Driving a camper around Tenerife
It's a common concern before booking, especially for anyone who's never driven a van before: what's it like to drive a camper on Tenerife's roads? The short answer is that, taken calmly and without rushing, it handles better than you'd think — but it's worth knowing what to expect before you set off.
Mountain roads: bends, but manageable
Tenerife has mountain roads with plenty of tight bends, especially around Anaga (in the north) and the Teno Massif (in the west, on the way to Masca). These are narrow roads with steep gradients, so the important thing is to slow down, use low gears on the descents, and be patient at passing points — there are single-lane stretches where you have to give way. A heads-up on Masca: since late July 2026, whenever there is a wildfire-risk alert, the Cabildo (Tenerife's island government) restricts the entry of visitor vehicles (rental vehicles included) on the TF-436 between 09:00 and 16:00, so check the status before you go.
The climb to Teide, the most comfortable one
Even though it gains height quickly, the Teide road (TF-21) is in good condition and has much wider bends than those in Anaga or Masca — it's actually one of the most rewarding driving routes on the island in a camper, with photo stops at every viewpoint. If you go up at dusk, stargaze from the same viewpoint.
Tips for a relaxed drive
- Leave with plenty of time: on mountain roads, being in a hurry is the one thing that really makes driving harder.
- Use low gears on long descents, not just the brakes.
- On narrow single-lane stretches, pull into a passing bay if you see someone coming the other way.
- Avoid overtaking on bends: on mountain roads, it's almost never worth the time you save.
- If you come across cyclists (there are quite a few on the mountain roads), give them plenty of space when passing.
Our campers, built for this
Nearly all of our fleet is classic Volkswagens and Mercedes of manageable size — nothing like the huge vehicles built for motorways — so they handle these roads with ease. The exception is the large-volume Fiat Ducato (almost 6 metres long and about 2.76 m tall): a category B licence is enough, but give yourself more room on the narrow roads of Anaga or Masca. If it's your first time behind the wheel of a camper, take a look at Azul, agile and easy to drive, or Cali Verde, compact and fitted with airbags. And if anything happens along the way, our 24-hour assistance and mobile workshop covers the whole island.
Before you set off
Choose your camper and your dates in our fleet finder. The first time you drive calmly along a mountain road, you'll already have got the hang of it for the rest of the trip.
If you'd like to see which roads await you each day, take a look at our one-week itinerary around Tenerife.