Explore Europe Without Breaking the Bank
By Lolo Stubbs
Visiting dream destinations doesn’t have to break the bank. As a family of six, holidays seemed increasingly costly and out of reach—until we found Eurocamp.
Introduction
Eurocamp is a family-friendly haven that offers a range of accommodation options, including pitches for tents and campervans, mobile homes, and lodges. Each time we visited, we chose one of the three-bedroom lodges, which has a fantastic outside decking space with large seating areas. Inside there’s air con and all the mod cons each family needs (apart from a TV, which didn’t bother us adults—but if your children like to wind down with some TV in the evenings, download some programmes onto your iPad or laptop).
What You’ll Typically Find on Site
- Swimming pools and splash pools for kids
- Restaurants and bars
- Supermarkets and convenience stores
- Playgrounds and entertainment areas for kids
- Wi‑Fi and laundry facilities
We’ve thoroughly enjoyed each site we’ve visited. We’ve been to Italy, France and Spain, and we can’t wait to explore more of Europe in the same way!
Bella Italia, Lake Garda, Italy
Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, is a breathtaking destination that offers stunning scenery, charming towns, and endless opportunities for outdoor activities. For families looking to explore this beautiful region without breaking the bank, the Bella Italia campsite is an excellent choice. We took our broods to Eurocamp’s Bella Italia for our Dad’s 70th birthday to tick discovering the wonders of Lake Garda off the bucket list, and we certainly did just that!
Located in the picturesque town of Peschiera del Garda, Bella Italia campsite made a brilliant base. It was great to have so much to do on the campsite to keep the children occupied, but equally, it was a fantastic launchpad to explore the breathtaking Lake Garda.
Some of our favourite destinations included:
- Sirmione: This charming town is famous for its Roman ruins, thermal baths, and picturesque harbour. Take a stroll along the lakefront, visit the Sirmione Castle, and enjoy a delicious gelato. We made our trip here extra special by hiring a motorboat for the 15 of us. The kids loved that the captain let them choose their own music, and I’m not sure Sirmione has ever had a group of Mancunians singing an Oasis song so loudly as we came back to shore—we certainly made an impression.
- Bardolino: The ease of getting from one side of the lake to the other is one of the beautiful things about Lake Garda. One of the children’s favourite parts of our day out at Bardolino was the ferry ride over there. The views were stunning, and we enjoyed some fabulous food and wine when we arrived.
- Riva del Garda: This historic town is known for its charming old town, picturesque lakefront, and stunning mountain views. Take a boat ride, visit the Riva del Garda Castle, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local restaurants.
There were many places we didn’t get to visit. Gardaland, for one, is supposedly a must-visit theme park for families, with thrilling rides, shows, and attractions.
Travelling with Other Families
One of the highlights of our trip was travelling with other families. Sharing the experience with friends and like‑minded families made the trip even more enjoyable. We shared meals, explored the lake together, and enjoyed each other’s company. The kids had a blast playing together, and the adults appreciated the social aspect of travelling in a group.
Why Lake Garda Works on a Budget
Lake Garda is a stunning destination that offers something for everyone. With its picturesque towns, beautiful scenery, and endless opportunities for outdoor activities, it’s a perfect spot for families. By staying at the Bella Italia campsite and travelling with other families, we were able to experience the best of Lake Garda on a budget. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, Lake Garda is a must‑visit destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Continuing our Eurocamp journey: France and Spain
Domaine De La Yole, Béziers, France
We had the pleasure of visiting Domaine De La Yole, a Eurocamp park in the beautiful south of France, with our brood. The sun‑kissed region provided the perfect backdrop for a fantastic family holiday.
Domaine De La Yole truly lives up to its reputation as a family‑friendly haven. The park’s layout is designed with families in mind, with the bar and restaurant situated right in front of the playground area. This allowed us to relax and chat with a cold beverage while keeping a watchful eye on the kids as they played to their hearts’ content.
The park boasts two fantastic pool areas that provided hours of fun for our children:
- One pool area featured an array of slides, including thrilling water slides and more gentle options for younger kids.
- The other pool area was a tropical lagoon, complete with sand and a relaxing atmosphere.
Our kids loved splashing around in both pools, and we loved watching them have so much fun.
Playa Joyel, Noja, Spain
As two families—one with two kids and the other with four—we were excited to explore Playa Joyel in Noja, Spain. Our stay at the campsite and lodges was a resounding success, with clean facilities and all the amenities we needed.
The surrounding green hills provided a stunning backdrop to our stay, while the beautiful golden sands beach was a delight for both kids and adults. The beach was perfect for building sandcastles, swimming, and soaking up the sun.
Just a short walk from the campsite, we discovered La Cabaña in Playa de Ris, a picturesque bar that quickly became our go‑to spot. The kids loved playing in the sand while the adults relaxed with a drink, enjoying the breathtaking views. The children even got to dance to their favourite TikTok tunes, making it a highlight of our trip.
We visited Playa Joyel out of season, which meant that not all amenities were open. However, this didn’t detract from our overall experience. The siesta times did pose a slight challenge, as they didn’t quite align with the kids’ tea time schedule. Nevertheless, we adapted and made the most of our time.
Playa Joyel was an excellent choice for our family vacation. The campsite, lodges, and beach provided a relaxing atmosphere, while La Cabaña bar became our favourite spot. We would definitely recommend Playa Joyel to families looking for a scenic and enjoyable getaway.
Wrap‑Up
For families who want to explore Europe without breaking the bank, Eurocamp offers exactly what’s needed: a mix of budget‑friendly accommodation, kid‑pleasing amenities, and brilliant locations. From Italy’s lakeside towns to France’s sunlit pool days and Spain’s golden beaches, we made memories that will last—without the eye‑watering price tag.
Picture: Noja, Spain
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