Our arrival in Tenerife marked the beginning of a thrilling adventure. After an almost 6-hour-long flight, we were welcomed by a surprising warmth of 24°C and the invigorating scent of the Atlantic ocean’s breeze. Coming from the chilly 5°C in Copenhagen, the contrast was immediately palpable. Throwing away our winter jackets in the back of the rental car, we drove to our cozy hotel in Golf del Sur. We were about to rest and get ready for a New Year’s Eve’s celebration tonight. Though, we couldn’t resist the temptation and we headed to the bar for a refreshing drink. The evening festivities of New Year’s Eve were enchanting, but the anticipation for our upcoming hiking the next day added an extra layer of excitement to our first night in Tenerife.

New Year’s Eve Extravaganza

The New Year’s Eve celebration was a vibrant mix of a buffet dinner, disco, and flamenco show. The restaurant was abuzz with people dressed elegantly for the occasion. As the clock neared 12, we toasted to the new year with sangria and white wine, enjoying the lively atmosphere near the pools. The unexpected news of Denmark welcoming a new king added also a little touch to our celebrations.

Driving through Zigzagging Roads to Masca

The next morning began with a mix of dehydration and excitement. Despite the toll of the previous night’s festivities, we eagerly set out for a hearty breakfast before gearing up for our first Tenerife adventure. Fruits, bread and pastries, and coffee fueled us as we prepared for the day’s adventure. After refueling, we jumped into the car.

Leaving Masca Behind and View from Mirador La Cruz de Hilda

Trail Map

Leaving behind Masca… but not for long!

The hike commenced on a wooden and metal plank bridge along Masca, guiding us through a scenic hill adorned with lots of greenery. As we ascended, the weather transformed into a perfect hiking companion – sunny with clear skies at the pleasant 24°C. The views along the way, with old and new modern houses, lush landscapes, and the distant Roque Catana, left us truly awestruck as we hiked up the hill.

Ascending to Mirador de La Cruz Hilda

As we embarked on our ascent, the landscape unfolded like a vibrant tapestry, blending the charm of old and new houses with the breathtaking natural raw beauty of Tenerife. The uphill road leading to our first destination, Mirador de La Cruz Hilda, wound through a picturesque hill adorned with lush greenery – an enchanting blend of vibrant bushes, stoic cacti, and an array of other plants. The beauty of the surroundings was nothing short of amazing.

Reaching Mirador de La Cruz Hilda was a moment of pure bliss. The viewpoint offered a panoramic view of Masca, the ravine, and the iconic Roque Catana, all set against the canvas of a flawlessly clear blue sky. In this tranquil pausing moment, we soaked in the natural beauty surrounding us, making the uphill trek more than worthwhile.

La Gomera, following us on the trail as we walked towards what we thought was Las Portelas our final destination

Tenerife’s Grandeur at Every Turn

Lizards Amidst the Dusty Road

Continuing our ascent, we crossed paths with a road bustling with cars and fellow adventurers. Despite the increasing number of tourists, the path led us to familiar terrain, where the dust and rocks beneath our feet felt just right. The ascent was not without its surprises, as small and large lizards began to make appearances. The lizards, caught off guard by our approaching footsteps, went into full ninja mode. Zooming across our path, they disappeared like little Houdinis into the grass, rocks, and whatever else was handy for a quick hideout. It was as if they thought we were completely clueless to their antics, despite the not-so-silent soundtrack of rustles and scampering. Meanwhile, the rocky terrain posed its own challenges, with green cacti lining the path, occasionally brushing against our legs.

Tenerife’s Grandeur Through Every Turn

With each step, the allure of the landscape intensified. The road, with its twists and turns, unveiled breathtaking views of valleys and ravines below. The sheer beauty of the surroundings compelled us to pause frequently, taking images that would forever encapsulate the grandeur of Tenerife’s nature. The clear skies allowed us glimpses of nearby islands, La Gomera and La Palma. As we continued ascending, the trail offered more and more views of hills, valleys, and ravines, inviting us to embrace the untamed spirit of the island.

To Baracan Peak

Reaching a crossroad, we faced a decision between continuing on the trail PR TF 59 to Las Portelas, a small village below us as seen from where we stood at the time, or redirecting our hike towards Baracan Peak, a 1002m high peak. The allure of the summit compelled us to follow the PR TF 51 trail instead, promising picturesque views of ravines, valleys, and distant villages.

To the Summit Then!

Following the PR TF 51 trail, our hike took an intriguing turn. The path was initially gently inclining and later becoming predominantly flat as we trod upon the mountain ridge. The breathtaking scenery surrounded us as we walked along this picturesque route, providing an uninterrupted spectacle of the ravine to our left, a valley bellow us, and three charming villages to our right: Las Portelas, Las Lagunetas and El Palmar. Suddenly, there appeared a road with cars, zigzagging their way to Las Portela village, which we had to cross in order to continue on our trail.

Views of La Gomera and Mount Teide

We marveled at the clear skies and the unobstructed view of the ocean and the island La Gomera in front of us as we continued walking. Unbeknownst to us, the sight of Mount Teide was behind us. Beautiful spots along the way invited us to capture the mountainous terrain in photos, with a clear sky overhead and a small cloud forming over distant hills.

Making friends at the summit, Max the dog

Hola, Amigos!

Hola, amigos!

As we progressed, we crossed paths with other hikers, including some seasoned couples. A friendly “Hola” in Spanish were exchanged among us, fellow adventurers. The trail evolved into a rocky road decorated with occasional trees, providing welcoming shadows from the sun.

Needle-shaped Rocks and Lingering Mist

The ascent continued for approximately 3 more kilometers, leading us past uniquely shaped rocks of needle-shaped crystal. The illusion that the peak was within a reach at this point persisted, only to be shattered as the climb proved more demanding and time-consuming. At a certain point, mist began to weave its way over the peaks and ravines, gradually obscuring the mesmerizing views towards the islands and surrounding hills. Undeterred, we pressed on, climbing steadily. The summit finally unfolded before us, surrounded by mist and fog. However, the ever-present wind, or more like a ocean breeze, played its part, creating fleeting windows through which the peaks and mountains we traversed revealed themselves in glimpses.

Atop the Ridge Enjoying the Grandeur

Standing at the summit, the realization dawned upon us that we had been walking on the top of a mountain ridge. Amidst the mist and fog, the silhouette of Mount Teide, the majestic volcano in Teide National Park, emerged in the distance, adding a touch of grandeur. As the mist danced around us, we savored the moment, capturing photos and enjoying the grandeur. The summit, with its lizards and an unexpected dog visitor, named Max, became the perfect spot for a well-deserved lunch and reflections on our hike up until this moment.

Back to Masca!

The crisp misty mountain air filled our lungs as we quenched our thirst with water, savoring every drop of the water we had brought along. Energized and rehydrated, we lingered a little longer at the Baracan Summit, allowing the serene panorama to etch itself into our memories. With renewed spirits, we retraced our steps along the picturesque road, encountering a few more fellow hikers along the way. The clouds, now more abundant than during our ascent, casted a different yet equally enchanting light on the landscape. The weather remained sunny towards the end of the hike though, providing an ideal backdrop for the return journey to Masca.

The Culmination of Beauty: La Menorca and Roque Catana

Back in Masca, we opted for the wooden plank bridge going alongside the car road, leading us to the renowned viewpoints of La Menorca and Roque Catana. Descending down a rocky road adorned with vibrant colorful trees boasting purple,pink and orange flowers, we couldn’t resist capturing the picturesque scenes. The mesmerizing view at Roque Catana became a fitting culmination to our hiking adventure, offering a sense of accomplishment and a moment to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounded us in Tenerife.