Camping at the Mediterranean Sea

Bathing fun, culinary delights, unique natural landscapes and guaranteed sunshine almost all year round: camping in the Mediterranean promises an unforgettable holiday in southern Europe. The popular holiday destinations of Italy, Spain, France and Greece are just the tip of the iceberg. The Mediterranean region still offers curious campers plenty of space for discoveries off the beaten track.

Special features of camping on the Mediterranean

Whether sandy beach, steep coast or pebble bay: Italy offers a wide variety of coastlines. The choice of campsites is just as varied. The Adriatic Sea is one of the most popular bathing regions, with its lively beaches offering plenty of entertainment. Campsites near the picturesque Amalfi Coast or the Cinque Terre coastline, where hiking tours along five picturesque villages can be combined with a refreshing swim, offer very special nature experiences.

Water rats, families and island lovers can also head to the diverse world of islands around Italy, such as the Neapolitan Archipelago, which lies on the edge of the gulf of the same name and offers attractive campsites on the Mediterranean. The holiday island of Capri with its Blue Grotto is a dream destination for many camping fans.

How to get to the Mediterranean

The route to get there depends largely on which Mediterranean country you are travelling to. As a rule, however, it is not a problem to drive through to your desired destination in a campervan. You should be aware of the toll rules in neighbouring European countries. If you drive on the motorway in France, Italy or Spain, you have to pay tolls. The same applies to countries such as Switzerland or Austria, which you may pass on your journey.

To get to Greece or islands such as Sardinia by motorhome, a ferry crossing is required. The ferries usually depart from different starting points on the mainland. It is generally advisable to book the ferry early to ensure you get a place on the ship.

Sufficient breaks should be taken, especially on longer journeys. The various high-quality rest stops that can be found in almost all European countries are ideal for this. One example is the Lanz service area on the Brenner Pass between Austria and Italy. Here, travellers are treated to panini, cheese, delicacies and excellent wines in a cosy atmosphere.

The most beautiful holiday destinations in the Mediterranean

You can spend a lifetime travelling the Mediterranean and will always find a new place of longing. The region is incredibly diverse and always offers surprises and undiscovered places, even for long-time campers. Here is an overview of some worthwhile destinations.

Rimini: a family-friendly holiday destination on the Adriatic

The most famous seaside resort on the Mare Adriatico is blessed with kilometres of beaches: Holidaymakers have been travelling to Rimini since the 19th century to enjoy impressive sights and an attractive entertainment programme. Active holidaymakers take advantage of the overwhelming range of water sports on offer - including on the 15 km long powder beach Playa del Sol.

Costa del Sol: sun in the German winter

The "sun coast" in Andalusia in the south of Spain has its name for a reason. While Germany is dominated by grey dreariness, it is still up to 20 degrees here even in December. In addition to the beaches, there are interesting cities such as Granada and Córdoba as well as impressive rock formations in the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada.

Kvarner Bay: More than just beach life

Of course, the Bay of Kvarner in Croatia also has fantastic beaches and paradisiacally clear water. But the coast has much more to offer. Highlights include the beautiful Plivice Lakes National Park, charming towns such as Cres and Mali Losinj and impressive historical buildings such as the monastery island of Kosljun on the island of Krk.

Sicily: enjoy cultural treasures and landscapes

With a coastline of around 1,150 kilometres, Sicily naturally invites you to go swimming. The Lido di Marausa beach in Trapani is particularly attractive and offers a marvellous view of the Egadi Islands. The south of the island with its gently sloping beaches is ideal for families with small children. The north is more characterised by fine sandy bays along mountainous green landscapes.

Hyerian Islands: a holiday paradise for nature lovers

Until not so long ago, the Hyerian Islands off the French Côte d'Azur were still considered an insider tip. Nowadays, more and more travellers are coming - and not without reason. The three islands of Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Levan are among the most beautiful corners of the Côte d'Azur and are a true paradise for nature lovers and snorkelling fans.

Sardinia: Caribbean feeling in the Mediterranean

Why go to the Caribbean when Sardinia is so much closer? The beaches are in no way inferior to tropical island paradises. As white as icing sugar, the finest sand, emerald green water and bizarre cliffs. The second largest Mediterranean island is also home to some of the best campsites in Europe.

Activities and excursions

When you think of the Mediterranean, you think of beach life in all its forms. But the region has much more to offer. Here are a few tips.

Exploring Italy's volcanoes

More than six of Italy's 24 volcanoes are still active. The mightiest volcano in Europe, Mount Etna, towers over Sicily near Messina and Catania. Vesuvius, which once buried Pompeii and was considered a connection to the underworld in ancient times, can be visited near Naples. The Phlegraean Fields, which are still visible today, were considered the dwellings of the giants of the fire god Vulcanos. The Stromboli volcano in turn attracts many visitors to the Aeolian Islands.

Flamenco, sun and sea in Andalusia

The province of Almería in Andalusia is not only known for flamenco, fiestas and red wine. The long beaches and warm temperatures make the region an insider tip for sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts. With around 200 kilometres of coastline, everyone is guaranteed to find their own personal place in the sun.

Island hopping across the Mediterranean

A trip to the Tuscan island of Elba, Sardinia or Sicily is also possible in a motorhome. Elba, the smallest of the three islands, fascinates with its rocky sandy beaches and museums commemorating Napoleon Bonaparte's exile on the island. Sardinia also offers fantastic beaches, especially on coasts such as the world-famous Costa Smeralda.

Those interested in culture will find plenty of attractions in cities such as Cagliari. Sicily offers a huge range of leisure activities simply because of its size. White beaches, ancient sites, volcanoes, cultural highlights and lively cities such as Palermo make this island a very special holiday destination.

Hiking on the cliffs of Italy

Campsites near the picturesque curves of the Amalfi Coast or the Cinque Terre coastline offer very special nature experiences. Here you can combine extensive hiking tours along five picturesque villages with a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean.

Gastronomic highlights for campers

The flavourful Mediterranean cuisine is of course strongly influenced by the respective country and region. However, fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes and olives as well as fresh fish and seafood play a role almost everywhere.

In Italy, of course, holiday guests can expect pasta and pizza in all variations - tasty dishes that self-caterers can prepare quickly and easily at the campsite. Spain is known for its tapas, while the famous French cuisine is now even recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

One thing is for sure: if you go camping in the Mediterranean, you can look forward to culinary delights and regional specialities of the finest kind in every country. Many campsites also have shops selling fresh food for preparation in your own motorhome kitchen.

Weather and best time to travel for a camping holiday in the Mediterranean

The climate in the Mediterranean region is characterised by dry, sometimes hot summers. The average maximum temperatures during this time are around 28°C in the north. In the south and on the islands, maximum temperatures of up to 32°C can be expected from June to August. The water temperatures are correspondingly pleasant. They reach a peak of around 25°C. Subtropical influences ensure the best bathing weather throughout the summer in the main holiday season.

During the winter months, the western part of the Mediterranean in particular is influenced by the wind circulation of the westerly wind. Accordingly, temperatures there are around 10°C. In Venice on the Adriatic, temperatures drop to 5°C in January, although frost is hardly to be expected even there. However, this is the time with the most precipitation.