When most people think about holidays in Tenerife, they picture hotels, apartments or all-inclusive resorts.
Camping probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.
But for a growing number of people, pitching a tent or parking up a camper van is the perfect way to experience the island. As one regular camper put it, it’s like carrying your apartment on your back.
One of Only Two Official Campsites
The Punta del Hidalgo campsite, on Tenerife’s northeast coast, is one of only two official campsites on the island and the only one managed by La Laguna Council.
Sitting just a few metres from the Atlantic Ocean, it offers campers the chance to wake up to the sound of the waves, volcanic scenery and some of the island’s most dramatic coastal views.
For many visitors, that’s worth swapping a hotel room for a tent.
More Than Just a Place to Sleep
The campsite covers around 24,000 square metres and includes 78 pitches with electrical connections, showers, washing facilities and parking for almost 90 vehicles.
Nearby attractions include the natural swimming pools, a skate park and sports facilities, making it a popular choice for families as well as those travelling in camper vans.
Camping fees remain affordable, starting at just over €4 per night for tents, with slightly higher rates for camper vans. Discounts are also available for longer stays.
Improvements for Year-Round Camping
Recent investment has seen the site upgraded with renovated washrooms and improved accessibility for visitors with disabilities.
One of the biggest changes, however, is that the campsite now operates throughout the year. Previously it only opened during certain seasons, limiting opportunities for both residents and tourists.
Supporters of camping on the island say they would like to see more facilities developed, particularly for the growing number of people travelling by camper van.
A Slower Pace of Holiday
Life at Punta del Hidalgo follows a different rhythm.
The mornings begin with coffee brewing on camping stoves and the sound of seabirds overhead. Evenings are often spent chatting with neighbours, watching the sunset or taking a swim beneath the stars.
It’s a far cry from the busy hotel resorts that many visitors associate with Tenerife.
With accommodation becoming increasingly expensive across the island, campsites like Punta del Hidalgo offer an affordable alternative for anyone who enjoys the outdoors…and doesn’t mind carrying a little bit of home with them.