22 June 2026
The Barranco de Masca hike attracts many visitors thanks to its setting of volcanic cliffs and its direct arrival on a secluded beach. This guide focuses on practical organization - how to arrive, the required authorization, the return boat - so that you can prepare for this outing with peace of mind from your accommodation.
The trail crosses a barranco that descends from the hilltop village of Masca to the Atlantic Ocean. Steep cliffs, endemic vegetation, gradually narrowing gorge: the setting changes radically from the Tenerife seaside resorts.
What makes this trek different from other hikes on the island is the combination of descent into a protected canyon + return by sea by boat. Two experiences in one day.
For hikers less accustomed to technical terrain, consult our article Tenerife beginner hike before you decide.
For the GPS track and the complete altitude profile, AllTrails and Wikiloc offer up-to-date versions powered by thousands of hikers.
From the south (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos): TF-1 motorway, then TF-454. Parking in the village is chargeable and congested in high season — arrive before 8 a.m. or opt for the shuttle included in the permit.
From the north: Titsa bus line 355 from Santa Cruz to Santiago del Teide, then shuttle or taxi (10-15 min) to Masca. Line 355 also serves Masca directly from Buenavista del Norte.
Since 2026, paid authorization is mandatory via caminobarrancodemasca.com. It often includes shuttle from Santiago del Teide and insurance. Book before you leave France — weekend slots go quickly.
The course is divided into three distinct phases.
Village → entrance to the barranco: wide departure with first views of the canyon. Accessible terrain, ideal for setting your pace.
La gorge principale : le sentier se resserre entre des parois qui peuvent dépasser 300 m de hauteur. Rocky passages, narrow sections, some fixed ladders. This is the most involved part - stay attentive to the supports.
Bottom of the barranco → beach: the vegetation changes, the air becomes more humid. Playa de Masca is small and stony. Take advantage before boarding — there are no bars or shops on site.
It is the central element of the organization. Les bateaux-taxis partent de la Playa de Masca vers le port de Los Gigantes. Duration: 30-40 minutes. Price: €15-25 depending on the company (Masca Bay, Masca Express and other operators provide this route). Reservations recommended, especially from June to September.
The boat disembarks at Los Gigantes, where taxis and buses allow you to reach the south or the north.
Plan B obligatory: if the sea is rough, the boat may be canceled without notice. In this case, two options: go up the barranco by the same path (longer and tiring), or have the number of a land shuttle. Don't leave without a backup solution.
From Los Gigantes, also explore the west beaches of Tenerife if you have time at the end of the day.
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October): ideal temperatures, rare floods, pleasant light in the barranco.
Summer (July-August): doable but hot in the throat. Departure must be before 8 a.m.
Winter (November-March): the trail closes regularly at the slightest risk of flash flooding. The barrancos of Tenerife can rise very quickly in rainy weather. Check caminobarrancodemasca.com the day before your hike.
Essential: 2 liters of water minimum per person, hiking shoes (no sandals), hat, sunscreen, charged phone or external battery.
Classic errors:
Yes, it is doable with good planning. Bus Titsa line 355 → Santiago del Teide → shuttle or taxi → Masca. Return by boat to Los Gigantes → bus towards the south (line 325 or 360) or the north.
Allow a full day and check Titsa schedules in advance on titsa.com. This is also the option that avoids the problem of saturated parking in the village.
Do I need an authorization for the Masca hike? Yes, a paid reservation is required via caminobarrancodemasca.com. It often includes shuttle from Santiago del Teide and insurance.
How to get back from Masca beach? By water taxi to Los Gigantes (€15-25, 30-40 min). Book in advance and have a plan B if the sea is rough.
Can we do Masca without a car? Yes. Titsa bus line 355 + shuttle + return boat. Plan the entire day and check times in advance.
What is the best season? Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October). The trail often closes from November to March — check the day before.
How long does the descent take? Between 2h30 and 4h for 9 km and 500 m of negative altitude difference. Allow the whole day with transport and boat.