The Masca Gorge in Tenerife is the number one hike for those who want to experience a 600-meter elevation difference with theirown legs.
In the hinterland of the Parque Rural de Teno in the municipality of Buenavista del Norte are located thelargest and deepest gorges, also the most impressive rock masses of the island. Within this natural setting lies thehamlet of Masca. No one will contradict you if we claim that a visit to Masca ranks in the top three excursionsundertaken on Tenerife.
Descending the Masca Gorge
Masca offers us a number of traditional houses, a few restaurants, and small craft and souvenir stalls. Noteworthy is the presence of Casa de los Avinculados, the oldest building in the area. The Church of the Immaculate Conceptiondates back to the 18th century and celebrates its festivities in honor of the Virgin in August. With more time, we alsoplan a visit to the ethnographic museum, which is housed in a building with a typical Canarian construction.
Those who enjoy adventurous hikes must descend the Masca gorge. It is not just a walk, it is also a course whereagility and balance must keep the human body upright.
Six kilometers
To drive to Masca, we follow the TF-436 which departs from Buenavista del Norte. Along the way, we are alreadywitness to rural beauty and beautiful vistas that reach deep into the Teno mountains. At the height of the hamlet thatradiates tradition and culture, we try to park our vehicle. Only then can we explore the village.
Hikers present themselves to be registered at the Tourist Office and can start from there with the six-kilometer-long descent to sea level, the Playa de Masca. The walk takes three hours. If we return on foot, we must more than double the walking time. If we take the boat down to Los Gigantes, we are among the lucky ones.
The Masca ravine has a length of 5,848 meters, covers an area of 6,652 square kilometers, and reaches a maximum height of 1,344 meters. The hamlet of Masca is situated about 600 meters above sea level. During the hike, the hugerock walls on both sides stand out. The typical vegetation of the area consists of cardones, tabaibas, palm trees, andverodes. Species like agave, mallow, or aeonium with rosette-shaped leaves are all the more striking.
Beach of Masca
To go to the ravine, we pass through the church of La Inmaculada Concepción towards Morro Catana. Almost at theend, we take a path that appears on the left, which is initially quite steep and strewn with loose soil. We continue descending to the wooden bridge which allows us to cross to the other side of the ravine, and from here we continue the path through largely abandoned farmland to reach areas with typical vegetation. The path gently descends furtheralong the ravine and takes us to the beautiful beach of Masca. There are certain points on the path that we must follow with caution, but in general, we just let ourselves be carried along the path.
Return by boat?
Along the ravine, we find small pools and waterfalls. We went in January and had no problems at any time, but we need to take precautions if we go during the rainy season, as there may be certain areas that are a bit more complicated.
The return must be done along the same path, although most hikers return by boat. Masca Beach has a small pier where small boats can dock. For this, we must take organized transportation that brings us to Masca from Los Gigantes.
Distance: 6 km – Elevation: 600 m – Time: 3h.
More information to visit tot the Masca Gorge Trail [HERE]
Other excursions in Tenerife
Willy Van De Wiele © Photography
Masca Gorge in Tenerife ©
To the home page
Interested in Tenerife?
Subscribe to our newsletter and always stay informed about the news on Tenerife.
Enter your first name and a valid email address below. Then click on Subscribe.
