Great site, superb location and friendly staff
27 August 2022 at 13:38:04
We stayed here with Eurocamp from 5th-15th August 2022.
We flew into Verona Villafranca airport and took a minibus transfer to the park which took 30 mins. On arrival the Reception staff were very welcoming and explained where to book in with Eurocamp- we had to wait until 3pm but the Reception staff... let us keep our cases with them until that time. This was much appreciated. The staff in reception were also really helpful and happy to answer questions about buses/trains/boats/places to visit etc. The site has some camp owned chalets/bungalows and some caravans which seem to be owned by different companies. Location is perfect- directly on the lakeside and a 20 mins walk into town.
The Eurocamp property we had was on Beethoven and was a Vista model which had 2 pairs of french doors which both opened onto a wooden veranda. One set opened from the kitchen and one from the lounge area. The veranda had a fabulous canopy cover which provided much needed cool shade during the hot days. The interior of the caravan had 2 bedrooms one double and one twin with bunk beds, The lounge area was central and had air conditioning. There was also a pull out bed in the lounge which we used instead of the main bedroom so as to benefit from the air con. Sadly, the air con did not cool the main bedroom so this was the only way to get any sleep at night. The kitchen area was a small galley style but this was perfectly sufficient as you do not expect to eat indoors and the doors out onto the verandah area were great to access the patio furniture. I would definitely recommend the Eurocamp caravans- they seemed relatively newer models compared to others on the park.
Site facilities were very good- a lovely restaurant on site which also had a take away service- largely providing pizza/pasta/burger/steaks meals and salads. We ate there a few times during our stay and had lovely meals each time. The bar staff are also very friendly and we enjoyed cocktails while watching the entertainment a few nights. There is also an outdoor pool, though we didn't use it, it seemed popular and clean. The onsite shop was good. Of course, you can wander further afield to the Penny supermarket or Lidl but on foot its a trek- about 25 mins. We went to the Penny market a couple of times but it is too far to carry any real shopping- but ideal if you have a car. For the convenience of being onsite we did not feel the shop site was too costly. We got up every morning and visited for the fresh bread, fruit and pastries. It was a lovely routine we enjoyed to prepare breakfast each day. The two ladies in the shop were so friendly and hardworking. It seems as though they work very long hours yet always seem happy to see you. Such a credit to the site.
The site does operate s strict recycling policy- you are required to sort your rubbish into about 4 different categories and take to the onsite recycling facility. This was nearby our caravan but is screened off from view. This became a daily routine for my husband each morning and had to be done between 8am-10am when the recycling was open. The man supervising the site was very strict I'm told and could be a little standoffish. Recycling seems to be taken very seriously across Italy- they are much further ahead in this regard than here in the UK- even the boats have separate bins for different types of rubbish.
We did not hire a car and on reflection this was not a mistake for us. We enjoyed the 20 min walk into the lovely town of Peschiera and took ferry rides across the lake to Garda, Lazise, Bardolino and Torri. These boat trips were just great. Lazise was great for shopping and these towns must be visited if you enjoy quaint villages with narrow streets filled with restaurants and small shops.
Our teenage girls bought a 2 day ticket to Gardaland (they purchased online which was cheaper) and they really enjoyed it. There is a free bus which goes regularly from the train station 15 mins away from the site. They also visited the water park Caneva one day which has a free bus too from the train station. For the water rides they did say there are long queues for the water rings. There were seemingly too many visitors in August for the number of rings available but maybe this is to be expected in peak season. Despite this, they had a good day and recommended it. Food at Gardaland and Caneva was reasonably priced. Both of these attractions will keep teenagers happy.
We also took the train to nearby Verona. This is so easy to do and so quick. The station is 15 mins away and trains run regularly on the Milan-Venice line. Verona was 15 mins away on the train and it is so cheap- 7 euros return per person. The trains are something else too- the train to Verona was so modern compared to British trains- double decker and more like a plane- felt luxurious! Verona is stunning- take a taxi for 10 euros from the train station and ask to be dropped at the 'Arena' which is in the centre of the city. We walked from the station to the Arena on our first trip- but would recommend the taxi in the heat. Verona is stunning- we saw Juliet's balcony, the Dante statue, the many piazzas, the river, and the Arena. Lots of high street names and designer shops here too. We visited twice as it was so nice.
The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the day in Venice. Again, we went on the train. Book ahead if you can as different train companies that run along the line charge different amounts. We managed to get 4 return tickets for 80 euros- with an easy change at Verona station- we travelled with TrenItalia. There are direct trains but you will pay more. The train station in Venice is situated right in front of the Grand Canal. Walking out of the station and seeing the this Canal directly in front of you takes your breath away. We crossed the canal and meandered through the streets heading to St Marks square. The streets are filled with small shops and restaurants and the walk alone across tiny bridges above the canal ways is stunning. A day in Venice is a must- so easy to get to with the local train.
The only downside to this fabulous holiday is the Mosquitoes. You will be bitten. Everyone was. The site shop sells the Citronella candles and the Insect repellent but despite this everyone seems to walk around with bite marks. Again, you just get used to routinely spraying yourself to try and limit them. It wouldn't stop me returning though.
We really enjoyed exploring the Lake and visiting Verona and Venice. The Italians were friendly everywhere we went. It's a stunning place and we will definitely be back!
Find out more
Campings.com reviews 100% verified
Location
Rooms
5 September 2022 at 04:53:49
