Spain is well known for its beautiful beaches and glorious summer weather but if you would like to experience something other than the usual beachfront hotel package and see a different side of the country, a camping trip could be just the thing you are looking for.
As one of the largest countries in Europe, Spain has a vast range of camping sites to choose from so you are bound to find something to suit. From the snow-capped Pyrenees in the north to the olive groves and vineyards of the Costa Brava to the stunning architecture of Catalonia, this is truly a country with something for everyone.
Wherever you choose to visit, the reliability of the weather during the summer is tailor made for outdoor living meaning you can enjoy picnics and BBQs every day of your trip. You`ll also be able to take part in a range of additional activities from horseback riding and mountain hiking to kayaking or swimming in freshwater lakes.
There are plenty of budget sites close to the beach where you can combine the thrill of sleeping under the stars with sunbathing and swimming opportunities during the day, or there are sites featuring luxury Moroccan-style yurts that offer massage and spa therapy sessions on demand to provide the kind of glamorous camping experience that has become known as `glamping`.
Most Spanish camp sites have well-equipped shops while many have swimming pool complexes and even onsite restaurants making it easy to take a night off from doing the dishes. You can hire a car and travel from site to site, putting up your own tent as you go, or opt for pre-pitched tents to save time and energy.
Although you might think of camping as a summer-only activity, mild winters make Spain a great destination for camping all year round. Providing you have the right equipment and prepare in advance, you can enjoy far more freedom of choice, lower prices and fewer crowds if you avoid the peak times.
Whether you are traveling with a young family or as a group of adults, camping is a great opportunity to learn new skills, view the local wildlife and feel closer to the natural world.
Once you have experienced the thrill of camping in Spain, you may wish to venture further afield for your next trip. If you can`t wait for the summer to come around again, staying at the Eurocamp Madeira Beach Holiday Park in Florida, for example, will give you plenty of winter sunshine, access to white sand beaches and spectacular forest trails, as well as nearby theme parks and other attractions.