Playa de Masca

Black sand and waves at Playa de Masca beneath towering rock walls

This beautiful, wild beach of volcanic origin (black sand and pebbles) lies at the foot of the Barranco de Masca, in the south-west of Tenerife.

There are only two ways to get there. The first is on foot from the village of the same name, along a spectacular trail that takes you down to the beach in 3 hours; along the way you’ll enjoy breathtaking views, so a camera is a must to capture all this natural beauty.

The alternative is to arrive on a small boat from the nearby port of Los Gigantes or from the fishing village of San Juan.

It is a very peaceful beach set between the majestic cliffs of Teno and Los Gigantes, and nudists also come here. There are no facilities of any kind and no lifeguard station.

If you reach Playa de Masca by hiking down the Barranco de Masca, a relaxing swim after the demanding walk is a must.

Keep exploring

View all
Cactus and palm garden in front of Playa Jardín’s black sand, Puerto de la Cruz
Beaches

Playa Jardín

The main beach in Puerto de la Cruz: black sand embellished with exotic gardens designed by César Manrique.

Black sand and sea stacks of Playa Benijo, at the foot of the Anaga mountains
Beaches

Playa Benijo

One of Tenerife’s wildest and most spectacular beaches, with black sand, in the Anaga mountains nature reserve.

Brown sand, rocks and waves at Playa Los Abriguitos, on the coast of Abades
Beaches

Playa Los Abriguitos

A beach of very fine volcanic sand in Abades, with a generally calm sea and a beautiful seabed for diving.