Take the Family holiday rating 
Think of Spain. And you think of the Costas – Blanca, Brava and del Sol. But take the family for a camping holiday under the Spanish stars and the whole country suddenly opens up.
If you're considering taking the family camping abroad for the first time then do check out our helpful tips about camping.
Northern Spain is more popular among British families taking camping holidays. Its cooler and closer.
Almost whenever – even outside the hot summer months, Spain is mild and pleasant for camping. Obviously the further south you go, the more likely you are to need a sombrero. But overall you’re more likely to see the costa del sol than del rain.
Camping operator prices generally include a return midweek Dover-Calais ferry crossing or a Eurotunnel crossing, however, for a supplement, you can take any ferry crossing you wish. If you start the journey via Calais you can then drive to your Spanish resort stopping en-route at a campsite(s) or hotel(s). Alternatively you can put your car on a Motorail train and travel overnight to the sun.
Better still, especially for families, are the longer ferry crossings – sail directly from Plymouth to Santander or from Portsmouth to Bilbao. The ships operating these routes are no ordinary ferries and you'll find plenty to keep the family amused during the journey.
And, finally, if you want to fly-drive you'll generally get a deduction off the price of your holiday. But you'll need to think about getting to and from the campsite and about renting a car for excursions. Our preferred airline partners Clickair offer a daily service from Gatwick to Bilbao.
Your family can take their pick from a basic tent to the latest luxury mobile home. And can do it all yourself or choose an operator to help you with your arrangements. Although it can work out a little more expensive, an operator should ensure that your tent or mobile home and facilities at the site meet expectations. Our recommended operators include Canvas Holidays, Siblu, and Camping Life.
Choose one of Spain’s many camping and child-friendly regions:
There’s the region of Cantabria and the port towns (with convenient ferry connections from the UK) of Bilbao and Santander. Here you can go walking in the Picos di Europa – a stunning range of mountains. Or visit Bilbao – the Basque capital and take in the amazing Guggenheim museum and the city’s historic old quarter for some delicious tapas in its many bars and restaurants. Plus lovely beaches.
The biggest attraction here, of course, is the beach. But there’s so much more. At Camping Nautic Almata on the Costa Brava, for example, there’s not only windsurfing, tennis and a large pool complex but also a wildlife haven.
Our good friends at Canvas run a Wild and Active club here, with nature walks, bird watching and fossil hunts.
Highlights include:
Outside your well-priced campsite restaurant and snack bar,.you’ll find well-stocked Spanish supermarkets with local specialities to cook on your camp fire as well as British-favourites – especially in tourist areas.
But eating out is fun too – kids like the mix and colour of tiny tapas dishes.
There’s great fresh fish by the coast.
And …er great British fry ups on the costa
Plus the classic standby – Spanish omelette.
Cost varies according to when you go, where you choose to stay and how your family gets there. Dover-Calais ferry or Eurotunnel is often included, but it's then a long drive. If you opt, instead, to fly then book as far in advance as possible to get the best possible fares.
by Mark Ellingham et a
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