Back from a very good time in France staying 11 nights at Sommieres and 14 nights in the Loire at parc Montsabert between Angers and Saumur. However, thoughts as ever have already moved onto next year. Last 10+ years have been in France so considering Italy for a change though drive from Belfast may too far(??). Would really like recommendations for 2 sites in different areas, not too large,busy or noisy, for a family of 4 , girls aged 14 and 16 next year with a large (ok very large) Vango Aspen DLX700. Any ideas much appreciated.
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We have stayed last 2 years at Lake Orta-lesser known ,quieter of all the lakes.Think it was called Camping Orta (original!).There's an underpass to get to the lake although they do have lakeside pitches but they are more expensive.Very quiet here though-they have a small bar serving pizzas and snacks and a well stocked but small shop and next door is a restaurant.You can walk to the main town of Orta San Giulio-bit of a trek but my girls ages 7,8 and 10 managed it ok.Also camping Miralago on Lake Maggiore is a nice quiet site and an easy walk to the town of Feriolo.We stayed on Lake Garda last year for a few nights but it was hugely expensive although lots of fairly cheap restaurants nearby-can't remember the name but it was near Malcesine.
I've never camped in Italy but have been many times as my aunt lives there and we went for many years to stay nearby in villas.
It is a wonderful country and most definitely worth the effort. I've heard that pitches are generally smaller than on French sites though. You holidayed for an extended time this year and although from Belfast it would be a long hike - but as I've said well worth it.
I've seen in Keycamp/ Eurocamp some sites on the coast near Venice so may be worth a look. I wouldn't go to Lido de Jesolo - bit too Blackpool for me but Pra'delle Torri has alwats interested me even though it's huge. My aunt lives near Caorle / Cavallino and the coast is stunning. Venice is wonderful and worth a visit even in the summer and not much further in the big picture than the lakes! The beaches
are fabulous, clean and looked after.
Ice cream is to die for!
Good luck and have fun in your search!
Hi Arpsey, We are also from Belfast, and have 'done' Italy for the last few years. From Cherbourg you would need at least 2 overnight stops to get to Italy, either through the Alps or along the Southern French coast. We went out one way and returned the other. We would recommend the 'Cingue Terre' just south of Genoa, from here you are within striking distance of Pisa & Florence. This year we went down to Rome, but we had 6 weeks! If we can help further just let us know!
------------- JimF
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We have stayed at Bella Italia which although is a very large site all the activities are grouped together so you can find some very quiet parts. It is a brilliant site for children of all ages. Next to the lake and walking distance to a lovely town. You can also catch the train to Venice. Pitches in Italy can be small so you would need to request a large pitch. There is also GardaLand which we found really enjoyable and certainly worth a day trip. The pools at Bella are excellent. There isn't a late disco etc but there is usually some entertainment around the pool in the evening but we didn't go. It isn't noisy at night and security is good. Toilets etc are very clean.
We live in Kent and Italy is a very long drive. For us it was two overnight stops in a hotel down and one overnight back. But is a lovely country especially with children.
Would definitely second the Cinque Terre area, we stayed in Levanto a few years ago, which was lovely and good for us as close to town (went by Easyjet, travelled around by train), but there are other sites in the area.
Thanks everybody for the info which has given me a very useful start to planning next year. Think we will try areas other than Garda as although it appears to be very nice it may be too busy for us.
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