Masca Gorge Hike
The Masca gorge is a full-day commitment: a 3-4 hour descent through volcanic ravines to a black sand beach only reachable on foot, where a boat then takes the group back to Los Gigantes by sea. The trail involves scrambling in sections and is not appropriate for children under 10 or those who dislike uneven terrain. For families with confident teenagers and older children who are comfortable on rocky descents, the combination of a proper hike and a boat exit makes this unlike anything else on Tenerife. Book the boat pickup and the gorge permit well in advance as both have limited availability.
- Hours
- Gorge accessible; permits required and must be booked in advance
- Price
- Boat pickup around €15-20; gorge permit free (advance booking required)
- Duration
- Full day
- Booking required
- Yes
Tips
- Both the gorge permit and the boat pickup must be booked in advance: the permit is free through the Tenerife national parks website and the boat returns from the beach to Los Gigantes at set times
- Only suitable for children who are comfortable scrambling on uneven terrain: the lower sections of the gorge require hand-holds and sections of loose rock; assess fitness honestly before committing the whole group
- Start from Masca village by 08:00 to reach the beach before midday heat: the gorge is shaded in the morning and significantly hotter in the afternoon lower sections