Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi all! We have been experiencing an issue on site where threads have been missing the latest postings. The platform host Vanilla are working on this issue. A workaround that has been used by some is to navigate back from 1 to 10+ pages to re-sync the thread and this will then show the latest posts. Thanks, Mike.
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Italian Campsites (Fly/Drive Holiday)

  • 22-12-2018 8:19pm
    #1
    SusanC10
    Registered Users Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭


    Advance Research !

    Looking for recommendations for Campsites in Italy for a Fly/Drive Holiday. Kids would be 14 & 11. Pools and decent Waterslides would be a consideration.

    We have been to a few French Campsites and have taken the Ferry from Ireland but we would be flying to Italy and then hiring a car. Would like to do 2 Campsites in 2 different regions and would be ok with flying into one Airport and home from a different Airport.
    We have stayed mostly with Eurocamp and once with Vacansoleil but would be open to recommendations for different providers.

    Can't seem to find a Thread for Italian Campsites and not sure if I should post this in the France Ferry & Campsite thread. Mods - please move it appropriate.

    Thanks in advance.


«1345

Comments

  • #2
    RebelButtMunch
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,385 ✭✭✭RebelButtMunch


    Flew drove to san vito lo capo 2 years ago. Eurocamp. Super holiday
    Edit: Sicily


  • #3
    SusanC10
    Registered Users Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    RebelButtMunch wrote: »
    Flew drove to san vito lo capo 2 years ago. Eurocamp. Super holiday
    Edit: Sicily

    Oh, hadn't considered Sicily but will have a look !


  • #4
    Wyldwood
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,162 ✭✭✭Wyldwood


    Bella Italia in Peschiera on Lake Garda would be good with older children. Fly to Bergamo or Verona, Verona is closer. Plenty to see in the area. The lake itself is surrounded by lots of beautiful towns and to the north are the Dolomites. if you have a car you can drive around the lake in a day. Take the cable car up to the top of the Monte Baldo in Malcesine. Milan and Venice are feasible day trips by train if you didn't want to drive. Verona is well worth a visit, see an opera in the Arena if that's your thing.


  • #5
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 18,749 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    +1 for Bella italia, so much to do around lake Garda


  • #6
    SusanC10
    Registered Users Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    Bella Italia looks great for the Kids so definitely a contender there.

    Also looking at Tuscany - maybe Norcienni or Park Albatross - anyone been there ?

    Or Union Lido over near Venice ?


  • Advertisement
  • #7
    NIMAN
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,984 ✭✭✭✭NIMAN


    I looked at Bella Italia, but its a fair distance away from airports, I prefer as short a transfer as possible when we land.


  • #8
    FelaniaMump
    Registered Users Posts: 105 ✭✭FelaniaMump


    NIMAN wrote: »
    I looked at Bella Italia, but its a fair distance away from airports, I prefer as short a transfer as possible when we land.

    It's 70 mins easy drive from Bergamo.

    Norcenni is about the same to Pisa. I've been to both, and while Norcenni is a great site, seriously good, it is up in the hills with nothing around it to walk to. The nearest town is deathly dull and you have to drive it anyway. Whereas Bella Italia, there is a great little town a short stroll away, you can hire bikes and go all around the lake, there is loads to do. You can swim in the lake too, and hire boats or kayaks.
    Theme park just down the road as well, Gardaland. I could not recommend Bella Italia enough, and I've been to a lot of these sites.


  • #9
    SusanC10
    Registered Users Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    FelaniaMump wrote: »
    It's 70 mins easy drive from Bergamo.

    Norcenni is about the same to Pisa. I've been to both, and while Norcenni is a great site, seriously good, it is up in the hills with nothing around it to walk to.

    Thanks. We don't mind the drive at all.

    I think Bella Italia is pretty much a definite.

    Have you been to Park Albatross or Union Lido ? Or would you recommend any other Campsites ?

    Thanks a mill.


  • #10
    Wyldwood
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,162 ✭✭✭Wyldwood


    Verona airport is much closer to Bella Italia than Bergamo, although Bergamo is worth a visit in its own right. The old town is beautiful.


  • #11
    Golfgraffix
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,833 ✭✭✭Golfgraffix


    SusanC10 wrote: »
    Bella Italia looks great for the Kids so definitely a contender there.

    Also looking at Tuscany - maybe Norcienni or Park Albatross - anyone been there ?

    Or Union Lido over near Venice ?

    Did Union Lido this year and was very good but quite expensive on site, aimed at an older age group than my two.

    Have done Norcenni the last two years before this and loved it. Loads to do, great food at reasonable prices and not too far from Pizza, Bolgona and Florence. Would get my pick


  • Advertisement
  • #12
    SusanC10
    Registered Users Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    We are liking the look/sound of Norcienni and Bella Italia.
    Fly into Pisa, hire car and spend first half of holiday in Norcienni. Then drive to Bella Italia and spend second half of holiday there. Fly home from Venice/Verona/Bergamo/Bologna whichever works out best!


  • #13
    FelaniaMump
    Registered Users Posts: 105 ✭✭FelaniaMump


    SusanC10 wrote: »
    We are liking the look/sound of Norcienni and Bella Italia.
    Fly into Pisa, hire car and spend first half of holiday in Norcienni. Then drive to Bella Italia and spend second half of holiday there. Fly home from Venice/Verona/Bergamo/Bologna whichever works out best!

    They are probably the two best sites in Italy so thats a good call.


  • #14
    dastardly00
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,457 ✭✭✭✭dastardly00


    I don't have kids but I stayed in Bella Italia a few years ago. I'd highly recommend it.


  • #15
    BaronVon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,662 ✭✭✭BaronVon


    Would Bella Italia suit a 6 and 3 year old, or is there anywhere in Italy someone could recommend that would?

    It's grand, found another thread.

    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057932128


  • #16
    Plumbthedepths
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,653 ✭✭✭✭Plumbthedepths


    Pacengo at Lake Garda, several different campsites in the area plus you are within 15 minutes by car of 3 theme Parks. Gardaland being the largest and Italy's version of Disneyland.


  • #17
    SusanC10
    Registered Users Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    Has anyone used Operators other than Eurocamp on either Bella Italia or Norcienni ?
    Ideally looking for 3 Bed Mobile.


  • #18
    Technique
    Registered Users Posts: 1,393 ✭✭✭Technique


    SusanC10 wrote: »
    Has anyone used Operators other than Eurocamp on either Bella Italia or Norcienni ?
    Ideally looking for 3 Bed Mobile.

    I've been in both, and in both cases I've booked directly with the campsite.

    I can't remember the exact figures, but the saving was substantial.


  • #19
    SusanC10
    Registered Users Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    Technique wrote: »
    I've been in both, and in both cases I've booked directly with the campsite.

    I can't remember the exact figures, but the saving was substantial.

    Thanks.

    Did the Campsite owned Accomodation have flexible arrival/departure dates ?


  • #20
    Technique
    Registered Users Posts: 1,393 ✭✭✭Technique


    SusanC10 wrote: »
    Thanks.

    Did the Campsite owned Accomodation have flexible arrival/departure dates ?

    Yes, if anything I would say that they're more flexible as they're in control of all of the accommodation. The agents usually control a certain allocation of the accommodation which will be tied into arrival and departure dates linked to packages which they sell.


  • #21
    Ludo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,015 ✭✭✭Ludo


    Bella are fairly strict about Sat or Wed checkins only AFAIK when booked directly. Norcienni are flexible though. All days allowed on their own website for arriving or departing. And like the above poster said...savings are very substantial.


  • Advertisement
  • #22
    Technique
    Registered Users Posts: 1,393 ✭✭✭Technique


    Ludo wrote: »
    Bella are fairly strict about Sat or Wed checkins only AFAIK when booked directly. Norcienni are flexible though. All days allowed on their own website for arriving or departing. And like the above poster said...savings are very substantial.

    Both campsites we went in June so there may have been more flexibility outside of the peak season.


  • #23
    Ludo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,015 ✭✭✭Ludo


    Their website only allows Sat and Wed...BUT just remembered do ring them. Friends of ours went a couple of years ago and were able to arrange a Thursday check-in. They did have to move from an appt to a bungalow after 2 days but ringing up allowed Bella to sort it all out easily to facilitate their dates.


  • #24
    SusanC10
    Registered Users Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    Has anyone used Human Travel for accommodation on Italian Campsites ?
    Specifically Norcenni and Bella Italia.

    Do they have flexible arrival/departure days ?


  • #25
    Lex Luthor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,220 ✭✭✭✭Lex Luthor


    SusanC10 wrote: »
    Has anyone used Operators other than Eurocamp on either Bella Italia or Norcienni ?
    Ideally looking for 3 Bed Mobile.

    we had the 3bed mobile on Bella Italia
    3 bed 1 bath Avant + Deck + AC

    It was class


  • #26
    SusanC10
    Registered Users Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    Lex Luthor wrote: »
    we had the 3bed mobile on Bella Italia
    3 bed 1 bath Avant + Deck + AC

    It was class

    We stayed in the Avant 2 Summers ago and loved it but priced it for 2019 and working out v expensive so switched the 3 Bed Azure.

    Looking at other options to possibly use instead of Eurocamp for 2020 especially at the Italian Campsites we are looking at do not have Eurocamp Kids Clubs whic our Kids love.

    Want to have as much research as possible done in advance of the 2020 release of dates.


  • #27
    SusanC10
    Registered Users Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    Back again !

    Have been reading a lot about Bella Italia and wondering if it will be too crowded/busy for us. In particular in relation to the carry-on with Sun Loungers in the mornings etc. And the crowds at the Pools.

    What I do like about the Campsite is that you can walk by the Lake into the town without bringing the car.

    Also looking at Altomincio. But seems a car is definitely needed here.

    Has anyone been to both ?

    Or anyone comment on the busyness of Bella Italia ?

    We would be looking at the last 10 days ish in June.


  • #28
    Graham1978
    Registered Users Posts: 211 ✭✭Graham1978


    SusanC10 wrote: »
    Back again !

    Have been reading a lot about Bella Italia and wondering if it will be too crowded/busy for us. In particular in relation to the carry-on with Sun Loungers in the mornings etc. And the crowds at the Pools.

    What I do like about the Campsite is that you can walk by the Lake into the town without bringing the car.

    Also looking at Altomincio. But seems a car is definitely needed here.

    Has anyone been to both ?

    Or anyone comment on the busyness of Bella Italia ?

    We would be looking at the last 10 days ish in June.

    Altominico is really geared to smaller kids, we used to go when the kids were smaller, we also went to a park near Venice called Pra Del Torri, beautiful spot, right on the beach.


  • #29
    SusanC10
    Registered Users Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    Graham1978 wrote: »
    Altominico is really geared to smaller kids, we used to go when the kids were smaller

    Thanks Graham. Will rule that out so.


  • #30
    SusanC10
    Registered Users Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    Anyone have experience of Human Travel or Roan Camping ?

    TIA !


  • Advertisement
  • #31
    SusanC10
    Registered Users Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    Anyone know where Roan Mobiles are located at Norcenni ?

    Also, how are the Restaurants on Norcenni in terms of Food Quality and Prices ?

    Thanks in advance.


  • #32
    FelaniaMump
    Registered Users Posts: 105 ✭✭FelaniaMump


    SusanC10 wrote: »
    Anyone know where Roan Mobiles are located at Norcenni ?

    Also, how are the Restaurants on Norcenni in terms of Food Quality and Prices ?

    Thanks in advance.


    The roan cabins are halfway up the main hill, lovely views. Some of them have great outdoor couches.

    Restaurants are busy, but very good quality and very good prices when compared to Irish restaurants. My children still talk about a wild boar ragu with tagliatelle 2 years later, and they do tuscan pizza bianca ( a pizza with no tomato sauce, the best one has a local cheese and tuscan sausage, its amazing!)


  • #33
    SusanC10
    Registered Users Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    Thanks Felania.


  • #34
    Solli
    Registered Users Posts: 116 ✭✭Solli


    We usually avoid large campsites so we stayed on a lovely site a short and utterly beautiful walk from the town, lovely supermarket with a huge deli section and railway station. Called camping del Garda. Went with Thomson, their mobiles are very nice. Took a train to see Venice, again a short walk from campsite. Another day we went to Verona by train. Best holiday ever and away from the madding crowds.


  • #35
    Munsterbhoy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 284 ✭✭Munsterbhoy


    SusanC10 wrote: »
    Thanks Felania.

    Just wondering if you went to Italy? We're a group of friends who have been to La Sirene for 3 yrs and castell montgri in Spain this Yr. We've decided on the Adriatic coast in Italy for 2020. Marina di venezia looks fab but really really big site. Any ideas on somewhere smaller..


  • #36
    josip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,149 ✭✭✭✭josip


    Munsterbhoy wrote: »
    Just wondering if you went to Italy? We're a group of friends who have been to La Sirene for 3 yrs and castell montgri in Spain this Yr. We've decided on the Adriatic coast in Italy for 2020. Marina di venezia looks fab but really really big site. Any ideas on somewhere smaller..


    Most of the camp sites on the Lido di Jesolo are fairly big, we've been in Dei Fiori which was fantastic and not massive. Very conveniently located for trips to Venice.


    We also been to Pra Delle Torri a couple of times. Much bigger and has everything, but you'll need bikes to get around it.


  • Advertisement
  • #37
    SusanC10
    Registered Users Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    Munsterbhoy wrote: »
    Just wondering if you went to Italy? We're a group of friends who have been to La Sirene for 3 yrs and castell montgri in Spain this Yr. We've decided on the Adriatic coast in Italy for 2020. Marina di venezia looks fab but really really big site. Any ideas on somewhere smaller..

    Booked for 2020. Decided on Bella Italia and Norcenni. Eurocamp came in cheaper than Roan by a fair bit in the end so have gone with them.


  • #38
    k123456
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,184 ✭✭✭k123456


    in general are Italian campsites , same price as French one (excluding flights, car hire etc)


  • #39
    sillysocks
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,642 ✭✭✭sillysocks


    Thinking of a campsite for the first time next year. I’d love to go to Italy as have never been so am looking at some Italian campsites.

    Bella Italia is coming up as the best option so far but just checking in to see if anyone has other suggestions? We don’t want to hire a car, but also don’t want to be stranded onsite for the full week or so. Normally on holidays we love a stroll around a village/town in the evenings rather than being forced into the same one or two restaurants every night.
    Wouldn’t do much by way of day trips.

    It’s for 2 adults and 3 kids who will be 3, 7 and 9. I’m a bit worried that the site might be a bit too lively for us-we usually favour quieter pool complexes than full on entertainment but not sure if Bella Italia is just busy because of the numbers there or if the daytime entertainment is very ‘in your face’? Been at some apartment complexes where there was no respite from music on loudspeakers etc and keen to avoid that as it’s just not our type of holiday.

    Guessing we are probably better to book direct for all these sites?
    Any other advice , or campsites with a town within walking distance would be really appreciated!


  • #40
    Solli
    Registered Users Posts: 116 ✭✭Solli


    Camping del Garda a short walk from railway station and town, quieter than Bella, so u wouldn’t be stranded. We hated big sites like La Sirene in France that’s why we go for the smaller sites and out of season for peace and quiet!


  • #41
    Lex Luthor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,220 ✭✭✭✭Lex Luthor


    another one here for Bella Italia, its about 45min from Verona
    Stayed here 2yrs ago with Eurocamp in one of their 3bed Avants I think it was
    Plenty to do in Peschiera and you have Gardaland and waterpark nearby
    Hopefully they have upgraded the wifi as my only gripe with site


  • Advertisement
  • #42
    SusanC10
    Registered Users Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    We have booked a 3-Bed Avant with Eurocamp at Bella Italia for 2020. Hopefully it will be nice.

    I am still a bit worried that the Site will be too busy but Kids really want to go there so have bitten the bullet !


  • #43
    Ludo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,015 ✭✭✭Ludo


    SusanC10 wrote: »
    We have booked a 3-Bed Avant with Eurocamp at Bella Italia for 2020. Hopefully it will be nice.

    I am still a bit worried that the Site will be too busy but Kids really want to go there so have bitten the bullet !

    There are indeed pros and cons to Bella. Was there 2 years ago and the main pools were rediculously busy....literally standing room only. That was my pet hate about the place. It didn't bother the kids though in fairness who just spent their time on the slides etc. There is also a smaller pool up by the apartments which was a lot quieter and more relaxed. Food is very good and nice walk along the lake to Pescharia.


  • #44
    Limpy
    Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 1,105 ✭✭✭Limpy


    Lots around Lake Garda. So you can't go wrong there. Peschiera del garda is a lovely town. Land in Verona Airport take the bus direct to Garda for 4 euro.

    My only gripe about Garda is its prime mosquito territory.


  • #45
    Ludo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,015 ✭✭✭Ludo


    Limpy wrote: »
    My only gripe about Garda is its prime mosquito territory.

    Oh god yeah forgot about that...lots and lots of flying critters. Used have to clean off the outside table every morning before breakfast from hundreds of dead bugs before you could eat.

    Went to Norcenni Girasole this year and not a bug in sight (except bees around bar area and bins) and the pools were a pleasure. But you definitely need a car to get there.


  • #46
    SusanC10
    Registered Users Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    Ludo wrote: »

    Went to Norcenni Girasole this year and not a bug in sight (except bees around bar area and bins) and the pools were a pleasure. But you definitely need a car to get there.

    Site #2 for us next year. Bella first, then Norcenni. Good to hear positive comments.

    We will be hiring a Car from Verona Airport.


  • #47
    Lex Luthor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,220 ✭✭✭✭Lex Luthor


    Never had any issues with bugs at Bella Italy’s
    The 3 bed Avants are very nice
    Big decks with outside table and chairs and loungers
    They also give you a gas BBQ
    We got one right up the front away from the Main Street of 3 bed Avants
    Very quiet
    If the pools are busy there’s always the lake


  • #48
    Technique
    Registered Users Posts: 1,393 ✭✭✭Technique


    We had an ant colony in our apartment when we were in Norcenni Girasole. Still enjoyed it though. A car is essential, especially to visit the towns and villages in nearby Chianti.


  • #49
    josip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,149 ✭✭✭✭josip


    I'd be wary of the lake.
    The year we stayed there we watched a couple of dead fish float past.
    It might have been heat stress.


  • #50
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    We went to pesciera del garda 2 years ago..
    Del garda camping village.
    Campiggo(?) del garda is another beside it..used to be all one..
    Del garda is busier(not packed) and had more ameneties..has a lovely restaurant, shop bakery..Lovely size pool/slides..
    6 min walk to peschiera village with loads of nice restaurants and boat hire.
    10 mins in a taxi to Gardaland..15 mins in a taxi to movie land...
    10 mins walk if even to the train station..Verona is lovely to spend a day..
    Went with kids 4,6,12..loved it
    And..Its a 5 min walk to the lake. Which was so clean and perfect for a day swimming


  • #51
    Lex Luthor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,220 ✭✭✭✭Lex Luthor


    josip wrote: »
    I'd be wary of the lake.
    The year we stayed there we watched a couple of dead fish float past.
    It might have been heat stress.

    We swam in the lake every day

    I’d also recommend hiring a boat for an hour

    Think it’s about 80eur but great fun


  • Advertisement
Advertisement