Tenerife is full of charming villages and small towns, each with its own vibe, but if we had to pick the most stunning one, it’s got to be Masca, located on the island’s rugged west coast. The village itself is beautiful, but the real magic starts on the road that leads there. Masca is more than just a village, it’s a nature experience, surrounded by jaw-dropping landscapes.
The Drive: Masca Road (TF-436)
The road to Masca winds from Buenavista del Norte toward Santiago del Teide, and it’s as much of an attraction as the village itself. This narrow, winding mountain road serves up a series of breathtaking views: deep ravines, lush green valleys, and horizons that seem to stretch forever. Give yourself plenty of time for the drive, you’ll want to stop and take it all in.
The easiest way to explore is with a rental car, giving you the freedom to pull over whenever a view catches your eye. If driving isn’t an option, buses and guided tours (like Masca Valley Tour – GetYourGuide) are also available.
Tips for Driving and Parking
Masca Road is narrow and twisty, so patience and careful driving are a must. The village is popular, so you’ll encounter buses on the road. But don’t worry, bus drivers are experienced and will signal whether you should pass or reverse.
Parking in Masca is limited. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon, like we did, makes things much easier. Be aware that if you pass the village looking for a spot, you may need to drive a little further to turn around, and the ease of a U-turn depends on traffic.
There are several pull-off points along Masca Road where you can stop safely to admire the scenery. Most spots have small parking areas for a few cars.
Top Viewpoints Along Masca Road
- Mirador de la Cruz de Hilda – About 2 km before Masca when coming from Buenavista del Norte, this viewpoint has a café with a terrace offering panoramic views of Masca Valley and the surrounding cliffs. You can grab a coffee or snack and browse souvenirs.
- Mirador Altos de Baracán – Located roughly halfway between Buenavista del Norte and Masca, this spot gives wide views of Teno Rural Park’s mountains, the Los Carrizales ravine, and El Palmar Valley. Notice the shift in climate from north to south—fog or light rain can be just a stone’s throw away.
- Viewpoint Lomo de Masca – Right next to the village, this spot offers amazing valley and mountain views—perfect for photos.
- Mirador de Masca – At the entrance of the village, this viewpoint looks over Masca and its valley, with jaw-dropping scenery.
- Serpentina de Masca – Just outside the village, this road stretch with tight hairpin bends is a favorite for photographers.
Masca – Europe’s Machu Picchu
Masca is famous for its dramatic landscapes, steep cliffs, and rugged mountain slopes. It’s often called Europe’s own Machu Picchu, and you can see why, the scenery is both iconic and unforgettable. The village itself is tucked into a peaceful, green valley.
Masca sits in the Teno Mountains, in the northwest of Tenerife, around 650 meters above sea level. It’s tiny, with just about 90–100 residents, and the buildings cling to the cliffs. While the village has a few amenities, its real charm is the surrounding scenery. No wonder Masca is often named Tenerife’s most beautiful village.
The area around Masca is also home to the Barranco de Masca, a steep gorge with a hiking trail down to the valley. The trail is around 10 km long, challenging, and requires a permit. We didn’t go on the hike this time, but it’s definitely on our list for next visit.
As for services, you’ll find a handful of cafés and small restaurants to enjoy local treats with a view. There’s also a small church and a couple of accommodations if you want to stay longer. Public restrooms are scarce, but cafés usually have them for a small fee (around €0.50), so bring some cash.
Masca is a place where nature and tranquility steal the show, a perfect stop to soak in the Teno Mountains’ beauty. Honestly, it might have been our favorite spot in all of Tenerife.
