Italy is one of Europe's richest camping destinations, from the Adriatic coast's family-friendly resorts to Tuscany's rolling hills and the shores of Lake Garda. Whether you're after a full-service holiday park with waterslides or a quiet pitch near a medieval hill town, Italy's huge range of campsites covers every kind of trip.
Browse Italy campsites Colosseum, Rome Photo by David Köhler on UnsplashCamping has been part of Italian holiday culture since the post-war tourism boom of the 1950s and 60s, when coastal campsites began springing up along the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian coasts to meet growing demand from Italian and international families. Many of today's largest campsites, especially around Lake Garda, the Tuscan coast and the Adriatic Riviera, trace their roots to this era, and have since grown into full holiday villages with water parks, entertainment programmes and a wide range of accommodation. Camping remains one of the most popular and affordable ways to holiday in Italy, particularly for families.
One of Italy's most recognisable castles, Castel del Monte rises above the rolling landscapes of the Alta Murgia region in southern Italy. Built in the 13th century by Emperor Frederick II, this mysterious octagonal fortress is unlike almost any other medieval castle in Europe.
Hidden among the Alps of northern Italy, Castello di Fénis is one of the country's finest preserved medieval castles. Built by the powerful Challant family, the castle was designed more as a noble residence than a frontline military fortress.
Located in the heart of Milan, Castello Sforzesco represents one of Italy's most powerful Renaissance dynasties. Originally built as a medieval fortress, it was transformed into a magnificent residence by the Sforza family, rulers of Milan during the Renaissance.
One of the most famous battles in ancient history, the Battle of Cannae took place in 216 BC during the Second Punic War between Rome and Carthage.
The shores of Lake Trasimene witnessed another devastating victory by Hannibal during the Second Punic War in 217 BC.
The Battle of Sentinum in 295 BC was one of Rome's most important victories during its expansion across Italy.
The Colosseum is one of the most recognisable landmarks on Earth and a symbol of the power of ancient Rome. Completed around 80 AD under Emperor Titus, this enormous amphitheatre hosted gladiatorial contests, public spectacles and events watched by tens of thousands of Roman citizens.
Frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, Pompeii is one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world.
Florence is widely regarded as the birthplace of the Renaissance, a movement that transformed European art, science and culture.
Pompeii is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites on Earth. Buried beneath volcanic ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, the city offers an extraordinary snapshot of Roman life nearly 2,000 years ago.
The Colosseum and Roman Forum represent the heart of ancient Rome, the centre of one of history's greatest empires.
While Pompeii is famous worldwide, nearby Herculaneum offers one of the best-preserved examples of Roman urban life.
