Masca Village
A breathtakingly beautiful village nestled in a dramatic gorge, often called Tenerife's Machu Picchu.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Masca Village
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtakingly beautiful village nestled in a dramatic gorge, often called Tenerife's Machu Picchu.
"Masca feels like something straight out of a movie—think wild cliffs, crazy views, and a village that looks like it's hanging off the edge of the world.
"🚗 Drive Carefully!
The Masca road is very winding and steep. Consider a smaller car or a tour if you're not an experienced driver.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the village and potentially on uneven terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Masca Village Charm
The heart of the village
A picturesque hamlet nestled in a dramatic gorge, often called Tenerife's Machu Picchu.

Masca Gorge Views
Surrounding viewpoints
Breathtaking panoramas of rugged cliffs and the deep gorge, offering a sense of wild, untamed beauty.

Scenic Drive
Roads leading to Masca
The journey itself is an adventure with stunning, albeit challenging, mountain scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Winding Roads
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Carefully!
The Masca road is very winding and steep. Consider a smaller car or a tour if you're not an experienced driver.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the village and potentially on uneven terrain.
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
A hat and sunscreen are essential, especially if you plan to explore the village or surrounding areas.
📸 Capture the Views
Masca offers incredible photo opportunities at every turn. Don't forget your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully!
The Masca road is very winding and steep. Consider a smaller car or a tour if you're not an experienced driver.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the village and potentially on uneven terrain.
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
A hat and sunscreen are essential, especially if you plan to explore the village or surrounding areas.
📸 Capture the Views
Masca offers incredible photo opportunities at every turn. Don't forget your camera!
🍽️ Enjoy a Local Lunch
The village has charming restaurants perfect for a relaxed meal with stunning views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Masca Village for its breathtaking scenery and unique, almost mythical, atmosphere, often calling it a 'Machu Picchu of Spain'. The dramatic gorge views and the charming, secluded village are major highlights. However, the challenging and winding roads leading to Masca are a significant point of caution for many travelers.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way to reach Masca Village is by car, driving through scenic but very winding roads from Los Gigantes or Santiago del Teide.
Alternatively, you can take TITSA buses or join an organized tour for a more relaxed experience. Some travelers find taxis to be quite expensive.Yes, the road to Masca Tenerife is known for its steep inclines, sharp curves, and narrow sections. It's recommended to drive cautiously and consider a smaller vehicle if you're not accustomed to such roads.
Yes, you can take TITSA buses to Masca. However, check the schedules carefully as public transit can be time-consuming, with journeys potentially taking around 2.5 hours each way.
Absolutely! Many tours offer visits to Masca Village, often combined with other attractions in Tenerife. This can be a convenient option if you prefer not to drive the challenging roads.
The drive from Los Gigantes to Masca is approximately 30-45 minutes and is characterized by stunning coastal and mountain views, but also numerous hairpin turns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance tickets required to visit Masca Village itself. You can wander through the streets and enjoy the views freely.
Parking can be limited and may involve a small fee, especially during busier times. It's advisable to arrive early or be prepared to walk a short distance.
Masca Village is generally accessible year-round, but it's always a good idea to check local conditions, especially during adverse weather, as the roads can be affected.
Restaurants in Masca typically operate during daylight hours, often closing in the late afternoon or early evening. It's best to check individual restaurant hours if you plan a late meal.
Yes, the Masca Gorge hike requires a permit, which needs to be booked in advance. This is to manage visitor numbers and ensure safety.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the charming cobblestone streets, admire the unique architecture nestled in the mountains, and soak in the incredible gorge views.
Many visitors enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local restaurants.No, Masca Village is not easily accessible with strollers due to its uneven terrain and steep paths. A baby carrier is recommended for families with young children.
Yes, the Masca Gorge hike is a popular but challenging trail that leads down to the coast. It requires a permit, good physical condition, and proper gear.
Everywhere! The entire village and its surroundings offer stunning photographic opportunities. Look for viewpoints overlooking the gorge and the traditional houses.
Most visitors spend 1-3 hours exploring the village and enjoying a meal. If you plan to do the Masca Gorge hike, allocate a full day.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Restaurants in Masca typically serve traditional Canarian cuisine, featuring local ingredients and dishes. Expect hearty meals perfect after exploring the village.
While traditional Canarian cuisine often features meat and fish, many restaurants are accommodating and can offer vegetarian dishes upon request. It's best to inquire directly.
Prices are generally moderate, reflecting the unique location and the cost of transporting goods to the village. It's a worthwhile experience for the ambiance and views.
Yes, there are small shops or cafes in Masca where you can purchase water, snacks, and local souvenirs.
For lunch, especially during peak season, making a reservation is a good idea to secure a table with a view.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon, particularly after 4:30 PM, offers beautiful golden hour light that enhances the dramatic scenery.
Early mornings can also be magical with fewer crowds.A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive gorge and village views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the mountains.
Drone usage is often restricted in natural parks and protected areas. It's crucial to check current regulations before flying a drone in Masca.
Experiment with different angles, focus on the textures of the stone houses, and capture the scale of the gorge by including people in your shots.
Absolutely! Masca Village is incredibly photogenic, with its unique setting, traditional architecture, and dramatic natural surroundings. It's a photographer's dream.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are opportunities for light exploration within the village, and the stunning views provide a sense of wonder. Families can enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants, soaking in the atmosphere. However, the challenging Masca Gorge hike is generally not recommended for young children due to its difficulty and length.
🚗 Adventurous Drivers
It's advisable to drive a smaller, agile vehicle if possible, and to proceed with caution, especially around blind corners. Take advantage of the numerous viewpoints to pause, admire the landscape, and let other traffic pass. The drive is an essential part of the Masca adventure, providing a thrilling prelude to the village's beauty.
🚶 Hikers & Nature Lovers
Beyond the gorge, the surrounding Masca mountain area offers opportunities for scenic walks and appreciating the raw beauty of Tenerife's interior. Pack sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water, and sun protection, as the terrain can be demanding and exposed. The sheer scale and wildness of the landscape make Masca a paradise for those who love to explore on foot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dramatic Masca Gorge Hike
Travelers often describe the hike as strenuous, involving scrambling over rocks and navigating uneven terrain. Proper footwear, plenty of water, and sun protection are essential. The reward is reaching the secluded Masca Bay, where you can arrange a boat taxi back to Los Gigantes, completing a truly memorable adventure.
Important considerations include checking the weather forecast, as the gorge can become dangerous during heavy rain. Also, be aware that the boat taxi service from Masca Bay is weather-dependent and may not always be available.
Driving the Masca Tenerife Road
Many visitors opt to rent a car for the freedom to explore at their own pace. However, if you're not a confident driver on mountain roads, or if you're driving a larger vehicle, it might be wise to reconsider. Alternatively, joining a guided tour or taking a bus can alleviate the stress of navigation and driving. Regardless of your chosen method, the journey to Masca is an integral part of the experience, showcasing the wild, untamed nature of Tenerife.
Key advice for driving includes honking before blind corners to alert oncoming traffic and being patient. Pulling over at designated viewpoints allows you to safely admire the scenery and let other cars pass.
Masca Village: A Photographer's Paradise
For the best photographic results, aim for the golden hour – the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset. The soft, warm light beautifully illuminates the rugged landscape and adds depth to your shots. Wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing the vastness of the gorge, while telephoto lenses can isolate details of the village architecture or distant mountain peaks.
Remember to be respectful of the local residents and their property while taking photos. Capturing the essence of Masca involves not just the grand vistas but also the smaller details – the textures of the stone walls, the vibrant flora, and the sense of timelessness that pervades this magical place.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit