Masca

A dramatic mountain village perched in the Teno massif, famous for its steep gorge hike leading down to a secluded cove. Its remote, rugged setting offers some of Tenerife's most spectacular views.

Things to do

• Hike the Barranco de Masca — A steep, dramatic 3-4 hour descent through a rocky gorge ending at a secluded pebble cove, considered one of Spain's most spectacular hikes.
• Mirador de Masca — Stop at this roadside viewpoint on the TF-436 for a jaw-dropping panorama of the village clinging to the ravine walls.
• Wander the village lanes — Explore Masca's tiny stone-and-thatch hamlets connected by narrow paths carved into the terraced hillside.
• Visit Iglesia de San Antonio Abad — See the small whitewashed parish church that anchors the village's central square.
• Boat pickup at Masca Bay — After the gorge hike, catch a boat from the black-sand cove across to Los Gigantes or Puerto de Santiago.
• Drive the Masca-Buenavista road — Take the hair-raising, hairpin mountain road for views over the Teno massif and the Atlantic beyond.

Food to try

• Potaje de berros — A hearty Canarian watercress and vegetable stew often served at village cafés as a hiker's refuel.
• Papas arrugadas con mojo — Wrinkled salt-boiled potatoes served with spicy red mojo picón or green mojo verde sauce.
• Queso de cabra de Teno — Local goat cheese from herds grazing the surrounding Teno massif, often grilled or served with palm honey.
• Gofio-based dishes — Toasted grain flour used in soups, breads, and desserts, a staple of traditional Canarian cuisine found in Masca's small eateries.
• Barraquito — A layered coffee with condensed milk, liqueur, and cinnamon, worth trying at one of the village's mirador cafés.

Local customs & good to know

• Book a hiking permit in advance — Access to the Barranco de Masca trail is limited and requires a free permit reserved online through the Teno Rural Park system.
• Wear proper hiking shoes — The gorge trail is rocky, narrow, and can be slippery, so sturdy footwear is essential.
• Expect limited parking and crowds — Masca's tiny lanes get congested with tour buses, so arriving early morning or using the shuttle bus is recommended.
• Check weather before descending — Sudden rain can make the gorge dangerous due to flash flooding, so trail conditions should be confirmed locally.