Today you will have a wonderful trek through a gorge, starting in the picturesque mountain village of Masca. ATTENTION: The trek needs to be booked quite a long time in advance, here. There is no entrance fee, but you will not be allowed to go in without a reservation. Start as early as possible in the morning, as there aren’t many parking spots available. If you arrive in the morning before 9am, you can find a spot just fine. But please note that according to the local regulation, cars can park here for a maximum of 2 hours. So if you don’t want to break this rule, choose to arrive by bus (buses number 355 and 356 run from the suggested accommodation). If you’re driving, it’s just a short distance away. Continue on foot to the Centro de Visitantes Camino del Barranco de Masca. Here they’ll check your shoes (they really do require hiking boots with proper soles, and they won’t let you in wearing trainers) and give you a quick safety briefing. You’ll receive a helmet and some specific instructions. Keep in mind that at least basic physical fitness is required to get there and back! The route is just under 5 km long, starting from 750 metres above sea level, walking down to the sea and back up 750 metres! The trip will take you about 5-7 hours, depending on how fast you go and how much time you spend down on the beach. We drank a bottle of wine, took a swim and it was a nice little break at the sea. The way back is mostly in the shade, but the last mile or so is in full sun. You can’t buy anything along the way, so bring plenty of water and snacks. The climb back is a bit more challenging, but you don’t have to rush anywhere.

Sidenote: children under the age of 8 are not allowed on the trail.

When you climb back up to the village, return your helmet and have a well-deserved beer at BAR BLANKY-CASA FIDEL, which is about 50 meters left after the climb. For a late lunch, drive just above Masca (route here). Beautifully integrated into the countryside, the simple Mirador La Cruz de Hilda restaurant is great! They offer some simple but very good dishes. Wonderful seating on the terrace with perfect views! And most importantly: there will be far fewer tourists than in Masca village, which tends to be crowded in the afternoon. Most visitors to Masca do not go on the trek to the sea, but only visit the village. So there are a lot of tourists here which is reflected in the touristy quality of the local restaurants and their high prices.

If you are tempted by the journey from Masca to the sea but dread the climb back, you can choose an organised route where you walk down, board a boat and sail away. Arrange this at Boat Service Masca Trekking. You will then have to arrange buses or taxis to take you back to your accommodation/car. In the evening, watch the sunset at the Mirador Altos de Baracán viewpoint. The route from your accommodation is here – ideally take the yellow trail a little further on, but you need a headlamp or torch to get back. Then go for dinner to the Bodegón Patamero restaurant (route here). Reservations are definitely required.

Alternatives: If you don’t want to go on the Masca Trail, at least stop for a tour of the village Masca, take a walk, see the viewpoints, have a coffee and have lunch at the best restaurant here: Restaurante “El Guanche” Alte Schule. Advance booking is essential.