center. The steep alleyways offer exceptional views of the surrounding mountains at every turn. The Ethnographic Museum was closed at the time of our morning visit, but it provides a good insight into local history and culture.
- Musée Ethnographique: open Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tip: arrive early to avoid the crowds
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
4. Immersion in the Barranco de Masca
The Barranco de Masca is an impressive ravine formed by volcanic flows. We were dazzled by the beauty of this protected site, home to a living, fragile natural world. A 10 km excursion takes you through spectacular scenery, with giant agaves, cacti and lush ferns, to a small cove at the foot of the imposing Los Gigantes cliffs, Playa de Masca.
- Duration: about 6 hours
- Price: from €130 per person
- Time slot reservation required (protected site)
- Book your guided tour here
5. Spend the night in the village of Masca
For an authentic experience, we recommend staying in one of the village’s traditional houses. You can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Masca once the visitors have left, and admire the sunrises and sunsets over the Barranco. Guest houses often offer typical Canarian accommodation in the heart of this grandiose setting.
- Book your traditional accommodation here
WHERE TO STAY IN Tenerife
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Tenerife
- Our favorite: Hotel Corales Beach
Select by hotel type:
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- Best hotels in Costa Adeje
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- 5-star hotel in Los Cristianos (coming soon)
6. Outlook on Roc de Cantana
From the Camino Casa Fidel, we discovered one of Tenerife’s most photographed natural monuments, the Roc de Cantana. This rocky outcrop stretches vertically across the street from Plaza de Masca. It perfectly illustrates the effects of erosion in the region. You can admire this unique geological formation from several vantage points and take time to photograph this impressive testimony to the island’s geological history.
7. Last look from Mirador Cruz de Hilda
About 2 km north of the village, still on the TF-436 road, we stopped off at Mirador Cruz de Hilda. This two-level lookout offers spectacular views of the village of Masca and the Barranco. An orientation table helps you find your way around the landscape. The cafeteria below invites you to take a contemplative break on its terrace.
- 24-hour access to MIrador
- Tip: come early in the morning to avoid the crowds
- More information on the official website here
Other attractions in and around Masca
In the village
We’ve identified a number of other points of interest in Masca that deserve your attention:
- Small shops selling local produce.
- The history of the village, where a small Guanche community already lived before the Spanish conquest in 1496. Legend also has it that Masca was once a pirate lair.
Excursions around Masca
We explored the surrounding area, which offers many opportunities for hiking and excursions:
- The ancient laurel forest above the village – book a guided hike,
- The lunar landscapes of the village of Teno Alto (a dedicated article will soon be online),
- The many hiking trails starting from Masca.
How to get to Masca + parking
Where to find Masca
- In the northwest of Tenerife, in the Teno Rural Park
- At an altitude of 650 metres
- 40-minute drive from Puerto de Santiago (Los Gigantes)
- Here’s a map of Tenerife to help you find your way around:
How to get there
- By car: TF-436
- By bus: routes 355 and 365 from Santiago del Teide or Buenavista. Find out more here.
- Organized excursions from the main seaside resorts
- By cab: recommended if you’re planning a hike
Parking in Masca
Parking at Masca is highly regulated to control the flow of visitors:
- Parking only at village entrance
- Limited to 2 hours between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Alternative: park in Santiago del Teide and take the bus
Useful tips for visiting Masca
How long and when?
You can tour the village in less than 1 hour or spend half a day there. To make the most of the site, we recommend arriving early in the morning, before the influx of visitors. For the Barranco hike, allow a full day.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
The village is built on a slope with steep cobbled streets. Start in the central square, then explore the surrounding alleyways. Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain is uneven.
Visiting with children
- The Ethnographic Museum offers a wonderful introduction to local history and Guanche traditions.
- Younger visitors will enjoy exploring the village, which is a little adventure in itself, but requires a little vigilance due to the steep alleyways.
- The Barranco hike is not recommended for children under 8.
Restaurants
The village has four restaurants, two of which are particularly recommended:
- El Guanche Restaurant
- Bar Fidel
These establishments offer local specialities with a breathtaking view of the cliffs.
Visiting Masca in winter
Winter is an excellent time to visit Masca. We enjoyed the greener vegetation after the rains and the mild temperatures. The Barranco is still within easy reach, and the beach below even offers a refreshing swim after the hike. The panoramic views are particularly striking, with the oblique winter light highlighting the rugged mountain relief.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful roads
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Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track (coming soon)
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife
How to get around
How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Where to stay in Tenerife
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 1 week – 10 days
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife (coming soon)
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava (coming soon)
Garachico
Village of Masca
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SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
