A New Chapter for Canary Islands Motorhome Tourism
With over 13,000 motorhome enthusiasts generating an impressive €200 million annually, motorhome tourism is a significant economic force in the Canary Islands. Despite this, various administrations have historically “looked the other way” when it comes to regulating this popular form of travel and leisure. To address this gap, Regional Minister Jéssica de León has drafted a specific regulation for camping and motorhome areas, aiming to “bring order, provide legal security, and encourage more facilities” across all the islands.
Empowering Municipalities with a Clear Framework
The new regulation, which De León states was agreed upon with a dozen camper and motorhome associations, offers municipalities a five-year period to establish public and private zones temporarily designated for this use. Essentially, parking and overnight stays will be permitted everywhere unless a local council explicitly prohibits it within their territory. “The Regional Government is not usurping the powers of the island councils and town halls,” De León affirmed, “but rather providing a clear framework so they can more effectively plan, manage, and control these areas.”
What the New Rules Entail
The legislation specifically defines overnight stay areas with a maximum permitted duration of 72 hours. It also aims to boost rural environments, allowing pre-existing buildings in these areas to be converted into small-scale sites hosting a maximum of 12 spots. The regulation does not apply to hostels or temporary camps set up specifically for concerts and large-scale events. De León defended the text as a response to “a long-postponed need,” saying it regulates an activity that has “caused unnecessary territorial conflicts, created legal uncertainty, and led to missed opportunities for developing sustainable tourism.”
Next Steps Towards Implementation
The draft has already received more than 80 official comments and objections. The ministry will incorporate several of the proposals received before sending the final text to the Advisory Council for review. The goal is for the new regulations to come into force in the first quarter of 2026, finally providing a structured future for motorhome exploration in the archipelago.
