Being from Tenerife, we have always felt a special bond with the natural beauty of our island, but certain places are particularly magical, and Masca Gorge is one of them. In the northwest of Tenerife, nestled in the impressive mountains of the Teno massif, lies a place that, although small, has a beauty that will leave you speechless: Masca.
This hamlet, which seems to be suspended between the mountains, is much more than just a place of awe for us locals; it is a corner of Tenerife that still preserves the unspoilt essence of the island, where untamed nature, tradition and history are intertwined.
Our names are Guacimara and Pedro, we were born in Tenerife and now we would like to tell you about our journey around the world in our motorhome with our Road to Magec project.
Masca: Europe’s Machu Picchu. Due to its similarity to the ancient Incan treasure, Masca is also known as “the Machu Picchu of Europe”.
From our childhood we listened to stories about Masca, many of them handed down from our ancestors. Stories of pirates who hid their treasures in the ravine, of Guanches who lived in these lands long before the conquistadors arrived. This magical place has long been steeped in legend, and when you visit, you can’t help but feel a connection to the ancient past.
A journey into the depths of our history
What makes Masca so special? Perhaps it is a mixture of its natural beauty and unique history. The houses, made of volcanic stone and Canary pine wood, seem to tell their own stories. The cobbled paths that wind through the gorges take us back to a time when everything was simpler, more connected with the land. The Guanche people lived and prospered here long before the arrival of the Spanish settlers, and although there are only about 90 people living in the hamlet today, their legacy can still be felt.
One of the highlights when you reach the historic centre of Masca is the Ermita de la Inmaculada Concepción chapel. This small temple, built in the 18th century, is a prime example of the Canary Island architecture of the period. Directly next to the chapel stands a huge Indian laurel tree, whose shade invites you to pause, take a deep breath and simply enjoy the surroundings. The square around the church is the perfect place to sit and observe the village, experiencing the tranquillity that other parts of the island sometimes seem to lack.
The road that leads you to Masca: an adventure in itself
While Masca is a true gem, the drive to get there is an experience that will not be easily forgotten. The TF-436 road, running from Masca to Santiago del Teide, is famed for its hairpin bends and dramatic cliffs. Driving it is challenging, especially for those who are not used to this type of road. But once you get around the first bend, the stunning views take your breath away. Around every twist and turn the landscape unfolds a little more, revealing the majesty of the Teno massif, and on clear days you can even see the island of La Gomera on the horizon.
The road to Masca is almost as exciting as getting to the village itself. The thrill of driving through these gorges and the sight of the mountains that seem to embrace you on both sides is an unforgettable experience. If driving is not your thing, you can always take a bus (‘guagua’ as they are called in the Canary Islands) or even a taxi from nearby towns, like Los Gigantes or Santiago del Teide.
But if you decide to make the trip yourself, our advice is always: take your time! The road is not meant for speeding, but for enjoying the scenery. If you get the chance, stop at one of the scenic viewpoints, such as the Cherfe Viewpoint, where the scenery is simply stunning.
The Masca Gorge Route: an unforgettable experience
Besides Masca’s charm as a village, one of its main attractions is the Masca Gorge Route, one of Tenerife’s best-known hiking trails. For those of us who love nature and hiking, this route is a genuine treat. This path runs down the ravine from the village to a secluded beach on the coast.
The route, which is approximately 10 kilometres in total (return trip), takes you through spectacular scenery, flanked by rock faces up to 400 metres high. With every step you take, you are led deeper into an environment where time seems to have stood still. The vegetation of the gorge is unique, with many indigenous species found only here, making the hike a visual and sensory experience.
You don’t need to be an expert hiker, but the trail does require a certain amount of effort, especially because of the 600m difference in altitude. Those who are not used to trekking in mountainous terrain may find it challenging, but the reward once you reach the beach is indescribable. This is a secluded hideaway, like discovering a piece of personal paradise in the heart of nature.
For the more adventurous, the hike back up through the gorge is just as spectacular. However, if after all this effort you prefer to avoid the climb, a more relaxing option is to take a boat from Masca beach to the port of Los Gigantes, provided the sea conditions allow it and the jetty can be used. The perfect way to bring your outing to a close.
Please note that a free permit is required for the Masca Gorge hike due to capacity restrictions, which limit access to 25 people per half hour. This permit must be requested from the official website: caminobarrancodemasca.com
Culture and tradition in Masca: a trip back in time
Besides nature, Masca is also about history and culture. Despite its modest size, this hamlet has its own Ethnographic Museum, where you can learn what life was like here just a few decades ago. This small exhibition space gives us a glimpse into the traditions of the original inhabitants of Masca, and how they coped with living in such an isolated and remote environment.
The village square is also the place to find local craftsmen, live music and cosy restaurants where you can sample some of the typical dishes of the Canary Islands. Don’t miss the papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce, a classic that never fails and tastes even better with a view of the gorge.
If you decide to visit Masca, you should arrive first thing in the morning. The village is small and the car park can fill up quickly, especially at the weekend. For other things to do in Tenerife, read all our articles about this destination, such as where to surf and the 10 unforgettable experiences on the island.
