How to get to Masca from Costa Adeje: A step by step guide

Masca is one of the ‘hidden’ highlights of Tenerife. Sitting at 650m in the Macizo de Teno mountains, it’s considered the most beautiful village on the island and is a must-see stop during your holiday here. The road to the village is something in itself, being one of the most spectacular and hair-raising drives on the island. As you peek the top of the mountain above, you’ll start snaking your way down into the valley, around hairpin bends and lush vegetation. The scenery is breathtaking, especially on a clear day and is reminiscent of a Cuban rainforest thick with palm trees, cacti and shrubbery. It’s worth taking a couple stops to take in the view and listen out for kestrels, whose shrill calls echo around the valley walls.

Visiting Masca

Until recently the village of Masca, home to just 90 people, was relatively unknown to tourists. But when the word about this surreal and lush setting started to spread, more and more people began coming here. As such, the village can get quite busy—especially in the summer months. For those travelling by car, there is some parking at the top of the village but it is limited— space for around 20 cars. As such, I’d recommend going early in the day or later in the afternoon (4 pm onward).

The houses perch precariously on the narrow ridges of rock formations.

By car

If you’re travelling by car, I’d recommend going the scenic route and passing by Los Gigantes on your way to Masca. It’s worth stopping to see the town’s main feature which are the giant rock cliffs, Acantilados de Los Gigantes, that rise from the sea to a height of 500-800 metres.

1-hour journey + time at Los Gigantes

Set off from Costa Adeje.
Head toward Los Gigantes on the TF-1, changing into the TF-46
Arrive at Los Gigantes (30 minutes later).
There is some on road parking at the cliff viewpoint, and also a small cafe and toilets.
From Los Gigantes head up the TF-454 to Tamaimo.
Turn left on to the TF-82 and head toward Santiago del Teide.
Follow signs for Masca, turning left on to the TF-436. (This is the windy road that leads directly to the village.)
Park in the small car park at the top of Masca, and walk down into the village from there.

By public transport

If you don’t have a car, you have several options. You can either take several different buses or one bus and a taxi journey. Use the Moovit App to help you plan your journeys.

Bus route: Costa Adeje – Los Gigantes – Santiago del Teide – Masca

Example travel itinerary for a weekday

From the Costa Adeje bus station, take the 473 or 477 to Los Gigantes at 8:52 am
Arrive at Los Gigantes at 9:47 am
From Los Gigantes take the 325 to Santiago del Teide at 10:46 am
Arrive at Santigo del Teide at 11.26 am
From Santiago del Teide bus stop take the 355 to Masca at 1:30 pm
Arrive at Masca at 1:45 pm

Bus route: Costa Adeje – Santiago del Teide – Masca

Example travel itinerary for a weekday

From the Costa Adeje bus station, take the 460 to Santiago del Teide at 9:50 am
Arrive at Santiago del Teide at 10:40 am
From Santiago del Teide bus stop take the 355 to Masca at 11:00 am
Arrive at Masca at 11:15 am

Make sure to check the times of the bus as the timetable varies at weekends.

Bus & taxi route:

From the Costa Adeje bus station, take the 473 or 477 to Los Gigantes at 8:52 am
Arrive at Los Gigantes at 9:47 am
From Los Gigantes, you can then get a taxi to Masca. It will cost you around €23 one way.
Arrive at Masca at 10:45 am

The village is surrounded by lush vegetation, exotic plants, cacti, cypress and palm trees. Citrus fruits also grow in abundance here, as well as bananas, papayas, avocados and loquats.

Stop for lunch at Masca’s vegetarian restaurant

Once you get to Masca, be sure to stop off at Masca’s only vegetarian and vegan restaurant. This family-run eatery offers you a taste of traditional Canarian food with a twist AND most of it can be made vegan! We opted for the traditional Tortilla Canaria, which is a fried tortilla made of gram flour and also Papas Arrugadas, which is a traditional boiled potato dish. The restaurant also offers salads, and soup, fresh smoothies made with fruit from their garden and sweet treats. We opted for the only vegan option which was an almond tart made with locally sourced palm honey.