The Canary Islands are a dream destination for the motorhome: spring-like climate all year round, unique volcanic landscapes, beaches for every taste and mountains that brush the clouds. Travelling around the islands by camper is possible and very rewarding, though it has its own quirks compared with mainland Spain. Here's the essential information.
How to bring your motorhome
The usual way is by ferry from the mainland (Cádiz or Huelva) or, if you rent one there, no transfer needed. The crossing takes time and money, so it pays off more for long stays (weeks or a whole winter) than for a single week. You can also fly and rent a camper on the islands.
Which islands to explore
- Tenerife: Teide (Spain's highest peak), laurel forests, beaches and villages.
- Gran Canaria: a "miniature continent", from dunes to green mountains.
- Lanzarote: volcanic landscapes from another planet (Timanfaya) and the imprint of César Manrique.
- Fuerteventura: vast beaches and wind for kite and surf lovers.
- La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro: the greenest and quietest, pure nature.
You can island-hop using the inter-island ferries.
Overnight parking in the Canaries
Worth noting: overnight parking rules vary and are fairly regulated in many areas, with a shortage of sites on some islands. It's worth finding out exactly where you can legally park overnight and prioritise campsites and designated areas. [Note: specific overnight parking regulations for each island and municipality.] Overnight parking areas can help.
Power: the sun is your ally
With sun almost guaranteed all year round, a solar setup performs beautifully in the Canaries, giving you plenty of autonomy. See solar panels.
In summary
The Canaries offer spring all year round and unique landscapes for the camper, ideal for long stays that justify the ferry crossing; that said, get well informed about overnight parking, which is regulated. The step you can take today: if the Canaries tempt you, work out whether the ferry cost pays off for the length of your trip and find sites and campsites on your chosen island before you go. Combine it with the best beaches.
