Masca Gorge
The Mountain Village of Masca
Masca is one of the Canary Islands' most spectacular villages: Perched on a narrow mountain ridge at 650 meters, white houses cling to steep rock walls, surrounded by deep gorges and palm trees. Until the 1970s, Masca was only accessible on foot or by donkey — the road that now winds down from the Teno Mountains is an adventure in itself (not for the faint-hearted!). The view along the way is breathtaking.
The Hike through the Barranco de Masca
The Masca Gorge is Tenerife's most famous hike: From the village, a narrow path leads 4.5 kilometers through the narrow gorge down to the sea. Dramatic rock walls that narrow to just a few meters, exotic vegetation, waterfalls after rainfalls, and at the end, a small pebble beach from which a boat departs to Los Gigantes.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Route | 4.5 km (only downhill to the sea) |
| Duration | 3–4 hours |
| Difficulty | Medium to hard (sturdy footwear required!) |
| Permit | Online reservation required (free) |
| Boat back | From Masca Beach to Los Gigantes (approx. 10€) |
| Best time | Start in the morning (from 8 am), not in the midday heat |
💡 Tipp
A permit for the Masca Gorge has been mandatory and free since 2023. Reserve at caminobarrancodemasca.com at least 1–2 weeks in advance — spots are limited (max. 125 people/day). Without a reservation, you won't be allowed in.
