Tenerife hosts numerous fascinating places that deserve a visit, but one of the must-sees on your itinerary is Masca. Considered the most beautiful village on the island, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains with the sea as a backdrop.
In this article, you will discover the most outstanding places to visit in Masca, the essential destination in Tenerife that perfectly combines marine and mountainous landscapes.
What to See in Masca, the Most Beautiful Village of Tenerife
Masca is a small village that can be explored in approximately one hour. It has few houses, some restaurants, and a tourist office. However, the landscapes that surround it will make you want to spend more time admiring every corner. Moreover, on the road leading to Masca there are several spectacular viewpoints where it is worth stopping to enjoy the views.
Do you have little time or no car but still want to explore Masca and its surroundings? This tour through Masca and the northern viewpoints of Tenerife is an excellent option to explore the entire area in half a day.
Without further ado, let’s begin with the best places to visit in Masca.
Cherfe Viewpoint
The Cherfe Viewpoint is the first viewpoint you will encounter on the TF-436 road from Santiago del Teide to Masca. Although you might not see the village yet, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the mountainous landscapes with the sea in the background. On clear days, you can even see La Gomera! Undoubtedly, the Cherfe Viewpoint is one of the best places to visit in Masca.
There is a small parking area at the viewpoint for 4-5 cars, and another option is to park on the other side of the road, where space for 2-3 more vehicles is available. Due to limited space, it is advisable to avoid peak hours so you can stop peacefully and admire the views.
Masca Viewpoint
A few curves ahead on the TF-436, you will find the Masca Viewpoint, the most impressive spot to view both the village and the surrounding landscape. The views are truly spectacular.
As in the previous viewpoint, the parking space is limited, with a small area for 5-6 cars. However, the viewpoint area is larger and is located on top of a mountain, allowing you to walk around and explore different spots to enjoy the views without crowds.
If there is one viewpoint you cannot miss on your route through Masca, this is the one!
Masca Village
After several curves on the TF-436, you will arrive at the village of Masca, considered the most beautiful in Tenerife or at least the one that offers the best views. Its privileged location between mountains and the ocean makes it a unique place.
💡 Fun Fact: There are legends linking Masca to pirates, as this small village was an ideal hideout to surprise and attack ships arriving from America loaded with goods.
Masca is quite small and you can wander through all its corners, but there are some standout spots such as the famous village viewpoint, the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, and the Masca Ethnographic Museum.
Masca Village Viewpoint
This viewpoint was the first image I encountered of the village and the main reason for our visit. The views of the village with the characteristic mountain peak, Roque de Cañata, are reason enough to visit it.
Although the most popular image can be seen from several points in Masca, the best panorama is obtained from the parking area, just before entering the village.
Coordinates for the Masca Village Viewpoint: 28.305317, -16.839459
💡 Tip: Enjoy the breathtaking cliffs from another perspective with this kayak tour along the Los Gigantes cliffs.
Chapel of the Immaculate Conception
As you venture into the village, the first place you will encounter is the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, one of the spots to visit in Masca. This stone chapel was built in the 18th century and is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception.
In the square of the chapel, there is also a beautiful Laurel tree of the Indies that provides shade to much of the area. During the high season, it is common to find live musicians and craft stalls.
Streets and Country Houses of Masca
Although the most iconic image of Masca is Roque de Cañata, it is also worth strolling through its streets and discovering the various country houses of the village. Currently, around 100 inhabitants live there, but many of the country houses have been converted into restaurants, rural houses, or craft shops.
To explore all the corners of Masca, it is best to follow the local signs and take a circular route that goes down toward Roque de Cañata and then back up, allowing you to enjoy magnificent views of the entire area.
Masca Ethnographic Museum
If you are passionate about history and want to learn more about the culture of Tenerife, the Masca Ethnographic Museum is a highly recommended visit. Here you will find an exhibition about the life of Masca’s inhabitants a few decades ago. The building itself has its own history, as it was once the school for the Guanches of the village.
Masca Gorge
For hiking enthusiasts, one of the unmissable activities in Masca is to traverse the Masca Gorge until you reach the beach, which is accessible only by boat or on foot.
I recommend booking this Masca Gorge tour, which includes a guide throughout the route and explanations about the history of the majestic volcanic canyon sculpted by water over five million years. The route lasts 3 hours (one way) and is of intermediate difficulty. Previously, you could descend on foot and return to the village by boat and bus, but now you must return on foot, which requires more time and physical fitness.
💡 Additional Information: The Masca Gorge connects this small village, located about 650 meters above sea level, with the Atlantic Ocean. The current path was created by the Guanches to take advantage of the more fertile and less steep lands.
Masca Beach
Do you want to visit Masca Beach but don’t feel like walking too much? There are several boat routes departing from various points in the south of Tenerife that visit Masca Beach, among other spectacular places.
If you have little time, the best option is this boat tour along Punta de Teno, which in about two hours includes a visit to Masca Beach and the Los Gigantes Cliffs. For a more complete experience, this catamaran tour around Los Gigantes, Costa Adeje, and Masca includes cetacean watching, such as dolphins and pilot whales, as well as a buffet and open bar. If you are traveling in a group, you can also opt for this private boat tour around Los Gigantes and Masca, designed exclusively for you.
Map of the Must-See Places in Masca
Although Masca is a small village where you will likely explore every corner on foot, here is a map with the exact location of all the essential spots so you don’t miss anything.
How to Get to Masca
Masca is located in the municipality of Buenavista del Norte, in the west of Tenerife, about 100 km from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of the island. Its location between mountains is its main attraction, although it also represents a challenge to reach, as there is only one narrow access road, with many curves and bus traffic.
How to Get to Masca by Car
The easiest way to get to Masca is by car, and there are two main routes: from Santiago del Teide or from Buenavista del Norte. Depending on your starting point and your preference for winding roads, you can choose the option that suits you best. From Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the quickest route is to take the TF-1 highway southward, towards Candelaria/Sur Airport/Los Cristianos. After about 100 km, you will reach Santiago del Teide, where you will take the TF-436 road to Masca. This road is narrow and winding, so it is important to drive carefully and take the opportunity to stop at the viewpoints along the way. The total journey from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Masca takes approximately one and a half hours.
Another slightly shorter option but somewhat slower is to take the TF-5 road from the west of the island. However, the TF-5 is usually slower due to heavy traffic and having only one lane in each direction.
Where to Park in Masca
Although Masca is a small village, it is quite touristic, and during the high season the parking lots tend to fill up quickly. It is recommended to arrive early in the day or later to find parking more easily.
Coordinates for parking in Masca: 28.305317, -16.839459
How to Get to Masca by Public Transport
Although the most comfortable way to get to Masca is by car, it is also possible to reach it by public transport. You will need to get to Santiago del Teide from your location and from there take bus 355, which will take you to the village of Masca in about 20-30 minutes. You can check schedules and prices on the Titsa Official Website, the main bus network in Tenerife.
What to See in the Surroundings of Masca
Masca is a small village with a population of around 100 inhabitants, ideal for exploring in half a day. If you have more time and want to explore other nearby places, here are the best day trips from Masca:
- Punta de Teno: Just 20 km from Masca, this protected area offers a unique lunar landscape and is known for its beautiful lighthouse. Car access is restricted for most of the day, so it is advisable to visit by bus from Buenavista del Norte or through one of the available tours.
- Charco Los Chochos: About 22 km from Masca, this natural pool is perfect for a refreshing swim after your hike. It is very popular, so it can get quite crowded during the high season.
- Garachico: Around 25 km away, this charming town stands out for its history and old colonial port. Its architecture is beautiful, with cobbled streets lined with colorful stately houses. An excellent way to visit is by taking this free tour, which covers its most emblematic spots in just over an hour. More information can be found in the post What to See and Do in Garachico.
- Icod de los Vinos: Also about 25 km away, it is home to the famous Millennium Dragon tree over 800 years old, one of the best sites to see in the surroundings of Masca. Additionally, you can stroll through the center and enjoy the atmosphere at Plaza Andrés de Lorenzo Cáceres and the Town Hall. Don’t miss the free tour to learn about its curiosities and history. More details can be found in the post What to See in Icod de los Vinos.
- Los Gigantes Cliffs: Another nearby attraction is enjoying the sunset at these impressive cliffs, which rise over 600 meters high. My favorite spots to admire them are the Archipenque Viewpoint and Los Guíos Beach. For a different perspective, you can opt for this kayak tour, catamaran tour, or private boat tour.
If you enjoy adventure and water activities, in my post about the best activities to do in Tenerife you will find many more options.
With all this information, you are now ready to visit Masca. I hope it helps you plan your excursion. If you have any doubts or questions, feel free to leave them in the comments.
