How Safe Is It to Travel Alone in a Campervan in Tenerife? (Solo Traveller’s Guide)

Solo travel is growing — and for good reason.
It gives you the freedom to move at your own pace, discover yourself, and make spontaneous decisions along the way.

But when it comes to travelling alone in a campervan, many people ask the same question:

Is it safe to do it in Tenerife?

Whether you’re planning your first solo road trip or you’re already experienced, this guide will help you:

• Understand the safety realities of Tenerife
• Learn practical solo vanlife tips
• Discover the best places to stay as a solo traveller
• Travel with confidence — even if it’s just you and the road

Spoiler: Tenerife is one of the safest places in Europe to travel alone in a van.

Is Tenerife a Safe Destination for Solo Van Travellers?

Low crime rates

Tenerife, like the rest of the Canary Islands, has very low levels of violent crime.
Petty theft can happen (like anywhere), but it’s rare outside of crowded tourist spots.

You’ll find:

• Peaceful coastal towns
• Welcoming locals
• A strong community of solo travellers, surfers and vanlifers

Traveller-friendly island

Many solo visitors, especially women, report feeling comfortable and safe when travelling through Tenerife — even at night.

The infrastructure is modern, police presence is visible in cities and tourist areas, and most people you meet are used to seeing van travellers all year round.

A growing solo vanlife scene

You’re not alone.
Tenerife is part of the European winter escape circuit for solo vanlifers and digital nomads.
You’ll often find other solo campers at beaches like El Médano or at quiet forest rest areas.

Travelling alone doesn’t mean feeling lonely — especially in Tenerife.

Safety Tips for Travelling Solo in a Campervan

Whether it’s your first solo road trip or your tenth, it’s always smart to travel with awareness.
Here are key safety tips to keep in mind:

Choose your overnight spot wisely

• Opt for places where other campervans are already parked — there’s safety in company.
• Look for well-lit, flat areas with no signs prohibiting overnight stays.
• If something feels off, trust your gut and move on.

Use reliable apps to scout safe areas

• Park4Night: Find camper-friendly spots with community reviews.
• iOverlander: Good for remote or less-touristy park-ups.
• Google Maps (Street View): Check the area before arriving.

Stay connected

• Share your live location with a trusted friend or family member.
• Make short check-ins via WhatsApp or email every 24–48 hours.
• Keep a portable power bank and offline map app just in case.

Secure your van and gear

• Always lock all doors and windows when leaving or sleeping.
• Don’t leave valuables in view — store them in hidden compartments.
• Consider a steering wheel lock or window blinds for peace of mind.

Best Areas to Stay Overnight as a Solo Traveller

Here’s a selection of camper-friendly places that are safe, scenic and frequently visited by other solo vanlifers:

Avoid completely isolated areas if you’re unsure — especially if there’s no signal, no lighting or no other vehicles nearby.

What to Avoid When Travelling Alone in Tenerife

Even in a safe destination, some precautions are wise:

• Don’t sleep in sketchy, dark lay-bys

If it feels hidden or abandoned, skip it — visibility is protection.

• Don’t post your exact location publicly in real-time

Wait until you’ve left a place before sharing it on social media.

• Don’t park in loud or poorly reviewed areas

Use apps and local advice to avoid known party zones or hotspots for fines.

Emotional Benefits of Solo Travel by Campervan

Beyond safety, let’s not forget why solo travel is so powerful.

Reconnect with yourself

You choose the pace, the soundtrack, the route.
It’s your time to disconnect from pressure and connect with presence.

Meet people more easily

Travelling alone often opens doors to:

• Chatting with locals
• Sharing a coffee with fellow vanlifers
• Joining free walking tours or beach yoga sessions

Your confidence grows

Each decision you make — from parking to navigating — reinforces your independence.

“I travelled Tenerife solo in a van” isn’t just a holiday. It’s a badge of courage.

Final Thoughts: You’re Never Really Alone in Tenerife

Tenerife is a warm, welcoming and safe place for solo van travellers.
With the right mindset and a bit of planning, it can be one of the most liberating experiences of your life.

Start your solo journey with AJJ Vans — your campervan, your pace, your story.