Camper, caravan or motorhome: what to hire in Tenerife
Short answer: at Discovery Tenerife we rent campervans, not caravans or motorhomes. They're two compact campers that drive like a large car, picked up in San Miguel de Abona, about 10 minutes from Tenerife South airport. If you searched for a "caravan" because you want to sleep wherever the trip takes you, read on: we explain the differences so you can choose well.
What is a caravan
A caravan is a trailer with no engine: you need a car with an approved tow bar to pull it. Inside it's a small home, but nobody can ride in it while you drive; passengers travel in the car. On a mountainous island like Tenerife, towing a trailer along winding, steep roads takes experience, and few companies rent caravans on the island.
What is a motorhome
A motorhome is a motor vehicle designed to live in: cab and living area are in the same vehicle. They're usually 5.5 to 8 metres long, around 3 metres high, with more seats, a kitchen, a toilet and sometimes an indoor shower. It's the comfortable option for families or groups, but parking in villages, at viewpoints or on narrow roads is harder.
What is a camper
A camper is a van fitted out for sleeping and travelling. It's smaller than a motorhome, fits a normal parking space (or nearly), and gets along roads where a big vehicle struggles. In return, space is tighter and the equipment simpler. Ours are this type. Even so, on very narrow roads like the one to Masca we recommend leaving the camper in Santiago del Teide and going up by guagua (the local bus; we explain it in the guide to reaching Masca by camper).
Comparison table: camper, caravan and motorhome in Tenerife
| Camper | Caravan | Motorhome | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Van fitted out for sleeping | Trailer with no engine | Motor vehicle with living area |
| Size | Compact, like a van | Varies, plus the car towing it | Large: usually 5.5 to 8 m long and about 3 m high |
| Parking | Easy, fits many normal spaces | Hard: car + trailer | Hard in villages and at viewpoints |
| Driving up Teide | Comfortable thanks to its size | Demanding with a trailer on slopes and bends | Possible, slower and with more care |
| Masca and Anaga (narrow roads) | The most manageable (check current access rules) | Not recommended | Tricky because of the size |
| Where to sleep | Authorised areas and zones; see the guide | Campsites and authorised zones | Authorised areas and zones; see the guide |
| Usual licence (general rule from the DGT, Spain's traffic authority) | B if not over 3,500 kg | B if the caravan is not over 750 kg or the combination not over 3,500 kg; B96 up to 4,250 kg; otherwise B+E | B up to 3,500 kg; heavier ones need another licence |
| Best for | Couples who want to move around a lot | People who already have a car with a tow bar | Families and groups, toilet on board |
General guidance only: each vehicle has its own dimensions, seats and requirements. Before driving up Teide or heading to Masca or Anaga, check the current access notices; you'll find them in our guide to routes and where to sleep in a camper.
What suits you for travelling around Tenerife?
- There are two of you and you want to move around a lot (beaches, viewpoints, villages, mountains): a compact camper is the most practical.
- There are 4 or 5 of you, or you need a full bathroom on board: honestly, a motorhome from another company will suit you better; our campers aren't designed for that.
- You already have a car with a tow bar and experience towing: a caravan may make sense, although there's little to rent in Tenerife.
Our 2 campers in south Tenerife
Discovery Atlántico: a classic blue Nissan Vanette (2.3 diesel 75 hp, manual), compact and full of character.
Discovery Volcán: a compact red camper, nimble for villages, viewpoints and coves.
Both campers have 2 seats, for travelling and for sleeping. Bedding, towels and all equipment included. No wifi.
- Web promotional price: €49/night + 7% IGIC (≈ €52.43/night; IGIC is the Canary Islands sales tax).
- Minimum 3 nights (4 at Christmas).
- 10% off a full week (7 nights). If you've travelled with us before, the code VUELVE10 gives you 10%; the two discounts can't be combined.
- Pets welcome: €10 per day.
- Driver: minimum age 23 and a category B licence held for at least 3 years.
- Deposit: €200 in cash, refundable.
- Base in San Miguel de Abona, about 10 minutes from Tenerife South airport. Delivery to Tenerife South airport (TFS): €20 each way; to your hotel: €25 each way.
- Free cancellation up to 15 days before arrival.
If you've made up your mind, see all the details of our campervan hire in Tenerife or message us on WhatsApp with your dates.
Ask about availability on WhatsApp See our 2 campers
Frequently asked questions
Do you rent caravans or motorhomes?
No. We rent two compact campervans, the Discovery Atlántico and the Discovery Volcán. They're not caravans (trailers) or large motorhomes.
What's the difference between a caravan and a motorhome?
A caravan is a trailer with no engine, towed by a car; a motorhome has the engine and living area in the same vehicle.
What's the difference between a camper and a motorhome?
A camper is a van fitted out for sleeping: smaller, easier to park and more simply equipped than a motorhome.
Which licence do I need?
In general, a category B licence lets you drive vehicles up to 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass, according to the DGT (Spain's traffic authority). To drive our campers you need a category B licence held for at least 3 years; the minimum age is 23.
How much does it cost to rent your camper?
Web promo price: €49/night + 7% IGIC (≈ €52.43/night). Minimum 3 nights (4 at Christmas).
Are there discounts?
Yes: 10% for a full week (7 nights) or 10% with the code VUELVE10 if you've travelled with us before. They can't be combined.
How many people fit?
2 people: both campers have 2 seats for travelling and 2 berths.
There are 4 or 5 of us – will it work?
Probably not. For groups, or if you need a full bathroom, a motorhome from another company will suit you better.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, pets are welcome for €10 a day.
Where do I pick up the camper?
At our base in San Miguel de Abona, about 10 minutes from Tenerife South airport. Delivery to Tenerife South airport (TFS): €20 each way; to your hotel: €25 each way. Deposit: €200 in cash, refundable.