Camping by the sea in Italy

If you want to spend your camping holiday in Italy by the sea, we have good news for you: You've chosen the ideal country. With its beautiful coastline, Italy is perfect for a relaxing camping holiday with lots of sun, beach and swimming fun. We reveal the best places in Italy for camping by the sea and provide you with all the important tips for your next camping trip.

What to expect on a camping holiday by the sea in Italy

Camping by the sea has a long tradition in Italy. Not only foreign tourists, but also the Italians themselves enjoy spending the summer on the beach and by the coast. The campsites have adapted to this: Especially in the well-known tourist destinations such as the Adriatic, the Tuscany coast or in Sicily, there are now many facilities, some of which are almost reminiscent of well-organised small towns.

The standard on Italian campsites is generally quite high. Electricity and water connections on the pitches are standard, and most sites also rent out bungalows, chalets or mobile homes in addition to pitches for motorhomes and caravans. Prices vary depending on the location, and you may have to dig a little deeper into your pockets for the perfect sea view.

In the high season from July to the beginning of September, many campsites offer a special entertainment programme for children. Active camping holidaymakers can also enjoy various water sports activities. Dogs are allowed at many campsites in Italy, and there are usually one or more dog beaches near popular locations.

The 5 best campsites by the sea in Italy

Admittedly: Choosing the 5 best campsites by the sea in Italy is not easy given the huge selection. Nevertheless, we'll give it a try and present 5 campsites where you can spend a wonderful holiday by the beach in a great location and with good service.

Camping Village Rubicone (Tuscany)

Medium-sized, beautifully located campsite on the Tuscan coast with an extensive range of sports, various leisure activities, bike hire, children's playground and many courses, such as a free sailing school. Good to know: Dogs are not allowed here.

Villagio Camping Capo Ferrato(Sardinia)

One of the oldest campsites in Sardinia is located on an almost Caribbean dream beach on the Costa Rei. The site has retained its tradition to this day and offers its guests every comfort they could wish for on a camping holiday.

Camping Lino(Liguria)

This small and very well-kept campsite in Liguria is located in the immediate vicinity of a fine sandy beach with private access. The site promises a lot of peace and quiet and is therefore particularly suitable for couples who want to relax in wonderful natural surroundings.

Union Lido Vacanze(Veneto/ Cavallino-Treporti)

One of the best-known resorts in the Veneto region and a picture-book example of a modern, perfectly organised holiday resort with a leisure offer that leaves nothing to be desired. The water park in particular is simply impressive.

Camping Villagio Santa Fortunata(Sorrento/Amalfi Coast)

One of the few campsites on the steep Amalfi Coast that is located directly by the sea. Pitches by the sea cost a little more, but the view is worth it. Please note: To get to the sea, you have to climb a few metres up the stairs to the beach.

Camping with a dog by the sea: things to bear in mind in Italy

Italians are generally dog-friendly. Many campsites therefore allow you to take your four-legged companion with you. However, find out in advance whether there are any special regulations, for example if you are staying in a mobile home with your dog.

In many cases, dogs are not allowed on the beaches, at least in the high season during the summer months. However, there are usually designated dog beaches where dogs are sometimes allowed in the water. The rules for this are set by the respective local authorities. It is therefore best to find out from the relevant tourist office or tourist information centre before your trip how dogs are allowed on the beach.

Camping by the sea in Italy: these are the most beautiful coasts

You wake up in your caravan, look out of the window and see the beach and the sea as far as the eye can see. You immediately head off barefoot into the pleasant sand. While the children run straight to the slides, the parents treat themselves to a cup of coffee in front of their home on four wheels: the sun shines warmly on your skin and the fresh sea breeze blows gently around your face.

This is exactly what awaits you on a camping holiday in Italy by the sea. With over 7500 kilometres of coastline, it's actually impossible for beach lovers not to get their money's worth in this Mediterranean country. But quantity isn't everything. The country not only has many, but also extremely diverse coasts.

From the rocky coastline of the Tyrrhenian Sea to numerous archipelagos and the soft sandy beaches of the Adriatic Sea in the east, there really is something for everyone - whether you want to enjoy water sports, explore the surrounding area or simply relax on the beach.

Below is an overview of the various coasts and regions in Italy where you can spend your camping holiday by the sea.

Tuscany coast

With its soft, gently sloping sandy beaches, the coast of Tuscany is ideal for camping holidays with children. The region is one of the most popular areas in Italy and is correspondingly busy in the high season.

Liguria

Liguria is best known for the picturesque fishing villages of the Cinque Terre. However, there are also some recommended campsites on the rather rocky coast. The steep coastline is ideal for water sports enthusiasts.

Adriatic Sea

Another very popular holiday region with a number of mostly very large and well-developed campsites. The coast is characterised by wide strips of sand, nature reserves and various lidos and appeals to a wide audience.

Cavallino-Treporti

Cavallino-Treporti is a narrow coastal strip between the Venice lagoon and the Adriatic Sea. Due to its unique location, the region has become a popular destination for campers who want to combine a beach holiday with a cultural trip.

Rimini

Rimini in the Emilia-Romagna region is one of the most famous seaside resorts on the Adriatic. The city is known for its wide beach and nightlife. Especially in the high season, Rimini is the party capital by the sea.

Gulf of Naples with the Amalfi Coast

The Gulf of Naples, the beautiful Amalfi Coast and the Campania archipelago with the islands of Ischia and Capri are also popular seaside holiday destinations - although there are comparatively few campsites here.

Sicily

The largest Italian island of Sicily also has many beautiful beaches. The north-east near Taormina is rather rocky and has sharp cliffs, while the south near Trapani is sandy and flat. With its scenic beauty, Sicily is ideal for camping.

Sardinia

The second largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia, has become increasingly popular with camping fans in recent years. And rightly so: the sandy Costa Smeralda in the east of the island and the Costa Paradiso in the north-east are almost kitschy beautiful and a real dream destination for campers.

Top tips for beach camping in Italy

• The Cavallino-Treporti headland is one of the most beautiful Italian regions for camping by the sea and is particularly interesting for families with children. There are very child-friendly pitches and facilities with a wide range of sporting activities as well as extra dog beaches for the beloved four-legged friends.
• Naples and the Amalfi Coast are also popular with travellers. The Gulf of Sorrento offers marvellous views of Mount Vesuvius and the offshore islands of Ischia and Capri. The Amalfi Coast is lined with charming little villages along the Amalfitana coastal road, where you can watch marvellous sunsets. The only drawback is that the road is very difficult to drive on for motorhomes.
• Wild camping on the beach is theoretically possible in Italy, but is strictly forbidden. In the popular tourist regions, the ban is strictly enforced. If you are caught, you could face severe penalties - so it's better to choose an official site by the sea.

Activities and excursions for camping by the sea

For many, Italy is one of the favourite destinations for a camping holiday due to its warm temperatures, beautiful coastline and clear water. However, the country has a lot more to offer than just sun, sand and sea: culture, sport, shopping, nature - the list is long. Here are some suggestions on how to spend your camping holiday by the sea in Italy.

Discover the underwater world near Palermo

When on holiday at a campsite by the sea in Italy, you can be active in or near the water, for example by diving or snorkelling. The Grotta dell'Olio near Palermo is very impressive: in this cave there is an underwater stone arch worth seeing, beautiful gorges and a colourful underwater world.

The Grotta dell'Olio is also home to Palermo's most beautiful beaches. No wonder: not only is the Area Marina Protetta Capo Gallo - Isola delle Femmine marine reserve located here, but also the idyllic Riserva Naturale Orientata Capo Gallo nature reserve.

Take a cultural trip to Trieste

The harbour city of Trieste boasts a plethora of sights: Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia as the centre of the city, Piazza Verdi in neoclassical style, the Cathedral of San Giusto, Trieste's landmark, the monumental Arco di Riccardo from the 1st century BC, the Baroque church of Santa Maria Maggiore, which is well worth seeing, and much more. How about a visit to the cinema or theatre? In Trieste there are many opportunities to do so, the Teatro Verdi opera house is particularly well-known. The nightlife is just as varied with cosy bars and fantastic discos: for example the Discoteca Freedom or the Cosmopolitan Beach.

Pisa is not just weird

Everyone knows the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, but this city can do even more: for example, there are great shopping streets. Elegant and classy shops can be found in Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo in particular. If you are looking for something for all price ranges, take a stroll along Corso Italia. The Pisa Botanical Gardens, which were created in the 16th century, invite you to stroll and recharge your batteries.

Events

In addition to the magnificent campsites by the sea in Italy, there are also numerous spectacular events that should not be missed.

February

• Opera Dinner: In Rome at Palazzo Pamphilj - Piazza Navona there is an extraordinary candlelight dinner with opera interludes.
• Venice Carnival in Costume - Minuetto at the Ridotto: In Venice at Il Ridoto Hotel Monaco there is a marvellous classical masked ball with dance teachers.

June

• Napoli Pizza Village: World-famous for its pizza, a festival in honour of the Italian delicacy is a must in the Neapolitan calendar of events.

December

• Musica a Palazzo - La Traviata: This beautiful opera by Giuseppe Verdi and Francesco Maria Piave is performed in Venice at the Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto.
• Around Jazz: This fantastic music festival impresses with influential personalities at the Teatro Forma in Bari.