Masca is the picture most people carry home from the west of Tenerife. The hamlet sits high in the Teno mountains at the end of a road of tight bends, its old stone houses stepped along a ridge above a gorge so steep that the terraces of the former farmers seem to hang in mid-air. Below the village the Barranco de Masca drops through palms, cliffs and wild vegetation to a small cove on the coast, and the view down the valley to the sea, often with a bank of cloud rolling through it, is one of the best on the island. The village itself is tiny, with a handful of cafés and viewing points, a few craft stalls and a chapel, and it is busy at midday when coaches arrive. The mountains around it are part of the Teno Rural Park, a quieter corner of the island of old paths, laurel forest and farming hamlets. The tour we link to is a full-day trip that combines Masca with the Teide area, the dragon tree town of Icod and the old port of Garachico, which is the easy way to see the west without driving the mountain roads yourself.
How it works
The tour is a coach day trip of around nine hours with a guide, covering several highlights of the north and west in one loop. Masca is the scenic centrepiece, with time to walk through the village and photograph the gorge, while the other stops give you the volcano, the dragon tree and the harbour of Garachico. Pickup points and the exact order of the stops depend on the departure, so read the meeting details when you book. Because it is a coach tour, you cannot walk the gorge on this trip.
What to expect
The road into Masca is narrow and winding, and larger vehicles take it slowly, so travellers who get carsick should take a tablet beforehand and sit near the front. The village is small and the time there is limited, which is enough for the view and a coffee but not for a hike. The weather changes fast in the Teno mountains, where the south side can be sunny while Masca sits in cloud, so bring a light layer.
The hike down the gorge to the sea is a serious walk of several hours on rough ground, access has been regulated and the route has been closed at times after rockfalls, so check current conditions with the park authorities before planning it as an independent trip.
Making the most of it
If you hire a car, leave early in the day, drive in from the Santiago del Teide side if you dislike the steepest bends and park where the signs allow, as there is little room in the village. If you prefer the sea view, boat trips from the south coast pass the mouth of the gorge and make a good alternative. A day tour is best for first-time visitors who want variety, and a car or a guided walk suits those who want more time on the ground.
What to expect
The experience
A guided coach day trip that stops in Masca and links the Teide area, Icod and Garachico on one loop.
Best time
Morning, before the coach crowds build and before cloud settles into the valley.
How long
Plan on a full day of around nine hours, with a limited stop in the village itself.
Tips
Take a tablet if you get carsick on bends, bring a light layer, and check conditions before attempting the gorge walk independently.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want to see the wild west of the island and several northern highlights without driving.
- Families
- Good for older children who can handle a long day and winding roads; very young children may tire.
- Couples
- The valley views and the harbour at Garachico make a relaxed, scenic day together.
- Pair with
- The Teide cable car, the Icod dragon tree or a whale-watching trip beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Where is Masca?+
Masca is a mountain hamlet in the Teno massif on the north-west of Tenerife, reached by a narrow road of tight bends. The gorge below it runs down to the Atlantic coast.
Can I hike the Masca gorge?+
The walk down the gorge to the sea is a demanding hike on rough ground. Access has been regulated and the route has been closed at times for safety, so check current conditions before you go.
Is the road to Masca scary?+
It is narrow with many hairpin bends and steep drops, but it is a normal public road. On a coach tour the driver handles it, and if you drive yourself, take your time and use the passing places.
How long do you spend in Masca on a day tour?+
Time in the village is usually short, enough for views, a coffee and photographs. The day is built around several stops, so Masca is one highlight among a few.
What else do the tours usually visit?+
The linked tour combines Masca with the Teide area, the dragon tree town of Icod de los Vinos and the old harbour of Garachico.
