Camping in Catalonia

Catalonia, a region in the north of Spain, is home to long stretches of coastline such as the lively Costa Brava and the enchanting Costa Dorada. Camping by the sea is not only possible in Catalonia, but definitely recommended. Whether you want to hike in the Pyrenees, enjoy water sports or visit extravagant museums, Catalonia is a veritable treasure trove of activities and sights. Camping with children is also fun here. First attempts at snorkelling and visits to knights' castles ensure that family holidays remain varied.

Special features of camping in Catalonia

The Spanish region of Catalonia has a large number of different campsites. The many campsites located directly on the coast and on the beach are particularly popular. The long, expansive sandy beaches of northern Spain are ideal for a beach holiday. Those who prefer the fresh, clean mountain air to the sea breeze are in good hands at the numerous campsites in the Pyrenees.

Long hikes and refreshing dips in cool mountain lakes are the order of the day on such a holiday. The fashionable city of Barcelona is located directly on the Catalan coast. There are a number of pretty campsites near this lively metropolis. The special thing about them is that they are usually close to the beach. This makes it easy to combine a city trip with a relaxing beach holiday.

Getting there

Travelling to Catalonia in your own car or motorhome is an experience in itself. The route through France opens up a view of the most diverse, fantastic landscapes. From central Germany, for example from Frankfurt, it is 1340 km to Barcelona on the most direct route.

Roses on the Costa Brava is only 1230 kilometres away. Cross the French border in Saarbrücken and continue towards Dijon. Most motorways in France are subject to tolls. As the route is a little long for a one-day journey, a stopover in France is a good idea. The small but historically valuable town of Cluny is about halfway along the route and is a good place for a break and an overnight stay. The world-famous Cluny Abbey was built in the 10th century and was one of the most influential religious centres in the Middle Ages. It is well worth a visit!

A large part of the rest of the route runs along the French Mediterranean coast. You pass the cities of Montpellier and Perpignan. From there, it is only less than 30 kilometres to the Spanish border and the beginning of Catalonia. Now a beautiful route between the foothills of the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean leads to camping in Catalonia.

Destinations in Catalonia

The most beautiful campsites in Catalonia can be found on the coast and in the hills of the Pyrenees. Places like Roses or L'Ametlla de Mar are particularly suitable for beach holidays. Besalú and Lleida are located in the Pyrenees and are perfect starting points for hikes.

Camping Catalonia: beach fun in L'Ametlla de Mar

On the Costa Dorada, the "golden coast", lies the small, authentic fishing village of L'Ametlla de Mar. Situated directly by the sea, the town is home to a number of romantic sandy, pebble and rocky coves that are still pleasantly unspoilt. One of the town's landmarks is the Castillo de Sant Jordi. A mighty castle that protected the town from pirate attacks. L'Ametlla de Mar is also famous for its olive oil and flavoursome honey.

Medieval romance in the mountain village of Besalú

Besalú is a small historical town in the province of Girona, located in the centre of the Pyrenees mountain range. It is famous in the region for its well-preserved medieval old town. The massive, ancient stone bridge over the mountain river Fluvià in particular lends the town an extraordinary charm.

Picturesque arcades can be found in front of many of the small, well-preserved stone houses. In summer, restaurants and cafés set out their chairs and tables in the town's old main square. Besalú is an ideal starting point for hiking and canoeing tours.

Activities and excursions

As Catalonia has both a coast and a mountain range, there are plenty of opportunities for activities and excursions.

Water sports in the Mediterranean

From diving licences to sailing courses - in Catalonia you can indulge in every conceivable water sport. Surfing and sailing lessons are available on the numerous coasts. Jet skis and kayaks can be hired and introductions to stand-up paddling (SUP) are given. Rides on an inflatable banana boat are an absolute highlight, especially for teenagers and older children. For those who want to marvel at the underwater world of the Mediterranean, there are numerous opportunities to obtain a diving licence or join a guided tour on a taster dive.

Excursions to the Pyrenees

The wild Pyrenees are a huge playground for all kinds of sports. You can go on fast-paced mountain bike tours along small mountain roads or hike along the well-marked mountain trails. Whether you prefer relaxed hikes over gentle hills with little incline or strenuous mountain tours to mountain peaks is up to you.

Paddling tours are offered on many of the small mountain rivers, which are also suitable for children. Those who love the thrill of exhilarating heights can take part in climbing tours of various levels.

Gastronomy

The fertile region of Catalonia is not only a popular holiday destination because of its golden sandy beaches. Catalan cuisine, with its exotic dishes and aromatic spices, offers a special flavour experience. The mixture of fish and meat and sweet and savoury is a key characteristic of its dishes.

A typical Catalan dish is, for example, braised rabbit with pears, cinnamon and onions. Another culinary highlight is the first-class olive oil that is pressed in Catalonia and exported to all European countries. As we all know, a good meal also needs a good wine. Some of the most exquisite wines in Spain come from Catalan winegrowers. Priorat, for example, is a well-known wine-growing region. L'Ermita is a highly prized wine among wine connoisseurs.

Best time to visit

Many of the coastal towns in Catalonia can boast more than 200 days of sunshine a year. For camping holidays where a lot of time is spent outdoors, the best time to visit is from April to October. During this time, temperatures can reach a high of 28°C and the water temperature rises to 24°C.

Even in October, due to the hot summer months, the sea water is still warm enough (20°C) for a long swim. Overall, Catalonia is a region with low rainfall. Thanks to the subtropical climate, the weather remains mild all year round. Nevertheless, temperatures can drop to 10°C in the winter months, but sunshine is the rule rather than the exception even during this time.