Camping holidays are preferred by millions of tourists who appreciate the direct contact with nature and outdoor activities compared to stays in classic hotels and bed and breakfasts. Ever more widespread throughout Europe, campsites and holiday villages distinguish themselves from other accommodation facilities in their extraordinary ability to offer, within their own borders, all the ingredients for a great holiday in family, a couple or group. Many outdoor facilities have services such as swimming pools, bars, restaurants, entertainment or at least a playground for children, not to mention the advantage of their locations. Indeed, it is not rare that a campsite or holiday village by the sea has a private beach, those in the mountains are near to the main ski resorts or those just out of town are a few minutes from historic centres of great monumental and artistic value. Camping holidays are preferred by millions of tourists who appreciate the direct contact with nature and outdoor activities compared to stays in classic hotels and bed and breakfasts.
Ever more widespread throughout Europe, campsites and holiday villages distinguish themselves from other accommodation facilities in their extraordinary ability to offer, within their own borders, all the ingredients for a great holiday in family, a couple or group. Many outdoor facilities have services such as swimming pools, bars, restaurants, entertainment or at least a playground for children, not to mention the advantage of their locations. Indeed, it is not rare that a campsite or holiday village by the sea has a private beach, those in the mountains are near to the main ski resorts or those just out of town are a few minutes from historic centres of great monumental and artistic value.
1) Choosing the country for your campsite holiday is the first important step in planning a successful holiday. Spain offers accommodation overlooking the Mediterranean and Atlantic seas, along with a wide range of historic cities and nightlife to meet all the expectations of young people. Italy matches seaside with mountain holidays, embellished by visits to enchanting cities such as Venice and Florence, together with a tradition of outstanding food and wine. Croatia offers sea and nature with picture-postcard scenery and the mild climate of the Adriatic Sea. France distinguishes itself by its holiday villages for families and a variety of landscapes ranging from elegant coastlines to lush countryside, but, just as Croatia, it also knows how to attract us with its designated naturist resorts. Austria is ideal for skiing in winter and for fresh-air excursions in summer.
2) Campsite and holiday villages can have a lot in common, but can also be very different. A campsite, in the purest sense of the term, usually offers pitches for tents, as well as caravans and campers, while holiday villages have their own accommodation such as bungalows, parked mobile homes and chalets, also with private bathrooms and kitchens, which are well suited to families and those seeking a little more comfort. There are also many so-called ‘camping villages’, which combine all of the above-mentioned accommodation, and facilities that offer residential accommodation in villas and apartments.
3) Pitches, bungalows, mobile homes and chalets are the most common types of accommodation. Campsites were born with pitches, which best express the philosophy of outdoor holidays, in close contact with nature. They come with real or synthetic turf, gravel or cement flooring, and can offer electrical and water connections, as well as different grades of shade, among trees or with special coverings. While pitches are suited to those travelling with tents, caravans or campers, especially if special camper services are available, those looking for the comfort of four walls can turn to bungalows, mobile homes and chalets, in concrete, plastic or wood. Such accommodation is also available with private bathrooms, kitchens and air-conditioning for the most relaxing of stays. A special mention should go to Glamping, which proposes specially equipped, designer accommodation such as glamorous tents that combine the freedom of the outdoors with the height of camping comfort and luxury.
4) Services make all the difference, with such offerings as swimming pools, kids clubs and pet-friendly sites. If you are travelling with your family, a water park in the campsite or village, even if it is by the sea, can brighten your days and those of your children, especially when safe, supervised kids clubs are on offer. Entertainment services can also become indispensable. And, if you are travelling with a pet, such as a dog or cat, pet-friendly campsites will make a great difference, with specific services that go well beyond a mere ‘pets welcome’. Finally, a restaurant, Wi-Fi, wellness centre and mini-market are extra services that will mean that you can opt for a great holiday without making any sacrifice!
