The increase in motorhomes, caravans (towed by another vehicle), converted vans, buses and trucks turned into mobile homes is a worldwide trend that has been on the rise in the Canary Islands for several years. This trend is often driven by social factors, such as the high cost of housing. Due to this, authorities like the Tenerife Cabildo are considering implementing a local ordinance to regulate parking for these alternative modes of travel and living. This is to prevent unsightly scenes along the coasts, historic centres, and protected areas with high natural significance.
Montaña Roja, located near the renowned La Tejita beach in Granadilla de Abona’s southern region, was one of the few public campsites in Tenerife offering parking facilities and various amenities like restaurants, toilets, and showers. However, on February 29, the Tenerife Cabildo closed it, citing the end of the concession, as the winning company chose not to renew it.
Meanwhile, the area surrounding the campsite, which is known for its stunning beauty and laid-back vibe (with a nudist beach as well), has seen a surge in unauthorized parking spaces for motorhomes and similar vehicles over the past year.
This issue has escalated in recent months, particularly in an area near the road leading to the popular Cueva del Hermano Pedro. Municipal authorities are planning to address these unauthorized parking areas soon, many of which are on protected land, or at the very least, attempt to regularise them.
The situation presents an unflattering picture in an area of such natural and symbolic importance. This problem is not unique to this area but is prevalent in many parts of the islands, particularly during weekends and peak holiday seasons such as Easter, Christmas, and summer.
The settlement attracts a diverse crowd, including surfing enthusiasts and sky surfers who take to the sea with their paragliders, as well as individuals residing in the area due to limited alternatives, accompanied by their pets and fellow travellers seeking an alternative lifestyle.
With the Montaña Roja campsite now closed, the city council is aware that the situation may deteriorate until the campsite reopens. Consequently, efforts are being made to promptly intervene either through regulation or elimination of illegal parking areas.
The Cabildo announced its intention to reopen the campsite, but there are obstacles to overcome. Primary among these is an ongoing legal dispute over the cabin area. Until the matter is resolved, the island administration plans to make the motorhome area accessible to campers. To achieve this, they have assigned various works to the regional public company Gesplan, ensuring round-the-clock security and maintenance of the facilities.
Nonetheless, there are doubts among the opposition in the Cabildo regarding whether the company’s decision to discontinue the concession was made without fulfilling the necessary site improvements and services, as stipulated in the agreement. This might pose a challenge when reapplying for a new concession post-resolution of the legal dispute, if a competition is required once again.
As uncertainties loom over the campsite’s future, the increasing presence of motorhomes, vans, and buses in the vicinity paints a less-than-ideal picture of an area that, despite its controversies, remains one of Tenerife’s most emblematic and beautiful spots.
