Camping in Italy

Your ultimate guide to the perfect camping holiday in Italy

Table of contents:

• 1. Why camping in Italy is so popular

  • 1.1 Landscape diversity

  • 1.2 Climate in Italy

• 2. Types of campsite in Italy

  • 2.1 Nature camping pitches

  • 2.2 Traditional campsites

  • 2.3 Mobile home campsites in Italy

    • 2.3.1 Mobile homes - popular regions

  • 2.4 Glamping in Italy

    • 2.4.1 Glamping - popular regions

    • 2.4.2 5-star campsites in Italy

  • 2.5 Bungalow and holiday home stays at the campsite

• 3. Regions for camping in Italy - tips and inspiration

  • 3.1 Lake Garda camping

    • 3.1.1 Peschiera del Garda

      • 3.1.1.1 Activities

        • 3.1.1.1.1 Weekly market in the town centre

  • 3.2 Venice camping

    • 3.2.1 Caorle - popular campsite on the beach

    • 3.2.2 Sights

      • 3.2.2.1 Cavallino-Treporti - day trip destination

        • 3.2.2.1.1 Mediterraneo campsite

  • 3.3 Emilia-Romagna

  • 3.4 Adriatic coast

    • 3.4.1 Lignano Sabbiadoro

  • 3.5 Mediterranean camping in Italy

    • 3.5.1 Mediterranean islands as camping destinations in Italy

      • 3.5.1.1 Sicily and Sardinia camping holiday

• 4. Dog camping in Italy

  • 4.1 Dog beaches - regions with beaches for four-legged friends

• 5. Camping in Italy with children

• 6. Conclusion

Why camping in Italy is so popular

Italy is a true camping paradise and ranks among the most popular regions in Europe,

The country offers an impressive mix of breathtaking nature, vibrant culture, history-rich traditions and delicious cuisine. From the majestic Alps in the north to the wonderful beaches of the south, Italy invites you to enjoy life in the open air.

Whether you travel with your own tent, a motorhome, or a caravan - Bella Italia is always a great holiday destination.

Image by Matteo Paganelli on Unsplash |

The variety of landscapes: from the Alps to the Mediterranean

One of the greatest attractions of camping in Italy lies in the diversity of its landscapes. In the north, the Dolomites in the Alps and Lake Garda with imposing mountain panoramas and crystal-clear water. The Tuscany impresses with gentle hills, cypress avenues and wide vineyards. Along the Adriatic or along the Mediterranean campers enjoy miles of sandy beaches and azure water, perfect for a beach holiday with the family, with friends or with the dog.

These varied landscapes in Italy make for very different holiday experiences: active holidays in the mountains, relaxation on the beach or cultural highlights in Italy's historic cities. All of this is possible without ever leaving the country.

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Warmth and sunshine - the Italian climate

The mild, sunny climate is a key reason for the popularity of camping in Italy. Many campers head to the country already in spring, since the south in particular offers summery temperatures from April onwards,summery temperatures and plenty of sunshine.

The best time to travel for camping in Italy depends heavily on the region:

• Northern Italy (e.g. Lake Garda, South Tyrol, Dolomites):
  The camping season here usually begins in May and runs through to October. In summer (June-August) daytime temperatures range between 25 and 30 °C, while it stays pleasantly cool in the mountains, ideal for active holidaymakers.

• Central Italy (e.g. Tuscany, Umbria, Marche):
  Between May and September the climate is warm and dry with temperatures of 28 to 33 °C in high summer. The shoulder season in May or September is particularly popular, as it is quieter and not too hot.

• Southern Italy (e.g. Calabria, Apulia, Basilicata):
  Here the camping season often starts as early as March and lasts until November. In July and August temperatures regularly exceed 35 °C. In the pre-season (April-June) and late summer (September-October) there is perfect camping weather with plenty of sunshine.

• Coastal regions and islands (Adriatic, Liguria, Sicily, Sardinia):
  The holiday resorts on the coasts have a particularly Mediterranean climate: mild winters, hot summers and plenty of sunshine. The best time to visit for a beach holiday at campsites is between May and October, with October often still offering water temperatures of 22–24 °C in the water.

Thanks to the diversity of regions, campers in Italy can find a suitable spot for a holiday that suits their needs almost all year round.

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The different types of campsites in Italy

Nature pitches in Italy from private hosts

Anyone looking for the authentic camping feeling and closeness to nature can find, at VanSite beautiful nature pitches for caravans, motorhomes and cars with (roof) tent for camping in Italy discover.

Whether you want to camp among olive groves, vineyards, in a green landscape, right by a lake, or by the sea, at VanSite private landowners offer you private landowners very special places to stay overnight.

This is anything but a classic campsite where many tourists holiday in the same spot. Here you get privacy and contact with the locals. Many hosts also offer access to sanitary facilities and great extras such as a fireplace, a boat, or a tasting of local specialities. The many positive reviews of the VanSite camping pitches speak for themselves. This way of camping holiday is becoming ever more popular among nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet.

If you want to know exactly where in Italy VanSite pitches are, take a look at the map or enter a destination in the search bar on the VanSite website.

Classic campsites in Italy

The classic campsites in Italy are widespread. They offer pitches for tents, motorhomes and caravans. It always depends on the type of campsite which vehicles you can holiday there.

As a rule, campsites have a power connection, water access and sanitary facilities.

Some campsites also have extras such as private access to the sea, a water park, a pool, restaurants, mini markets or entertainment for children. Especially among families, arecampsites in Italy are very popular. That's why you should book early, sometimes up to a year in advance, the campsite of your choice to reserve, so you can secure a spot during the holidays with your family.

Camping Italy mobile homes

Mobile homes have become a popular form of accommodation on Italian campsites in recent years. They combine the classic camping experience with the comforts of a holiday apartment.

A typical mobile home on a campsite in Italy offers:

• 1–3 bedrooms with proper beds

• Living/dining area

• Fully equipped kitchen

• Private bathroom

• Air conditioning/heating

• Terrace or veranda, usually with outdoor seating

• Sometimes also: barbecue, TV, WiFi

Popular regions for mobile homes on campsites in Italy

You can find mobile homes in Italy nationwide on campsites, but they are especially popular in regions with a large tourist infrastructure:

• Lake Garda (e.g. Camping Bella Italia, Peschiera del Garda)
  -> Mobile homes with lake views, plenty of leisure activities, ideal for families

• Adriatic coast (e.g. Caorle, Cavallino-Treporti, Lignano Sabbiadoro)
  -> Large sites with pools, entertainment and beach access

• Tuscany (e.g. Marina di Bibbona, Maremma)
  -> Quiet sites between sea and pine forest, often in wine country

• Sardinia & Sicily
  -> Ideal for combining mobile home comfort with island scenery

• Veneto
  -> Well-connected sites near Venice, perfect for beach and city combined

Tip: Anyone wanting to travel in high season should book early. Mobile homes are often the first accommodation to sell out.

Glamping campsites: luxury meets nature

Glamping is the glamorous form of camping. In Italy this trend is booming, and the options for glamping holidays is diverse: from safari tents with four-poster beds to treehouses or lodge tents with a private hot tub, the selection is huge.

Many glamping accommodations come with extras like air conditioning, a dishwasher, Wi-Fi or even a stylish outdoor rain shower. Bed linen, towels and a final clean are usually included, just like at a hotel.

Popular glamping regions in Italy

Glamping in Italy is now possible across the whole country, but these regions are particularly popular:

• Tuscany:
  Gently rolling hills, olive groves and glamping resorts with infinity pools and wine tasting
  -> e.g. "Orlando in Chianti Glamping Resort"

• Lake Garda & Lake Maggiore:
  Glamping tents with lake views, close to water sports
  -> e.g. "Camping Weekend Glamping Resort" in San Felice del Benaco

• Adriatic Coast (Veneto, Emilia-Romagna):
  Family-friendly sites with water parks, entertainment and luxury tents
  -> e.g. "Union Lido" in Cavallino-Treporti

Camping Italy 5 stars: luxury under the open sky

5-star campsites in Italy are classified according to strict criteria. "5-star campsite" is not just a marketing term but is based on an official classification system, similar to hotels.

In Europe -- also in Italy -- ratings are based on guidelines from the ADAC, the ANWB (Netherlands) or national camping associations such as FAITA (Italy).

Examples of very popular 5-star campsites in Italy are Camping Bella Italia on Lake Garda, Camping Village Marina di Venezia on the Adriatic coast and Villaggio San Francesco in Caorle.

Image by frimufilms on Unsplash |

Bungalows and holiday homes at campsites

Many campsites in Italy offer, alongside pitches, also bungalows or small holiday homes as rental accommodation. These are fixed structures and usually have several bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom and a living area, often with a terrace or small garden.

Particularly for families with young children or larger groups, campsites with bungalows are ideal, as they offer plenty of space and comfort. They are also a good option for a longer stay or in the cooler off-season.

Popular camping regions in Italy

In Italy there are so many beautiful destinations and popular camping regions that it can be hard to pick a spot on the map for your holiday. Below we introduce some of Italy's most popular camping destinations, including insider tips for campsites and activities.

Camping Italy Lake Garda

The Lake Garda is one of the absolute favourites in Italy -- ideal for camping enthusiasts who want to combine mountains, nature and water fun.

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Insider tip: Peschiera del Garda

Peschiera del Garda is situated on the south-eastern shore of Lake Garda in the region of Veneto. The town combines lake and river scenery and its location makes it ideal for campsites that often extend right down to the water's edge. 10 top tips for campsites in the area can be found on the Pincamp website.

Activities in Peschiera del Garda

The town is steeped in history and invites leisurely walks along the historic city walls, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those who want to explore the region from the lake can hire a boat at one of the small harbours or join an organised boat tour to visit nearby places like Lazise or Sirmione.

The region also appeals to cyclists: a well-developed cycle path runs from Peschiera along the Mincio river to the medieval village of Borghetto -- a particularly scenic route through vineyards and olive groves. For families, a trip to one of the nearby amusement parks is a great idea, especially the famous Gardaland, just a few kilometres away.

Peschiera del Garda market

A special highlight is the weekly market in Peschiera, held on Mondays, usually in the morning (roughly 8:00 to 13:00). Along the promenade you'll find stalls with fresh fruit and vegetables, local cheese, olive oil, clothing, leather goods and crafts. The market is equally popular with locals and visitors and loved and offers an authentic chance to soak up the Italian way of life.

Camping Italy Venice

Campsites in the area around Venice combine camping by the sea with culture and nature. Many campsites are on the peninsula of Cavallino-Treporti or in the charming coastal town of Caorle and are just a short boat ride from Venice. This makes it easy to combine a relaxing beach holiday with visits to world-famous sights like St Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace or a gondola ride through the canals.

Image by diana.grytsku on freepik |

Popular campsite in Italy: Camping Caorle Venice

The town of Caorle lies northeast of Venice on the Adriatic, with fine beaches, colourful house fronts and a relaxed coastal feel. The proximity to Venice, one of Italy's most beautiful cities, and the direct location on the coast make Caorle a sought-after holiday destination.

One popular campsite in Caorle is for example Camping Caorle Santa Margherita. This campsite is simply set up but sits right on the sea. Another popular campsite in Caorle is Pra´ delle Torri, about 100-450 metres from the beach. This holiday complex includes among other things a golf course and a water park.

Tips: sights in Venice and the surrounding area

Wondering what there is to discover in Venice, one of Europe's most popular cities, and the surrounding area? Here are a few tips:

• The lagoon city of Venice itself is an attraction. Everyone should visit at least once: take a look at St Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge and take a gondola ride.

• Go on an island trip: Murano (known for glassblowing), Burano (known for its colourful houses), Torcello (quiet and historic) - easily reached from the nearby port (e.g. Punta Sabbioni).

• Take a day trip to Jesolo. You'll find a lively beachside promenade, shops and plenty of options for leisure activities.

Day trip to Cavallino-Treporti

The peninsula is a magical place with plenty to discover. Let yourself be captivated by the nature and the unique lagoons around Cavallino-Treporti. Here you can discover so-called "Barene" (a type of salt marsh typical of the lagoons around Venice) and rare bird species, such as pink flamingos. It is also worth exploring the small fishing villages on the peninsula.

Camping Italy Mediterranean

Anyone on the peninsula looking for a classic campsite will quickly come across Camping Village Mediterraneo. This 5-star campsite offers glamping, lodging and entertainment.

Here you'll find more information about the campsite:

Camping Village Cavallino - Jesolo, Italy | Camping Mediterraneo

Camping holiday in Emilia-Romagna

The Emilia-Romagna is a classic seaside region in Italy with many campsites right on the Adriatic.

Seaside resorts like Rimini, Riccione and Ravenna have fine beaches and are great for Families and beach holiday.

The well-developed promenade has plenty to offer for sports, local specialities to eat, and is perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Camping Italy Adriatic Coast - Dream sandy beaches in Bella Italia

The Adriatic coast is one of the top destinations when looking for "camping in Italy by the sea" - wide sandy beaches, gently sloping sea and many hours of sunshine all year round.hours of sunshine.

Dream holiday in Lignano Sabbiadoro

Lignano Sabbiadoro is on one of the most well-known stretches of coastline on the Adriatic. The town combines beach, campsites and tourist amenities.

Anyone looking for a traditional campsite can find more information on the Lignano Sabbiadoro website.

Mediterranean camping Italy - La Dolce Vita in a swimming paradise

A camping holiday on the Mediterranean is the Italian way of life in its purest form: La Dolce Vita. Waking up with a view of the azure sea in the morning, relaxing under pine trees during the day, and enjoying fresh fish at sunset in the evening - that is what makes a camping holiday on Italy's Mediterranean coast so special.

Particularly popular are campsites on the Tuscan coast, in Liguria, on the Amalfi Coast and in Calabria and Puglia.

The best travel times for Mediterranean camping holidays are May, June, September and October - warm but not overcrowded.

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Camping on Italian islands in the Mediterranean

Italy's islands in the Mediterranean - above all Sicily and Sardinia - offer a quite different kind of camping: more original, quieter and often closer to nature than on the mainland. Instead of large tourist crowds, wide landscapes, secluded coves, picturesque mountain villages and a very special blend of Italian culture and regional character.

Getting there is easy by ferry - e.g. from ferry - e.g. from Genoa, Livorno or Civitavecchia. Once there, you can flexibly explore the islands by tent, motorhome or caravan - perfect for a road trip with changing stops.

Sicily and Sardinia - What makes camping on the islands so special?

Sicily impresses with active volcanoes such as Etna, historical sites from Greek and Roman times (e.g. the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento), charming towns like Taormina or Palermo - and a particularly intense regional cuisine.

Sardinia on the other hand is known for its Caribbean-like beaches, turquoise water and wild nature inland. Particularly along the Costa Smeralda or in the Golfo di Orosei you will find spectacular stretches of coastline that rank among the most beautiful in Europe.

Tip: VanSite offers a steadily growing range of nature-connected pitches from private landowners on both islands - ideal for a flexible island tour away from the well-known campsites with plenty of privacy and security.

Here you can find the VanSite pitches in Sardinia and here the VanSite pitches in Sicily

Camping with your dog - Italy, sea, and pure joy of life for you and your four-legged friend

Camping with dog in Italy can be challenging, as many traditional campsites do not allow dogs not allowed. That's different with VanSite: at most pitches dogs are welcome and are usually even included at no extra charge.

In the free VanSite app and on the website you can filter specifically for pitches where dogs are allowed. This makes planning your camping holiday with your four-legged friend especially easy.

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Italian regions with dog beaches

Here you'll find a selection of popular dog beaches in Italy sorted by regions. The list is meant as inspiration for your next camping holiday with a dog. Of course there are many more beautiful beaches where your four-legged friend is welcome.

Lake Garda

• Braccobaldo Bau Beach (Peschiera del Garda)
  -> One of the first official dog beaches on the lake, with plenty of space and shallow water access.

Tuscany

• Bau Beach San Vincenzo (Livorno)
  -> Large, clean dog beach with showers and off-leash area.

• Spiaggia per Cani - Marina di Grosseto
  -> Family-friendly, quietly located and run in a dog-friendly way.

Adriatic / Veneto & Emilia-Romagna

• Dog Beach Bibione
  -> Well-equipped dog beach with sun loungers, water stations and a dog shower.

• Bau Beach Lignano Sabbiadoro
  -> Large dog area with beach service and off-leash space.

• Bau Beach Rimini
  -> Centrally located with access to restaurants and the promenade.

Sardinia

• Spiaggia di Porto Pino (Cagliari)
  -> Natural dog beach with crystal-clear water and dune landscape.

• Dog Beach Oristano - Torregrande
  -> Popular spot among locals with dogs, little hustle and bustle.

Sicily

• Bau Bau Beach Brolo (Province of Messina)
  -> One of the few official dog beaches in Sicily, easy to reach and well maintained.

• Lido Azzurro Bau Beach (Catania)
  -> Beach area with services for dog and owner alike, ideal for families with four-legged friends.

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Camping in Italy with children - family-friendly and relaxed

Italy is not only a beautiful holiday destination, it is also exceptionally child-friendly. In restaurants, at campsites or at the beach: families with children are welcome everywhere. Many camping facilities are well equipped to give young guests an unforgettable stay, with playgrounds, water parks and entertainment. This makes the camping holiday for the whole family truly relaxed.

As well as large camping facilities, the private, nature-close pitches from VanSite also offer a wonderful option for family holidays in Italy without the entertainment programs of professional campsites, but with plenty of freedom and nature.

Here children play under olive trees, discover animals like goats or chickens on the farm and naturally come into contact with the nature and culture of the country, away from the tourist crowds. Many VanSite pitches are quietly situated, offer plenty of room to play and leave space for campfires, starry skies and genuine family time.

Image by Freepik |

Conclusion on camping holidays in Italy

Italy is a diverse country. It offers many holiday destinations with many picturesque seaside towns for swimming, varied landscapes, interesting culture, history steeped in tradition, delicious cuisine and almost constant sunshine.

The search for accommodation in Italy, whether a hotel or a campsite, is not always easy, as many popular rental accommodations are quickly fully booked, especially during peak seasonquicklyfully booked. When pets are travelling too, it can get even harder, as they are not permitted at every campsite in Italy.

Camping holidays in Italy with VanSite solves these problems: on the platform you can often find private pitches for camping with a motorhome, caravan, or car with (roof) tent, that offer plenty of privacy and nature-close experiences, and pets like dogs are usually warmly welcome here. So there is little standing in the way of a relaxed camping holiday in Italy with "tutta la famiglia", including your dog, along for the ride.

Note: The contents of this blog post have been prepared with great care. However, information may change over time. We make no guarantee as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the information provided.