This hamlet situated on a precarious mountain ridge was long considered a “forgotten village” but in-the-know travellers are beginning to discover its natural beauty
The largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, Tenerife is a summer hotspot defined by year-round sunshine and magnificent beaches. The island’s south coast is home to an array of grand resorts boasting impressive restaurants and white sand beaches, while the north coast resorts offer access to the volcanic beach and mountain views.
But there’s more to Tenerife than its beachside resorts. One village in particular gives visitors a rare glimpse of Tenerife’s wild and rural charm. Masca is a village set in the Teno Mountains, a volcanic massif full of gorges and steep ravines. Unsoiled by hoards of tourists, the hamlet of Masca is tucked in the northwest corner of the island, and its remote location has enabled it to maintain an air of untamed natural beauty.
Masca was long known as the “forgotten village” as the winding road to the region wasn’t built until 1991. In fact, for many years the trail of Camino de los Guanches was the only means for Masca to communicate with the rest of the world. Today, Masca has gained a reputation among in-the-know travellers as a hidden paradise. That is, for anyone willing to safely navigate the village’s precarious bending roads.
The mountain ridge is lined with cottages, many of which have now been converted into small hostels and hotels to offer visitors dramatic views and an up-close appreciation for the region’s lush vegetation. The rural village itself is quite small, at the centre of which sits a tiny church (with only room for eight at a time) and a handful of restaurants and craft shops.
But there’s more to appreciate than just the charming architecture of this sleepy village. The bounty of walking paths in the Teno Rural Park and near the Los Gigantes cliffs makes Masca a hub for avid hikers. Anyone up for adventure can walk the Masca Gorge Trail, the most popular path on the island.
This hike takes you deep into the Teno Rural Park and ends on the beach of Masca Bay. Due to the increasing popularity of this trail, the Tenerife Island Council has now established open times to help regulate use of the gorge and ensure its conservation and visitor safety. Any prospective hikers must also have a boat ticket for the Masca Bay to undertake the hike.
Despite the extra bit of effort to get to the secluded bay, it is well worth the effort to enjoy the beach’s black volcanic sand. The bay is also a popular diving destination, with depths of up to 18 metres. Book a diving experience to observe the volcanic rock formations and unique marine life up close. But even if you don’t have the right equipment, the crystal clear water enables beachgoers to get a glimpse of marine vegetation.
The lush greenery and gargantuan mountains that characterise the area allow travellers to feel a world away from the bustling resorts nearby. The extra effort to visit this unique hamlet is also what has helped preserve its rural architecture and botanic beauty.