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Village · Puerto de la Cruz, Canary Islands
Masca
Remote village in the Teno mountains, in the northwest of the island, squeezed between cliffs and a deep ravine that descends to the sea, reached by a road with tight bends.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Masca
Masca is a small village in the Teno massif at the far northwest of Tenerife, about 45 km from Puerto de la Cruz. Stone and tile houses sit on narrow ridges at roughly 600 meters elevation, surrounded by palm trees and volcanic rock walls. Until the 1970s, it could only be reached on foot or by mule.
The road to the village, the TF-436, descends in narrow, tight curves between cliffs, with viewpoints such as Cruz de Hilda. The scenery is among the most photographed on the island.
From the village the Masca gorge trail descends about 600 meters through a canyon to a small beach on the coast, where boats commonly take hikers back to Los Gigantes. The trail is demanding, with rocky and narrow sections, and has specific access and reservation rules set by the Cabildo; check them before planning.
The village has a few restaurants and a small ethnographic museum.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1–2 hours for the village; a full day for the gorge trail.
Best time
In the morning, before the tour buses arrive and with good light on the cliffs. Avoid heavy rain days, when the road and the trail demand extra caution.
How to get there
About 45 km from Puerto de la Cruz, roughly a 1‑hour drive via Santiago del Teide or Buenavista del Norte. There are buses with few departures per day. The road is narrow with tight curves.
Tip
Drive slowly and use the viewpoints to stop. If you plan to do the gorge trail, check the access rules and reservations on the Cabildo de Tenerife website, and arrange the return boat.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Masca
How do you get to Masca?
By car via the TF-436 road, narrow and winding, taking about 1 hour from Puerto de la Cruz. There are buses with limited departures.
Can you descend the Masca gorge on foot?
Yes, via a demanding trail with about 600 meters of elevation change, subject to access rules and reservations set by the Cabildo. Check in advance.
Does Masca have restaurants?
Yes, a few, with views over the cliffs.