Masca Tenerife – a spectacular gorge for those who appreciate the beauty and power of nature!

Apr 21
6 min read

The Masca Gorge is one of the most picturesque places in Tenerife – a real “must see” for every nature lover. Although guidebooks and blogs make this place “mass” and full of tourists, my own visit dispelled all fears. I went, I saw and… I fell in love from the first step!

All the most important formal information regarding entry and reservations can be found in the entry Masca Tenerife – current rules for entering the gorge.

Important : as of April 18, 2025, the rules for getting to the Masca Gorge have changed. Your entrance ticket now includes a bus that runs every 20 minutes. Keep in mind that the bus is small and the organizers' suggestion to show up early is justified.

A few words about the history and location

The Masca ravine and the charming village of the same name lie in the Teno massif, on the northwestern tip of the island. Masca itself hangs on a slope about 750 m above sea level, cut off from the world for centuries. The inhabitants lived here from agriculture and livestock breeding, and the traditional Canarian style survived until the 1970s, when a road was finally built connecting Masca with the rest of Tenerife – then the tourist adventure began.

Masca Tenerife – not only majestic landscapes

A hike through the Masca Gorge is not only a chance to admire its spectacular rock formations. It is also a chance to discover less obvious but equally fascinating details – traces of history, unique vegetation and animals that have adapted to live in this harsh and yet incredibly diverse environment.

A Stone Story of Time

The Masca Gorge was formed over millions of years – it is the work of water, which has continuously carved the hard volcanic rocks. This process is still ongoing – every year you can observe new landslides or shifts of boulders. Walking along the trail, you will easily notice horizontal layers of rocks that show the history of the formation of the Teno massif, and characteristic vertical veins of magma – places where lava broke through to the surface of the island . The closer you get to the mouth of the gorge, the older the rocks are – this is where you can touch the oldest fragments of Tenerife's geological history.

Trekking through the gorge

Hiking through the Masca Gorge is about 5 km long (although the watch – due to the winding course – showed us almost 8 km), the route leading from the village of Masca to the beach of the same name. The descent itself, for a person in good physical condition, is not very demanding . Recently, the route has been prepared and secured so that in the most difficult places the tourist feels safe. There are railings above the precipices, and chains at steep descents that help in the descent. The ground can be demanding, sometimes slippery. The need for trekking shoes is therefore justified.

Water and snacks - recommendations and reality.

It’s worth remembering to take enough water and snacks, especially if the weather conditions prevent you from taking a boat out of Playa de Masca. The ascent can be tough, so a supply of food and drinks can be invaluable. On the descent, I used less than 0.75 l of water and allowed myself two short snack breaks – one to stop and simply admire the surroundings, and the other when I was really hungry. I think that’s enough for my needs.

The whole hike took us exactly three hours, thanks to which we managed to catch an earlier taxi to Los Gigantes – a few minutes late could mean a two-hour wait for the next departure. Calculate your descent so that you hit the closest hourly boat. Be prepared to consume provisions and water on the beach if you miss the next boat. There is no shop or bar with drinks and food at the bottom.

Two worlds – two survival strategies

As you continue down, you will eventually discover that the Masca Gorge is not just a monumental rock formation, but also two contrasting ecosystems. In the valley, along a seasonal stream, there are numerous species of trees and shrubs where dragonflies and local birds, from tiny tits to majestic kestrels, stop to quench their thirst. This fertile part of the gorge contrasts with the harsh, dry rock on the sides, where dragon trees, endemic bejeques succulents and delicate cabbage de risco find their place in the cracks. It is there, in conditions seemingly impossible for life, that the unique Masca spider (Xysticus nubilus) survives, a species found only in this canyon (we did not encounter one).

Nature and man

As the road becomes steeper and strewn with chains and barriers, you realize how much human endeavors are at odds with the natural beauty of this place. Old agricultural terraces and irrigation channels remind us that the ancient inhabitants of Masca used this gorge to transport water and exchange goods, before a safe road was built for tourists. Today, it is this infrastructure, enhanced by solid security, that allows even less experienced hikers to walk without fear.

Fauna and flora

On the Masca trail, located in the Teno region, you will see many endemic species of nature that make this route unique. In the dry, mountainous climate of this valley, the vegetation has adapted to the difficult conditions - drought-resistant shrubs dominate here, such as palms, olives and aromatic plants such as rosemary , as well as various succulents , which add a unique charm to the landscape. Along the way, you will also come across fig trees , which are typical of the Mediterranean climate, appreciated both for their tasty fruit and decorative leaves. They may have been sown here naturally, or they are remnants of human planting. Another plant that is even more present is the giant reed , which, introduced to Tenerife many years ago, has become an invasive plant in these areas, but is an interesting, somewhat unusual sight for this type of area.

In addition to the endemic lizards ( Gallotia galloti ), the fauna of this area also includes numerous species of birds – ravens and kestrels are often seen on the rocky slopes of the Masca Valley, as well as local tits and thrushes, which add variety to the sounds of the surrounding nature . Along the way, you may also come acrossthe Barbary partridge. These birds are so familiar with people that they do not frighten easily – if you remain quiet and still, they will approach with curiosity.

All these natural elements make the Masca trail a real gem for nature lovers, offering an authentic experience in the wild, untouched landscape of Tenerife.

The final stage of the walk takes you to a small, rocky beach where a mountain (seasonal) stream meets the Atlantic. Here you can relax, listen to the sound of the waves and look up at the walls of the gorge from which we have just descended. Returning by boat to Los Gigantes, it is worth looking at the Masca cliffs from the perspective of the ocean – this last look will allow you to fully appreciate the scale and beauty of this place.

The Masca Gorge is not an attraction for those who "do guided tours" or "ignorant nature lovers". It is a spectacular experience that allows you to feel how Tenerife was created, observing millions of years of geological craftsmanship. It is also a place where you can see how man tries to tame the forces of nature - thanks to carefully prepared infrastructure, the trail is safe, yet still wild and authentic.

Anyone who respects nature will leave here humbled and amazed. The majestic rock formations, the intense colors of the lava and the diversity of life make the Masca gorge a true pearl of Teno. For people sensitive to the beauty of nature and wanting to feel the true power of nature, this hike will leave unforgettable memories.

Watch our short 2-minute video and immerse yourself in wild nature, picturesque landscapes and mysterious corners that will delight every adventure lover.

I hope it will also encourage you to visit (not just check off) this place full of history and beauty. This is the first video from the hike that required installing a camera in the backpack, because holding it was dangerous. Besides, enjoying the place was the main goal. Filming along the way. So please be understanding about the effects and details of the hike. In the future, I may create a new one, but it will never do justice to the real beauty of this place! I recommend visiting it in person! :)