The rise in caravans, motorhomes, and camper vans in southern Tenerife has prompted the Tenerife Cabildo to announce the drafting of an island ordinance to control this growing trend. During events like Holy Week, the presence of enthusiasts of this form of leisure, if not lifestyle, in various spots on the island confirms the increasing numbers and the seemingly unstoppable nature of this trend. However, the consequences are not always positive, particularly when these vehicles occupy protected natural areas, inadequate parking spaces due to their size, and the lack of specific designated areas in many towns.
Localities like Los Silos, which have been grappling with this issue for years along their striking coastline with numerous pools and unconventional swimming spots popular with campers, anticipate the island ordinance. In contrast, other towns are taking immediate actions. Granadilla de Abona, for instance, is cracking down on camping that has sprung up near La Tejita beach towards Cueva del Hermano Pedro, encroaching on protected land.
Nevertheless, some municipalities, like Arona, intend to take a step further by proposing a local ordinance to manage this phenomenon due to the absence of specific regulations. They aim to allocate designated camping areas or parking spots for these vehicles, similar to what other towns have implemented. Arona points to Puerto de la Cruz, which, in the previous administration, set aside several parking spots for these vehicles on the dock esplanade, offering public spots along with private facilities like showers and toilets at the old Pichirri football field for a reasonable daily fee.
According to Canarias Now, Alexis Gómez, the Councillor for Security, Festivals, Heritage, and Services in Arona, revealed that the local government is developing a new Municipal Mobility Ordinance to address this issue. The current ordinance lacks specific regulations beyond basic traffic measures. The proposed ordinance will allow for the “regulation and rotation of parking spaces” within the town. Moreover, designated camping or parking zones will be created for these vehicles, following examples from other municipalities. The government is currently scouting potential locations for these areas.
Currently, Arona follows the PROT Instruction 2023/14 for regulating motorhomes in the town, a popular tourist destination in the Canary Islands, especially along its coastline. This instruction refers to Annex II of the General Vehicle Regulations (approved by Royal Decree 2822/1998), which defines motorhomes as vehicles designed for accommodation purposes, and lists the equipment they should contain. Concerning parking, urban road parking regulations fall under municipal control through ordinances to prevent traffic obstructions, with restrictions such as time limits. Arona City Council is now working on drafting a local ordinance to manage this issue promptly, which will serve as a model for the entire island.
Observations this Holy Week
Last Wednesday, Canarias Now toured various spots in Arona where these vehicles gather, a situation exacerbated during peak periods like Easter, summer, Christmas, long weekends, and holiday weekends for enthusiasts of this form of leisure. Some individuals choose to live permanently in their motorhomes or custom vans due to personal preference or financial constraints, as renting or buying properties can be challenging.
Exploring Camper Culture in Tenerife
During Holy Week, many people can be seen in certain areas simply enjoying a break, such as at the marked parking lots at the end of Arenas Blancas street, just a stone’s throw away from the sea and a popular spot for surfers due to the area’s impressive waves in Los Cristianos.
Some campers even bring out loungers and soak up the sun on the grass next to these parking lots. It’s important to note that they are not breaking any rules, as the vehicles fit perfectly within the designated spaces. However, it was a striking sight that most vehicles parked there that day were motorhomes or camper vans.
On the contrary, near the intersection of Luis Díaz de Losada Street and Las Vistas Paseo, just before the famous beach of the same name, motorhomes frequently park in prohibited areas, risking enforcement by local authorities. While in other parts of Los Cristianos, some camper vehicles do follow parking regulations, the suitability of these locations for such activities is debatable.
Another hotspot for camper vehicles is Las Galletas, close to the port and beach. An area near the town centre sees a concentration of these vehicles, while others venture onto adjacent roads or dirt tracks if the main parking lot is full. Additionally, near the once-popular Vai Moana and its adjacent cove, a motorhome campsite has been set up, raising questions due to its location on rustic land.
Similar scenarios are seen along the Arón coast and in various Tenerife municipalities, prompting discussions on regulation by local councils or the Cabildo. This growing trend of camper culture is attracting visitors from across the Canary Islands, mainland Spain, Europe, and beyond.
In stark contrast, near Las Galletas, evicted individuals from the Chasna building have set up camp with vans and makeshift shelters in a protest against what they perceive as injustice. For some, living in vehicles is seen as the only viable option.
