Masca – Tenerife
Masca (Tenerife, Canary Islands) and the Masca Valley are a little hidden gem on the island of Tenerife. They’re said to be one of the oldest geographical sites in the world, and an isolated paradise where you can enjoy nature and the real essence of Tenerife .
The Masca Valley is believed to have formed around 7 million years ago, after the eruptions of Teide shaped the surrounding mountains. Since then, this part of the island has only been home to a tiny village of about 100 people. Its isolation has helped preserve the local culture and nature; it’s this unique situation that lets us explore the island like we’re the original Canarian aborigines.
Since the ’70s, a path has opened up that lets travelers explore the country and connect with nature in a respectful and awe-inspiring way. You can walk this trail, which takes about 3 hours (but honestly, it feels more like a fun routine!), and trust us, what awaits you at the end is totally worth every bit of effort.
Trekking Tenerife – Masca
Masca sits about 600 meters above sea level, tucked away on the western side of the Teno Mountains. If you’re planning to visit, here are a few tips to make your journey smoother:
- Tour Bus in Tenerife
There are plenty on the island that organize tours for tourists. If you don’t have much time and prefer comfort, one of these tours will be perfect for you. - Rental car
If you have the chance to rent a car, you can drive to Los Gigantes and then continue by taxi or bus to the start of the Trekking route.
Of course, you can also just take a taxi, but it could be a lot more - Boat trip around Tenerife
They’re not as common as the bus, but getting to Masca by boat is definitely impressive.
Besides the stunning scenery and nature, once you arrive, you can chill out on a little beach with an amazing view of Los Gigantes.
If you’re not into hitting up the usual “tourist traps,” come stay at one of our Nest hostels! You’ll get to hang out with a local guide on our organized tours!
Masca: What You Don’t Know
The city’s location is perfect for all sorts of activities. It’s one of the best spots for surfing in Tenerife, but there’s so much more! Not everyone knows it, but Masca is amazing for hiking, biking, and climbing.
Obviously, it’s not just this. The village is steeped in culture wherever you look. In this country you can learn more about the Guanchi, the island’s native inhabitants.
Today’s locals, of course, see the country not as a tourist destination, but as a kind of “sanctuary” where nature, tradition and culture reign.
The people of Masca aren’t just deeply religious, they also live their spirituality through witchcraft. Magical rituals with livestock and propitiatory celebrations are still widely practiced and are part of everyday local life.
It’s definitely one of the coolest spots on the island of Tenerife. Why not stay at a Nest hostel and dive into a hiking adventure? Masca is waiting for you!
