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Place in Canary Islands, Spain
Photo: Whiters, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Masca is a mountain village in the west of Tenerife and regarded as the most beautiful and picturesque village on the island. Masca is at 650 m altitude about 100 inhabitants. During the day it is overrun by tourists, but in the early mornings and evenings it regains its authenticity.
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Plaza de Masca
Beautiful square with a giant laurel tree in its centre.
Appears to be closed to visitors permanently.
Mirrador de Masca
One of the best viewpoints in the Masca Valley, overlooking the Masca Gorge (Spanish: Barranco de Masca).
Viewpoint overlooking the entire Masca Valley, with the Teno Massif in the background. Parking space is limited to about 5 or 6 cars, but it's worth a stop if there is space available. From here, there are no more opportunities to stop along the side of the road until reaching Masca village.
Barranco de Masca
The Masca Valley runs from just south of Masca until the Atlantic coast. The starting point is in Lomo del Medio, right next to the Masca village. The 8 km long hiking trail is quite demanding and takes about 3 hr either way. There is a ferry terminal that offers a connection to Los Gigantes, but must be booked in advance. Along the way, hikers are rewarded with unique volcanic formations, dated to Miocene age basaltic lava flows.
Though, nowadays the hiking is largely limited to a few hikers for "conservation purposes". The rumour is that some corrupt local gets paid by the ferry company that bring people from Los Gigantes to the Masca base down at the sea, so they reduce the number of people allowed considerably. It's probably best not to support this.
In general a permit, helmet (free) and proper hiking boots are required to be allowed to enter.
A free camp site inside Teno Rural Park.
By car
Reaching Masca by car takes about 30 minutes from Santiago del Teide, due to the rather steep and narrow mountain road TF-436.
By bus
Get public bus Línea 325 to Santiago del Teide and micro-bus 355 to Masca (line to Buenavista del Norte).
By taxi
The bus from Santiago may get full (especially the one before noon), but there should be taxis waiting nearby. Taxis directly from Los Gigantes to Masca should cost around €25, compared to approx.
By boat
There is a boat service from Los Gigantes to the base of Masca at the sea. It is possible to take a longer boat trip, which is then combined with fish-watching at the sea.
Masca is very small, and the only way to get around is by foot. Some of the paths are rather steep and slippery even in dry weather, so it's highly recommended to wear proper walking shoes or sandals with a good grip.
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