Mirador de Cherfe, Tenerife

Mirador de Cherfe is a scenic viewpoint located in the Teno Rural Park, on the island of Tenerife. A “mirador” is a purpose-built lookout point, usually situated at a high elevation to offer expansive views of the surrounding landscape. This mirador is located on the main TF-436 road that connects the towns of Buenavista del Norte and Santiago del Teide. It is not a town but a popular stopping point that offers some of the most spectacular views of the famous village of Masca.

The identity of the Mirador de Cherfe is defined by its role as a key viewpoint on the dramatic Masca road. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 900 meters, on a mountain pass just before the road begins its steep descent into the Masca gorge. The viewpoint features a small cafe and a souvenir shop, and it is a very popular spot for tourists to stop and take photos. It provides a breathtaking panoramic vista of the wild and rugged landscape of the Teno Mountains.

Teno Rural Park, Parque Rural del Teno, Tenerife, Spain

History of Mirador de Cherfe

The history of the Mirador de Cherfe is tied to the history of the spectacular mountain road on which it is located. For centuries, the magnificent Teno Mountains and the village of Masca were a very remote and isolated part of the island, accessible only by rough donkey tracks. The construction of the modern TF-436 road in the 20th century was a major feat of engineering. This road opened up this wild and beautiful region to the rest of the island, and viewpoints like the Mirador de Cherfe were created to allow travelers to safely stop and admire the incredible scenery.

The Road to Masca

The construction of the TF-436 road, which is often called the “road to Masca,” was a major project that transformed the region. The road is famous for being one of the most winding and spectacular in all of Spain. It has dozens of hairpin turns and offers breathtaking views at every corner. The Mirador de Cherfe was established at a key point on this road. It provides the first and most complete panoramic view of the Masca valley for those arriving from the south, from the town of Santiago del Teide.

Sights at Mirador de Cherfe

The sight at the Mirador de Cherfe is the magnificent and world-famous panoramic view of the Masca valley and the surrounding mountains of the Teno Rural Park. The viewpoint is the main and only attraction at this specific location. A visit is centered on the experience of standing at the lookout point and admiring the spectacular landscape. The view is the primary reason for the mirador’s existence and its popularity.

The View of Masca and Teno

The main reason to visit the mirador is for the magnificent panoramic view. From the lookout point, you have a spectacular, bird’s-eye view of the tiny and picturesque mountain village of Masca, which is nestled deep in a dramatic ravine below. The view also takes in the terraced agricultural fields that cling to the steep slopes of the valley and the towering volcanic peaks that surround the village. On a clear day, you can also see the island of La Gomera in the distance.

The Teno Mountains

The mirador is located in the heart of the Teno Rural Park, and the surrounding landscape is a major sight in itself. The Teno Mountains are a wild and rugged landscape of deep ravines, sharp volcanic peaks, and dramatic cliffs. The area is a haven for biodiversity, and it is home to many unique and endemic species of plants and animals. The spectacular natural beauty of the Teno massif is one of the great treasures of Tenerife.

Traveling with Kids

A stop at the Mirador de Cherfe can be a great and exciting experience for families with children. The viewpoint is very easily accessible by car, and it provides a safe, walled area where kids can enjoy the spectacular views. The sight of the tiny village of Masca nestled deep in the dramatic gorge is like something out of a storybook, and it can spark a child’s imagination. The on-site cafe also makes it a convenient and family-friendly place to take a break.

The main attraction for families in the wider Teno Rural Park is the adventure of driving the famous Masca road and exploring the picturesque village itself. A visit to the mirador can be easily combined with these other destinations, making for a full and varied family day out in this spectacular part of the island. The area offers a great contrast to the more developed tourist resorts in the south.

How to Get to Mirador de Cherfe?

The Mirador de Cherfe is located in the Teno Rural Park in the northwestern part of the island of Tenerife. The viewpoint is situated on the main TF-436 road that connects the towns of Buenavista del Norte and Santiago del Teide. The main gateways for international visitors are the two international airports on the island, Tenerife South (TFS) and Tenerife North (TFN). The journey to the mirador is a spectacular scenic drive through the mountains.

Driving to the Viewpoint

Driving to the Mirador de Cherfe is a beautiful and adventurous journey. From the south of the island, you would take the TF-1 motorway to the town of Santiago del Teide. From there, you take the very winding TF-436 road up into the mountains towards Masca. While from the north of the island, you would drive to the town of Buenavista del Norte and then take the same TF-436 road up into the mountains.

Arriving by Air

The island of Tenerife has two international airports. Tenerife South Airport (TFS) is the larger of the two, and the drive from here to the mirador takes about one and a half hours. Tenerife North Airport (TFN) is located closer, and the drive from here takes about one hour and fifteen minutes. From either airport, the easiest way to reach the area is to rent a car.