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Camping in Italy: cultural and culinary delights

Italian campsites are amongst the most popular holiday destinations. Not surprising, as this is a country full of contrasts. Italy has something for everyone: mountains, idyllic lakes, enchanting towns, rolling fields, beautiful beaches and a wonderful atmosphere for a holiday. A holiday in Italy awakens all the senses, whether you opt for a beach holiday at Lake Garda, an artistic trip to Florence or a mountain sports holiday in the Dolomites. And of course, you can always enjoy great coffee and delicious pasta and pizza dishes. Add to that a sunny, warm climate and you can easily appreciate why Italy is a camping country par excellence. From cosy family campsites with swimming pools and nightclubs to small charming farmhouses nestled between olive trees and rolling hills.

A camping holiday in Italy: a southern passion with amazing contrasts!

What is it that makes camping in Italy so attractive? For a start, the fantastic climate; southern Italy is not called Il Mezzogiorno or ‘land of the midday sun’ for nothing. And every campsite in Italy is different due to the enormous diversity of the countryside. The Tuscan towns are so different to those in Liguria, the farmhouses of Apulia are nothing like those in Emilia-Romagna. The lakes and coastline near all the different campsites in Italy have their own character and ambiance. Lake Garda for instance cannot be compared to Lake Maggiore. Both are so beautiful that they are much sought after destinations for a trip to Italy.

Food and Beauty: Shared Passions Among Italians

Customs also differ from one region to another, but all Italians have two things in common: a love of eating and beauty! Italian cuisine found its way into everyday cooking in many countries a long time ago (pizza, pasta, ice cream!) but there are plenty of new things to be discovered right there from the campsite. Campsites in Italy are easily accessible by car or train and connections are excellent in large parts of the country. What is there to stop you from planning a relaxing holiday in Bella Italia?

The most beautiful lakes

You will find plenty of lakes in Italy, especially in the mountainous north. Lake Garda is Italy’s largest and most famous lake. On the southern side, you can find large and pleasant family campsites. The northern side is popular among surfers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Lake Maggiore is located in the mountainous border area between Italy and Switzerland.
The charming villages around the lake offer a taste of the good Italian life. Discover beautiful Lake Como from the water by taking a ferry between the locations. Lake Iseo is a somewhat smaller and quieter lake between the mountains. Lake Idro, also a smaller lake, is popular with surfers and sailors because of its winds. Other lakes in central Italy include Lake Trasimeno in Umbria near the border of Tuscany and Lake Bolsena, the largest crater lake in Europe.

Cities: culture, history and fun

In Italy, you can find some of the world’s most famous cities such as Rome, Venice and Florence. It is impossible to deny the special and rich history of the country there. You can stroll past baroque palaces and Roman buildings that have been standing for more than two thousand years. A visit to these Italian cities can easily be combined with a camping holiday. Public transport is often available from the campsites or a shuttle service is provided.

Alps, volcanoes and tranquillity

In Italy, there are beautiful mountainous areas, for example the Abruzzi, east of Rome. But there is also the Dolomites, the Aosta Valley and in the Mont Blanc massif, outdoor sports enthusiasts can really let loose. Mass tourism has not yet made its way here, which is ideal for those looking for some peace and quiet. In Italy, you also have the chance to walk through the lunar landscape of an active volcano: Etna on Sicily. An exceptional experience!

Puglia: the heel of the boot

Want to explore a quieter part of Italy? Then the Apulia region (Puglia in Italian) is highly recommended. To do so, drive all the way to the heel of the boot. You can visit some nice places such as Lecce and Gallipolli. And be sure not to miss out on two World Heritage Sites. These are the trulli of Alberobello, small white houses typical of the region, and the extraordinary semi-underground city of Matera, just across the border in the Basilicata region.

Important information for your trip to Italy

Unleaded petrol (Senza Piombo 95 and Super 98) and diesel (Gasolio/Diesel) are readily available. LPG is readily available in northern and central Italy and slightly less so in southern Italy. The Italian adapter (dish) is used for refuelling with LPG. On the motorways most petrol stations are open day and night. Along other roads, many petrol stations are open at least from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and occasionally closed between 12.30 and 3.30 p.m. It is also possible for them to be closed on Sundays or Mondays. At some of the manned petrol stations you can stay in the car and the attendants will serve you. More and more unmanned petrol stations are also starting to appear. It is often prohibited to carry fuel in a reserve tank on ships.

There are quite a few charging points in Italy. However, in the south of the country and on Sicily, the network is not yet fully covered. So be sure to plan your trip well.

In the Alps, gradients of 6% to 15% and more can be found. Almost all mountain roads are secured on the side where there is a precipice. Mountain passes in Switzerland, Austria and Italy may be temporarily closed, difficult to manoeuvre or even permanently prohibited for cars with caravans or trailers. Please check before travelling. For more information, see: alpenpaesse.de (in German).

There are several ways of reaching Sardinia. A number of ferries travel from France or Italy to Sardinia, either directly or via Corsica.
Information on schedules, departures and fares can be found at ferry companies such as corsicaferries.com, gnv.it, grimaldi-lines.com, moby.it, tirrenia-prenotazioni.it and traghetti-toremar.it.
Fares vary according to factors such as the season and departure time. Booking beforehand is advisable. Be sure to ask the ferry company in advance if you can take gas cylinders on board. Taking fuel in a reserve tank on board is prohibited.

Dipped headlights (or daylight running lights) are mandatory during the daytime outside of built-up areas. Traffic on the right has right of way at junctions with two equivalent roads. Traffic on a roundabout has right of way when indicated by a road sign. Trams always have right of way. On narrow roads, the heavier vehicle has right of way over the lighter one. On mountain roads, uphill traffic has the right of way over downhill traffic.
Holding a telephone while behind the wheel is not permitted, not even when stopped (hands-free calling is permitted). You are also not allowed to wear headphones or earphones. Children shorter than 1.5 meters or who weigh less than 36 kilos must be in a child seat. From mid-November to the end of April, winter tyres (or having snow chains in the car) are mandatory if this is indicated by a sign.

Smoking in vehicles is prohibited in the presence of children under the age of 18 or pregnant women.
Loads that protrude from the rear, such as a bicycle rack, must be marked with a white reflective sign measuring 50 x 50 cm with 5 diagonal red stripes. The load may not protrude at the sides, including bicycles on a bicycle rack. Police and emergency vehicles always have right of way when flashing their blue lights, even without a siren.

A warning triangle is mandatory to have in your vehicle. Having safety vests for all occupants is recommended.

A camper van or car/caravan combination may be up to 4 metres high, 2.55 metres wide and 18.75 metres long (the caravan itself may be up to 12 metres long).

Wearing a bicycle helmet is not mandatory. In the dark (and in poor visibility conditions), you are required to wear a safety vest. It is not permitted to transport a passenger on the luggage carrier (children up to the age of 7 can be transported on a child seat). It is forbidden to make calls or use apps on a mobile phone when cycling. Cycling side by side is prohibited in the evening in built-up areas. Children up to age 10 must drive on the right next to an older person.

Tolls are charged on virtually all motorways. In addition, you also have to pay for the Mont Blanc Tunnel, the Fréjus Road Tunnel and the Great St Bernard Tunnel. You can pay tolls in cash, by credit card or with a prepaid card (Viacard) that has a toll credit on it. In some cases, you can also use a bank card. For more information, see: autostrade.it/en/rmpp.
On certain motorways in the North (A36, A59, A60), you can only pay electronically. Here, your license plate will be registered by a camera. Payment can be made within 15 days via apl.pedemontana.com. Tip! If you have a toll sticker from the French Télépéage, check whether you can also use it to pay on Italian toll roads.
For more information, see: bipandgo.com.

Many Italian cities, including Rome, Milan and Florence, have established a Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL) with the aim of reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. These zones are signposted and only accessible to permit holders. The rules vary from place to place. Attention! Cameras are used to register cars entering a ZTL. The fines for a violation can be high. Those who enter and leave the zone several times without taking proper care, for example when looking for a parking space, will receive multiple fines. For more information, see: accessibilitacentristorici.it.

On the motorway, place your warning triangle approximately 1000 metres behind the car (50 metres on other roads) if it cannot be seen by other traffic in time.
All occupants are required to wear safety vests. In the event of an accident, call the emergency number or your breakdown service.
You can also call the Italian roadside assistance (ACI) on the following number 800 116 800 (foreign mobile phone) or 803 116 (Italian mobile phone). You can also call for breakdown assistance from an emergency roadside telephone. Towing a car yourself on motorways or major roadways is prohibited.

The campsites in northern Italy (South Tyrol, Trentino, Lake Garda and Tuscany) are among the best in Europe. The campsites in southern Italy are, with a few exceptions, of a lower quality than those in the north. The islands of Sicily and Sardinia are becoming increasingly popular and campsites here are full in the high season. The north of Sardinia is especially popular with diving and surfing lovers. There are good winter campsites at higher altitudes in the Alps and Dolomites, but they can be difficult to reach due to snowfall.
Mountain campsites above 1000 metres are aimed at sporty campers and offer limited facilities. Italian campsites are often located on large sites with a lot of amenities such as shops, restaurants and swimming pools.
Free camping outside campsites is generally prohibited and is only allowed if the landowner has granted permission.
The Italian rating system (in stars) mainly indicates the number of amenities on the campsite and is less about quality. Please bear in mind that there is a charge for amenities and entertainment.
Many outdoor swimming pools do not open until the end of May. In the swimming pools, it is usually only allowed in swimming trunks (not in boxer shorts, Bermuda shorts etc., for reasons of hygiene), and a bathing cap is often required.
In Italian campsites, you are required to identify yourself with a personal ID card.
The ID card will be kept at reception during your stay at the campsite. It is a good idea to ask reception to make a copy and return the original.
Please be aware that manoeuvring a camper van or caravan can be difficult in old Italian towns and villages.
In Italy, there are special facilities for campers to park in car parks along public roads and outside campsites. Facilities such as water and electricity are often available there for a fee. Staying overnight at these sites is permitted, except at the so-called Presidio Ecologico (indicated by signs).

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