Camping by the sea in Europe

Sandy beaches or steep banks; island fringes or coastal mountains; golden dunes, colourful pebbles or black volcanic rock; shallow bathing bays or wild fjord gorges: Where land and ocean kiss, landscapes full of character emerge, each with its own charm. Of course, this doesn't just apply to the shores, but also to the hinterland, which can have a wide variety of faces. From beach holidays to coastal days on long round trips to island hopping, camping by the sea always offers individual experiences.

Countless seascapes for all holiday moods

The diversity of our coastal landscapes offers a whole range of possibilities to make your holiday as happy as you want it to be. In the north of Germany, gentle hills and dune landscapes entice you to take long walks and spend relaxing days on the beach. On the opposite shore of the Baltic Sea, the Stockholm archipelago invites you to stay and not only pay a visit to Sweden's capital, but also to explore the fascinating island coast by excursion boat, bicycle or, particularly enjoyable, by kayak. Equally magnificent paddle coasts can be found along the edges of the gentle Mediterranean Sea. Mallorcan cliffs or Croatian island worlds can be explored wonderfully from the water, even by the inexperienced. Or even underwater, as the Mediterranean is a snorkelling paradise in many places.

High-relief coastlines such as the Esterel massif in the south of France and Norway's fjords, the two-thousand metre peaks of the Picos de Europa in the north of Spain or Corsica, the mountains in the sea: they delight mountain and hiking enthusiasts and offer the best skiing fun in winter. The same goes for the Maritime Alps on the Côte d'Azur, where the campsites by the sea enjoy spring-like temperatures even when there is snow fun at high altitudes. If you **'**re looking for waves, you'll find them both on the North Sea and on the Atlantic. Both are the best holiday destinations for shell seekers, surfers and other beach lovers.

Destinations for camping by the sea

For beach holidaymakers, those seeking peace and quiet, families, water sports enthusiasts, nature lovers and those travelling with dogs, the North Sea and Baltic Sea offer a holiday home with plenty of opportunities for adventure. The German coastline harbours natural treasures such as the Western Pomeranian Bodden landscape, windsurfing paradises such as St. Peter-Ording and cities worth visiting such as Lübeck and Wismar. Denmark entices visitors with its sailing areas, idyllic dune landscapes and fishing towns as well as its interconnected Baltic Sea archipelago. These can be reached quickly from Fehmarn. In elegant Copenhagen, the Öresund Bridge beckons you to make the leap to Sweden.

The Atlantic coasts of Spain and France are also among the top seaside destinations. Here you will find roaring waves as well as family-friendly bathing bays, splendid cities, party strongholds and nature reserves. There are also countless cultural and culinary delicacies to savour. The same can be said of the Mediterranean coasts - an excellent year-round destination for camping by the sea thanks to frost-free and mild winters. During the long bathing season, the turquoise-blue water is ideal for snorkelling, stand-up paddling, splashing around and kayaking.

Medieval fortresses, great art and a party atmosphere characterise the Spanish Mediterranean regions. The south of France offers the sophisticated Côte d'Azur and the contrasting landscapes of Provence. Liguria's Riviera of Flowers enchants with the important harbour city of Genoa and green mountains in the background. Italy's many unique destinations also include Puglia's white cliff-top houses and coastal cliffs, the landscapes of Tuscany and Sicily's volcanic islands.

On the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, Croatia has some great campsites right by the sea. Around the Istrian peninsula, shallow pebble shores and rocky snorkelling reefs vie to lure bathing holidaymakers into the crystal-clear water. In the south-east, Croatia's densely scattered island worlds as far as southern Dalmatia are a delight.

Top tips

• A closer look reveals whether the campsite has its own beach access, is within walking distance of a bay or offers distant views of the coastal landscape from a little further away. The heart decides!
• Sun protection should always be in your bag on days when you go swimming and on excursions into the hinterland.
• On days with strong waves, children will love the pool areas that can be found on many campsites.
• Mosquitoes also feel at home on the coast. Adequate protection should not be missing in your luggage.
• If the sun is shining constantly on the coast, the weather can be completely different just a few kilometres further inland. You should pack appropriate clothing, especially for excursions in mountainous regions.
• The Blue Flag indicates which beaches fulfil the highest standards in terms of environmental protection, safety, sanitary facilities and water quality.
• Photography enthusiasts should equip themselves with waterproof covers for their camera or smartphone in good time.
• In many places, you can also discover the most beautiful natural worlds underwater - don't forget your snorkelling gear!
• Nudists and travellers with dogs will find beautiful accommodation for camping holidays by the sea on all coasts.
• Watch out on cliffs! Cliff edges can be fragile. If the wind is strong, it is better to postpone your coastal walk.
• Island excursions from the mainland beaches offer great day trips - from a catamaran trip to the car-free snorkelling island to a British excursion to the Channel Island of Guernsey - sea kayaks, stand-up paddle boats and boats can be hired almost anywhere on site, and many campsites by the sea also offer hire. Excursion boats take you to spectacular coastal formations, seal banks or into the realm of whales and dolphins.

Activities and excursions

Whether along the coast, immersing yourself in the panoramas of the hinterland or travelling out to sea: natural spectacles and cultural highlights await you everywhere.

Sicily: from the beach to the volcano

As the crow flies, there are only around 2 kilometres between the more than 3,000-metre-high crater peak of Mount Etna and the beaches of Sicily's north-east coast. From the high-altitude Rifugio Sapienza (1,910 m), you can reach an altitude of 2,500 m on foot or by cable car. From here, jeeps allow you to continue your journey in comfort to the smoking summit area of the mighty volcano.

Experience the water worlds of northern Dalmatia

A bathing coast at the foot of the almost 2,000 m high Velebit mountain range and an enchanting island world characterise the seaside of northern Dalmatia. Attractions such as the sea organs of the ancient city of Zadar and the Paklenica National Park enrich the Croatian snorkelling and sailing paradise. A day trip to the sinter terraces at Plitvice Lakes is also unforgettable.

Oyster safari in the North and Baltic Seas

With an expert guide, you can go in wellies or in a horse-drawn cart to the oyster beds of the Wadden Sea, where everyone can collect the ocean delicacies for their evening meal. Oyster safaris can be organised (during the mussel season) in Denmark, for example, on the coasts of Jutland and between the islands of Rømø, Mandø and Fanø, as well as on the west coast of Sweden.