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Camping has recently enjoyed a huge surge in popularity in Spain
Campervans | City Campsite | Coastal Campsite | Inland Campsite
Camping has recently enjoyed a huge surge in popularity. From being the preserve of socks-and-sandals, thermos-of-tea types, it has evolved into the trendy travel alternative for free-spirited, independent types who prefer to wake to the sound of birdsong rather than the sound of traffic, enjoy cooking up their meals on a stove and relish the beautiful rural settings. And Andalucía is one of the best places to camp, with a stunning variety of rural landscapes to choose from: mountains, rolling countryside, beaches and woodlands, although they can also be conveniently located just outside towns or cities. A great way to experience nature at first hand, camping is also the cheapest form of accommodation - and the most flexible. Whether you're a family looking for an active, outdoorsy holiday or a group of friends who want to be near the action but are on a tight budget, camping offers an affordable and rewarding way to see the south of Spain.
Registered camp sites
There are nearly 200 registered camping grounds around Andalucía, divided into 1st, 2nd and 3rd categories according to the facilities available. Most camp sites are only open in summer and can get extremely busy in peak season, so book ahead.
As a general guide there are three categories. Third will have basic amenities such as showers and toilets. Second will also have a swimming pool, bar, cafeteria and/or restaurant and hot water, as well as laundry, and telephone. First will be well-equipped with a supermarket and even, in larger camp sites, a post office and money exchange. Other amenities might include a children's play area, and sports facilities such as tennis and racquetball courts. Some camping grounds will also have bungalows, complete with toilet, TV and kitchen, should you prefer a roof over your head!
It is worth considering these categories when deciding where to pitch your tent: do you have your own transport? If not, choose a camp site either within walking distance of a town or with its own supermarket (1st) and/or café/restaurant (1st and 2nd). How long are you planning to stay in your accommodation? If more than a week, laundry facilities will come in handy (1st and 2nd).
Hiring a campervan is a great way to see Andalucia.
YURT CAMPING
Several locations now offer yurts to stay in, offering an experience halfway between a (posh) campsite and a guest house. They are usually deep in the countryside.
Yurts are round Mongolian structures which are provided by the owners. Such campsites are usually small and highly eco-friendly and self-sufficient, with solar-powered electricity and recycled waste water, as well as home-grown produce. They are comfortable, with proper beds or mattresses as well as, sometimes, private bathrooms.
Sleeping wild
In addition to the official camp sites, there are a number of other options for sleeping wild in rural Andalucía. National parks often have refugios or mountain shelters, marked on better maps, usually basic accommodation with limited cooking and washing facilities, although some are more like guesthouses. Free camping areas can also be found in and near some national parks. Otherwise, if you ask permission to camp on private land, you may get lucky.
With its appealing and varied coastline, it's not surprising that many of Andalucía's camping grounds are by the seaside. However, bear in mind that although it is widely practised, especially in the summer months, camping on the beach itself is actually not allowed in most areas. Although tolerated, it is discouraged, and some local by-laws officially forbid visitors from camping on the beach: be warned, as you may be fined. Take care of the environment – fires are a constant hazard in this tinder-dry landscape – and be aware that others may be using the beach for their own reasons. The good news about seaside camping in Andalucía is that in summer, larger (official) seaside camp sites become party centres in their own right.
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| San José, Almeria
Camping Tau, 2nd Cat, Bda.
San José, Bancalón de Sotillo, s/n. |
Roquetas del
Mar, Almeria
Camping Roquetas, 2nd Cat, Ctra.
Los Parrales, s/n. |
| Almuñecar,
Granada
Camping El Paraiso, 2nd Cat, Tatamay,
Tel: +34 958 632 370 |
Torre del
Mar, Málaga
Camping La Laguna, 1st Cat, c/Paraja
La Laguna, Tel: +34 952 540 631
West end of the promenade.
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Marbella, Málaga
Camping Playa Marbella, 2nd Cat, Ctra N340 Km 193. Tel: +34
952 833 998
Between the quiet beach and the coast road, shaded with pine
trees, 5km east of Marbella. 10A electric hook up available,
supermarket on site.
More info on Marbella
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Tarifa, Cádiz
Camping Torre de la Peña, 2nd Cat, Ctra N340 Km 78, Tel: +34
956 684 903
Terraced location with path down to beach, popular with windsurfers.
More info on Tarifa
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Caños de Meca,
Cádiz
Camping Faro de Trafalgar, 2nd Cat, Avda de las Acacais
More info
on Caños de Meca
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Matalascañas,
Cádiz
Camping Rocio Playa, 2nd Cat, Ctra
Huelva - Mataslascañas Km 42,2
Tel: +34 955 430238
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Isla Cristina,
Huelva
Camping Luz, 2nd Cat, Ctra La Antilla
- Isla Cristina Km 5.
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| Camping Park Pizarra, Pizarra
29560, Malaga. Tel +34 649 686 087 |
Flamenco Campervans Hire
Explore Andalusia on an amusing spotted VW Westfalia campervan from 72 €/day. Base at 10 min. from airport. |
Caracolvan Campervans Hire in Cadiz
A different way to discover Andalusia and enjoy your holidays. Be in touch with nature with complete freedom. Hire a Campervan. Find us at Jerez Airport (XRY) and Seville Airport (SVQ). |
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