Camping on the beach in Europe

Wake up to the sound of seagulls and enjoy a coffee with a marvellous view of the blue, wide sea. Then walk barefoot in the sand along the water and admire the idyllic landscape. The children swim and play in the sea in the afternoon, and those who prefer to relax can sunbathe on a deckchair. In the evening, you can end the day relaxing in front of the caravan with a campfire on the beach.

A variety of beaches: Something for everyone here

Europe is bursting with breathtaking beaches: Whether it's the Baltic Sea in the north, the Adriatic Sea in the south or the Atlantic Ocean in the west. Due to the warm air and water temperatures in the Mediterranean region, beach fans are particularly drawn to Spain, Italy, Croatia and Greece. There are many campsite offers, especially on the beaches: This is where the special dream of camping by the sea becomes reality. However, campsites on the beach can also be found in northern Europe, for example on the North Sea or Baltic Sea. In Jutland in Denmark, you can even visit both bodies of water. Culture lovers visit the towns on the east coast, while pleasure-seekers are more likely to be drawn to the north coast. In the north-west of France, there is not only the calming sea with beautiful beaches, but also vast, fresh forests through which hikers can enjoy a relaxing stroll. Brittany is lined with romantic bays and impressive cliffs. You can expect some wind and rain here all year round, which attracts those seeking peace and quiet, dog owners and sports enthusiasts in particular.

Destinations for camping by the beach

Hvidbjerg Strand Feriepark is located directly on the beach by the North Sea in Denmark: this 5-star campsite offers an indoor adventure pool with underwater aquariums and a bathing grotto. Those who like to relax spend a lot of time in the wellness area with numerous massage and hydrotherapy programmes. Families are particularly drawn to the various playgrounds: In rainy weather, the indoor playland, which is designed in the style of a western village, is explored in more detail and when the sun shines, it's off to the paddock. Denmark offers an incredible variety of beach camping options. A pitch on a nature campsite or a family campsite promises a high level of relaxation.

Trelleborg in Sweden is the gateway to Sweden. Numerous ferries dock here to take campers to the north. The Trelleborg motorhome park is located directly on the coast and offers a wonderful view of the sea.

For a holiday in Brittany in France, many campers are drawn to the Côte d'Emeraude - the Emerald Coast. At the Plage de Saint-Pabu campsite, there is a fine sandy beach surrounded by gentle, idyllic hills and the clear, wide sea. Dog owners come with their beloved four-legged friends and stroll along the water's edge. Kitesurfers and windsurfers let off steam by the sea and beginners take a lesson at the surf school. Normandy can be considered as an alternative in this respect. The wild coast is in great demand both in high and low season. The cultural highlights of Normandy should also be a reason to travel to the north of France.

At the Marina di Venezia campsite, the coastal area is characterised by a particularly long and wide sandy beach. In addition to an agility course, there is even a separate beach for dogs. Swimming fans can look forward not only to the clear sea, but also to the huge water park. Cookery courses are also offered. Other highlights include an adventure mini-golf course, a youth centre, high ropes course, climbing tower, outdoor fitness park and a boat line that takes you directly to the famous lagoon city of Venice.

The neighbouring country of the Netherlands is also an option for camping on the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site. Strandcamping Groede or Camping Duinoord are fascinating destinations right by the sea. The Groede family campsite is a very child- and dog-friendly holiday resort with wonderful pitches. The neighbouring play and information park "Groede Podium" is always happy to welcome visitors. In Germany, there are of course wonderful campsites on the beach. Camping Südstrand on Fehmarn or Camping Ückeritz on Usedom are examples of this. The pitches with electricity stand for idyllic Baltic Sea camping. The North Sea with the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site also offers exciting beach camping.

While campsites such as Strandcamping Groede, Camping Südstrand, the Trelleborg motorhome park or the campsites in Normandy are closely connected to the sea, camping on the beach can also be relocated to a river. The Loire in France, the Moselle in Germany or the Po in Italy are home to excellent campsites. A nature campsite by a river is of course also a great place for a relaxing camping holiday. Lighting a campfire here and listening to the sound of the river could hardly be more idyllic.

Top tips

• When camping on the beach, you should remember to pack plenty of sun cream: it's important to apply it early before going into the water, and not just for the children.
• It is also essential to pack suitable beach shoes in high summer: the sand is particularly hot in the sun and is therefore almost impossible to walk on barefoot. Even flip-flops do not provide ideal protection for the skin as you sink into the sand.
• Deckchairs are not available at every campsite. However, lying on a beach towel is uncomfortable for many holidaymakers as it is almost impossible to avoid getting sand on it: Damp skin - from sun cream, sweat and water - means the sand then sticks and rubs all over your body. It is therefore best to bring your own deckchairs or find out about the campsite facilities in advance.
• Camping on the beach with a dog is popular in many European destinations. The German North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts in particular offer numerous great opportunities for your beloved four-legged friends: Dedicated dog beaches, showers and much more can be found here. However, it is best to find out whether dogs are welcome before travelling.
• If you are going on a camping holiday with a baby or child, your priority should not be a pitch as close to the sea as possible, but a pitch with plenty of shade. Maybe you'll be lucky and both criteria will be met.

Activities and excursions

Camping directly on the beach by the sea is particularly exciting: during the day you don't just lie on a deckchair in the sun, but build wonderful sandcastles with the whole family or ride along the water. In the evening, you can make a campfire with friends.

Horse riding on the beach

Does riding a horse into the sunset by the sea sound like just a dream? But it can become a reality: Horse lovers and romantics can enjoy this wonderful experience at campsites for equestrians, such as the Hvidbjerg Strand Feriepark mentioned above.

Building sandcastles

Children know how exciting a simple sandy beach can be. But playing with natural materials can be fun for more than just the little ones: It's a great experience for the whole family to build magnificent sandcastles and decorate them with collected shells and beautiful stones.

Campfire with friends

Before nightfall, firewood is collected and sticks are carved. A campfire burns at a fireplace right by the sea and old and new friends sit round it wrapped in blankets. Sausages and marshmallows are held in the heat, stories are told and toes are dipped in the warm sand.