Italy

timber02

Does anybody know of a clean quiet, not too big campsite for us seniors near to a beach and walking distance to a village in Tuscany. They all look very big or up in the hills with not so good access. Never been too Italy so would very much appreciate any information, thank you.

eurortraveller

If you browse the ACSI Great little Campsites list (under 50 pitches) you might spot something, perhaps an agricampeggio site near the coast. But I have to say we went toTuscany three times for art, architecture, history, lifestyle and landscapes and never lingered long by the sea - we saw rows of people lying in lines on privatised, pay for entry beaches and they didn't appeal - but  the smaller hill villages in Tuscany and in Umbria as well were a pleasure, but we were always touring and not looking for a single destination site. I hope you find something.

timber02

Thank you very much for your comments.Having researched seaside campsites they do seem very big and commercialised so , as you say, we will look further afield in the smaller villages . Thank you again, much appreciated. 

eurortraveller

If you are willing to look inland you might perhaps like Camping Le Balze at Volterra - it's certainly not a large commercialised site and it might be rather too informal for some people as there are no defined, separated pitches - and certainly no neat, hedged gravel squares. The photos on the website show it as it is, and it's just a ten minute stroll to Volterra itself - a classic Italian walled, hilltop town. There are a few reviews on line if you hunt for them.

timber02

Many thanks for that , we will take a look. It’s kind of you to take the trouble.

Dave Nicholson

Depending on when you intend to go, the big sites are invariably clean and quiet. However those sites near to the beach will be be very busy (and not so quiet) during the first  three weeks of August and during Pentecost/ Pfingsten which this year is for two weeks commencing 2nd June.

Tuscany is a beautiful part of Italy but its not known for the best beaches. Sites along the north Adriatic coast between Venice and Trieste have better beaches. Many of the sites online this coast have their own private beaches which are not crowded at all outside the above dates. Pitches on the sites near to Venice tend to be on the small side but if you go further east the pitch sizes tend to be larger. Camping Capalonga in Bibione, mid way between Venice and Trieste, has a magnificent beach exclusive to the site and even in the peak times it’s not crowded because its so big. It’s a big site but outside the above dates it’s quiet and as a result of its layout it feels like a much smaller site. There are walks and cycle routes from the site and its adjacent to a village. The facilities and on site shops and restaurants are superb and not pricy.

timber02

Thank very much Dave, that’s extremely helpful, will take on board your comments and look at the site you mentioned.

 

artyboo

IMHO, Valle Gaia in Cecina is one of the best sites I have been to in Italy. It IS large but pitches tend to be quite private, especially on the upper terraces (you will €4 extra per night for upper terrace/serviced pitch). About a 20/30 min walk into town and a fab market on a Tuesday. Two restaurants on site. Two pools and a very nice calm relaxed atmosphere. It is the ACSI book. I have been there many times and will go again for a few nights in June this year.

I have to admit, I haven’t walked to the beach but I do believe it’s doable.

Kontikiboy

Hi Timber, 

We stayed at Valle Gaia last September and thoroughly enjoyed it.   The informal Pizza Restaurant was excellent and we didn’t see many pizzas.   Great Italian meals every night!    

Also, take a look at Camping Montescudaio.   This is in the same area as above but closer to Cecina and a 10 minute drive to the beach.   Good luck....

BillC