2013 Alan Rogers The Best Campsites 2012 Award Winners

2013 DIGITAL

the best campsites

2012 Award Winners

expert in camping for 45 years

25 of the very best campsites in Europe

Contents

The Alan Rogers Awards The Alan Rogers Campsite Awards were launched in 2004 and have proved a great success. Our awards have a broad scope and before committing to our winners, we carefully consider more than 2,000 campsites featured in our guides, taking into account comments from our site assessors, our head office team and, of course, our readers.

Our award winners come from the four corners of Europe, from southern Portugal to Croatia, and this year we are making awards to campsites in ten different countries.

Needless to say, it’s an extremely difficult task to choose our eventual winners, but we believe that we have identified a number of campsites with truly outstanding characteristics.

In each case, we have selected an outright winner, along with two highly commended runners-up. Listed in this guide are full details of each of our award categories and our winners for 2012.

The Alan Rogers Award Presentation The Vakantiebeurs in Utrecht is Europe’s largest holiday exhibition, open to the public.

It attracts over 170,000 visitors and is the ideal occasion to present our Alan Rogers Campsite Awards.

Our award ceremony is well attended by campsite owners from the four corners of Europe, along with many other interested parties. Since their launch in 2004, the Alan Rogers Campsite Awards have grown in status and now occupy a unique place in camping/caravanning. Our ceremony provides an invaluable and convivial forum for us to acknowledge the best of the best.

For more information about campsites across Europe visit www.alanrogers.com

While every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information given in this book, no liability can be accepted by the authors or publishers for any loss, damage or injury caused by errors in, or omissions from, the information given.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission in writing from the publishers.

© Alan Rogers Guides Ltd 2012

Progress Award

4

Welcome Award

6

Active Holiday Award

8

Innovation Award

10

Small Campsite Award

12

Seaside Award

14

Country Award

16

Family Site Award

18

Readers’ Award

21

3

Alan Rogers Progress Award 2012

Alan Rogers Progress Award 2012 – RUNNERS-UP

Alan Rogers Progress Award

Alan Rogers Progress Award

This award reflects the hard work and commitment undertaken by particular site owners to improve and upgrade their site.

Castel Camping le Petit Trianon Saint Ustre, 1 rue du Moulin de Saint-Ustre, F-86220 Ingrandes-sur-Vienne (Vienne), France T: 05 49 02 61 47. E: chateau@petit-trianon.fr alanrogers.com/FR86010

Cofton Country Holidays Starcross, Dawlish EX6 8RP (Devon), England T: 01626 890111. E: info@coftonholidays.co.uk

alanrogers.com/UK0970 A popular and efficient family run park, Cofton is 1.5 miles from a sandy beach at Dawlish Warren. It has space for 450 touring units on a variety of fields and meadows with beautiful country views. Although not individually marked, there is never a feeling of overcrowding. The smaller, more mature fields, including a pleasant old orchard for tents only, are well terraced. While there are terraces on most of the slopes of the larger, more open fields, there are still some quite steep gradients to climb. There are some 450 10A electrical connections, 30 hardstandings and 14 ‘super’ pitches. Self-catering accommodation on site includes holiday homes, cottages and apartments. A well designed, central complex overlooking the pool and decorated with flowers and hanging baskets houses reception, a shop and off-licence and a traditional bar, the Cofton Swan. New for 2012 was an extension to this complex with another two bar area suitable for daytime dining and evening entertainment, plus an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym, as well as a soft play area for children and a centrally located arcade.

The new extension is open all year round except for Christmas and New Year. The outdoor pool with a paddling pool, has lots of grassy space for sunbathing. Coarse fishing is available in five lakes on the park. The adjoining unspoilt woodland of 50 acres provides wonderful views across the Exe Estuary and a woodland trail of two miles to Dawlish Warren.

Facilities

Directions

Six amenity blocks are well placed for all areas of the park. Facilities for disabled visitors. Family bathrooms and shower room. Hair dryers. Two launderettes. Gas available. Ice pack hire service. Bar (all year excl. Xmas and New Year). Shop (22/3-1/11). Fish and chip takeaway (22/3-5/10). Free outdoor swimming pool (24/5-14/9). Indoor pool (extra charge) open all year except Xmas and New Year. Arcade. Adventure playground, play areas and sports wall. Coarse fishing (from £5 per day). Off site: Woodland walks and pub 0.5 miles. Beach and boat launching 1.5 miles. Golf 3 miles. Riding 5 miles. Bicycle hire in Dawlish.

Access to the park is off the A379 road 3 miles north of Dawlish, just after Cockwood Harbour village.

GPS: 50.6126, -3.460467

Facilities

Directions

The sanitary facilities include washbasins in cabins, some washbasin and shower units, baby baths, washing machines and dryer. Facilities for disabled visitors. Motorcaravan service point. Shop. Snack bar.

Takeaway. Heated swimming pool and paddling pool.

Playground. Minigolf. Badminton, croquet, volleyball and boules. Satellite TV. Reading room. Bicycle hire. Bread making. Internet access. WiFi (charged). Caravan storage.Off site: Restaurant 50 m. Tennis 2 km. Fishing 3 km. Riding 6 km. Local markets. Futuroscope.

Take the N10 to Ingrandes-sur-Vienne and take the D75 towards Oyre. Follow D121 to St Ustre (1.5 km) and site is then well signed.

GPS: 46.885533, 0.586133

Charges guide Per unit incl. 2 persons and electricity extra person child (under 13 yrs)

€ 23.10 - € 35.30 € 6.00 - € 8.00 € 2.00 - € 3.50

Open: 12 April - 27 September.

Camping Kovacine Melin I/20, HR-51557 Cres (Kvarner), Croatia T: 051 573 150. E: campkovacine@kovacine.com

alanrogers.com/CR6765

Charges guide Per unit incl. 2 persons and electricity £ 12.00 - £ 29.50 hardstanding pitch £ 15.50 - £ 32.00 serviced pitch £ 20.00 - £ 36.50 extra person (over 2 yrs) £ 2.50 - £ 4.00 Small discount for senior citizens outside peak season.

Open: 15 April - 10 October.

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A family owned site for many years, le Petit Trianon is situated halfway between Tours and Poitiers. It enjoys a countryside position within the lovely grounds of an 18th-century château.

Visitors to the site often return several times after their first visit for the calm and tranquil atmosphere here. There are 99 pitches all with electricity (10A), set in seven hectares which gives a real sense of spaciousness. Plants are well tended and shade is provided in parts by the many attractive trees. Access around the site is good and large units are accepted by prior arrangement. There is an English-owned bar and restaurant within 50 m. offering a good menu. Every week the local baker visits the site and invites up to 25 people at a time to join him to make bread in the ancient stone oven. Entertainment is limited but there are often sporting competitions, wine and food tasting and films which are shown in English. Futuroscope at Poitiers is well worth a visit and is not far to travel to by car.

Camping Kovacine is located on a peninsula on the beautiful Kvarner island of Cres, just 2 km. from the town of the same name. The site has 1002 numbered, mostly level pitches, of which 952 are for tourers (300 with 12A electricity). On sloping ground, partially shaded by mature olive and pine trees, pitching is on the large, open spaces between the trees. Some places have views of the Valun lagoon. Kovacine is partly an FKK (naturist) site, which is quite common in Croatia, and has a pleasant atmosphere. Here one can enjoy local live music on a stage close to the pebble beach (Blue Flag), where there is also a restaurant and bar. The site has its own beach, part concrete, part pebbles, and a jetty for mooring boats and fishing. It is close to the historic town of Cres, the main town on the island, which offers a rich history of fishing, shipyards and authentic Kvarner-style houses. There are also several bars, restaurants and shops.

Facilities

Directions

Modern, comfortable toilet blocks (two refurbished) offer British style toilets, equipped with solar power, open plan washbasins (some cabins for ladies) and hot showers. Private family bathroom for hire. Facilities for disabled visitors plus facilities for children. Laundry sinks and washing machine. Fridge box hire. Motorcaravan service point. Car wash. Mini-marina and boat crane.

Supermarket. Bar, restaurant and pizzeria. Playground.

Daily children’s club. Evening shows with live music.

Boat launching. Fishing. Diving centre. Motorboat hire.

WiFi (free). Airport transfers. Off site: Wellness and fitness centre 0.5 km. Historic town of Cres with bars, restaurants and shops 2 km.

From Rijeka take no. 2 road south towards Labin and take ferry to Cres at Brestova. Continue to Cres and follow site signs. GPS: 44.96188, 14.39650

Charges guide Per unit incl. 2 persons and electricity extra person child (3-12 yrs) dog

€ 17.80 - € 36.20 € 6.00 - € 12.20 € 2.80 - € 5.00 free - € 3.00

Open: 25 April - 26 September.

5

Alan Rogers Welcome Award 2012 – RUNNERS-UP

Alan Rogers Welcome Award 2012

Alan Rogers Welcome Award

Alan Rogers Welcome Award

This award takes account of sites offering a particularly friendly welcome and maintaining a friendly ambience throughout readers’ holidays.

Camping les Embruns 2 rue du Philosophe Alain, le Pouldu Plages, F-29360 Clohars-Carnoët (Finistère), France T: 02 98 39 91 07. E: camping-les-embruns@orange.fr alanrogers.com/FR29180

This site is unusual in that it is located in the heart of a village, yet is only 250 metres from a sandy cove. The entrance with its code operated barrier and wonderful floral displays, is the first indication that this is a well tended and well organised site, and the owners have won numerous regional and national awards for its superb presentation. The 176 pitches (100 occupied by mobile homes) are separated by trees, shrubs and bushes, and most have electricity (16A Europlug), water and drainage. There is a covered, heated swimming pool, a circular paddling pool and a water play pool and slide. It is only a short walk to the village centre with all its attractions and services. It is also close to beautiful countryside and the Carnoët Forest which are good for walking and cycling.

Camping Las Palmeras Ctra de la Platja, E-17470 Sant Pere Pescador (Girona), Spain T: 972 520 506.

E: info@campinglaspalmeras.com alanrogers.com/ES80330

A very polished site, the pleasant experience begins as you enter the palm bedecked site and are welcomed at the airy reception building. The 230 pitches are flat, very clean and well maintained, with some shade and 10A electricity. A few pitches are complete with water and drainage. Thirty smart mobile homes are placed unobtrusively around the site. A very pleasant pool complex has a lifeguard and the brightly coloured play areas are clean and safe. A great beach is just a 200 m. walk through a gate at the rear of the site. A full activities programme for children allows parents a break during the day and there is organised fun in the evenings in high season. Full recreational facilities include a gym. The very Spanish style restaurant serves high quality food. The owner, Juan Carlos Alcantara, and his wife have many years experience in the campsite business which is clearly demonstrated. You will enjoy your stay here as there is a very happy atmosphere.

Facilities

Directions

Two excellent, very clean, solar powered toilet blocks include first class facilities for disabled campers. Baby rooms. Facilities may become a little busy at peak periods. Washing machines. Motorcaravan services.

Supermarket, restaurant/bar/takeaway open all season (children’s menu). Swimming pools (heated). Play areas.

Tennis. Five-a-side. Fronton. Boules. Gym. Barbecue.

Bicycle hire. Miniclub. Entertainment. Satellite TV. Internet access. WiFi throughout (charged). ATM. Torches useful. Off site: Beach and fishing 200 m.

Sailing and boat launching 2 km. Riding 4 km. Golf 7 km.

Sant Pere Pescador is south of Perpignan on coast.

From AP7/E15 take exit 4 onto N11 north towards Figueres, and C31 towards Torroella de Fluvia. Take Vilamacolum road east to Sant Pere Pescador. Site well signed in town. GPS: 42.18805, 3.1027

Open: 23 March - 19 October.

Charges guide Per unit incl. 2 persons and electricity € 24.30 - € 52.90 extra person € 3.20 - € 4.60 child (2-9 yrs) € 1.70 - € 2.80 No credit cards. Discounts in low season.

Facilities

Directions

Two modern sanitary blocks, recently renovated and heated in winter, include mainly British style toilets, some washbasins in cubicles, baby baths and good facilities for disabled visitors. Family bathrooms. Laundry facilities. Motorcaravan service point (€ 4). Shop.

Restaurant, bar and takeaway (13/4-15/9). Covered, heated swimming and paddling pools. Games hall. Play area. Football field. Minigolf. Communal barbecue area.

Activities for children and adults (July/Aug). Bicycle hire.

Internet access and WiFi in reception area (charged).

Off site: Beach 250 m.

From N165 take either exit for Kervidanou, Quimperlé Ouest or Kergostiou, Quimperlé Centre, Clohars Carnoët exit and follow D16 to Clohars Carnoët.

Then take D24 for Le Pouldu and follow site signs in village. GPS: 47.76867, -3.54508

Charges guide Per unit incl. 2 persons and electricity extra person child (under 7 yrs) dog

€ 10.50 - € 31.50 € 3.95 - € 5.90 € 2.80 - € 3.80 € 2.70

Open: 13 April - 23 September.

Camping Vela Blu Via Radaelli 10, I-30013 Cavallino-Treporti (Veneto), Italy T: 041 968 068. E: info@velablu.it

alanrogers.com/IT60280 Thoughtfully landscaped within a natural wooded coastal environment, the tall pines here give shade, while attractive flowers enhance the setting and paved roads give easy access to most pitches. The 241 pitches (137 for tourers) vary in size (55-90 sq.m) and shape, but all have 10/16A electricity and 80 have drainage. Vela Blu is a smaller family style site and a pleasant alternative to the other massive sites on Cavallino. It is a popular destination for Italian families, booking is essential for high season and national holidays. A substantial swimming pool with mini water park was added in 2010. A clean, fine sandy beach runs the length of one side of the site with large stone breakwaters for fun and fishing. The beach is fenced, making it safer for children, with access via a gate and there are lifeguards in season. There are outdoor showers. The hub of the site is the charming restaurant adjoining a soft sand play area, barbecue terrace and entertainment stage. A well stocked shop is also in this area. For those who enjoy a small site, Vela Blu fits the bill. The entrance can become congested in busy periods due to limited waiting space.

Facilities

Directions

Two modern, well maintained toilet blocks include baby rooms and good facilities for disabled visitors. An attendant is on hand to maintain high standards.

Laundry facilities. Motorcaravan service point. Medical room. Shop. Bar. Gelateria. Restaurant and takeaway.

New swimming pool complex. Games room. Satellite ` TV room. Pedaloes. Windsurfing. Fishing. Bicycle hire.

Entertainment. Charcoal barbecues are not permitted.

WiFi (charged). Off site: Bars, restaurants and shops.

Buses connect with ferry to Venice.

Leave A4 Venice-Trieste motorway at exit for Aeroporto. Follow signs for Jesolo and Punta Sabbioni. Site is signed after village of Cavallino.

GPS: 45.45681, 12.5072

Charges 2013 Per unit incl. 2 persons and all services extra person

€ 18.70 - € 48.60 € 4.60 - € 10.30

Open: Easter - 30 September.

6

7

Alan Rogers Active Holiday Award 2012 – RUNNERS-UP

Alan Rogers Active Holiday Award 2012

Alan Rogers Active Holiday Award

Alan Rogers Active Holiday Award

This award reflects sites in outstanding locations which are ideally suited for active holidays, notably walking and cycling, but which could extend to include such activities as winter sports or watersports.

Caravan Park Sexten Saint Josef Strasse 54, I-39030 Sexten (Trentino - Alto Adige), Italy T: 047 471 0444.

E: info@caravanparksexten.it alanrogers.com/IT62030

Camping Wulfener Hals Wulfener Hals Weg 100, D-23769 Wulfen auf Fehmarn (Schleswig-Holstein), Germany

alanrogers.com/DE3003 This is a top class, all year round site suitable as a stopover or as a base for a longer stay. Attractively situated by the sea, it is a large, mature site (34 hectares) and is well maintained. It has over 800 individual pitches (half for touring) of up to 160 sq.m. in glades. Some are separated by bushes providing shade in the older parts, less so in the newer areas nearer the sea. There are many hardstandings and all pitches have electricity, water and drainage. A separate area has been developed for motorcaravans. It provides 60 extra large pitches, all with electricity, water and drainage, and some with TV aerial points, together with a new toilet block. There is much to do for young and old alike at Wulfener Hals, with a new heated outdoor pool and paddling pool (unsupervised), although the sea is naturally popular as well. The site also has many sporting facilities including its own golf courses and schools for watersports. A member of Leading Campings group.

Caravan Park Sexten is 1,520 metres above sea level and has 268 pitches, some very large and all with 16A electricity, TV connections and water and drainage in summer and winter (underground heating stops pipes freezing). Some pitches are in the open to catch the sun, others are tucked in forest clearings by the river. They are mostly gravelled to provide an ideal all year surface. It is the facilities that make this a truly remarkable site; no expense or effort has been spared to create a luxurious environment that matches that of any top class hotel. The health spa has every type of sauna, Turkish and Roman baths, sun beds, herbal and hay baths, hairdressing and beauty treatment salons, relaxation and massage rooms and a remarkable indoor pool, Kneipp therapy pool and whirlpools. The timber of the buildings is from 400-year-old farmhouses and is blended with top quality modern materials to create amazing interiors and (mainly) authentic Tyrolean exteriors.

Sexten is in the Dolomites, in the German-speaking Südtirol, where the scenery is spectacular and there is a wide variety of activities on offer, from gentle walking to extreme summer and winter sports.

Facilities

Directions From Bressanone/Brixen exit on A22 BrennerModena motorway follow SS49 east for 60 km. Turn south on SS52 at Innichen/S Candido. Follow signs to Sexten. Site is 5 km. past village (signed).

GPS: 46.66727, 12.40221

Facilities

Directions

Five heated sanitary buildings have first class facilities including showers and both open washbasins and private cabins. Family bathrooms for rent. Facilities for children and disabled campers. Beauty, wellness and cosmetic facilities. Laundry. Motorcaravan services.

Shop, bar, restaurants and takeaway (April-Oct).

Swimming pool (May-Oct). Sauna. Solarium. Jacuzzi.

Sailing, catamaran, windsurfing and diving schools. Boat slipway. Golf courses (18 holes, par 72 and 9 holes, par 3). Riding. Fishing. Archery. Well organised and varied entertainment programmes for children of all ages.

Bicycle hire. Catamaran hire. Off site: Naturist beach 500 m. Village mini-market 2 km.

From Hamburg take A1/E47 north towards Puttgarden, after crossing the bridge to Fehmarn first exit to the right to Avendorf. In Avendorf turn left and follow the signs for Wulfen and the site.

GPS: 54.40805, 11.17374

The three main toilet blocks are remarkable in design, fixtures and fittings. Heated floors. Controllable showers.

Hairdryers. Luxurious private facilities to rent. Children and baby rooms. En-suite facilities for disabled visitors.

Laundry and drying room. Motorcaravan services. Shop.

Bars and restaurants with entertainment 2-3 nights a week. Indoor pool. Heated outdoor pool (1/6-30/9).

High quality health spa. Tennis. Bicycle hire. Climbing wall. Fishing. Adventure activity packages. Internet access and WiFi (whole site). Off site: Skiing in winter (free bus to 2 ski lifts within 5 km). Walking, cycling and climbing. Fishing. Riding and golf nearby.

Charges guide

Open: All year.

Open: All year.

Per unit incl. 2 persons and electricity € 13.50 - € 42.00 extra person € 4.30 - € 9.00 child (2-12 yrs) € 2.50 - € 6.00 dog € 1.00 - € 7.50 Plus surcharges for larger pitches.

Many discounts available and special family prices.

Per unit incl. 2 persons extra person electricity (per kWh)

€ 22.00 - € 49.00 € 8.00 - € 13.00 € 0.70

Camping Seehof Reintalersee, Moosen 42, A-6233 Kramsach (Tirol), Austria T: 053 376 3541.

E: info@camping-seehof.com alanrogers.com/AU0065

Seehof is a family run site and excellent in every respect. It is situated in a marvellous, sunny and peaceful location on the eastern shores of the Reintalersee lake. The site’s comfortable restaurant has a terrace with lake and mountain views and serves local dishes as well as homemade cakes and ice cream.

The site is in two areas: a small one next to the lake is ideal for sunbathing, the other larger one adjoins the excellent sanitary block. There are 170 pitches, 130 of which are for touring, served by good access roads and with electricity (Europlug) and TV points; 100 pitches are fully serviced. Seehof provides an ideal starting point for walking, cycling and riding (with a riding stable nearby) and skiing in winter. The Alpbachtal Seeland card is available without cost at reception and allows free bus transport and free daily entry to many worthwhile attractions in the region.

Facilities

Directions

The sanitary facilities are first class and include ten bathrooms to rent for private use. Baby room. Facilities for disabled visitors. Dog shower. Washing machine and dryer. Ski room. Motorcaravan service point. Small shop. Good restaurant. Playground. WiFi over site (charged). Bicycle hire. Fishing. Apartments to rent.

Renovated fitness and play rooms. Off site: Tiroler farmhouse museum 1 km. Kramsach 3 km. Rottenberg 4 km. Swarovski Kristallwelten. Zillertal. Innsbruck.

Kufstein.

From A12 take Kramsach exit and follow signs for Zu den Seen past Camping Krummsee and northern shore of lake, then right at crossroads. Camping Seehof (300 m) is the first campsite you reach. New driveway and reception on left. To avoid mountain trail, do not use sat nav. GPS: 47.46188, 11.90734

Open: All year.

8

Charges guide

Charges guide Per unit incl. 2 persons and electricity extra person child (2-14 yrs)

€ 17.30 - € 26.30 € 4.60 - € 6.90 € 3.00 - € 4.50

9

Alan Rogers Innovation Award 2012 – RUNNERS-UP

Alan Rogers Innovation Award 2012

Domaine les Moulins 54 rue des Moulins, F-85680 La Guérinière (Vendée), France T: 02 51 39 51 38.

E: contact@camping-les-moulins.com alanrogers.com/FR85625

Camping De Papillon Kanaalweg 30, NL-7591 NH Denekamp (Overijssel), Netherlands T: 0541 351 670. E: info@depapillon.nl

alanrogers.com/NL6470 De Papillon is perhaps one of the best and most enjoyable campsites in the Netherlands. All 245 touring pitches are spacious (120-160 sq.m), all have electricity (4/10/16A), and 220 have water and drainage. An impressive, new sanitary block has state-of-the-art equipment and uses green technology. There is a new entertainment centre with outdoor auditorium for children, and the water play area by the adventure playground and covered, heated pool is among the most imaginative and exciting we have seen. The restored heathland area offers opportunities for nature lovers; there is also a large fishing lake and a swimming lake with beach area and activities. This friendly, welcoming site is well thought through with an eye for detail and an appreciation of nature and the environment. Waste water from the showers is used to flush the toilets, all buildings are heated by solar energy. All waste is separated for recycling. This is a great destination for a holiday amongst nature and the green countryside of the Twente region. A trip into Germany is quick and easy.

Facilities

Directions

Two large sanitary buildings (one new for 2012) with showers, toilets, washbasins in cabins, facilities for babies and for disabled visitors. Laundry room.

Spacious reception area with supermarket, restaurant, bar and takeaway. Heated pool with children’s pool and sliding roof. Lake swimming with sandy beach. New modern adventure play area and smaller play areas.

Pétanque. Bicycle hire. Fishing pond. Tennis. Pets to stroke. Max. 1 dog. Luxury bungalows to rent (good views). New water spray park for children up to 13 yrs.

Free WiFi over site. Off site: Riding 12 km. Golf 15 km.

From the A1 take exit 32 (Oldenzaal-Denekamp) and continue to Denekamp. Pass Denekamp and turn right at village of Noord-Deurningen and follow signs to site. GPS: 52.39200, 7.04900

Open: 1 April - 1 October.

New owners have completely transformed this site on the Ile de Noirmoutier, making it an ideal choice for a seaside holiday in a car-free domaine. It is on the edge of a forest with direct access across the dunes to a pleasant sandy beach. One area has 48 touring pitches on generally level ground and separated by hedges; all have 10A electricity and seven also have water and drainage. Two other areas have an impressive range of innovative tented accommodation, fully in keeping with the forest setting. Seven special lodges with sea views (Original lodges) provide high quality equipment and services including private jacuzzis. The heated pool has two paddling pools and a jacuzzi, whilst the bar serves a full range of meals and snacks.

Other facilities are of an equally high standard, with attention to detail in evidence everywhere – there is even a soap dispenser and hand-dryer by the WCs. A group of small buildings surrounding a courtyard houses a fitness room, a small theatre/cinema and a wellness suite with jacuzzi, hammam and treatment rooms. WiFi is free and available throughout the site. Although the adjacent sandy beach is only suitable for swimming at high tide, the island has plenty of other beaches where swimming is possible at all times.

Facilities

Directions

Two modern, very well equipped sanitary blocks provide unisex, preset showers and washbasins, segregated WCs with hand washing, good facilities for babies and disabled visitors. Washing machines and dryers.

Motorcaravan service point. Bar/restaurant and takeaway service (Jul/Aug; weekends May-Sept).

Heated pool complex with paddling pools and jacuzzi (15/4-15/9). Wellness suite. Small gym. WiFi (charged).

Multisports court. Pétanque. Bicycle hire. Off site: Small supermarket outside entrance.

The Ile de Noirmoutier is 70 km. southwest of Nantes. At la Barre-de-Monts take D38 across bridge to island and continue to fifth roundabout.

Take exit for La Guérinière and immediately turn left to site. GPS: 46.966233, -2.217173

Charges guide Per unit incl. 2 persons and electricity extra person

€ 22.00 - € 42.00 € 4.00 - € 7.00

Open: 11 April - 30 September.

Charges guide Per unit incl. 2 persons and 4A electricity incl. full services extra person

Alan Rogers Innovation Award

Alan Rogers Innovation Award

Our new Innovation Award acknowledges campsites with creative and original concepts, possibly with features which are unique, and cannot therefore be found elsewhere. We have identified innovation both in campsite amenities and also in rentable accommodation.

€ 27.00 € 30.25 € 4.25

Camping Monte Holiday Ctra Rascafria-Lozoya km. 9, Finca El Tercio Nuevo s/n, E-28739 Gargantilla de Lozoya, Spain T: 918 695 278. E: monteholiday@monteholiday.com alanrogers.com/ES92120

The Somosierra offers spectacular scenery and is very popular with Spanish skiers. This site is situated in an open, sunny lower valley, in the Madrid area’s only beech forest near a large nature reserve. The area is ideal for anglers and walkers and also offers many opportunities for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

The site is on terraces and has 308 small pitches with 100 for touring (50 with electricity 5/7A Europlug; long leads required in some areas). These pitches are mainly flat with grass or gravel surfaces and shade from mature trees, but unfortunately are very uneven. The upper area is taken by permanent units. The site has an attractive pool. The bar/restaurant offers a limited range of meals including some regional dishes. The strength of this site is the range of adventure and outdoor activities in the nearby mountains. There is horse riding in the area and skiing on the nearby slopes in winter. On site, less arduous activities are also organised for children (high season). From here it is possible to enjoy the wonderful Somosierra mountains or even to make a short trip to Spain’s exciting capital, Madrid.

Facilities

Directions

The modern, heated and well equipped toilet block is well maintained. Facilities for disabled visitors and babies. Laundry facilities. Motorcaravan services. Shop.

Bar and fair quality restaurant (15/6-15/9, bank holidays and weekends). Swimming pool (mid June-mid Sept).

Multisports court. Tennis. Beach volleyball. Play area.

Gas supplies. Barbecues are not permitted 15/5-31/10.

Bicycle hire. WiFi (free). Off site: Mountain trips, guided climbs. Fishing 1 km. Skiing 20 minutes. Riding 8 km.

From A1 motorway (Burgos-Madrid) take exit 69 towards Rascafria. Turn right after passing under a railway tunnel and site is on left after 800 m.

GPS: 40.949917, -3.729267

Charges guide Per unit incl. 2 persons and electricity extra person

€ 27.10 - € 29.90 € 6.40

Open: 1 April - 15 October.

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11

Alan Rogers Small Campsite Award 2012 – RUNNERS-UP

Alan Rogers Small Campsite Award 2012

Alan Rogers Small Campsite Award

Alan Rogers Small Campsite Award

This new award acknowledges excellent small campsites (less than 75 pitches) which offer a friendly welcome and top quality amenities to their guests throughout the season.

Tehidy Holiday Park Harris Mill, Illogan, Redruth TR16 4JQ (Cornwall), England T: 01209 216489.

E: holiday@tehidy.co.uk alanrogers.com/UK0115

Camping l’Etang de la Fougeraie Hameau de Champs, F-58120 Saint Léger-de-Fougeret (Nièvre), France T: 03 86 85 11 85.

E: campingfougeraie@orange.fr alanrogers.com/FR58040

This is a quiet and peaceful, spacious campsite laid out on a hillside deep in the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan, with views over the lake, meadows and surrounding hills. The spring water lake is ideal for fishing and swimming. There is a small bar and restaurant serving good quality regional meals and a well stocked shop with local produce. There are 73 terraced pitches, with 67 for touring, 45 with electricity (10/16A). The site is not suitable for double-axle or large outfits, or people with walking difficulties, as the site roads are steep and narrow.

Large RVs are not accepted. Here is a place where you can sit back and relax after a day exploring the surrounding peaceful countryside lying within the Parc du Morvan. For those seeking the really quiet life there are ‘Introduction to Fishing’ courses when it may be possible to catch one of the summer trout or large 12 kg. carp. Fishing parties are welcome. For the more adventurous, a day hiking with donkeys is recommended. These excursions leave directly from the site. There are also several marked walks within the forest and information on routes and local fauna is available at reception.

Facilities

Directions

Traditional and modern buildings with all necessary facilities and a heated family/disabled room lie at the top of the site, a fair distance uphill from some pitches.

Washing machine and dryer. Shop. Bar and restaurant.

Free WiFi over part of site. Lake swimming. Fishing.

Playgrounds. Go-karts and all-terrain scooters for hire.

Caravan storage. American RVs not accepted, site not really suitable for large units. Chalets for rent with TV and DVD player. Off site: Riding 2 km. Shops, bank with ATM and services 7 km.

St Léger-de-Fougeret is 10 km. south of ChâteauChinon. From Château-Chinon take D27 south for 3 km, then fork right on D157 for 5.5 km. to St Léger. Continue through village, follow signs to site 1 km. GPS: 47.00587, 3.90548

Open: 1 April - 30 September.

Tehidy is a rather special, small park with an emphasis on the environment, so wild flowers abound and a note is kept of all bird sightings. Richard and his family have worked hard to ensure that the facilities on offer are of a high standard. Their newest development, in a secluded area at the top of the park, will provide camping pods, rather like a wooden tent with a hexagonal open cooking shelter. Tehidy also offers 28 level touring pitches all with 10A electricity, some with hardstanding, and 24 mobile homes and six bungalows cottages to let. The pitches are terraced where necessary and some are hedged, with others part fenced and with views across the countryside.

The owners live on site and are constantly looking for ways to make improvements and to provide a relaxing environment.

The setting on a wooded hillside is peaceful, with a stream at the bottom and direct access to a woodland walk alive with primroses and bluebells in spring. Whilst the grass is neatly cut, the banks are left for nature to develop. The nearest beach is at Portreath, which has a deep rock pool for This is surfing country but you can also windsurf at Saint Stithian’s reservoir.

Facilities

Directions

Modern fully equipped toilet block. Very smart en-suite family room doubles as a facility for disabled visitors.

Laundry facilities. Reception with shop area. Games room and tourist information. Play area with small trampoline. Netball. Picnic tables. Woodland walk. Local takeaway delivery. Pub and restaurant within walking distance. WiFi. Dogs are not accepted. Cottages and mobile homes for rent. Off site: Golf and bicycle hire 1 mile. Beach and riding 2.5 miles. Sailing 4 miles.

Leave A30 at Porthtowan and Portreath exit. Go right on roundabout to Portreath. Left at North Country crossroads. Follow signs to site.

GPS: 50.244939, -5.252935

Charges guide Per unit incl. 2 persons and electricity extra person

£ 15.00 - £ 24.00 £ 3.00

Open: 28 March - 1 November.

Charges guide Per unit incl. 2 persons and electricity extra person child (0-16 yrs) dog

€ 17.50 - € 19.00 € 5.30 € 2.80 - € 3.10 € 1.90

Camping Country Hluboke Masuvky 257, CZ-67152 Hluboke Masuvky (Jihomoravsky), Czech Republic T: 515 255 249. E: camping-country@cbox.cz alanrogers.com/CZ4896

Camping Country is a well cared for and attractively landscaped site close to the historical town of Znojmo. It is a rural location, in a wine growing region close to a national park, and with its small wine cellar, wine tasting evenings, small stables and riding school, barbecue and campfire areas, is an ideal site for a longer stay. Visitors will enjoy the new cycling routes which have been set out in the national park. Camping Country has 50 pitches (all for tourers), 30 with 16A electricity, on two fields – one behind the main house taking six or eight units, the other one larger with a gravel access road. The fields are connected by two wooden bridges (one is only fenced on one side). Varieties of low hedges and firs partly separate the pitches. To the front of the site is a paddock with two horses and facilities for minigolf, volleyball, basketball and tennis. In the garden of the main house is a paddling pool. Colourful flowers and trees give the site a pleasant atmosphere.

Facilities

Directions

Modern and comfortable toilet facilities provide British style toilets, open washbasins (cold water only) and free, controllable hot showers. Campers’ kitchen.

Bar/restaurant with one meal served daily. Play area.

Tennis. Minigolf. Riding. Some live music nights in high season. Internet and WiFi (charged). Only gas and electric barbecues allowed on pitches. Tours to Vienna, Brno and wine cellars organised. Torch useful.

Off site: Fishing and boat launching 2 km. Beach 10 km.

Coming from the northwest on the E59 road exit to the east at Kasarna onto the 408 road and continue north on the 361 road towards Hluboke Masuvky.

Site is well signed. GPS: 48.9192, 16.0256

Charges guide Per unit incl. 2 persons and electricity extra person child (3-12 yrs) dog

CZK 470 CZK 120 CZK 60 CZK 50

Open: 1 May - 31 October.

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13

Alan Rogers Seaside Award 2012 – RUNNERS-UP

Alan Rogers Seaside Award 2012

Alan Rogers Seaside Award

Alan Rogers Seaside Award

This award is made for sites which we feel are outstandingly suitable for a really excellent seaside holiday.

Camping le Pavillon Royal Avenue du Prince de Galles, F-64210 Bidart (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), France T: 05 59 23 00 54.

E: info@pavillon-royal.com alanrogers.com/FR64060

Camping Marina di Venezia Via Montello 6, I-30013 Punta Sabbioni (Veneto), Italy T: 041 530 2511. E: camping@marinadivenezia.it

alanrogers.com/IT60450 This is a very large site (2,901 pitches) with much the same atmosphere as many other large sites along this appealing stretch of coastline. Marina di Venezia, however, has the advantage of being within walking distance of the ferry to Venice. It will appeal particularly to those who enjoy an extensive range of entertainment and activities, and a lively atmosphere. Individual pitches are marked out on sandy or grassy ground, most separated by trees or hedges. They are of an average size for the region (around 80 sq.m) and all are equipped with electricity and water. The site’s excellent sandy beach is one of the widest along this stretch of coast and has five pleasant beach bars. The main pool is Olympic size and there is also a very large children’s pool adjacent. The magnificent Aqua Marina Park swimming pool complex is now open and offers amazing amenities (free to all campers), including three heated whirlpools. This is a well run site with committed management and staff.

Facilities

Directions

Nine modern toilet blocks are maintained to a high standard with good hot showers and a reasonable proportion of British style toilets. Good provision for disabled visitors. Washing machines and dryers. Range of shops. Several bars, restaurants and takeaways.

Swimming pool complex with slides and flumes. Several play areas. Tennis. Windsurf and catamaran hire. Wide range of organised entertainment. WiFi Internet access in all bars and cafés. Church. Special area and facilities for dog owners.

From A4 motorway, take Jesolo exit. After Jesolo continue towards Punta Sabbioni. Site is clearly signed to the left towards the end of this road, close to the Venice ferries. GPS: 45.43750, 12.43805

Open: 20 April - 30 September.

Charges guide Per unit incl. 2 persons and electricity extra person child or senior (2-5 and over 60) dog

Le Pavillon Royal has an excellent situation on raised ground overlooking the sea, with good views along the coast to the south and to the north coast of Spain beyond. There is a large heated swimming pool and sunbathing area in the centre of the site. The camping area is divided up into 303 marked, level pitches, many of a good size. About 50 are reserved for tents and are only accessible on foot. The remainder are connected by asphalt roads. All have electricity and most are fully serviced. Much of the campsite is in full sun, although the area for tents is shaded. Beneath the site – and only a very short walk down – stretches a wide sandy beach where the Atlantic rollers provide ideal conditions for surfing. A central, marked out section of the beach is supervised by lifeguards (from mid June). There is also a section with rocks and pools. Reservation in high season is advisable.

Facilities

Directions

Good quality toilet blocks with baby baths and two units for disabled visitors. Washing facilities (only two open at night). Washing machines, dryers. Motorcaravan services. Shop (including gas). Restaurant and takeaway (from 1/6). Bar (all season). Heated swimming and paddling pools. Playground. General room, TV room, games room, films. Fishing. Surf school. Fitness room.

Wellness (1/6-25/9). Dogs are not accepted. WiFi (charged). Off site: Golf 500 m. Bicycle hire 2 km.

Riding 3 km. Sailing 5 km. New oceanographic centre at Biarritz.

From A63 exit 4, take the N10 south towards Bidart.

At roundabout after the Intermarché supermarket turn right (signed for Biarritz). After 600 m. turn left at site sign. GPS: 43.45458, -1.57649

Charges guide Per unit incl. 2 persons, electricity and water tent pitch extra person (over 4 yrs)

€ 32.00 - € 55.00 € 26.00 - € 45.00 € 8.00 - € 12.00

Open: 14 May - 30 September.

Yelloh! Village Turiscampo EN125, Espiche, Luz, P-8600 Lagos (Faro), Portugal T: 282 789 265. E: info@turiscampo.com

€ 21.40 - € 47.70 € 4.60 - € 10.50 € 3.80 - € 8.50 € 1.30 - € 4.20

alanrogers.com/PO8202 This good quality site has been thoughtfully refurbished and updated since it was purchased by the friendly Coll family, who are known to us from their previous Spanish site. The site provides 206 pitches (70 sq.m) for touring units, mainly in rows of terraces, all with electricity (6/10A) and some with shade.

Thirty-six deluxe pitches have water and waste water. The upper areas of the site are mainly used for bungalow accommodation (and are generally separate from the touring areas). A new, elevated, Californian-style pool and a children’s pool have been constructed. The supporting structure is a clever water cascade and surround, with a large sun lounger area on astroturf. One side of the pool area is open to the road.

The restaurant/bar has been tastefully refurbished and Roberto and his staff are delighted to use their excellent English, providing good fare at most reasonable prices. The restaurant has two patios, one used for live entertainment and discos in season, and the other for dining out. The sea is 2 km. away and the city of Lagos 4 km. with all the attractions of the Algarve within easy reach. This is a very good site for families and for ‘snowbirds’ to over-winter.

Facilities

Directions

Four toilet blocks are well located around the site.

Two have been refurbished, two are new and contain modern facilities for disabled campers. Hot water throughout. Facilities for children. Dog shower. Washing machines. Shop. Gas. Restaurant/bar. Swimming pool (Mar-Oct) with new jacuzzi. New wellness facility (2012).

Bicycle hire. Entertainment in high season on the bar terrace. Two playgrounds. Adult art workshops. Miniclub (5-12 yrs) in season. Boules. Archery. Sports field. Cable TV. WiFi (charged). Bungalows to rent. Off site: Fishing and beach 2 km. Golf 3 km. Sailing 5 km.

Take exit 1 from the N125 Lagos-Vila do Bispo.

The impressive entrance is 3 km. on the right.

GPS: 37.10111, -8.73278

Charges guide Per person child (5-10 yrs) pitch electricity

€ 6.50 € 3.30 € 22.70 € 3.50

Open: All year.

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15

Alan Rogers Country Award 2012 – RUNNERS-UP

Alan Rogers Country Award 2012

Alan Rogers Country Award

Alan Rogers Country Award

This award contrasts with our former award and acknowledges sites which are attractively located in delightful, rural locations.

Hidden Valley Touring & Camping Park West Down, Ilfracombe EX34 8NU (Devon), England T: 01271 813837.

E: relax@hiddenvalleypark.com alanrogers.com/UK0710

Camping les Dômes de Miage 197 route des Contamines, F-74170 Saint Gervais-les-Bains (Haute-Savoie), France T: 04 50 93 45 96.

E: info@www.natureandlodge.fr alanrogers.com/FR74140

Saint Gervais is a pretty spa town in the picturesque ValMonjoie valley and this site is 2 km. from its centre. It is 22 km. west of Chamonix and centrally located for discovering this marvellous mountain region. Nestled among the mountains, this sheltered, well equipped site provides 150 flat, grassy pitches. Of a good size, about half have shade and there are 100 with electricity points (10A). The remainder on terraced ground are used for tents. Third generation hosts, Stéphane and Sophie, will welcome you to the site and their passion for this area at the foot of Mont Blanc is infectious. A number of Savoyard style chalets to let are planned for the future. This is a good site for large motorcaravans. There is no on-site entertainment programme, but a wealth of information about the area and activities available nearby is provided at reception, where they will help you plan your itinerary. The region is good for walking and there is a bus service into Saint Gervais, from where there is a frequent shuttle bus to its spa, and a tramway to the Mont Blanc range. There is also good public transport between the town and Chamonix.

Facilities Two sanitary blocks, one heated, with a suite for disabled visitors and baby room. Washing machines, dryer and ironing board. Motorcaravan services. Small basic shop. Bar/restaurant. TV room. Library. Excellent playground. Playing field. WiFi (free). Off site: Fishing 100 m. Bicycle hire 1 km. Riding 7 km. Shops, etc. and outdoor swimming pool in Saint Gervais.

Open: 6 May - 15 September.

Directions From St Gervais take D902 towards Les Contamines and site is on left after 2 km.

GPS: 45.87389, 6.7199

Charges guide Per unit incl. 2 persons and electricity extra person child (2-9 yrs) dog

The owners, the Legg family, run this aptly named family park to high standards. In a sheltered valley setting between Barnstaple and Ilfracombe, beside a small stream and lake (with ducks), it is most attractive and is also convenient for several resorts, beaches and the surrounding countryside. The original part of the park offers some 67 level pitches (standard, large, super and premium pitch options) on three sheltered terraces. On hardstanding, all have 16A electricity and TV connections (leads for hire), with a water point between each pitch. Kingfisher Meadow, a little way from the main facilities and reached by a tarmac road, provides a further 58 pitches.

These are entirely on grass (so suitable for campers with tents) and all have electricity, water, drain and TV hook-up. Two good adventure play areas have wooden equipment and safe bark surfaces (one near a fast flowing stream which is fenced). There is a well stocked shop and a coffee shop serving breakfast and light lunches.

Essentially this is a park for those seeking good quality facilities in very attractive, natural surroundings, without too many man-made distractions – apart from some traffic noise during the daytime. It provides a relaxed setting with woodland walks direct from the site.

Facilities

Directions

Two modern heated toilet blocks are tiled and have nonslip floors. Some washbasins in cubicles, some en-suite with toilets in the Kingfisher Meadow block. Bathroom.

Baby room. Complete facilities for disabled visitors.

Laundry facilities. Motorcaravan service facilities. Gas supplies. Shop. Coffee shop. Play areas. Dogs exercise area. Caravan storage. Off site: Fishing and golf 2 miles.

Bicycle hire 4 miles. Beach 4.5 miles. Riding 5 miles.

Park is on A361 Barnstaple-Ilfracombe road, 3.5 miles after Braunton. GPS: 51.146533, -4.14555

Charges guide Per unit incl. 2 persons extra person child (2-15 yrs) dog Discounts for over 50s.

£ 16.00 - £ 40.00 £ 3.00 - £ 5.00 free - £ 4.00 £ 1.50

Open: All year.

Camping Waalstrand € 22.90 - € 28.50 € 3.00 - € 5.50 € 2.50 - € 4.50 free - € 2.00

Waaldijk 23A, NL-6691 MB Gendt (Gelderland), Netherlands T: 0481 421 604.

E: info@waalstrand.nl alanrogers.com/NL5823

Camping Waalstrand lies just outside the village of Gendt. It is stretched out along the banks of the River Waal and backed by a dyke separating the river from the town. Many of the pitches have good views of the various boats plying the river.

Surrounding the campsite is an excellent nature reserve, the Gelderese Poort, an extensive delta of river dunes, lowland forests and meadows with many walks and cycle routes. This is a quiet campsite with no organised entertainment. There are 150 medium size, level, unshaded, grassy pitches with 90 for touring. All pitches have 6A electricity and a TV hook-up.

Access is good for large outfits. The campsite has a pleasant snack bar and a terrace overlooking the river. The swimming pool and beach area make it an excellent site for children, and within a short distance are the well known ancient cities of Arnhem and Nijmegen with their interesting old quarters and historical connections to World War Two. Gendt, the local town, has a supermarket and various shops and restaurants.

Facilities

Directions

Modern clean toilet block with all necessary facilities.

Washing machine/dryer. Outdoor swimming pool. Café.

Terrace. Play area. Boules. Large chess set. Small sandy river beach and boat ramp. Bike hire.

Motorcaravan services. Fishing. WiFi (charged). Dogs are welcome in a small area of the site and limited to one dog per pitch. Off site: Gelderse Poort National Park. Arnhem, many ancient buildings, shops, bars, cafés, zoo. World War II museum. Nijmegen, the Netherlands’ oldest city. Many marked walks and cycle tracks. Boating on river. River ferries.

Leave A15 motorway at Bemmel between Nijmegen and Arnhem, signed Gendt (7 km). Site is signed from Gendt. GPS: 51.87597, 5.98897

Charges 2012 Per unit incl. 2 persons and electricity extra person dog No credit cards.

€ 25.40 € 5.00 € 3.50

Open: 1 April - 1 October.

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17

Alan Rogers Family Site Award 2012 – RUNNERS-UP

Alan Rogers Family Site Award 2012

Alan Rogers Family Site Award

Alan Rogers Family Site Award

Many sites claim to be child friendly but this award acknowledges the sites we feel to be the very best in this respect.

Recreatiepark De Achterste Hof Troprijt 10, NL-5531 NA Bladel (Noord-Brabant), Netherlands T: 0497 381 579.

E: info@achterstehoef.nl alanrogers.com/NL6710

Camping Union Lido Vacanze Via Fausta 258, I-30013 Cavallino-Treporti (Veneto), Italy T: 041 257 5111. E: info@unionlido.com

alanrogers.com/IT60200 This amazing site is very large, offering everything a camper could wish for. It is extremely well organised and it has been said to set the standard that others follow. It lies right beside the sea with direct access to a 1.2 km. long, broad sandy beach which shelves very gradually and provides very safe bathing (there are lifeguards). The site itself is regularly laid out with parallel access roads under a covering of poplars, pine and other trees providing good shade. There are 2,200 pitches for touring units, all with 6/10A electricity and 1,749 also have water and drainage. Because of the size of the site, there is an internal road train and amenities are repeated across the site (cycling is not permitted and cars are parked away from the pitches). You really would not need to leave this site as everything is here, including a sophisticated wellness centre. Overnight parking is provided outside the gate with electricity, toilets and showers for those arriving after 21.00. There are two aqua parks, one with fine sandy beaches (a first in Europe) and both with swimming pools, lagoon pools for children, a heated whirlpool and a slow flowing 160 m. ‘river’. A huge selection of sports is offered, along with luxury amenities too numerous to list. Entertainment and fitness programmes are organised in season. The golf academy (with a professional) has a driving range, pitching green, putting green and practice bunker, and a diving centre offers lessons and open water diving. Union Lido is above all an orderly and clean site, which is achieved by reasonable regulations to ensure quiet, comfortable camping, and by good management.

Facilities

Directions

Fourteen well kept, fully equipped toilet blocks open and close progressively during the season; 11 have facilities for disabled visitors. Launderette. Motorcaravan service points. Gas supplies. Comprehensive shopping areas set around a pleasant piazza (all open till late). Eight restaurants each with a different style plus 11 pleasant and lively bars (all services open all season). Impressive aqua parks (all season). Tennis. Riding. Minigolf. Skating.

Bicycle hire. Archery. Two fitness tracks in 4 ha. natural park with play area and supervised play for children.

Golf academy. Diving centre and school. Windsurfing school in season. Boat excursions. Recreational events.

Church service in English in July/Aug. Hairdressers.

Internet cafés. ATM. Dogs are not accepted. WiFi throughout (charged). Off site: Boat launching 3.5 km.

Aqualandia (special rates)

From Venice-Trieste autostrada leave at exit for airport or Quarto d’Altino and follow signs first for Jesolo and then Punta Sabbioni, and site will be seen just after Cavallino on the left.

GPS: 45.467883, 12.530367

Open: 24 April - 29 September (with all services).

Charges guide Per unit incl. 2 persons and electricity € 25.70 - € 50.10 with services € 29.20 - € 68.50 extra person € 6.60 - € 11.80 child (1-11 yrs acc. to age) € 3.70 - € 9.70 Three different seasons: (i) high season 29/6-31/8; (ii) mid-season 18/5-29/6 and 31/8-14/9, and (iii) off-season, outside these dates.

This quite large campsite is to be found off the N284 at Bladel in Noord-Brabant. It is an ideal location for cycling and walking and is close to the Belgian border. A family-oriented site, it offers good quality facilities which are well maintained and kept very clean. There are 390 touring pitches, all fully serviced and 22 with their own sanitation, sited near the lake. The touring pitches are 100-150 sq.m. in size with many amongst the trees, but some are on open meadows and some divided by young shrubs. There are also seasonal and static caravan places, but these are kept apart and mostly in one area. On entering the site you find all the main service buildings alongside reception.

Opposite reception is an interestingly landscaped minigolf. To the rear of the site is a lake and beach area, with a section for swimming. Activities are organised in high season. Opposite the site is a new 9-hole golf course.

Facilities

Directions

Four sanitary blocks have showers, washbasins, both open and in cabins, a bathroom and a baby bath.

Washing machine and dryer. Motorcaravan service point. Supermarket, restaurant/bar and snack bar (29/3-29/9). Heated indoor (29/3-29/9) and outdoor (27/4-31/8) swimming pools. Disco. Football. Tennis.

Minigolf. Bicycle hire. Watersports. Play areas (including indoor). Animal corner. Internet access and WiFi over site (charged). Organised activities in July/Aug. Max. 2 dogs. Off site: Fishing 3 km. Riding 15 km.

Travelling east or west on the N284 EindhovenReusel Road turn south at second traffic lights in Bladel and follow camping signs to site.

GPS: 51.34406, 5.226939

Charges guide Per unit incl. 2 persons and electricity with own sanitary unit extra person dog (max. 2)

€ 23.05 - € 37.60 € 31.05 - € 50.60 € 2.25 - € 5.10 € 2.25 - € 5.10

Open: 16 April - 30 September.

Camping La Torre del Sol Ctra N340 km. 1136, E-43300 Montroig (Tarragona), Spain T: 977 810 486.

E: info@latorredelsol.com alanrogers.com/ES85400

A pleasant banana tree-lined approach road gives way to avenues of palms as you arrive at Torre del Sol. This is a very large, well designed site occupying a good position in the south of Catalunya with direct access to the soft sand beach. The site is exceptionally well maintained by a large workforce. There is good shade on a high proportion of the 1,500 individual, numbered pitches (700 for touring). All have electricity and are mostly of about 90 sq.m. Strong features are 800 m. of clean beachfront, three attractive pools with two jacuzzis in the bar and restaurant area. A new seawater jacuzzi and Turkish sauna were opened in 2012. Occasional train noise on some pitches.

The cinema doubles as a theatre to stage shows all season.

The complex of three pools, thoughtfully laid out with grass sunbathing areas and palms, has a lifeguard. There is usually space for odd nights but for good places between 10/7-16/8 it is best to reserve. We were impressed with the provision of season-long entertainment, giving parents a break whilst children were in the safe hands of the activities team, who ensure they enjoy the Happy Camp and various workshops.

Facilities

Directions

Five very well maintained, fully equipped, toilet blocks include units for disabled visitors and babies and new facilities for children. Washing machines. Gas. Large supermarket, bakery and souvenir shops at entrance, open to public. Full restaurant. Takeaway. Bar with large terrace. Beach bar. Coffee bar and ice cream bar.

Cinema. TV lounges. Disco. Swimming pools (two heated). Solarium. Sauna. Two large jacuzzis. Seawater jacuzzi and Turkish sauna. Sports areas. Tennis.

Squash. Language school (Spanish). Minigolf. Sub-aqua diving (first dive free). Bicycle hire. Fishing. Windsurfing school. Crèche. WiFi. No dogs. No jet skis.

Entrance is off main N340 road by 1136 km. marker, 30 km. from Tarragona towards Valencia. From motorway take Cambrils exit and turn west on N340. GPS: 41.03707, 0.97478

Charges guide Per unit incl. 2 persons and electricity € 20.30 - € 66.55 extra person € 3.35 - € 9.90 child (0-10 yrs) free - € 7.85 Discounts in low season for longer stays.

Open: 19 May - 15 September.

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Alan Rogers Readers’ Award 2012

Alan Rogers Readers’ Award

We believe our Readers’ Award to be the most important. We simply invite our readers (by means of an on-line poll at www.alanrogers.com) to nominate the site they enjoyed most.

The outright winner for 2012 is:

Camping la Yole 13 chemin des Bosses, Orouet, F-85160 Saint Jean-de-Monts (Vendée), France T: 02 51 58 67 17.

E: contact@la-yole.com alanrogers.com/FR85150

La Yole is an attractive and well run site, two kilometres from a sandy beach. It offers 369 pitches, some of which are occupied by tour operators and mobile homes to rent. There are 180 touring pitches, most with shade and separated by bushes and trees. A newer area at the rear of the site is a little more open. All the pitches are of at least 100 sq.m. and have 10A electricity, water and drainage. The pool complex includes an attractive outdoor pool, a paddling pool, slide and an indoor heated pool with jacuzzi. There are also new gym facilities.

Entertainment is organised in high season. This is a clean and tidy site, ideal for families with children and you will receive a helpful and friendly welcome.

Facilities

Directions

Two toilet blocks include washbasins in cabins and facilities for disabled visitors and babies. A third block has a baby room. Laundry facilities. Shop (15/5-5/9).

Bar, restaurant and takeaway (1/5-10/9). Outdoor pool and paddling pool. Indoor heated pool with jacuzzi (all season, no shorts). Gym centre. Play area. Tennis.

Games room. Entertainment in high season. WiFi (charged). Gas barbecues only. Max. 1 dog.

Off site: Beach, bus service, bicycle hire 2 km. Riding 3 km. Fishing, golf and watersports 6 km.

Site is signed off the D38, 6 km. south of St Jeande-Monts in the village of Orouet. Coming from St Jean-de-Monts turn right at l’Oasis restaurant towards Mouette and follow signs to site.

GPS: 46.75659, -2.00792

Open: 2 April - 26 September.

Charges guide Per unit incl. 2 persons, electricity and water extra person child (under 9 yrs) dog

€ 18.00 - € 31.00 € 4.00 - € 7.00 free - € 6.50 € 5.00 - € 7.00

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