Tenerife by Campervan on a Budget: How to Travel Cheap and Smart
Dreaming of sun, sea and freedom — but worried about the cost?
Good news: Tenerife is one of the best places in Europe to travel on a budget, especially if you’re doing it by campervan.
With the right strategy, you can:
- Cut costs on food, transport and accommodation
- Enjoy stunning landscapes and activities for free
- Experience the island without compromising comfort
In this guide, we’ll show you how to explore Tenerife the smart way, with practical tips, a daily cost breakdown, and ideas that make vanlife affordable (and unforgettable).
Travelling in a campervan isn’t just a fun way to explore — it’s also one of the most economical ways to see Tenerife.
Why Travelling by Campervan Is Already a Smart Saving
You might think that hiring a campervan is expensive.
But when you break it down, it can be cheaper than booking a hotel and rental car separately — especially if you’re travelling as a couple or small group.
3 reasons campervan = low-cost freedom
- Transport and accommodation in one
No need to book hotels or Airbnbs — your van is your bed, your kitchen and your base. - You can cook your own meals
Eating out every day adds up. With a campervan, you can prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner wherever you are. - Sleep where you want (almost)
From wild beaches to mountain forests, Tenerife has free or low-cost places to park overnight. With the right apps and mindset, you can spend €0 on accommodation.
With just a bit of planning, you can enjoy a full week in Tenerife at a fraction of the price most tourists pay.
Budget Tips for Campervan Travellers in Tenerife
You don’t need to sacrifice comfort to keep costs low.
Here are practical ways to make your Tenerife camper trip budget-friendly and brilliant:
Plan your route efficiently
- Avoid unnecessary back-and-forth trips
- Stay longer in one region to save on fuel
- Use apps like Google Maps or Windy Maps to visualise elevation (driving uphill = more fuel)
Shop smart and cook simple
- Buy fresh produce at local markets or Lidl / Mercadona
- Stick to one hot meal per day and keep lunches light
- Reuse leftovers creatively — pasta, rice and wraps go a long way
With your own kitchen on wheels, every viewpoint becomes a picnic spot.
Use free or low-cost overnight spots
- Park4Night and CamperContact show camper-approved locations
- Look for recreation zones like Las Lajas or La Caldera — often free and scenic
- Respect local rules: arrive late, leave early, and keep everything inside
Save on water and essentials
- Refill water tanks at public taps or picnic areas
- Bring reusable bottles and food containers
- Use biodegradable soap and compact towels for easy cleaning
Compare fuel prices
Use apps like GasAll or check nearby stations to find the best price.
Fuel is cheaper in the Canaries than mainland Spain, but it still adds up on long drives.
Free and Cheap Activities to Enjoy in Tenerife
Tenerife is full of natural beauty — and most of it is completely free.
Outdoor adventures
- Hike in Anaga, Teide National Park or Teno
- Walk coastal trails like Malpaís de Güímar
- Explore lava tubes like Cueva del Viento (from €10)
Beaches and natural pools
- Spend days at Playa La Tejita, Las Teresitas or Playa Almáciga
- Discover charcos (natural pools) near Bajamar or Garachico
- Watch surfers at El Médano, even if you’re not riding waves
Simple pleasures
- Watch the sunset from a mountain viewpoint
- Stroll through villages like Vilaflor, Icod or La Orotava
- Join free walking tours in Santa Cruz or La Laguna
Final Thoughts: Tenerife Is the Perfect Island for Budget Vanlife
You don’t need a luxury budget to live a rich travel experience.
In Tenerife, nature, freedom and simplicity are free — and a campervan lets you enjoy it all.
Start your low-cost road trip with AJJ Vans and explore Tenerife without limits — only possibilities.
