The Masca Gorge in the west of Tenerife has captured the imagination of many hiking enthusiasts: in the past, around one million people visited Masca each year, of whom well over 100,000 took up the challenge and set off into the gorge. They were treated to a hike that left them with lasting memories and stunning views. However, the hike now needs to be planned carefully. We’re here to help:
Masca Gorge: Hiking from the mountains to the Atlantic – or the other way round
Anyone wishing to undertake the hike must first decide which route to take. The most popular route has always led from the mountain down into the valley. However, the Masca Gorge can also be ascended in the opposite direction. Many hikers nevertheless opt to take the bus or a taxi to Masca and enter the gorge there, at an altitude of around 650 metres.
In the meantime, the Masca Gorge was closed for more than three years. The footpath required extensive renovation. In the end, only work on the jetty was still needed. Everything has now been reopened.
On the mountain path, the walking route is signposted from the village square. Initially, a tarmac path leads to a small restaurant, situated on a rocky outcrop in the middle of the gorge (see photo above). This is where the actual entrance to the gorge is located.
Masca Gorge: Tenerife’s most beautiful hiking trail
The path leads down into the gorge. It passes terraced fields and mulberry trees, as well as almond and fig trees, date palms, prickly pears and agaves. In some places, visitors can still see how nature is recovering from a devastating forest fire in 2007.
The deeper the path leads into the gorge, the higher the rock faces rise. At some points, the Masca Gorge is only about 30 metres wide, whilst the rock faces soar up to 600 metres high. The resulting scene is truly breathtaking.
Once you reach the bottom of the gorge, you’ll find a ditch about three metres deep. This is filled with water, particularly during the wetter winter months. A small stream and various pools form here, which become home to frogs and dragonflies for a few months. It’s the perfect spot for a short break and some lovely souvenir photos.
Although the route ahead through the narrow gorge is predetermined anyway, the Atlantic signals the end of the walk with its thunderous roar many hundreds of metres before the end of the route.
Once you’ve reached the beach, fit walkers can, of course, turn back. However, most visitors opt for one of the boat services and take a water taxi directly to Los Gigantes. You can even book boat trips for dolphin and whale watching. You can find more information here.
Access to Masca is restricted
The hiking trail through the Masca Gorge is one of the most spectacular on Tenerife. At the same time, it is considered one of the most difficult. Hikers must therefore ensure they have the appropriate equipment. In the past, poorly equipped hikers have repeatedly had to be rescued by helicopter or the mountain rescue service.
This is one of the reasons why the Island Council has restricted access. Since July 2024, an eco-tax has also been levied, the proceeds of which are to be used entirely for the benefit of the environment on Tenerife (see below for more information on admission).
Masca Gorge: Guided walks
Masca: Restoration work took three years
Due to the extreme level of use, the local council of Buenavista del Norte, in conjunction with the Tenerife Island Government, decided to close the gorge on 26 February 2018 and carry out extensive restoration work. The enormous strain had taken such a toll on the natural environment that the gorge had become unsightly in places. Furthermore, both the Masca Gorge and the access road TF-436 had, at times, become unsafe.
For this reason, a comprehensive restoration plan was drawn up. As part of the work, car parks were secured and better signposted, and the gorge itself was made safer in several places. The area was also reforested and the footpaths improved.
On 8 October 2019, a booking centre was also approved. This centre now coordinates all requests to visit the gorge. This helps to regulate the flow of visitors and ensures that, in the event of an injury, no hikers can remain in the gorge unnoticed. The Island Council stated that recording visitors‘ personal details is also important for maintaining cleanliness.
In addition, in consultation with Titsa, the local bus company, a new feeder service has been introduced between Buenavista del Norte, Santiago del Mount Teide and El Caserío. Visitors can therefore reach Masca and the gorge even without their own car, which further improves the parking and traffic situation.
Opening hours, admission and booking for the hike through the Masca Gorge
- Start: Masca
- End: Masca Bay (or the other way round)
- Distance: approximately 5 kilometres
- Duration: around 6.5 hours including a break
- Elevation gain: approximately 650 metres
- Suitable for: experienced walkers
- Minimum age: 8 years; minors must be accompanied.
- Cost: Admission costs 28 euros in tourist tax.
- Restriction: Maximum of 275 people per day.
- Booking: Reservations are accepted on the official website here.
- Opening hours: The Masca Gorge is open between 8.30 am and 6 pm. The visitor centre is open from Monday to Thursday between 9 am and 5 pm, and on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 8 am and 6 pm.
We hope you enjoy the walk and look forward to hearing about your experiences and any tips in the comments below, or here as a reader contribution.
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