Camping Guide | Venetien

Veneto, nestled in northeastern Italy, stretches from the majestic Dolomites to the Adriatic coast. The region borders Trentino-South Tyrol, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, and Austria. It includes the provinces of Belluno, Padua, Rovigo, Treviso, Venice, Verona, and Vicenza. Arrival by car is straightforward via well-developed motorways. From Munich, you can reach Veneto in about 5.5 hours via the A8 and the Brenner motorway A22. The A22 is a toll road; expect about €25 in tolls to Verona. Those starting from Hamburg take the A7 and A9 and need about 11 hours. Coming from Switzerland, you drive via Zurich and the Gotthard Tunnel, then via Milan and Verona to Veneto. Alternatively, traveling by train is an option. There are direct connections from Munich to Verona several times a day. From there, you can reach various places in Veneto using regional trains. The airports of Venice (VCE) and Verona (VRN) are served by many German cities. From Venice airport, you can reach the city center or your campsite by bus or water taxi. From Verona airport, there is a shuttle bus to the main station, where you have train connections to the surrounding area. Within Veneto, you can move around well with regional trains and buses. The coastal region in particular is well-connected. For excursions into the Dolomites, a rental car is recommended. In Venice itself, public transport is the best choice as the city is car-free. Numerous ferries connect the islands of the lagoon. Cycling is also a good option for exploring the flat coastal areas and the hinterland.

Veneto can be roughly divided into four main regions, each with its own character and charm: The Dolomites in the north: This mountain region is a paradise for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers. Places like Cortina d'Ampezzo and Belluno offer numerous hiking trails and via ferratas. In winter, the snow-capped peaks attract skiers and snowboarders. Families feel just as comfortable here as ambitious sports enthusiasts. The campsites in the Dolomites are often smaller and close to nature. The Veneto Hills: South of the Dolomites lies a rolling landscape of hills with vineyards and medieval villages. This is where Valdobbiadene, the home of Prosecco, is located. The region is ideal for gourmets and those seeking peace and quiet. Visit the picturesque towns of Asolo and Bassano del Grappa. The hills are also well-suited for cyclists. Campsites are rather rare here, but there are several agriturismo farms with pitches. The Venetian Plain: The plain extends south of the hills and is characterized by agriculture and historic cities. Padua, Vicenza, and Verona are cultural highlights with impressive architecture and art. In Verona, you can visit the famous Arena and Juliet's House. Padua attracts visitors with the Basilica of Saint Anthony. The plain is easy to reach by train. Campsites can be found mainly near the cities. The Adriatic Coast: Veneto's coast stretches from Bibione in the north to the Po Delta in the south. Here you will find long sandy beaches, lively seaside resorts, and charming fishing villages. Jesolo, Caorle, and Lido di Venezia are popular destinations for families and sun worshippers. Venice itself is a unique experience, though expensive and often overcrowded. The campsites on the coast are mostly large and offer a wide range of activities and entertainment.

The camping landscape in Veneto is diverse and offers the right place for every taste and budget. In total, there are about 250 campsites in the region, most of which are located on the Adriatic coast. On the coast, large resort sites with pools, animation, and a wide range of leisure activities dominate. These sites are particularly popular with families. Inland, especially in the Dolomites and the hills, you will find smaller, nature-oriented sites. Some farms also offer agriturismo camping, where you can buy regional products directly from the producer. For motorhomes, there are special pitches, often near cities and sights. Prices for a pitch vary depending on the season, location, and facilities. In the high season (July/August), you should expect prices between €30 and €50 per night for a pitch for two people. In the low season (May/June and September/October), prices are significantly lower, often starting from €20 per night. The plots are usually between 80 and 120 square meters. Many sites offer both shaded and sunny pitches. The sanitary standard at the campsites in Veneto is generally good. Many sites have modern sanitary facilities with showers, toilets, and sinks. Wi-Fi is also available at most sites, although the quality can vary. Electricity connections (usually 6 or 10 amps) are standard. Timely reservation is recommended, especially in the high season, particularly if you prefer a specific pitch. Many sites offer online reservations. Last-minute opportunities exist mainly in the low season, but even then, you shouldn't wait too long.

Toll fees apply for driving on Italian motorways. You can pay the toll either in cash, by credit card, or with a Telepass box. The Telepass box is particularly practical as it allows you to pass through the toll booths without stopping. The costs for the route from the Austrian border to Venice are about €15. Diesel prices in Italy are usually slightly higher than in Germany. Petrol stations along the motorways are mostly open around the clock, while stations in cities and villages often take a lunch break. Supermarkets such as Lidl, Eurospar, and Conad are widespread in Veneto. Opening hours are usually Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm; some supermarkets are also open on Sundays. In tourist centers, there are often smaller grocery stores open late into the night. German gas cylinders cannot be exchanged in Italy. You will need an adapter to connect Italian gas cylinders. Adapters are available in most camping shops. The disposal of wastewater and chemical toilets is possible at most campsites. There are also some public disposal stations, but these are often difficult to find. Mobile network coverage in Veneto is good, even in most mountain regions. No roaming charges apply within the EU. Medical care is guaranteed. There are hospitals and pharmacies in the larger towns. Wild camping is officially prohibited in Veneto and is punished with high fines. In some cities, there are environmental zones where only vehicles with a certain emissions sticker are allowed to drive. Tap water is generally drinkable but may be chlorinated.

The low season (May/June and September/October) is ideal for a camping holiday in Veneto. Temperatures are pleasant, prices are lower, and the campsites are not as crowded. A lesser-known place is the Po Delta, a nature reserve with rich birdlife. You can reach it via the SS309 Romea. Here you can go cycling, hiking, and take boat trips. Another highlight is Lake Misurina in the Dolomites, a mountain lake with a breathtaking panorama. It is located about 20 km east of Cortina d'Ampezzo. Visit local markets to taste and buy regional products. In Verona, there is a large weekly market every Saturday in Piazza delle Erbe. Many wineries offer direct sales where you can taste local wine, e.g., Amarone or Prosecco. A culinary must is Risotto al Amarone, a creamy risotto made with the robust red wine Amarone. Polenta, a dish made from cornmeal, is also very popular in Veneto. Be sure to try Sarde in saor, marinated sardines Venetian style. A worthwhile day trip is a visit to the city of Mantua, which is about an hour from Verona. Mantua is a UNESCO World Heritage site with impressive architecture and art. Another highlight is the Parco Naturale della Lessinia, a nature park north of Verona with numerous hiking trails and an impressive karst landscape.