Masca Residents Protest Institutional Neglect Amid Tourism Boom
Residents of the Tenerife hamlet of Masca are threatening protests against the local government, citing decades of institutional neglect and a lack of basic infrastructure as the area’s tourism-focused development leaves locals behind.
Managing natural heritage in the Canary Islands is back in the spotlight following complaints from residents of Masca, in Buenavista del Norte. Locals argue there is a widening gap between the area’s popularity as a tourist destination and the reality of daily life for those who live there. According to Diario de Avisos, the Barranco de Masca Neighborhood Association claims the hamlet has suffered from decades of institutional neglect, leading to a crisis in basic services and maintenance.
The situation highlights a clear urban planning paradox: while Masca is promoted as one of Tenerife’s top attractions, its basic infrastructure—including road surfaces, street lighting, and sanitation—is failing. These structural issues threaten the safety and mobility of the 93 residents registered there as of early 2024. With an average age of 60, the community is struggling to attract younger generations, a problem residents blame on outdated regulations. The Master Plan for Use and Management (PRUG), which has been in place for over 30 years, restricts residential development by labeling sloped land as unbuildable. This prevents new homes from being built, effectively forcing young people to move away.
Transportation is another major hurdle. Public transport is limited, forcing residents to rely on private cars in an area already overwhelmed by tourists. Locals feel that the administration prioritizes leisure projects, such as the ravine walkway and the pier, over the basic needs of the community. They argue that the area has been turned into a "consumer product," leaving the people who live there as an afterthought.
Frustrated by a lack of action, the neighborhood association is now considering protests at the Tenerife Island Council (Cabildo). While recent talks with the Teno Rural Park management have opened a line of communication, residents maintain that real change requires political will that goes beyond just promoting tourism. The situation in Masca reflects a common struggle across the islands: balancing environmental protection and tourism revenue with the fundamental right of residents to have decent public services in their own homes.