The story behind Vans & Sands
Vans & Sands was born from a simple idea: that the best way to discover the Canary Islands is behind the wheel of a classic VW camper van. No schedules, no hotel check-in times, no tour buses — just the open road, the ocean breeze, and the freedom to go wherever the day takes you.
What started as a passion project by a group of friends who loved surfing, traveling, and classic Volkswagen vans has grown into something truly special. Today, Vans & Sands offers camper van rentals across Fuerteventura, Tenerife, and Lanzarote, helping thousands of travelers discover the islands the way they were meant to be experienced.
It all started with a group of friends who fell in love with the Canary Islands during a surf trip. The incredible waves, the year-round sunshine, the laid-back lifestyle — it was everything they'd been looking for. They knew they wanted to share this experience with others.
The team acquired their first VW T3 Westfalia and spent months lovingly restoring it. They knew that the iconic Bulli was the perfect vehicle for island exploration — small enough for narrow mountain roads, yet comfortable enough to live in for weeks at a time.
With the first van ready and a burning passion for the island lifestyle, Vans & Sands officially launched. The first guests were surfers looking for an alternative to the typical tourist experience, and word quickly spread.
As demand grew, so did the fleet. More VW T3 vans were restored and added, and operations expanded from Fuerteventura to Tenerife and Lanzarote. Activities like snorkeling and surf lessons were added to give guests the complete Canary Islands experience.
Today, Vans & Sands is proud to offer the most authentic way to experience the Canary Islands. Our fleet of meticulously maintained VW T3 Westfalia vans, combined with our local knowledge and passion for the islands, ensures that every guest creates memories that last a lifetime.
We believe that travel should be about discovery, not convenience. About experiences, not amenities. About connecting with nature and the people around you, not disconnecting in a resort. A camper van strips away the unnecessary and leaves you with what matters most — freedom, adventure, and the open road.