Explore Tenerife with the motorhome

Over 5 million tourists visit Tenerife every year, but only a fraction of them experience the island as it really is: away from the hotel complexes, between lava fields and laurel forests, with a motorhome. Anyone who wants to explore Tenerife with a motorhome will get to see an island that package holidaymakers simply never get to know.

What you should know: Tenerife is well suited for motorhome travellers, but not without its pitfalls. The roads in the north and in the mountains are narrow, wild camping is officially forbidden, and the number of official parking spaces is limited. With the right preparation, however, a motorhome trip to Tenerife is one of the most rewarding holidays the Canary Islands have to offer.

The most important things at a glance:

• Wild camping is forbidden in Tenerife and is actively monitored
• Official campsites and parking spaces (Áreas de Autocaravanas) are available, but limited
• The roads in the south and along the coast are more motorhome-friendly than the narrow mountain passes in the north
• The best time to travel is between October and April (mild temperatures, fewer tourists)
• Motorhomes can be rented locally via platforms such as Campcruisers gemietet werden
• A daily budget of approximately €60–100 per vehicle is realistic (pitch, fuel, food)
• Families with children are in good hands in Tenerife with a motorhome
• Motor vehicle liability insurance is mandatory; fully comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended

What do I need to consider when camping in Tenerife?

Anyone travelling in Tenerife with a motorhome needs to know a few clear rules. Wild camping is forbidden on the entire island, and the authorities check this regularly, especially near national parks. Furthermore: Without advance booking for official pitches, it can get crowded in high summer.

Important rules at a glance:

• No overnight stays outside of designated parking spaces or campsites
• In the Teide National Park, sleeping in vehicles is strictly prohibited
• Rubbish must always be taken away or disposed of at official stations
• Noise after 10 pm is prohibited on all sites
• Dogs are allowed on some campsites, but not everywhere, so enquire in advance
• Fresh water and disposal stations are available at official Áreas, but not comprehensively

Practical tip: The app „Park4Night“ and the portal „Camperstop“ show current parking spaces with user reviews. These sources are much more reliable than outdated guidebooks.

Best campsites and pitches in Tenerife

Tenerife does not have a huge camping infrastructure, but the existing sites are solid. There are classic campsites with sanitary facilities as well as Áreas de Autocaravanas (pure motorhome pitches without tents).

Recommended options (as of 2026):

Booking: Camping Nauta and Las Raíces should be booked at least 2–3 weeks in advance in high season (December–February, July–August). Áreas de Autocaravanas often operate on a first-come-first-served basis.

„The Áreas de Autocaravanas in Tenerife are free or very cheap, but often only offer basic equipment. If you need showers and Wi-Fi, you're better off on a real campsite.“

Costs for a motorhome trip in Tenerife

A motorhome trip in Tenerife is cheaper than a comparable hotel holiday, but not free. The total costs depend heavily on whether the vehicle is brought along or rented on site.

Estimated daily costs (2 people, 1 vehicle):

• Pitch/campsite: 0–25 €
• Fuel (diesel, approx. 100 km/day): 15–25 €
• Food (supermarket): 20–35 €
• Activities/entry: 0–30 €
• Total: approx. 35–115 € per day

Fuel is cheaper in the Canary Islands than on the European mainland, as the islands are partially exempt from Spanish fuel tax. This makes a noticeable difference on longer tours.

How much does it cost to rent a motorhome in Tenerife?

If you don't have your own vehicle or don't want to transport it by ferry, you can rent directly in Tenerife. Campcruisers is a specialised provider for motorhome rentals in the Canary Islands and offers various vehicle classes.

Guideline values for rental prices (2026, estimate):

• Compact panel van motorhome: from approx. 80–110 € per day
• Alcove or semi-integrated vehicle: from approx. 120–160 € per day
• High season (Christmas, Carnival): surcharge of 20–40% possible

Important when booking: Note the minimum rental period (often 5–7 days), clarify the free kilometre allowance, and photographically document the condition of the vehicle upon handover.

Which motorhome insurance do I need?

For a rented motorhome in Tenerife, third-party insurance is included in the rental price. Fully comprehensive insurance (often called „CDW“) is optional, but highly recommended on the narrow roads of the island.

• Third party liability: Always included, required by law
• Fully comprehensive (CDW): Recommended, reduces the excess in case of damage
• Trip cancellation insurance: Useful for long-term travellers or if travelling independently
• Glass breakage protection: Sensible in Tenerife due to gravel roads and falling rocks

For those bringing their own vehicle: German car insurance is valid in Spain (incl. Canary Islands), but the coverage amounts should be checked before the trip. A green insurance certificate (now often digital) must be carried.

Which routes are best suited for motorhomes?

The best routes for exploring Tenerife with a motorhome are along the coastal roads and through the central highlands, but not through the narrowest mountain villages in the north.

Recommended routes:

1. Coastal route south (TF-1 / TF-643): From Los Cristianos to El Médano, wide roads, good infrastructure, ideal for beginners
2. Teide Tour (TF-21 / TF-24): Through the National Park, wide roads, breathtaking scenery, but no overnight stays in the park
3. North route (TF-5 to Puerto de la Cruz): Easy to drive, but pay attention to vehicle size when approaching villages such as Masca or Garachico
4. Anaga Peninsula: Only recommended for compact vehicles, very narrow serpentine roads

Rule of thumb: Vehicles over 6.5 m long or 2.3 m wide should avoid the Anaga Peninsula and the Teno Mountains.

Are the roads in Tenerife motorhome-friendly?

Yes on the main roads, often not in the mountains and villages. The Autovías (TF-1, TF-5) are wide, well-maintained and easy to drive on. As soon as you turn into the mountains or to remote villages, however, the roads quickly become narrow and winding.

Common problems:

• Low bridges and tunnels (rare, but present)
• Narrow passages through historical villages
• Steep gradients in the Anaga Mountains (up to 18%)
• Lack of parking in tourist centres

Solution: Plan the route with a motorhome-specific navigation app (e.g. CamperContact or Sygic Truck) before each stage, not with standard Google Maps.

Is wild camping allowed in Tenerife?

No, wild camping is officially prohibited in Tenerife and is punishable by fines. This applies to all areas of the island, especially strictly in the Teide National Park and in nature reserves.

In practice, some travellers park at quiet coastal sections at night, but this is legally a grey area and can lead to problems with the Guardia Civil. The risk is real, especially since controls were tightened from 2024.

Alternative: The free Áreas de Autocaravanas offer a legal option without major costs. There are also some private properties that offer pitches (can be found via Park4Night).

Which season is best for a motorhome trip?

Tenerife has a pleasant climate all year round, but the best time for a motorhome holiday is between October and April. The temperatures are then 18–24 °C, the tourist density is lower, and the campsites are more available.

• October–November: Ideal, still warm, hardly any rain, cheaper prices
• December–February: High season due to winter refugees from Northern Europe, book pitches early
• March–April: Excellent, almond blossom in the north, pleasant temperatures
• July–August: Hot in the south (up to 35 °C), north stays cooler, but crowded

Those who avoid the heat: In summer, prefer the campsites in the highlands (over 1,000 m), where the temperatures are much more pleasant.

Differences between North and South Tenerife for Campers

South and North Tenerife are like two different islands, and this significantly affects the motorhome journey.

Recommendation: A round trip that combines both sides is best. Start in the south (getting used to it, wide roads), then into the highlands, then the north.

Typical mistakes made by campers in Tenerife

Even experienced motorhome travellers repeatedly make the same mistakes in Tenerife.

• Renting too large a vehicle: An 8-metre alcove motorhome is impractical in Tenerife. Compact vehicles up to 6 m are much more flexible.
• No advance booking: Especially in winter, campsites are quickly booked up.
• Driving to Masca in a motorhome: The road to Masca is unsuitable for motorhomes, better by bus or rental car.
• Planning the Teide National Park as a place to stay overnight: This is prohibited and leads to fines.
• Underestimating water supplies: Not all Áreas have a fresh water connection.

Is Tenerife suitable for families with a motorhome?

Yes, Tenerife is very family-friendly with a motorhome. The short journey times between the sights (the island is compact), the stable weather conditions and the variety of activities make it an excellent family destination.

Family-friendly highlights:

• Loro Parque and Siam Park (south coast) for children
• Sandy beaches in the south (Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos)
• Hikes in the Teide National Park (also suitable for older children)
• Quiet campsites with play areas (e.g. Las Raíces)

Important for families: Child restraint systems in the motorhome are mandatory in Spain. This also applies to driving in the Canary Islands.

FAQ: Exploring Tenerife by motorhome

Do I need a special driving licence for a motorhome in Tenerife?
For vehicles up to 3.5 t permissible total weight, the normal car driving licence (Class B) is sufficient. Heavier vehicles require Class C1 or C.

Can I bring my motorhome to Tenerife by ferry?
Yes, ferry connections from Cádiz (Spain) to Santa Cruz de Tenerife exist (Naviera Armas, Trasmediterránea). The crossing takes approx. 2 days and costs €300–600 each way depending on the size of the vehicle.

Are there toll charges in Tenerife?
No, there are no toll roads in Tenerife.

How good is the mobile phone coverage for navigation and communication?
The coverage is very good on the main roads. There may be gaps in remote mountain areas, so download maps offline.

Are dogs allowed in the motorhome in Tenerife?
Dogs are allowed in the vehicle. The rules vary on campsites and pitches, so enquire in advance. Beaches often have dog bans.

Can I drive a German motorhome in Tenerife?
Yes, without restrictions. Spain recognises EU vehicle registrations. The vehicle must meet the technical requirements and vehicle tax must be paid.

Where can I dispose of the waste water?
Designated motorhome areas and campsites have disposal stations. Grey water must not be released into the environment.

How long should a motorhome trip to Tenerife last at least?
At least 7–10 days to see the main regions. 14 days is ideal for a relaxed tour with breaks.

Conclusion: How to make your Tenerife motorhome trip a success

Exploring Tenerife by motorhome means experiencing the island in all its diversity: from the volcanic highlands of Teide to the green gorges of the Anaga Mountains and the sunny beaches of the south. The key to success lies in preparation.

Concrete next steps:

1. Set travel dates (October–April for optimal conditions)
2. Book a compact motorhome Campcruisers (at least 6–8 weeks in advance)
3. Pre-plan campsites and Áreas via Park4Night or CamperContact
4. Add fully comprehensive insurance and glass breakage cover with the rental company
5. Download offline maps to your smartphone, use motorhome-specific navigation
6. Explore Masca, Anaga and Teno only with a compact vehicle or alternatively by bus/hire car

Anyone who takes these points to heart will discover an island in Tenerife that has far more to offer than hotel rooms and sun loungers.

Quellen

• Cabildo de Tenerife – Official Tourist Board of the Island: www.webtenerife.com
• Parque Nacional del Teide – Visitor rules and overnight stay ban: www.miteco.gob.es (2023)
• Park4Night Community Database – Campsite Directory Tenerife (2025)
• Campcruisers – Motorhome Rental Canary Islands: https://www.campcruisers.com/en/rent-campervan/tenerife