Camp site in Slovenia
Here is a quick guide to some good camp sites across Europe.
Slovenia
For a new destination with dramatic scenery, before everybody knowns about it, head for Camping Sobec in a beautiful spruce wood in the Julian Alps. Activities include tennis, in-line hockey and a rock-climbing wall, while the region is ideal for hiking and cycling. The nearby Sava river offers kayaking, canoeing, rafting and fishing.
>>> Vacansoleil (08700 778779, vacansoleil.co.uk). From 284 for seven nights for a family of up to six including ferry/Eurotunnel for car and passengers. 90 off if no ferry required.
Turkey
Huzur Vadisi is a quiet retreat just inland from the seaside town of Gocek, half an hour from Dalaman airport in south-western Turkey. In a pine-forested valley, eight luxury yurts sit in the grounds of an old farmstead with a natural stone swimming pool and a tree house that’s popular for siestas. Walks and yoga available, as well as delicious Turkish meals.
>>> Responsible Travel (responsibletravel.com), from 330pp per week full-board. Flights extra.
Netherlands
Go Dutch in comfort courtesy of Het Betere BoerenBed, literally “The Better Farm Bed”. Their network of old-fashioned luxury tents are situated on working farms across Holland. Mixing romance and country style is the aim – oil lamps and candles rather than electricity; wood stove cooking, rustic decor; plus a chance to join in farm life.
>>> Het Betere Boerenbed (0031 3 0239 3040, betereboerenbed.nl). Two nights from 200 for a 6-person tent.
Italy
Pitch camp just a short waterbus ride away from the glories of Venice at Union Lido, a new site offered by Canvas Holidays. Facilities include 25 shops, choice of restaurants (including an ice cream parlour with 100 different flavours), several swimming pools, tennis, football coaching, driving range, scuba diving and archery.
>>> Canvas Holidays (+44 (0)1383 629000, canvasholidays.co.uk), from 390 for a week for two adults and up to four children in a maxi tent plus Dover/Calais ferry crossing for car and passengers. Mobile homes, different durations and online discounts available.
French Alps
Surrounded by the green valleys of the Dauphine Alps, Le Coin Tranquille at Les Abrets provides a peaceful setting for gourmet cookery courses in May, June and September as a professional chef guides campers through regional specialities such as the Dauphine herb-stuffed ravioles . Other entertainment includes live music, dances and wine tasting, while the university town of Grenoble is down the road. Note this site requires you to bring your own tent, caravan or motorhome.
>>> Sites Abroad (0870 9040030, sitesabroad.co.uk), from 551 for two adults, including cookery course and Dover-Calais ferry crossings.
French Mediterranean
Eurocamp has brought spa luxury to the Languedoc for 2005 at Le Serignan Plage, the first site of its kind in France. There are four pools: a half-sized Olympic pool with underwater music system, a bubble-filled giant whirlpool, a massage pool and a spa moisture area bathed in a mist of droplets.
>>> Eurocamp (0870 3667552, eurocamp.co.uk). From 73pp for two adults and three children sharing a Cezanne holiday home for seven nights. Flights and car hire extra.
Scotland
Where better to mull than Mull? Gather your thoughts in a locally-made shieling, named after tents used by Highland shepherds. Mod cons go hand in hand with superb coastal setting looking across to Ben Nevis, nearby woods, moorland and local wildlife including seals, dolphins and otters. Activities include riding and golf, plus glorious walks to Torosay and Duart castles.
>>> Shieling Holidays (+44 (0)1680 812496, shielingholidays.co.uk), from 25 per night for two (min two nights) or 163 a week.