Mirador de Cherfe viewpoint: complete 2026 guide

Mirador de Cherfe stands at the Degollada de Cherfe, the mountain pass on the TF-436 that separates the Santiago del Teide valley from the Masca hamlet, at just over 1,100 metres altitude. It is a roadside viewpoint: arrive by car and stop at the designated pull-in, with no trail to walk. Checked on 16 September 2026.

What you can see from the viewpoint

The viewpoint offers two opposite views from the same spot. To the east, the Santiago del Teide valley opens up with Teide and Pico Viejo behind it; to the west, the Masca gorge and the ancient formations of the Teno massif, with the Masca hamlet visible at the bottom of the ravine. On clear days without calima haze, La Gomera and La Palma are also visible. Sunset is, according to dozens of Google reviews, the most sought-after time, though wind at the pass can be strong then.

The Degollada de Cherfe pass and the Guanche Alonso Díaz

"Degollada" is a Canary Islands term for a dip in a mountain ridge: a pass that eases travel between two ravines, in this case between the Santiago del Teide valley and Masca, on the boundary with Buenavista del Norte. In 2003 a monument was erected in the church square of Santiago del Teide dedicated "to the Guanche Alonso Díaz (Cherfe?), son of Don Diego Díaz, 'Pelinor', mencey of Adeje, goatherd of the Santiago valley". The monument's own inscription poses the identification as a question: according to the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, no historical source confirms that Alonso Díaz was known as Cherfe, though it is consistent with him having herded goats in this area. The original meaning of the word "Cherfe" remains unknown.

Getting there and parking

Reached via the TF-436, the road connecting Santiago del Teide with Masca and Buenavista del Norte, with numerous tight bends and narrow stretches where vehicles must give way to oncoming traffic. Parking is limited, so leave the car only in the designated area and pay attention to traffic. Titsa bus line 355 (Buenavista del Norte-Santiago del Teide via Masca) runs along this road, though a car is far more practical for a photo stop. Several Google reviews also mention a food truck that sometimes sets up next to the parking area: it is not a fixed or council-run service, so do not count on it being there.

What people who have been say

On Google Maps, Mirador de Cherfe holds a rating of 4.8 out of 5 from over 3,400 reviews, one of the highest-rated and most-reviewed places in the whole municipality. The views and the sunset are by far the most repeated reason for visiting; the narrow, winding road is the second most frequent mention, almost always as a warning for anyone driving the area for the first time. Limited parking also comes up among the usual complaints.

Frequently asked questions

Is Mirador de Cherfe free?

Yes, access and parking are both free. It is an outdoor site with no set hours, though it is only worth visiting in daylight and good visibility.

Is it hard to drive there?

The TF-436 has many bends and narrow stretches where you need to give way. It is not technically difficult, but drive slowly and carefully, especially if continuing on to Masca.

Is there anywhere to eat or buy something at the viewpoint?

There is no fixed business. Some Google reviews mention an occasional food truck in the parking area, but there is no guarantee it will be there when you visit.

Is this the same Guanche the viewpoint is named after?

It is not confirmed. The monument to Alonso Díaz in Santiago del Teide poses the identification with Cherfe as a question, and no historical source confirms it.

What is the best time to go?

Sunset, according to most reviews, though wind can be strong at the pass at that time. Early morning tends to have fewer people and less calima haze.