Tenerife Expands Regulated Camper Van Sites to Protect Protected Natural Areas

The Tenerife Island Council has reorganized the Las Lajas area in Adeje, marking a significant shift in how the island manages the rise of camper van tourism in protected areas. Located within the Corona Forestal Natural Park, the site’s capacity has been increased from two to eleven dedicated spaces for motorhomes and camper vans. This move aims to meet the growing demand for regulated overnight stays while minimizing the environmental impact on the park.

Led by the Department of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies, the project addresses the issue of vehicles scattering across ecologically sensitive areas. By separating the camping area from the vehicle parking zone, the Council hopes to reduce pressure on the land and provide a legal, sustainable alternative for visitors. Island President Rosa Dávila noted that this initiative responds to requests from the caravanning community for more safe, well-equipped places to stay.

Work on the site began mid-year and goes beyond simply creating parking spaces. The upgraded facilities at Las Lajas now include picnic furniture, fire pits, accessible restrooms, and waste management systems. These improvements are designed to concentrate human activity in one area, preventing uncontrolled camping throughout the forest. Blanca Pérez, the regional minister for the area, emphasized that this is part of a broader effort to build a network of authorized sites, which now totals 31 spaces across the island.

This network is currently spread across four locations: 14 spaces in Chío (Guía de Isora), 11 in Las Lajas (Adeje), 4 in Arenas Negras (El Tanque), and 2 in El Lagar (Icod de los Vinos). By decentralizing nature tourism and providing clear, regulated spaces, the Council aims to protect Tenerife’s ecosystems while allowing caravanning to coexist more responsibly with the island's natural landscape.