Camping by the sea in Spain

From Barcelona to Seville: many beautiful holiday destinations along the coast can be explored from campsites by the sea in Spain. The small towns of Sant Feliu de Guixols in the north and Malgrat de Mar, where there are very idyllic, child-friendly campsites, are particularly worth a visit. The regions around Barcelona, Valencia and Seville guarantee a lively city feeling. The historic old towns with their numerous street cafés, shopping facilities and beach promenades invite you to linger all year round.

Destinations

Spain's coastline is extremely long and varied. Each region delights holidaymakers with its very own culinary delights, cultural highlights and nature experiences. While the Costa Brava, with places like Lloret de Mar and Calella, is particularly well known for hip parties and active travellers, Andalusia, with over 280 days of sunshine a year, offers the best conditions for a comfortable, relaxed camping holiday on the beach. The Torre la Sal campsite north of Valencia is a child-friendly site with its own beach access. From there, you can easily visit the architectural highlights of the town of Castellón de la Plana. These include the historic town hall, which was once used as a prison, and the Grao lighthouse, built in 1917. Of course, the sea is never far away in this region. The numerous beaches, for example, can be discovered on evening walks in the red sunset, and there are many small forests and parks around Tarragona that are ideal for cycling or walking. There are also numerous campsites, such as Camping la Siesta or Las Palmeras. In addition to beach access, the latter also has its own swimming pool. Campers are particularly impressed by the exceptionally beautiful location. The unspoilt region around the Coto de Doñana National Park is an insider tip among campers. The beaches are emptier and larger towns are further away. From there, the Atlantic coast can be explored on foot or by bike. Holidaymakers can also discover Spain's fauna on guided hikes through the national park: with a bit of luck, you may come across the Spanish imperial eagle or the bobcat.

Top tips

• The Costa Tropical coastline is probably the most reliable year-round destination for campers. You can rely on Mediterranean temperatures on the Mediterranean coast. Protected from cold winds from the north by the Sierra Nevada mountains, the subtropical climate dominates even in winter. The very well-equipped campsites by the sea are therefore open all year round.
• The region around the university town of Marcia, in south-east Spain on the Mediterranean coast, is famous throughout the country for its dorada a la sal. This salt-rubbed fish is first baked in the oven and then served with traditional vegetable salads. Definitely a highlight for culinary enthusiasts on their next trip to Spain!

Activities and excursions

Whether in summer or winter: Camping by the sea in Spain offers a variety of holiday destinations all year round. The coast of Spain serves as the perfect starting point for many activities and excursions and visitors can choose between a sporting programme, such as kitesurfing and diving, or cultural visits.

The most beautiful beaches in Spain

The beautiful Playa de la Concha beach is located in San Sebastián in the Basque Country and is a true postcard motif with its turquoise blue water and white sandy beach. It also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hilly landscape. The Costa de la Luz beach in Andalusia should also be on your holiday itinerary. It is particularly popular with families with small children because the water here is very calm and shallow. From there, you can also go on excursions to the nearby Marismas de Isla Cristina nature park. The beach at Ribadeo resembles a work of art with its impressive rock formations.

Valencia: the centre of water sports

Water sports enthusiasts get their money's worth in Valencia: fishing, diving and sailing are everyday sports here. Visitors can also go kitesurfing, windsurfing, water skiing and jet skiing. Advanced and competitive athletes can let off steam in separate sections of the beach. For newcomers and beginners, numerous courses are offered in professionally equipped schools.

Sierra Nevada: Contrast programme to the beach

When you think of Andalusia, you usually dream of beaches and summer holidays. But Sierra Nevada is home to first-class winter sports. In the cold season, the idyllic region with its picturesque villages transforms into one of Spain's most popular ski resorts. Just two hours away from the Costa de Sol, where visitors holiday on campsites on the beach all year round, dozens of slopes provide fun in the snow for beginners and advanced skiers alike. Cross-country skiers, slalom enthusiasts and cross-country skiers all get their money's worth in Sierra Nevada.

Events

Spain's beach holidaymakers enjoy numerous events, especially in summer.

March

• Fallas: famous spring festival in Valencia. Metre-high figures and faces made of papier-mâché are colourfully painted and displayed in Valencia's city centre. The figures illustrate current social issues with satire and humour. On the last day of the festival, they are set alight and burnt in a huge spectacle.

May

• Los Patios de Córdoba: Andalusia celebrates the flower festival. The inhabitants of the city of Córdoba open their courtyards to the public at this time, who can view the lovingly and unusually decorated houses and gardens.

August

• Tomatina: The biggest ketchup party in the world is celebrated in Buñol in August. The highlight of the festival week with markets and dances is the tomato battle in the centre of the small village.