Europe: Holidays with a Motorhome

Travelling Europe by caravan or motorhome offers freedom and adventure. It gives you the opportunity to explore the picturesque landscapes, fascinating cultures and historical sites of Europe at your own pace.

Whether you fancy exploring Scandinavia, the Balearic Islands, Eastern Europe or Italy, Europe is perfect for camping holidaymakers. There are plenty of well-equipped campsites to choose from in France, whether that’s in the Côte d'Azur or the rugged landscapes of Brittany. Meanwhile Norway, with its dramatic fjords and the Northern Lights, is popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Thanks to the ‘Allemannsretten’, wild camping is also popular both here and in Sweden. There's also Italy’s Tuscany, Amalfi Coast and the Dolomites which offer breathtaking scenery and historical sights, and Spain’s coastal regions which are perfect for a relaxing beach break.

With a caravan or motorhome, you can tailor your itinerary exactly to your interests, whether you prefer lively cities or quiet countryside. You can also enjoy the comfort of private accommodation, making them a great choice for families, self-catering travellers and those on a budget.

Ferries make the perfect addition to a campervan holiday. Great Britain and Scandinavia are connected to other European countries via numerous ferry routes. Ferries from France to England, Italy to Greece and Denmark to Norway are also popular. Incorporating a ferry into your travel plans is a great way to break up your journey and give you a chance to relax in between the long drives. You can soak up picturesque views from the open deck and make the most of fantastic on-board amenities such as live entertainment and restaurants serving local delicacies.

An unforgettable holiday in Europe awaits! Let's go...

Which country is best for camping?

The holiday destination you choose depends entirely on your own personal preferences and your schedule. Here are some of our suggestions for the perfect caravan holiday:

France

Attractions

• Côte d'Azur: Visit Nice, Cannes, Monaco and Saint-Tropez. Relax on the beach and experience the vibrant nightlife.
• Provence: Visit Avignon, Arles, Aix-en-Provence and the Luberon Valley. Hike through lavender fields, Roman ruins and charming villages.
• Loire Valley: Visit Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau and Amboise. Experience breathtaking castles, vineyards and historic towns.
• Normandy: Visit Mont Saint-Michel, the D-Day beaches and Rouen. Experience historic sites, the cliffs of northern France and taste the local cider.
• Brittany: Visit Saint-Malo, Carnac and Quimper. See medieval towns, prehistoric monuments and the rugged coastline.
• Family tip: Theme parks such as Disneyland Paris or Parc Astérix

Campsites

Camping Les Ormes (Brittany), La Baume-La Palmeraie (Côte d'Azur), Camping Le Vieux Port (Landes), Camping L'Ardéchois (Ardèche), Camping Les Alicourts Resort (Loire Valley)

Campsite amenities

Electricity and water connections, showers, toilets, washing facilities, some Wi-Fi, playgrounds, swimming pools and restaurants

Costs

From approx. £17 per night

Travel time and temperatures

Spring (April to June): 13°C to 20°C
Summer (July to August): around 29°C
Autumn (September to October): 16°C to 25°C

France Popular ferry connections
 

England

Attractions

• Lake District National Park: Enjoy breathtaking lakes, mountains and picturesque villages. Go on boat trips and visit Beatrix Potter's house.
• Cornwall: Relax on the beach or visit picturesque fishing villages and historic sites such as Tintagel Castle. You can also explore the Eden Project.
• Yorkshire Dales: Here you'll find rolling hills, valleys and charming towns such as Hawes and Richmond. Go cycling or visit the castles and waterfalls.
• Cotswolds: The region offers picturesque landscapes, honey-coloured villages and historic market towns. Go on a hike, visit manicured gardens and impressive manor houses.
• New Forest: Nature lovers will find ancient forests, heathland and wild animals such as free-roaming ponies. It's the ideal spot for cycling tours, horse riding and exploring picturesque villages.

Campsites

Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park (Lake District), Trevalgan Touring Park (Cornwall), Usha Gap Campsite (Yorkshire Dales), Hoburne Naish (New Forest), Moreton-in-Marsh Caravan Club Site (Cotswolds)

Campsite amenities

Electric hook-ups, showers, toilets, washing facilities, fresh water hook-ups, waste disposal, some Wi-Fi, shops, play areas, washing machines and tumble dryers

Costs

From approx. £20 per night

Travelling time and temperatures

Spring (April to June): around 14°C
Summer (July to September): around 18°C to 30°C

England Popular ferry connections
 

Norway

Attractions

• Geirangerfjord: Visit the iconic fjord with breathtaking waterfalls such as Seven Sisters and Suitor.
• Lofoten Islands: Expect dramatic landscapes with mountains, peaks and picturesque fishing villages.
• Preikestolen: The famous cliff with a flat top, offers breathtaking views over the Lysefjord.
• Tromsø: The city is the gateway to the Arctic - watch the mesmerising Northern Lights or go skiing and snowboarding.
• Jotunheimen National Park: Here you will find the highest peaks in Norway, such as Galdhøpiggen.

Campsites

Geiranger Camping (Geirangerfjord), Flam Camping (Flam), Skjolden Brygge (Jotunheimen), Ramberg Gjestegård (Lofoten Islands)

Campsite amenities

Electricity connections, water supply, waste disposal, toilets, showers and washrooms, some kitchens or kitchenettes, communal areas, Wi-Fi, playgrounds and barbecue areas

Costs

From approx. £17 per night

Travel time and temperatures

Late spring (April to May): 11°C
Summer (June to August): 13° to 18°C 
Autumn (September to October): 5°C to 10°C

Norway Popular ferry connections

Sweden

Attractions

• Stockholm: Explore Gamla Stan, the historic city centre, along with the Stockholm archipelago and the royal palaces.
• Swedish Lapland: Experience the Arctic wilderness and depending on the season, you can enjoy the midnight sun or the breathtaking Northern Lights.
• Gotland: Visit the medieval town of Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, relax on sandy beaches and learn about the history of the Vikings.
• Höga Kusten: Hike along the region's unique coastal landscape with its red granite cliffs jutting out of the sea.
• Gothenburg: For families, a visit to the Liseberg amusement park or a boat trip through the Gothenburg archipelago is well worthwhile.

Campsites

Camp Ripan (Kiruna), Visby Strandby (Gotland), Skrea Camping (Falkenberg)

Campsite amenities

Toilets, showers, washrooms, electricity connections, waste disposal, Wi-Fi, playgrounds, some with swimming pools or saunas

Costs

From approx. £17 per night

Travel time and temperatures

Summer (June to August): 11°C to 23°C 
Late summer/early autumn (August to September): around 15°C

Sweden Popular ferry connections

Italy

Attractions

• Amalfi Coast: Here you'll find beautiful beaches and picturesque towns including Positano and Amalfi.
• Tuscany: The famous region offers rolling hills, endless vineyards and historic cities such as Florence, Siena and Pisa.
• Venice: Explore the canals of this unique city on a gondola ride, or visit the Basilica San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale.
• Dolomites: The region offers an impressive mountain range, perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing and snowboarding.
• Rome: The Italian capital is bursting with historical sites such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Roman Forum, as well as the home of the Pope, Vatican City.

Campsites

Camping Village Marina di Venezia (Veneto), Camping Village Roma Capitol (Rome), Camping Le Pianacce (Tuscany), Camping Norcenni Girasole Club (Tuscany)

Campsite amenities

Electricity and water connections, showers, toilets and laundry facilities, some with swimming pools, restaurants and Wi-Fi

Costs

From approx. £17 per night

Travel time and temperatures

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October): 5°C to 25°C
Summer (June-August): 18°C to 38°C

Italy Popular ferry connections

Spain

Attractions

• Seville: Visit the Alcázar of Seville, the Plaza de Espana and the Catedral de Sevilla.
• Granada: Explore the breathtaking historic Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens.
• Costa del Sol: A must for beach-lovers, you'll find beautiful sandy coastlines and excellent water sports.
• Barcelona: Visit the Sagrada Familia, take a stroll along La Rambla or explore Park Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
• Costa Brava: Here you can discover medieval towns such as Tossa de Mar and relax on picturesque beaches.

Campsites

Camping Playa Montroig (Costa Dorada), Camping La Marina (Alicante), Camping El Sur (Ronda), Camping Cala Llevadó (Costa Brava), Camping Els Prats Village (Costa Dorada)

Campsite amenities

Electricity connections, water and sanitary facilities, some with swimming pools, children's playgrounds and restaurants

Costs

From approx. £17 per night

Travel time and temperatures

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October): around 23°C
Summer (July-August): around 35°C

Spain Popular ferry connections
 

Croatia

Attractions

• Plitvice Lakes National Park: The park is famous for its cascading lakes and waterfalls.
• Dubrovnik: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historic city centre and Diocletian's Palace, or take a stroll along the city walls.
• Krka National Park: Experience breathtaking waterfalls and natural pools.
• Zadar: Visit the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation installations.
• Hvar and other islands: Sun worshippers can enjoy wonderful beaches, along with vibrant nightlife and delicious local cuisine.

Campsites

Camping Zaton Holiday Resort (Zadar), Camping Stobreč (Split), Slapic (Duga Resa), Camping Krk (island of Krk)

Campsite amenities

Electricity connections, sanitary facilities, showers, toilets, Wi-Fi, some swimming pools and restaurants

Costs

From approx. £17 per night

Travel time and temperatures

Spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October): 15°C to 20°C
Summer (July-August): 23°C to 30°C

Popular ferry connections

Travelling by ferry with a caravan

Travelling by ferry with a motorhome or caravan offers flexibility and comfort. It's also a great way to explore several countries and regions all at once. Here are some important tips for travelling by ferry with a caravan and taking pets on board:

Before travelling

Reservations: We recommend booking your ferry tickets well in advance, especially if you’re travelling in the peak summer months. Spaces for motorhomes and caravans are extremely popular at this time of year and are sometimes limited.

Vehicle type: When you're making your booking, make sure you specify the exact dimensions and model of your vehicle to get the best price and to avoid any unpleasant surprises!

Vehicle restrictions: Some ferry providers have restrictions on the size or weight of vehicles. Use our deal finder to find out whether your caravan or motorhome can be taken on your preferred ferry.

Pet guidelines: If you're planning on taking your furry friend along with you, it's best to check the ferry company's exact guidelines for taking pets on the ferry. Bear in mind that additional charges may also apply.

Check-in time on the day of travel

We recommend arriving at the port at least 90 minutes before the ferry departs. To save time, have your passports and important documents ready for inspection.

Securing the vehicle: Apply the parking brake and put the vehicle in gear if you have parked on the ferry. Use wheel chocks, if available, and make sure that your vehicle is stable and secure.

Access to the vehicle: You won't be able to access your vehicle during the crossing. Therefore, if you're travelling with a pet and you have to leave it in the vehicle, make sure that your vehicle is well ventilated. It's best to leave the windows slightly open if you can do so safely.

Pet areas: Depending on the ship and ferry operator, designated pet areas and pet-friendly cabins are available on board. Always comply with the regulations and instructions of the staff on board.

Camping FAQ - Tips and tricks

For a stress-free and seamless journey with your campervan, we've put together a list of questions and answers to help you out.

Where can you find the best motorhome pitches?

When it comes to choosing the perfect pitch, you're spoilt for choice in Europe. Motorhome pitch or campsite? With or without electricity? By the water or shady in the forest? The search can be overwhelming, especially for those who are camping for the first time. But don't worry, we've got the answer: Campercontact. On the Campercontact website, you can find over 50,000 motorhome pitches in Europe with all the important information to ensure that the pitch meets your exact requirements.

And best of all: as a loyal Direct Ferries customer, campers can now receive 20% off their Campercontact PRO+ subscription, making their next holiday on four wheels a breeze!

Do I need to book my camping pitch in advance?

Whether you need to book your pitch at the campsite in advance depends on several factors such as the time of year, the popularity of your destination and personal preferences. In the peak summer season (June to August), there are a few things you should bear in mind:

• This is when demand is particularly high and campsites and pitches fill up quickly.
• The campsites are particularly busy during the school holidays. We'd recommend checking when the school holidays are at your chosen destination.
• Major events or festivals in summer attract additional visitors, so it's worth taking a look at the cultural calendar.
• If you need electricity or barrier-free access, you should definitely book in advance.

Tips for last-minute camping:

• Arrive early: Try to arrive at the campsite early on in the day to increase your chances of getting a pitch.
• Be flexible: Have a list of alternative campsites in the area ready in case your first choice site is full.
• Apps and websites: Apps such as Campercontact can help find last-minute free pitches and camping options.

Where in Europe is camping the cheapest?

Caravan pitches in Europe can vary in price depending on the country, region and campsite facilities. In general, Eastern European countries are cheaper compared to Scandinavia and Southern Europe. Here are some of our suggestions:

Poland

• Attractions: Krakow and Warsaw, the national parks such as Pieniny or Bieszczady, the Tatra Mountains and the picturesque Baltic coast.
• Campsites: Camping Lesny No. 51 (Łeba)

Slovenia

• Attractions: Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Triglav National Park and the capital Ljubljana.
• Campsites: Camping Bled (Lake Bled)

Slovakia

Attractions: The High Tatras, Bratislava, Slovak Paradise National Park and historic castles.
Campsites: Autocamping Trusalová (Malá Fatra)

Budget camping tips

• Travel during low season: Outside the high season, which is usually summer, prices are often lower and the popular campsites are quieter.
• Take advantage of discounts: As a Direct Ferries customer, you receive a discount on your Campercontact PRO+ subscription. Unlock all the benefits and travel more relaxed.
• Wild camping: Wild camping is also permitted in Sweden and Norway, but be sure to follow the local regulations and ask the owner of the private land.
• Local campsites: Smaller, local campsites often offer cheaper prices than larger sites in tourist resorts.

What do I need to bring with me on a camping trip in Europe?

Vehicle documents and insurance: driving licence, vehicle registration document, proof of insurance (remember the green card) and vignette

GPS: maps, mobile phone with international roaming (tip: thanks to the EU regulation ‘Roaming like at home’, you can enjoy the same conditions of your mobile phone contract within the EU as you can at home).

Camping equipment: power cables and adapters for camping connections, levelling ramps, wheel chocks, water hoses (for fresh water and waste water), waste water canisters

Safety and maintenance: First aid kit, fire extinguisher, reflector waistcoats, warning triangle, spare tyres and jack, jumper cables, car headlight converter

Means of payment: local currency and credit/debit cards, small change for tolls and parking meters

Camping Europe Useful websites:

Campercontact: https://www.campercontact.com/en/content/direct-ferries
Camping FAQs: https://www.campercontact.com/en/content/help/faq 
Breakdown assistance: we recommend taking European breakdown cover out before you leave the UK. You can take out breakdown cover from a range of companies including the RAC and the AA.