Guide to Cycling Masca in Tenerife

Why Ride Masca?

Mount Teide might grab the headlines but there is you one ride you don't want to miss on a cycling holiday in Tenerife. The ride to Masca, is one of the toughest rides in Europe. It features hair raising descents, stunning views and endless climbing. Be prepared for a long and tough day in the saddle and read our guide to cycling Masca below.

If you have ever dreamed of a descent that plunges through the valley and down to the sea, then this is why you must cycle Masca. The Mirador de Cherfe descent towards Buenavista del Norte is simply breathtaking. It might be the most dramatic ride anywhere in Europe. Short, sharp hairpins mix with sweeping turns on this epic road. Everywhere you look you will see high cliff faces before La Gomera comes into view through the valley sides. The road from Buenavista del Norte down to the lighthouse is equally as special. 10km of twists and turns await you with waves crashing at the rocks to your side. Reaching the red and white striped lighthouse feels like the end of the earth as you gaze out at La Gomera sitting alone in the Atlantic.

Starting The Route

If you are staying in Adeje or any further south, this will be a mammoth day in the saddle. We recommend cycling Masca from further up the coast. If you have a hire car, a good start is Santiago del Teide. If not, ask us about a transfer to Santiago del Teide if you're travelling with us on a Tenerife cycling holiday.

You will ride just a couple of kilometres from Santiago del Teide to the Mirador del Chefre. Despite having only just got on your bike, you need to stop here. The views from the lookout are simply sensational. Giant cliffs dominate the scenery whilst Teide looms behind you. You will see the road snaking down into the Masca valley and it is here that your will start.

Masca To Buenavista Del Norte

A couple of short ascents will see you through Masca before you start to descend.

From here, you will descend before a couple of fairly brutal ascents will shock your legs back into climbing mode. Once you reach Las Portelas about 7km away from Masca, the road falls away sharply and you will enjoy a fabulous 3-4km descent down into Buenavista del Norte. Stop in the square where you can admire the beautiful white stone church before continuing your ride.

Buenavista Del Norte To The Lighthouse

The route from Buenavista del Norte to the lighthouse is simply awesome. The road isn't a huge descent, instead it's winding roads hugging the very edge of the cliffs. The rock faces plunges into the sea below making this an incredible spectacle.

You will have a couple of sharp inclines to get over before the road finally gives you some respite and you descend all the way down to the lighthouse. The descent is fast as the road is fairly straight and after passing through some tunnels, you will arrive at the Punta de Teno lightouse.