Italy is one of Europe’s top destinations. It’s vsitors fall in love with the history, lifestyle, people and the food. We love to dip into the dolce vita and experience Italy through the eyes of the locals.  My question to you is; have you ever wondered where Italians go on holiday?  You might be surprised to know that one of the best loved breaks for Italian families is camping! I am going to tell you all about it because I think it is a real gem. Italians have refined the art of camping and added their signature dash of the dolce vita! 

If you are one of the many millions of people who visit Rome each year, you will no doubt recall the vibrant nightlife, the vocal locals and the buzzing vespas. But, if you visited during August time, you will paint a different picture. One of eerily quiet streets and sparse traffic.  This is because 15^th August is a worker’s bank holiday and many businesses and offices will close the two weeks each side of this date. Romans leave the city heat behind and head off on their holidays. Family run shops are closed,  metal shutters tightly closed and the sun bounces from the solemn marble sculptures. The city is left in the custody of tourists. 

I moved to Italy in 2014 and my Italian partner and I started a family in 2019. Since having children our holiday preferences have changed. We used to look forward to exploring new countries, and being very active on a holiday but when our kids came along, we soon realised that we craved some time to go as slowly as possible. We started to look at what our friends were doing and thought we might try it too. We embarkd on our first campeggio!  

It is clear to see why Italian families return to camping each year. They are built around simplicity and relaxation with the added bonus of good food and some luxury too. 

Firstly, to make it easier for you, there is a huge variety of parks to choose from as well as accomodation to stay in. There really is something for everyone.

The sites are usually well quiped with swimming pools, family pools and even private beaches. There will be play parks and usually a piazza for entertainment and music. There will be restaurants, bars and coffee shops with a range of meals and refreshments served throughout the day.

We stayed in a fixed caravan, also know in Italian as a roulotte. This accomodation is bright and clean. Inside, the beds were comfortable, an en-suite bathroom with reliant hot water. The kitchen area was perfect for the option of slef-catering and a table that was comfortable. Outside, we had a private decking area and a handy veranda to offer shade during those hot afternoons. Nearly all our time spent at the caravan was spent at the table on the balcony. It was cool and relaxing for our lunch and playing card games.

Itinerary of one day :

After breakfast, we slip on our swimwear and flip flops and head to the pool or to the beach. The kids splash around in the family pool and create games and share toys with other families. In Italian culture, children are very socialable and in public areas, they will freely play and share with other children in the space.

Be aware of the Italian rules for swimming pools as a swim cap is usually mandatory for anyone who enters the pool. These caps don’t need to be the tight rubber kind, but a soft swimming cap especially made. They are sold in any sport shop in Italy and are used to prodect the pool from loose hair. 

After the kids are worn out, we wander back to the caravan for a lunch of seasonal ingredients like, tomatoes and olive oil, mozzerella,  fresh bread and pasta al sugo. Then, importantly some down time to digest and think and do nothing in the shade! Perfect. Late afternoon, as the heat of the sun starts to relent you can start your day again. This time, maybe the park, visit a local town, a bike ride?  The afternoon is a busy time. Italian shops will often re-open at 16.00 and people restart their activities into the evening. The aperitivo comes after 1800 when you start to feel a bit of hunger creeping in. An aperitvo at the bar is considered a family time and children will be more than welcome.  After 19.30 it is dinnertime. A time to spend together around the table, taking your time and enjoying your food. My 3 year old’s favourite dish is spaghetti alle vongole. Anytime we went to the restaurant, my children would run to the kitchen window to see the fresh fish laying on the ice. But the evening doesn’t need to end there. After dinner we wander to the Piazza where people gather to see the entertainment. At out camping in Orbetello, an hour of children’s entertainment started at 21,00. The kids loved this appointment! 

This time is just right for a relaxing family holiday. There is just enough entertainment to really slow down, forget about work and reconnect as a family. 

Choosing the general location first gives you more options on how you are going to travel and what experiences you will get out of your trip. Some camp sites are located in the mountains, providing access to walking and biking activities. Others are near beaches and will give you the choice of water sports, fishing villages and ports. Then chose your site. Look at different amenities and activities that best suit your needs. Look for parks that are located near major train hubs that are either connected directly of that have car rental near by.