If you imagine camping to be strictly limited to a damp tent in a farmer’s field, then think again. Try camping in Europe! Sites are often in glorious locations and have an impressive range of facilities. What’s more, they’re reasonably priced, particularly if you already own the necessary camping gear. Whether you’re staying in a tent, a caravan or a top-of-the-range campervan, it’s advisable to book in advance and insure the whole family against any loss or damage. Whilst these campsites are generally very safe, it’s better to be safe than sorry when camping in a foreign country. Here’s our round up of the best sites the continent has to offer.
Union Lido, near Venice: A great campsite that allows you to enjoy a family-friendly trip to a top European city is Union Lido near Venice. This self-contained holiday resort has a hotel and bungalows, as well as a range of camping areas. There are many things for guests to do. Some of the treats on offer include a blue flag beach, two pools, complete with waterslides, and children’s play areas, plus plenty of shops and restaurants. When you’re not discovering the sights of Venice, try some of the sporting activities on offer including football, archery and tennis. It is open late April to late September. Prices are from €25.70 for two adults in a ‘Pitch C’ location.
Camping Indigo, Paris: How do you combine a romantic trip to Paris with a family holiday? Simple – you stay at a campsite in town. Camping Indigo is in the Bois de Boulogne on the western side of the city, within easy reach of downtown Paris. The site has a flat shady camping area, a shop and a restaurant. The Bois de Boulogne is one of Paris’ largest public parks, and it’s worth spending some time exploring it. Attractions include botanical gardens, a large greenhouse complex and a zoo and amusement park. It is open year round. Prices are from €24.90 for two people, a car and a tent/caravan.
Vilanova Park, near Barcelona: Just south of Barcelona, and the closest campsite to the city, is Vilanova Park. Buses run from the site into town, so there’s no need to take the car when you want to explore Barcelona. There’s a swimming pool, plus a children’s pool, a kids’ club and play area, mini golf and plenty of other things to keep you busy. The site is also less than an hour’s drive from PortAventura, one of Europe’s most popular theme parks. They are open year round. Prices are from €29.90 for two people, a car and a tent/caravan.
Natterer See, Austria: If staying near a city isn’t your thing, how does camping in the Austrian countryside sound? Natterer See may be only 7km from Innsbruck, but it’s a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This lakeside campsite is a sporty place to stay. Swimming and hiking are two of the main attractions in summer, and there’s a range of winter sports to enjoy when the weather turns. Kids can join in the multi-language activity programme, and there are discos and activities for those harder to please teenagers. It is open from late April to mid-October. Prices are from €20.70 for two adults on a ‘standard’ pitch.
Camping Glaciers, Switzerland: This great Alpine campsite is in La Fouly, Switzerland, close to the borders of France and Italy. Choose between riverside and meadow pitches, all out in the clean Swiss mountain air. If you want to get away from it all then you’d be hard pushed to find a better place to camp. There may be fewer facilities than those large European sites, but there’s a playground for kids and a rope park in the trees next to the campsite. Most visitors come here to hike in the countryside. After a hard day’s walking, kick back in front of the TV in the campsite’s living room. It is open from early May to late September. Prices are from roughly. £13.30 per person, per night (CHF19.20).
Riva di Ugento, Puglia, Italy: If the drive to Italy’s far south doesn’t daunt you, then this seaside campsite is a great choice for families. Set in a pine forest on the Ionian Sea coast, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a few weeks of swimming, sunbathing and chilling out. This typical Italian campsite has a kids club, aerobics on the beach and nightly family entertainment. There’s a play park, sports facilities and a swimming pool, although why swim in a pool when the sea’s so gorgeous? Nearby attractions include Lecce, which is about and hour’s drive away. It is open from mid-May to mid-October. Prices are from €21 for two adults and a child in a campervan or tent/caravan plus car.
Photo credits in order of appearance: Chiara Marra, Paco CT, Brian Sterling and BillandKent.
The above post was made possible by our sponsor partner Adrian Flux.
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
