If you do one hike in Tenerife, make it Masca. Tucked into the Teno mountains in the wild north-west, the tiny hamlet of Masca clings to a ridge above a canyon so steep and green it looks computer-generated. The classic route descends through the gorge, between 600-metre walls, all the way down to a black-sand cove on the Atlantic — one of the most spectacular walks in Spain.
The trail is about 5–6 km one way and takes most people 3–4 hours down. It is not a casual stroll: the path is rocky, uneven and steep in places, so you need proper footwear, water and a reasonable level of fitness. The gorge reopened after major safety works with a managed access system, so you now book a slot in advance and wear a helmet — check the current booking rules before you go.
The smart way to do it is to walk down the gorge and take the boat back. A pick-up boat ferries hikers from the cove at the bottom round to Los Gigantes, which saves you the brutal climb back up and adds a stunning sea view of the cliffs. Many organised trips bundle the hike, the boat and hotel transport together — see the options on our things to do in Tenerife page.
Masca is the headline, but Tenerife is a hiker's island. The Anaga Rural Park in the north-east is a prehistoric laurel forest laced with trails and ridge walks ending at wild beaches like Benijo. Up high, the Teide National Park has everything from gentle lava-field loops to the summit climb (which needs a permit). And the Teno massif around Masca has quieter routes with the same jaw-dropping scenery.
A few safety notes. Start early to avoid the midday heat and the crowds. Carry more water than you think you need — there is no shade in much of the gorge. Tell someone your plan, and do not attempt Masca in or after rain, when the canyon can flood. If in doubt, go with a guide.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for hiking — the island is green, the temperatures are kind, and the light is gorgeous. Summer is doable if you start at dawn; winter can be wet in the north.
After a big hike, the south is where you recover and refuel. Fun Zone in Playa Las Americas is a fun, low-effort way to round off an active day with the group — axe throwing, a quiz battle or an escape game — before dinner. Nature by day, competition by night: that is Tenerife at its best.