North vs South Tenerife: Which Area Is Better for Campervan Travellers?

If you’re planning a campervan trip to Tenerife, chances are you’ve already asked yourself the big question:

Should I explore the north or the south of the island?

While Tenerife isn’t huge, its two main regions offer completely different experiences.
From climate to landscapes, from road types to campervan accessibility — choosing the right area can shape the feel of your entire adventure.

In this guide, we’ll compare:

• Weather conditions
• Landscapes and nature
• Driving experience and road access
• Overnight spots for campers
• Which region suits your travel style best

The truth? Both north and south have something special to offer — especially when you travel by campervan.

Climate and Weather Differences

South Tenerife: Warm and sunny almost all year

• Famous for its dry, desert-like climate
• More than 300 days of sunshine a year
• Ideal for beach days, outdoor cooking and clear skies at night 

This area includes popular towns like El Médano, Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos, and is a favourite for those chasing warmth in winter.

North Tenerife: Cooler, greener and more humid

• More cloud cover and occasional rain, especially in Anaga and La Laguna
• Lush forests, misty cliffs, and dramatic views — thanks to the extra moisture
• Perfect for hiking, photography and lovers of moody, wild nature 

You’ll notice how quickly the weather changes as you cross the island. In fact, you can go from fog to full sun in 30 minutes.

Camper tip: Check local forecasts daily. If the weather turns in the north, you can often find sun just by heading south — one of the many advantages of vanlife!

Landscape and Nature

Tenerife is an island of contrasts — and nowhere is that more obvious than between north and south.

South Tenerife: Open, arid and volcanic

• Dry, golden landscapes with cactus, lava fields and wide beaches
• Ideal for sunbathing, surfing and wide-open drives
• Great coastal sunsets and easy access to Teide from the south side

Most of the island’s classic postcard beaches are here — think Playa del Duque, La Tejita, and Playa de Las Vistas.

North Tenerife: Lush, green and dramatic

• Home to dense forests, steep cliffs and natural pools
• Rain-fed landscapes perfect for hiking, exploring and photography
• Less touristy, more traditional Canarian feel 

Don’t miss places like Anaga Rural Park, Garachico or La Orotava, where nature and history meet.

The north invites you to slow down. The south invites you to stretch out. Both offer beauty in very different ways.

Roads, Driving and Campervan Accessibility

The island’s road network is excellent — but the experience varies depending on where you go.

South Tenerife: Easier access, smoother roads

• TF-1 motorway connects the main towns and resorts
• Wide roads, good signage, plenty of service stations
• Perfect for first-time vanlifers or nervous drivers 

North Tenerife: Curvier, slower — but more scenic

• Expect narrower roads, more curves and altitude changes
• Driving through Anaga or Masca requires confidence — but rewards with epic views
• Less crowded, but also fewer overnight spots 

If you’re travelling with a large camper, it’s wise to check road conditions before heading into rural zones in the north.

Where to Stay Overnight – North vs South

Here’s a helpful comparison of some camper-friendly overnight areas:

Which Region Suits You Best?

Here’s a quick breakdown based on your traveller type:

South is better if you want:

• Sun and beach every day
• Easier driving and quick access to services
• Social, laid-back vanlife atmosphere 

North is better if you love:

• Misty forests, mountains and dramatic landscapes
• Hiking, photography and exploring traditional towns
• Quiet nights in nature with fewer tourists 

Best choice? Do both. One of the biggest advantages of travelling in a campervan is that you don’t have to choose. You can follow the weather, your mood — or the sunset.

Final Thoughts: The Real Answer Is… Both

Tenerife is small enough to explore both the north and south — but diverse enough to feel like two islands in one.

With a campervan, you can wake up in a pine forest and fall asleep beside the ocean.
No strict schedule, no missed opportunities — just you, the road, and the freedom to move.

Ready to explore every corner of the island?
Hire your campervan with AJJ Vans and discover Tenerife your way — north, south, and everything in between.