Italian Campsites (Fly/Drive Holiday)

Lex Luthor · 14-05-2020 1:36pm

crunchie1 wrote: »

Hi, going to book altomincio this weekend..Finalising dates and have a query about the weather in early June or last week in June..Just afraid the weather wont be good on the first week of June? Any experiences?
Thanks

We went to Pescheria a few yrs ago in Jun
Weather was perfect

Glebee · 14-05-2020 1:42pm

We had deposit booked with Norcenni Girasole Club south of Florence for end of August. No flight booked thankfully, was just about to book when this covid kick into Italy. Campsite are trying to see will we take a voucher for 2021. I think im just going to get the money back at this stage, god knows what flight cost will be net year with covid restriction or even if the camp site is still trading.

Lex Luthor · 14-05-2020 1:47pm

are these all bookings for this summer?

Glebee · 14-05-2020 1:48pm

Mine was

SusanC10 · 14-05-2020 2:29pm

We had booked to go to Bella Italia and Norcenni end of June. Eurocamp. Had paid only Deposit. They have moved it to 2021 for us. But we are going back to France on the Ferry then.

crunchie1 · 15-05-2020 12:57pm

Contacted the human company and they are letting us move to any dates we want for next year and also giving a 10% discount!

Glebee · 15-05-2020 1:01pm

crunchie1 wrote: »

Contacted the human company and they are letting us move to any dates we want for next year and also giving a 10% discount!

Thats what were offered as well, i think im going to take the money back though. Are flights going to be craxy expensive next year?????

Ludo · 16-05-2020 4:26pm

Glebee wrote: »

Thats what were offered as well, i think im going to take the money back though. Are flights going to be craxy expensive next year?????

How are you going to get your money back? They are not offering that and don't have to since the law changed recently in Italy.
Have they given you the option of money back or are you just assuming you can get it?

Glebee · 16-05-2020 6:41pm

Ludo wrote: »

How are you going to get your money back? They are not offering that and don't have to since the law changed recently in Italy.
Have they given you the option of money back or are you just assuming you can get it?

I dont know, I have an email from them. Im still between minds what to do.

Ludo · 16-05-2020 8:53pm

And they actually offered money back rather than a voucher?

Glebee · 16-05-2020 9:33pm

Ludo wrote: »

And they actually offered money back rather than a voucher?

Yes, but they asked that before I do I consider the voucher with 10% extra. I still have to decide. Voucher is tempting.

useless · 18-05-2020 10:22pm

Glebee wrote: »

Yes, but they asked that before I do I consider the voucher with 10% extra. I still have to decide. Voucher is tempting.

We’re booked to go in late June and have only been offered a voucher that can only be used within the next 12 months, not a refund. A 10% premium wouldn’t be nearly enough to tempt me - who knows what the place will be like next year and if you’d even want or be able to go.

Plumbthedepths · 18-05-2020 10:25pm

I was due to go to Bella Italia on the 2nd of this month. Got a voucher instead of a refund but was offered a full refund. Moved my booking to July/August 2021. Virus will be in the background , much of the fear dispensed with by then.

Albert12 · 28-05-2020 5:34am

I had a family member come back this year and stayed in the bungalows
Said very bad inside
Very little mod cons and basic
No toaster/kettle even
Run down
Wouldn’t stay in one again
We stayed in a Avant from Eurocamp
Much nicer
Better off with the mobiles I think

Lex Luthor · 28-05-2020 8:01am

Albert12 wrote: »

I had a family member come back this year and stayed in the bungalows
Said very bad inside
Very little mod cons and basic
No toaster/kettle even
Run down
Wouldn’t stay in one again
We stayed in a Avant from Eurocamp
Much nicer
Better off with the mobiles I think

the bungalows in Bella Italia are borderline 2*
Sis in law & family went last year and said same as you
We had stayed year before in a Eurocamp Avant aswell and it was palatial, couldnt fault it
It was a 3bed even though we only had 2 teenage boys they like their own space and the rooms can get hot at night with 2 sleeping in them, but large decks, everything you need

SusanC10 · 28-05-2020 10:18am

We had booked the 3 Bed Avant with Eurocamp for June in Bella Italia.
Sadly, not to be this year.
Back to France on the Ferry next year (fingers crossed!) with Avant Accommodation booked.
Having stayed in a few different Eurocamp accommodations over the years, the 3 Bed Avant is best suited to our family.

Diego Armando Mara · 18-11-2020 8:38pm

Hi,
Looking to rebook our Summer Holiday for next June/July on the Adriatic. We are a family of 4, Boy 9 & Girl 6. Looking at splitting our 2+ weeks between 2 camp sites. Pools, Slides, Sea, decent selection of foods would be the priorities.
How would you rate the following in preference?
Union Lido
Marina di Venezia
Portofelice
Camping San Francesco
Camping Bra delle Torri

Any other campsite you would recommend?

Any feedback on these operators?
Al Fresco
Human Travel
Homair
SunCamp

Thanks in advance

The Davestator · 20-11-2020 1:08pm

Booked Bella Italia for June 21. Were there 4 years ago and loved it so going back now that kids are a bit older.

2 adults, 6 and 3 is costing only €1,100 for flights and accommodation. Just need to add baggage and car hire to that.

The cancellation policy looks reasonable too.

Not doing another 2020 regardless!

josip · 20-11-2020 1:49pm

Diego Armando Mara wrote: »

Hi,
Looking to rebook our Summer Holiday for next June/July on the Adriatic. We are a family of 4, Boy 9 & Girl 6. Looking at splitting our 2+ weeks between 2 camp sites. Pools, Slides, Sea, decent selection of foods would be the priorities.
How would you rate the following in preference?
Union Lido
Marina di Venezia
Portofelice
Camping San Francesco
Camping Bra delle Torri

Any other campsite you would recommend?

Any feedback on these operators?
Al Fresco
Human Travel
Homair
SunCamp

Thanks in advance

In the past we've stayed at Dei Fiori and Pra' delle Torri, both arranged directly with the campsite

The beach/sea is going to be identical for any of the sites along the Lido.
The only difference might be access policy through the security gate for anyone with a kids wristband.

Dei Fiorri was a little more upmarket and conveniently located for day trips to Venice by ferry.
Pra' delle Torri was on a similar scale to Union Lido, as well as having its own golf course. You'll need bikes for getting around especially for the little 'uns.
We had our own but I've seen reviews that said the onsite hire wasn't cheap.
The pool area was fine, but the 9 year old might find the slide selection a bit limited.

Keep an eye out for the fireworks display from Venice.
It was usually on when we were there in early July, not sure how regular it is, but looks great from the beach.

Diego Armando Mara · 22-11-2020 4:56pm

josip wrote: »

In the past we've stayed at Dei Fiori and Pra' delle Torri, both arranged directly with the campsite

The beach/sea is going to be identical for any of the sites along the Lido.
The only difference might be access policy through the security gate for anyone with a kids wristband.

Dei Fiorri was a little more upmarket and conveniently located for day trips to Venice by ferry.
Pra' delle Torri was on a similar scale to Union Lido, as well as having its own golf course. You'll need bikes for getting around especially for the little 'uns.
We had our own but I've seen reviews that said the onsite hire wasn't cheap.
The pool area was fine, but the 9 year old might find the slide selection a bit limited.

Keep an eye out for the fireworks display from Venice.
It was usually on when we were there in early July, not sure how regular it is, but looks great from the beach.

Thanks for the feedback

greenspurs · 30-11-2020 5:39pm

We stayed in "Camping Fabulous" in summer 19 .
And it really was fabulous. Id really recommend .

https://www.eurocamp.ie/campsites/lazio/is018-camping-village-fabulous/ataglance.html

Glebee · 15-02-2021 5:08pm

Now that 2021 is upon us and with no end of Covid restrictions in sight has anyone else got vouchers from Italian campsite to be used in the 2021 season that were extended from last year, not looking good to be able to use them this year? I wonder will they show any leeway and allow transfer to 2022???

Lex Luthor · 15-02-2021 8:00pm

Glebee wrote: »

Now that 2021 is upon us and with no end of Covid restrictions in sight has anyone else got vouchers from Italian campsite to be used in the 2021 season that were extended from last year, not looking good to be able to use them this year? I wonder will they show any leeway and allow transfer to 2022???

I'd check out to 2025 while you're asking...seriously

sy_flembeck · 15-02-2021 11:43pm

Glebee wrote: »

Now that 2021 is upon us and with no end of Covid restrictions in sight has anyone else got vouchers from Italian campsite to be used in the 2021 season that were extended from last year, not looking good to be able to use them this year? I wonder will they show any leeway and allow transfer to 2022???

If it's any help I had vouchers for a Spanish campsite carried over from last year. Ryanair have already cancelled our flight in June so I had to cancel the holiday. Sandaya (French company) offered to transfer them again to 2022 or I can have a refund in December. So there's hope...

Ludo · 21-02-2021 6:13pm

Glebee wrote: »

Now that 2021 is upon us and with no end of Covid restrictions in sight has anyone else got vouchers from Italian campsite to be used in the 2021 season that were extended from last year, not looking good to be able to use them this year? I wonder will they show any leeway and allow transfer to 2022???

Yeah I have vouchers with the Human Travel company which are valid for this summer. I have been hoping vaccines would roll out faster and we might be able to get away but that is not going to happen. I would hope they will extend them to 2022 also but I have not got in touch with them yet.

Glebee · 30-04-2021 8:36am

Have to try and get in contact with company we have vouchers with and see can they be extended till 2022..

Glebee · 23-07-2021 8:38am

Got deposit vouchers extended until 2022, hopefully by then things will have settled down a bit. Anyone travelling this summer??

SusanC10 · 10-09-2021 9:51am

Can anyone recommend a Campsite close to the beach on the Adriatic ? We will have 2 Teens.

Looking at :- Marina di Venezia, Pra delle Torri, Union Lido. Open to other suggestions.

Considerations for us would be Extras which need to be paid (Sunbeds etc), closeness of Mobiles to each other, other restrictive rules.

Friends have been to Marina and have likened it to the Holiday Camp in "Dirty Dancing" !! Which is a bit off-putting.

Also read about the fire at Pra delle Torri a few years ago now but I have niggling doubts.

Any recommendations?

josip · 10-09-2021 10:44am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117871226#Comment_117871226

We've stayed in Pra delle Torri a couple of times.

Very happy with it, but our needs are simple: beach, pool and acceptable food (short queues and not stodge)

The Lido beach is good, very safe if you have little ones. I prefer coves and whiter sand type beaches, eg. Menorca but for a family holiday the Lido is fine.

Access to the beach was via a security gateway with a wrist tag so that small children can't get on to it unaccompanied.

The restaurant on the beach was nice and without long queues most of the time.

The pool area was very good for up to 10 year old, but if I remember correctly, the slides were a bit basic and I'm not sure if older kids would be entertained. Had a pirate ship. Also had a separate pool just for lane swimming. Had a lot of pools.

The camp site is massive, so if you're staying there for a week or two, you'll need bikes to get around. Bike hire is expensive, we had our own so don't know exactly how much. Also, because it's so big, you/kids don't wander about it aimlessly as much as on the smaller campsites. If you're going to do something, it's an expedition that you plan and takes an amount of time.

It has a golf course, but both years we were there, it was mid to high 30s and there didn't seem to be many out and it looked brown. One of the years at reception, my wife was explaining to the receptionist what kind of pitch we would like. Not too close to a toilet block, but not too far. Not beside the beach gate but not too far. A tree for shade, but not in the forest... The security guard behind the desk made eye contact with me and then gave the briefest of roll-eyes. I love the Italians.

The first year we stayed in Dei Fiori, which is the last site on the Lido at the Venezia end. It's walking distance from the ferry so that was handy if you plan to do a visit or two. It's a smaller campsite, and everything was higher quality than Pra delle Torri or Union. Everything was twice as expensive though.

Both sites had good onsite gyms, Dei Fiori was very busy at 10/11 o'clock one night we were heading back from watching a World Cup match. The garden crew were out leaf blowing the paths at the same time.

Keep an eye out in the evening time for fireworks over the port of Venice. I don't think they do them every night, but we saw them at least once each year we were there. Very impressive viewed from the beach.

Form the research we've done down through the years I'd be happy staying in any of the Lido sites for 4 or 5 days. I think there's a great holiday buzz from them. It's for Day 5+ that it helps to have chosen a site that matches your particular needs, eg. good water park/slides, having some other english-speaking families onsite for the children to socialise with. One year at Pra I saw a daddy and daughter having a puck around on the soccer pitch, so I guess Pra ticks that box. 🙂

manshay · 10-09-2021 12:20pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/109447258#Comment_109447258

We went to Union Lido with Human travel. Unfortunately our stay only lasted 18 hours due to a family emergency at home. They were most helpful and refunded the stay.

I would add my voice to the compliments for Bella Italia. We stayed with Eurocamp in an Azure Plus which was superb. Friends stayed in the bungalows and thought the mobiles were more pleasant, the bungalows seemed a little tired. Its a very busy site but well laid out.

SusanC10 · 10-09-2021 2:48pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117871909#Comment_117871909

Do you think that Bella Italia is suited to Teens ? Or would one of the larger Sites on the Adriatic be better?

It will be a 2 Site Holiday with the 2nd Site being Norcenni in Tuscany.

manshay · 12-09-2021 7:06pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117872770#Comment_117872770

We went with early aged teens and they had a ball. There was plenty to do

Glebee · 02-02-2022 10:56pm

Anyone anything booked yet. Need to get my finger out and try and organize....

Glebee · 30-03-2022 2:54pm

Finally getting my finger out and booking Italy this summer, flight are decent enough at the moment and have to choose between Norcenni and Camping village Fabulous.. I think both get decent reviews from previous post but has anyone stayed in both. Also is it hard to get into Rome from Village Fabulous??. Car hire gone expensive though..

beggars_bush · 24-05-2022 10:57pm

Bumping this thread

We're travelling with Ryanair with a 3 year old.

We'd like to bring a car seat with us. Is this included in the baggage allowance for a 3 year old? The wording is quite vague and says 'baby' a lot.

Glebee · 17-06-2022 3:07pm

Weve bought car seats on Ryanair previous with no issues from what I remember although it seems like an age ago at this stage, think you just carry them on and put under the seat.

Anyone any recommendations for transfer companies in Rome, not hiring a car this year.

Glebee · 05-08-2022 8:49am

Just back from Camping Fabulous outside Rome. Very nice campsite and we had a great trip and would definitely recommend. Its more relaxed and not as manic as Bella Italia. No issues with transfers or getting in and out of Rome. Its as if Covid never happened :) . Time to start looking for next summer. God I really love Italy.

Navy blue · 13-08-2022 7:59pm

Hi all, I am attending a wedding on the Amalfi coast next September and thinking of adding a few days and making a bit of a holiday out of it. We have two kids, who will be age 6 and 9.

Has anyone been to any of these campsites at the start of September? Are they still pretty lively or do they get pretty dead? I see a lot of them seem to stop their entertainment on 31st august.

I would love to try Bella Italia, but it would mean a very long drive to our wedding destination - over 7 hours. Can anyone recommend a campsite further south? I would like a really good pool for the kids and close to a decent town would be a bonus. Many thanks!

Navy blue · 25-08-2022 10:35am

Following on from the above. I am now thinking of Norcenni for the first week in September. Has anyone been in this site at that time of year? Is it still fairly lively with entertainment etc?

GAAcailin · 29-08-2022 3:38pm

Both Bella Italia and Norcenni are big campsites so would still be busy enough in September; mainly families with pre-schoolers. I was in BI in May (a few years ago) and it was busy enough; Norcenni is a better campsite in that the pools are better managed and just nicer overall. However BI has a better location, its right on the lake and walking distance to Peschiera del Garda which is a lovely town with great restaurants. Gardaland is close by too;

Norcenni is more remote and its a drive to any decent restaurants and not at the water either.

Depends on your preference

GeneralSherman · 04-09-2022 10:27am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119431453#Comment_119431453

Glebee, how did you get from the airport (which one ?) to Camping Fabulous and how much was it please ?. Any more detail on holidaying without a car eg. grocery shopping ?

Thanks in advance.

Glebee · 04-09-2022 8:43pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119568456#Comment_119568456

Camp site organsie bus collection from both Rome airports I think. We fly into Ciampino with Ryanair and it's less than 30 minutes away. Thing transfer was €100.

The shop onsite is small but has everything, granted it's a bit more expensive.

There's a large supermarket about twenty minutes walk up the road that I brought a backpack UpTo, loaded up and walked back. You could get a taxi as well and I think the bus goes by that route too.

Car hire rental is mental at the moment and unless your itinerary has need of a car it's really an expensive luxury that you might be able to skip.

Bus and metro combo into Rome is straightforward and takes about 50 minutes.

Drop me a PM if you have any questions.

the_galway_fry · 11-09-2022 5:58pm

how much can people really save booking well in advance for next summer ?

manshay · 13-09-2022 5:23pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119604238#Comment_119604238

I'm not sure you save a great deal. It guarantees choice and you might save a few bob.

We are a family of 5, so early booking is vital. The choice of accommodation is at its best now. Flights for July and August rarely drop in price.

Charliebull · 01-10-2022 11:19pm

Looking at Italy this year for the first time, my god car hire is crazy

5 of us, 3 kids from 8 to 15

looking at norcenni and Bela Italia

many tips on either or accommodation

GAAcailin · 03-10-2022 12:03pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119690875#Comment_119690875

Posted this above:

I was in BI in May (a few years ago) and it was busy enough; Norcenni is a better campsite in that the pools are better managed and just nicer overall. However BI has a better location, its right on the lake and walking distance to Peschiera del Garda which is a lovely town with great restaurants. Gardaland is close by too;

Norcenni is more remote and its a drive to any decent restaurants and not at the water either.

Depends on your preference

Neighbours were in BI in July this year and said that the pools were way too buzy, people in q's for an hour plus in the am to get a sun lounger; you don't necessarily need a car in BI, Verona airport is close by and you van organise a taxi or transfer easily.

Navy blue · 04-10-2022 9:58pm

What are your thoughts on Albatross versus Norcenni? I had pretty much decided on Norcenni, but I am tempted by Albatross’s proximity to the beach. We will have a car, so don’t mind a bit of a drive into the nearest town. We aren’t going until the start of September though, so would want somewhere that will still be pretty lively and will still have activities on at that stage.

youcancallmeal · 19-10-2022 6:59pm

Does anyone know is it even possible to get midweek arrivals for one of the campsites on the adriatic coast? Tried searching but either finding nothing or crazy expensive options. We're looking at Union Lido or Pra delle Torri next July but the flights on Fri, Sat, Sun are €1000 more than midweek flights and have horrible departure/arrivals times for kids to deal with

munchkin_utd · 20-10-2022 10:54am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119767011#Comment_119767011

eurocamp offers arrival on any day. Have you not tried them ?

youcancallmeal · 20-10-2022 11:04am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119769714#Comment_119769714

Yes but they were on average 2.5k more expensive than anyone else(6.5k for a 2 bed mobile home for 2 weeks!). We found Roan had some availability at an okay price and booked it now. This is our first campsite type holiday and the lesson we've learnt is we left it very late to book summer 2023. I see some providers are already opening bookings for 2024

Italian Campsites (Fly/Drive Holiday)

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