Istrian dreams, Croatia
After nearly two months of cycling around Europe, we had become campsite experts. Natura Camp Karli stands out as a calm oasis on the Istria peninsula in Croatia. We loved setting up our tent in an olive garden where we were welcomed with a gift of handmade products. The facilities were simple but excellent, with a covered area and stoves for cooking, as well as large seating areas with views. It’s a peaceful place, about six miles from the beach. After a great night’s sleep, immersed in the gentle hum of insects, we left with an extra spring in our pedaling.
Starting from €25
Mary
Solar energy in Alentejo, Portugal
We only stayed one night at Bubulcus & Bolotas during our Portugal motorhome trip last summer, but I’ll remember it forever. The light, the scenery (large rocks, savanna-like landscape with oak trees scattered throughout), and the sounds of birds and insects make you feel like you’re truly in the middle of nowhere. The couple who run the property are passionate about nature and sustainability. All electricity is solar, rainwater is collected, and the beautiful pool is chemical-free. The best part was stargazing — even with the naked eye, the Milky Way is so clear — it’s magical. The location is about two hours east of Lisbon, north of Évora.
Adult €6, pitches start from €one0
Lucie
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Perfect for a morning swim, Austria
Located on the banks of the Attersee in Austria, in the heart of the Salzkammergut lake district, the beautiful family-run Inselcamp Unterach is a tranquil spot. It’s the perfect spot for an early morning swim, and the surrounding mountains provide a wonderful backdrop for a tranquil escape.
Adults €2.40, pitches from €10.50
Florence
Waterfall beauty, Switzerland
Our choice, without hesitation, is Camping Jungfrau in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. With great amenities, including a pool, and stunning views of spectacular waterfalls cascading hundreds of meters from the mountains, hikers and families will find this place in a perfect location. There are easy, moderate and difficult hiking trails in all directions, going up and down the mountains and passing through alpine meadows. Basic tent setup starts from 31.60CHF
Kelvin
Pétanque, seafood and sunset, France
Huttopia Noirmoutier is our go-to campsite for the first few days of long caravan breaks in Europe. The perfect place to relax and relieve the stress of the holiday. The island of Noirmoutier, located just off the coast of the northern Vendée; It is full of long beaches, gentle sea, sun and abundant seafood. About a 20-minute bike ride along the seawall from the campsite, the local market is brimming with the freshest produce possible, and the white-painted town wouldn’t look out of place on the Mediterranean. The campsite is right on the beach – perfect for days of paddleboarding and swimming – and a petanque court, pizzas and bar ensure relaxed evenings as the sun sets over the sea.
Prices starting from €29.50
Ian
Tents and turtles, Zante, Greece
Camp Tartaruga in Zante (Zakynthos) has a tranquil, ethereal setting that takes me back thousands of years to the days of Greek mythology. Against a backdrop of olive trees and sparkling turquoise waters, the tents have a view overlooking Laganas Bay. The snorkelling is great here and loggerhead turtles can sometimes be spotted on the sand.
Adult 7€, pitches start from 5€
Invoice
Fresh air and fresh bread, Switzerland
Heavy rain heralded our arrival at Camping Eienwäldli in Engelberg in central Switzerland. Any doubts about the location disappeared as the clouds lifted, revealing the stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks above the Alpine meadows. The combination of seamless functionality and spectacular mountain views was pleasingly Swiss. When the rain came again, we took shelter in the meticulously clean shared kitchen facilities. While blue skies and sunshine drew us towards the mountains, nourished by freshly baked bread from the on-site store, we didn’t get a chance to try the spa and indoor heated pool.
Caravan/motorhome and up to 6 people for 7 nights 500CHF
Helen Mewar
Sounds of the river, Dordogne, France
There are several campsites below Bergerac on the broad, slow-flowing Dordogne River. We loved the forest area called Camping La Pelouse; We woke up here, fascinated by the sounds of the flowing water licking the shores. Among the croissants and other treats coming out of the area’s bakery were truffles, dark Bergerac wines, juicy strawberries, walnuts and boletus – favorite foods of this part of the Périgord. We had a romantic lunch of oysters at a restaurant near the site. After paddling up past a castle, we came to a white cliff where we swam naked, unseen, in a shallow pool.
Adult €4.80, pitches from €2.10
David Innes Wilkin
Refreshing swim, Austria
At Camping Mexico, on the shores of Lake Constance on the border of Austria, Germany and Switzerland, you can see two countries from the door of your tent. The site is located in Bregenz, right next to the Mehrerauer Seeufer and the Bregenzerachmündung nature reserve. After days of hiking and sightseeing, I enjoyed a wild swim in the refreshing waters and also followed an easy, flat bike route that follows the coastline. On my return, grilled sausages and beer awaited me in the shared kitchen area.
Adult €11.50, field from €9
Nigel
Winning clue: Pine and wine, Piedmont, Italy
Last August, we stayed just a few days at Yolki Palki, a small campsite near Domodossola in the northwestern Italian region of Piedmont. I wish it had been longer. The staff were welcoming, the food and drinks were amazing, and the surrounding views were to die for. If you’re a hiker, this is the perfect campsite for you. Mapped trails wind through pristine pine forests; cool, sparkling springs; and charming villages hidden among the Alpine slopes. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
Adult 8€, pitches start from 25€
Helen Doel
Please tell us about your favorite campsites in Europe in the comments.