When you catch your first breathtaking view of Masca, you realise why it’s Tenerife’s second most popular tourist destination after Teide National Park, and why it’s known as Tenerife’s prettiest village. Clusters of white buildings nestle in small communities mostly hidden by lush vegetation, sandwiched between the Masca and the Madre del Agua gorges. The mountains tower above the village on three sides, with a deep ravine running along the valley floor to a ‘V’ on the horizon which frames the Atlantic Ocean and the distant outline of La Goméra.

Masca was one of the Guanches last refuges from the Spanish conquistadors in 1496. Its extraordinary position, virtually isolated until the roads from the north and south were constructed in the 1970s, has meant it has had to be self sufficient, growing crops of potatoes, tomatoes, onions, sweet potatoes, vines and fruit trees.

To get the most out of your visit to Masca make sure you have your copy of Real Tenerife  Island Drives OR Going Native in Tenerife

 

  • Restaurants in Masca

    Whilst most menus are traditional with lots of fresh local ingredients, there is more variation than in other small villages. Even vegetarians are catered for. For something different, cactus lemonade is popular in Masca.

  • Accommodation in Masca

    There are no hotels in Masca, but many of the restaurants, the bar and even some private houses offer rooms to rent. This is rural living for anyone who really wants to get away from it all.

  • Beaches in Masca

    Masca does actually have a beach but it's a 3 hour trek through the barranco to get there... unless you catch the boat from Los Gigantes. It is also closed to the public.

  • The Pick of What to do in Masca

    Walk the Barranco de Masca to a small, black sand beach, three hours down the line. Waterfalls, palms, cacti, wild flowers and the sweet scent of figs line the path as the steep walls of the barranco loom overhead.


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What is Nightlife Like in the Hamlet of Masca?

Nightlife in Masca is unsurprisingly laid back and low key. Riquelme’s is probably the centre of the nocturnal scene and an ideal place to enjoy an ice cold beer on one of the eclectically furnished terraces that straddle the main walkway in El Lomo. It’s a great place to relax to the soothing sounds of laid back jazz in a pleasantly bohemian setting.

Recommended Masca Accommodation: Morro Catana

Self catering 150 year old traditional Canarian house which has been renovated and converted to provide a twin bedroom, fitted kitchen, living room with a bed settee and a bathroom. The cottage sleeps up to four people.
+34 922 353 197; Calle El Lomito

Recommended Masca Restaurant: El Guanche

The oldest restaurant in Masca; a floral tunnel of bougainvillea acts as the entrance to this 300 year old building which was the village schoolhouse until 1964. The menu is Canarian/vegetarian and ingredients are home grown or locally produced.