Visit Masca
Masca is Tenerife's most beautiful village and sits perched on the edge of rocky mountainside on the west of the island. Masca is in the Teno mountains which are very popular for walking and climbing.
Explore Masca
Spain This Way comment: Masca is a lovely village in a stunning setting and is certainly worth visiting if you can. Try to avoid peak times though as it can certainly be packed.
Masca is a village set in one of the remotest parts of Tenerife. Before 1991 there was no road leading to Masca, as a result it is a charming unspoilt village - though it has now been discovered and is a part of the tourist trail. Be warned though the road is not for the faint-hearted, it is full of sharp hairpin bends.
If in doubt leave the car at your hotel and get a bus or coach to Masca, leaving the drive to experienced hands. This also avoids parking problems when you get there!
Its location is idyllic, set in the Teno mountains and its houses cling to the rocky slopes and have fabulous views over the gorge and on to the atlantic ocean. Some of the houses now contain cafes and restaurants where you can stop for lunch or refreshments. You can also buy oranges grown on the surrounding slopes. Take a look in the tiny church - only 8 people can fit inside!
If you can, do the walk from Masca to the ocean. Along the way there is some stunning scenery. It is a 6 hour return trip but if you came by coach it is possible to walk one way to the coast and then get a boat round the coast to Los Gigantes where your coach will pick you up. Due to the high number of visitors the number of walkers is now restricted and you have to book tickets ahead to do the walk with an experienced guide.
Masca is on the north west coast of Tenerife.
photos kindly supplied by the Turismo de Tenerife
Places to visit nearb to Masca
As well as the mountainous area around Masca be sure to explore Park Teide which has some very unusual landscapes and its Mount Teide is the third highest volcanic mountain in the world!
The pretty town of Garachico is nearby and is considered to be another of Tenerife's prettiest destinations.
South of Masca are the huge vertical cliffs of Los Gigantes which are one of Tenerife's top natural sights. The Los Gigantes resort is also an excellent place to book a whale-watching tour as the waters near there are one of the top places in the world for whale and dolphin watching.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Western Canary Islands guide.
Photos of Masca
Click any picture to start the gallery
Map of Masca and places to visit
Masca places to visit
Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes resort sits at the bottom of the huge Los Gigantes cliffs - one of Tenerife's top natural sights.
Los Gigantes guide
Garachico
Garachico is a lovely jewel of a town, tiny but very elegant with colourful stucco buildings, elegant plazas, convents and mansions.
Garachico guide
Icod de los Vinos
Icod de los Vinos has an attractive main square and the oldest dragon tree of the Canary Islands.
Icod de los Vinos guide
Park Teide
In Park Teide is Mount Teide, a dormant volcano and the highest peak in Spain. The park is a treat and not to be missed.
Park Teide guide
Tenerife Aqua Parks
Tenerife's Aqua Parks; Tenerife has two great aqua parks which are great for a family day out.
Tenerife Aqua Parks guide
Siam Park
Siam Park is one of the most popular water parks in the world. With an Oriental theme Siam Park is one of the top attractions of Tenerife.
Siam Park guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Western Canary Islands