Even though our great nation is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty to explore, one of the biggest benefits that caravan owners enjoy is the sheer freedom that their vehicles allow. From an impromptu weekend in the Lake District, to a short break in the South West, caravans allow us to travel where we want, whenever we want.
But even though the British ‘staycation’ has never been more popular, affordable ferry fares have also ensured that crossing the channel and entering the European gateway has never been easier, either!
With a seemingly infinite number of destinations available in continental Europe, knowing just where to start can feel daunting. So to help you along the way, here are our top five picks for a European caravan holiday with a difference.
Far from the usual getaways to the Dordogne or the Pyrenees, we’ve assembled some of the less heralded, yet wonderfully distinctive holiday destinations to pitch your caravan upon. Here’s our top five:
Lake Garda, Italy
For families and couples alike, the magic of Italy’s Lake Garda is universal. With such breathtaking scenery, outstanding cuisine and a wealth of activities to participate in, it’s hardly a surprise that holidays to the areas are so popular with tourists from across the continent.
But part of the real magic of the area stems from being able to explore Lake Garda’s delights for yourself. The list of things to do in the area is almost exhaustive and even if you’ve tasted all the ice cream there is to taste around the banks and enjoyed as many boat trips as you feel possible, with the cities of Milan, Verona and Venice all in range, there’s almost too much to see!
The range of campsites to pitch up on is vast and while each one has its unique advantages, the Weekend and Fornella parks are amongst two of the best.
Konigshof, Netherlands
It’s perhaps fair to say that while we often drive through the Netherlands with our caravans, we don’t spend quite as much time staying there. But far from simply being a gateway to the rest of the continent, the Netherlands is bursting with a rich variety of culture that’s too good to pass up.
Whether you choose to walk or cycle through the gorgeous windmill-laden lowlands, or soak up the unique, vibrant culture of capital city Amsterdam, the Netherlands has something to offer everyone.
Situated 45 minutes away from both Rotterdam and Amsterdam, Konigshof is a fantastic campsite situated in a location that allows you to enjoy all that the country has to offer.
Pas-de-Calais, France
When we think of a French caravan getaway, although the Calais region plays an integral part in getting us to our destination, it isn’t usually where our journey ends. Although with a region that offers such an abundance of history, tranquillity and entertainment, why pass up such a fantastic opportunity so close to home?
A trip down the Côte d’Opale offers a series of stunning, historic landmarks such as Cap Blanc Nez and the village of Wissant, both of which are steeped in WWI and II heritage. The popular town of Boulogne offers a vast selection of shops and markets while Le Touquet’s outstanding beaches and fine cuisine brings a touch of class to the region.
With an ample selection of campsites existing within the region, why not save yourself a lengthy spell of driving and visit Pas-de-Calais today!
Switzerland
Although you’ll have to put a few extra miles in, visiting Switzerland in a caravan offers such a greater scope for exploration than it does via other means. And with such a vast array of stunning natural beauty on offer, you won’t be disappointed should you decide to make the journey through the Alps!
While its famed ski slopes ensure Switzerland is always a fantastic retreat for lovers of winter sports, there’s a whole range of alternative activities that can be enjoyed in a country that embraces the outdoors. From dabbling in watersports in Lake Thun, to taking in the breathtaking scenery with a trip on the Alpine railway, Switzerland offers a caravan holiday unlike any other.
With Switzerland’s famously pristine network of roads making navigating around the country an absolute joy, a caravan holiday to parks such as Manor Farm and Bella Tola will leave you desperate to return for more!
Costa Verde, Spain
As such a boundless and beautifully diverse country, deciding where to take your caravan on a holiday to Spain can be a difficult decision. But instead of heading to the Pyrenees or the Costa Brava, why not visit the tranquil and endearingly beautiful Costa Verde
Situated at the base of the Bay of Biscay, the Costa Verde offers an eclectic mix of gorgeous coastlines, breathtaking mountains and esteemed culture – all of which makes visiting the region in a caravan an absolute must.
Both Santander and Bilbao are easily accessible from Portsmouth and with everything from the beaches of Noja to the Cantabrian Mountains in comfortable driving range, the Costa Verde truly is the destination for all occasions. Consider pitching up at the Playa Joyel site near Noja for easy access to all the superb local attractions.
Wherever you are travelling to on your caravan holiday, make sure you’re adequately insured with Adrian Flux Caravan Insurance.