Get the best of both worlds
You might want to see the cultural and historical sites that only a city break can bring, but may also be pining for the thrill of camping, whether that's pitching your own tent or eating breakfast in the bright outdoors. We've selected some of the best camping sites in Europe that are in and around city centres, so you can have the best of both worlds on your next holiday.
Camping Michelangelo – Florence, Italy
Within the city of Florence, just outside the historic walls, you'll find the area's best camping site. Surrounded by beautiful flowers and lush green grass, Camping Michelangelo has become a favourite for those wishing to explore the fascinating cultural scene that Florence has to offer, and to enjoy the area's stunning natural beauty, too.
Just a ten-minute walk from the old city centre, the site offers roomy places for you to pitch your tent, with water and electricity supplies. If you want to step it up a notch, you can rent one of the campsite's Cottage Tents. These ready-pitched, spacious tents provide a more luxurious option for your trip, and have up to three beds. Fresh sheets are included, and the campsite also boasts its own restaurant, Pizzaman, and bar.
The Campsite Michelangelo offers pleasant views over the city of Florence
Camp Indigo – Paris, France
The closest campsite to Paris' city centre, Camp Indigo is just a short journey to all of the sights and sounds of France's bustling capital. You can pitch a tent, or park up to the campsite in your own campervan or caravan. There's plenty of room at this wide open campsite, so even in the busier seasons, the pitch sites don't feel too cramped.
Also available on site are cottages, which sleep up to six people, or Gypsy Caravans, which sleep up to five people. The campsite provides sheets and towels, and there's even a television and WiFi available. You'll find the campsite just west of Paris' centre, slightly beyond the parks Bois du Bologne and Parc du Bois, which both provide a pretty setting.
Staying just outside of Paris has the advantages of being able to explore more of the city's outskirts
Hüttenpalast – Berlin, Germany
This isn't a campsite, per say, but the owners Silke and Sarah have used their creative backgrounds in events and interior design to create a very individual experience. Having taken a huge warehouse, they've converted it into a kind of indoor camping experience, which is perfect for those of you who love the unique experience of Glamping, but who don't always feel comfortable with the outdoorsy stuff.
The owners have taken old caravans and renovated them, using chic designs and ensuring optimum comfort. You can stay in a 70s caravan, which has its very own sparkling stars in the roof, and is surrounded by birch trees. Or stay in the amazing 60s caravan from west Germany, which has its own 'outdoor' seating area. Right in the centre of Berlin, you're on the doorstep of some of the city's most iconic landmarks, just south of the River Spree, and we think these unique caravans are great for a romantic break with a difference.
Virgen del Mar – Santander, Spain
Right alongside the city of Santander, Virgen del Mar overlooks a stunning sandy beach, and makes for a great summer holiday. The campsite boasts its own 12th century chapel, and many visitors head to the nearby island that can be found just offshore, or to the nearby natural park, Cabarceno. The campsite is just six kilometres from Santander's city centre, and it has all the modern facilities you'd expect as well as a swimming pool, bar and game room.
However, as you're so close to the beach, why not go and enjoy the wonderful waters of the Bay of Biscay. If you're travelling with kids, you'll want to keep active, so head to the nearby sports park which stretches over 11 acres, or even try your hand at golf at the Mataleñas golf course.
Santander sits alongside the ocean and is a great place to visit
Campsite Memling – Bruges, Belgium
The historical city centre of Bruges is a labyrinth of culture and history, waiting to be explored. You can drive through the centre, but staying slightly outside the city is definitely preferable if you want a smoother journey. Campsite Memling is just three miles from the centre, and provides a basic pitching site where you'll find modern facilities.
There's a bus stop near to the campsite, however, as it's so close to Bruges, we recommend renting a few bikes and cycling in, which will take you past the wonderful walking and cycling path that wraps around the city, giving excellent views of Bruges' famous windmills. If you're pitching a tent there's plenty of room, along with wireless internet, and there are also pitching sites for caravans and campervans should you prefer.
You can cycle to see the windmills just outside of Bruges when you stay at Campsite Memling
Camping Kockelscheuer – Luxembourg
You might forget Luxembourg when thinking of a driving holiday to Europe, as it's just 84 kilometres long, sitting snugly between Germany, Belgium and France. If so, you're missing out on a truly charming country. Its centre, Luxembourg City, is a treasure trove of fantastic museums and beautiful architecture.
The campsite Camping Kockelscheuer is under 20 minutes in the car from the city centre, and stretches for four and a half acres! It's got everything you need for a fun holiday, including an ice skating rink, golf course, bowling alley, and restaurants. You can easily spend an afternoon walking around the scenic campsite on a sunny day but with Luxembourg City just two and a half miles away, there is plenty to do.
Getting there and around
If you've enjoyed our list of urban campsites, pack up your tent or load your campervan and take the family on a sunny adventure for your next holiday. Eurotunnel Le Shuttle takes you from Folkestone to Calais in just 35 minutes, so you've got no excuse!
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