Artful Explorations: A Campers’ Guide to Italy’s Artistic Heritage
A camping adventure through Italy isn't just a journey through breathtaking landscapes, rolling countryside and historic sites – it's a true cultural odyssey.
Alongside fantastic food, Italy is known for its arts and culture. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, you'll find a unique blend of gastronomy, nature and culture, pitching your tent amidst the enchanting locales that inspired some of history's leading artists.
For an immersive artistic adventure like no other, here's a must-see list of Italian towns and cities. We'll explore the great artists that called them home and where to find their art – in museums, galleries and public spaces.
From gently fading frescoes to marble sculptures and canvas masterpieces, there's something to discover at every turn.
Giuseppe Arcimboldo's Imaginative Milan
We begin our journey in Milan, the fashion capital of Italy. Here, you can immerse yourself in Giuseppe Arcimboldo's whimsical and imaginative world.
Vertumnus - Giuseppe Arcimboldo (c.1590)
Famed for his portraits crafted from fruits and vegetables, Giuseppe was born and died in Milan. He hailed from an artistic Milanese family and started his career (like many artists at the time) designing frescoes and stained glass for local churches.
These early works included stained glass for the Milan Duomo, which hosts many guided tours, lectures, concerts, and special events.
Citta di Milano is the only campsite within Milan. The site has everything a camper looks for: restaurant, bar, sauna, good sanitary facilities, lots of the things for children, and it adjoins the water park. With 130 pitches set among large mature trees in the summer, it provides excellent shade (in the autumn, after heavy rains, the pitches can be muddy). No hardstandings, and some pitches are quite narrow between the large trees. There is covered motorhome storage near the entrance.
Nestled in the romantic city of Verona, campers can discover the art of Paolo Veronese, born in the city in 1528. At the time, Verona was the largest inland possession of Venice – a city that also greatly inspired Veronese.
The Conversion of Mary Magdalene - Paolo Veronese (c.1548)
Veronese studied with leading painters in Verona, working on altarpieces and other important works for churches around the city. By age fifteen, he was working as a professional artist.
Today, the Castelvecchio Museum in Verona houses many of his works (including two early paintings, Deposition and Madonna Enthroned). His work can also be found in San Giorgio in Braida Church and San Paolo in Campo Marzio church, both in Verona.
Camping Butterfly is in the town of Peschiera and has been owned by the same family for 40 years. Giorgio, the younger generation owner, is keen to make your holiday a success. Camping Butterfly is associated with IT62630 Bella Italia. There are 292 flat pitches on grass and sand of which 50 are for touring with 6A electricity and with some shade from mature trees. Many mobile homes are mixed randomly around the camping area. A pleasant swimming pool with a paddling pool (and lifeguard) is available for cooling off and fun (hats compulsory). The site is keen to welcome children under 12 years of age accompanied by their parents.
Peschiera is a picturesque village on the southern shore of Lake Garda, and Camping Bella Italia is a very attractive, large, well organised and very busy site in the grounds of a former farm, just west of the centre of the village.
At the southern end of Lake Garda and just a few kilometres west of Verona, Gasparina is in a peaceful location and has the feeling of being in the countryside. Verona is lovely, featuring the Roman arena and Juliet's balcony, made famous by Shakespeare, while the vineyards of Bardolino are close by. There's plenty of easy going cycling and walking to be enjoyed as well as trips around the beautiful lake, perhaps via elegant Sirmione, and days out at the various theme parks so popular with the youngsters.
Moving into Venice, picture yourself amidst the canals of this enchanting city. These were the waterways that inspired artists such as Titian and Giovanni Bellini.
Titian was born in a town just over 100 kilometres north of Venice and is considered the most important painter of the sixteenth-century Venetian School. He spent most of his working life in the city, with patronage from Venetian nobility and churches alike. His predecessor, Giovanni Bellini, hailed from Venice itself and was responsible for shifting artistic styles towards the colourful and sensuous creations Titian revelled in.
The Rape of Europa - Titan (c.1560)
The Gallerie dell'Accademia houses paintings such as Titian's Assumption of the Virgin, while Bellini's ethereal works grace the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari.
There are loads of fabulous campsites across the lagoon from Venice city centre (with plenty of ferry links), offering campers a glimpse into the timeless allure of this artistic city.
This is traditional camping, but what fun. Choose from 350 well-shaded, flat, grassy informal pitches or an unrivalled position directly by the water with fantastic views over the lagoon to the towers in Saint Mark's Square. Huge ships pass within 50 metres of the largely unfenced water's edge, to the delight of children and adults alike, some caution must be taken in places. With water on three sides, there are welcoming cool breezes. The ferry to Venice is just outside the gate, so this is an ideal site for visiting the city. As a short-stay site, there are few luxuries, but a busy bar and restaurant are at the heart of the site, along with a small shop. We enjoyed the informality here, where you are left alone to either travel to Venice or just relax watching the sunset over the lagoon from your pitch.
This small, neat, family owned site (since 1962) is well located, being the closest site to the Punta Sabbioni ferry to Venice. The site provides a free bus service to the ferry and to the local beach. It has an unusually long season compared with other sites in the area. Miramare is ideally located for exploring Venice and its islands, as well as the Lido di Venezia. There are 100 level pitches here, all with 6A electricity. The shop is superb for a small site and the restaurant, 50 m. out of the gate, is renowned for its excellent regional meals.
Camping Village Marina di Venezia is an amazingly large site (2,818 pitches) with every conceivable facility. It has a pleasant feel with cheerful staff and no notion of being overcrowded, even when full. Marina di Venezia has the advantage of being within walking distance of the ferry to Venice. It will appeal in particular to those who enjoy an extensive range of entertainment and activities and a lively atmosphere. Individual pitches are spacious and set on sandy or grassy ground; most are separated by trees or hedges. All are equipped with 10A electricity and water. The site’s excellent sandy beach is one of the widest along this stretch of coast and has five pleasant beach bars.
No artistic exploration of Italy would be complete without a stop in Florence. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, home to the powerful Medici family and today's Uffizi Gallery – discover the city that nurtured the brilliance of artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli and Michelangelo.
The Birth of Venus - Botticelli (c.1486)
You can find Michelangelo's famed David sculpture in the Galleria dell'Accademia and Botticelli's The Birth of Venus and Primavera in the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery.
Away from the indoor crowds, however, you can also find some fabulous works of art and architecture on public display. There's Lorenzo Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise (intricately adorned bronze doors) at the eastern facade of the Duomo Baptistery. Don't miss the impressive Equestrian Monument to Cosimo de Medici and sculptures under the graceful arches of the Loggia dei Lanzi.
Camping Village Internazionale Firenze is set in the hills about 5 km. south of Florence. This is a well-shaded, steeply terraced site with informal touring pitches, set around the top of a hill. Although it is a very green site, the camping area is more open with two electricity pylons at the top of the hill and some noise from the busy motorway which is below and next to the site. Pitches are not delimited, so can be cramped in the hight of summer. It is often lively at night with many young people from tour groups, so steer well clear of the static accommodation. There is a small restaurant halfway up the slope of the site with a reasonable menu and a shop which sells essentials at a premium price.
Camping Village Panoramico Fiesole is a mature but pleasant site in a superb hilltop situation offering wonderful views over Florence. The 120 pitches, all with 5A electricity, are on terraces and steep walks to and from the various facilities could cause problems for guests with mobility problems. There is shade in many parts of the site.
After the hustle and bustle of Florence, the tranquillity of Sansepolcro helps campers and art lovers connect with the calm elegance of Piero della Francesca's artworks.
Piero della Francesca - The Resurrection (c.1465)
Born in the town, Piero della Francesca was apprenticed to a local painter at a young age. His birthplace in Sansepolcro is now a research foundation (the Fondazione Piero della Francesca) that bears the artist's name.
If there's one artwork you shouldn't miss, it's Piero della Francesca's masterpiece, The Resurrection, on display at The Civic Museum in Sansepolcro. Once described by Aldous Huxley as "the world's best picture" (and saved from destruction during World War Two), it's a truly serene and unforgettable experience.
Camping la Verna is a small, country campsite, 850 m. above sea level, on the edge of the Casentino National Forest and close to the beautiful historic village of Chiusi della Verna, which is widely known as an area of religious retreat and pilgrimage. There are 90 pitches of varying sizes on terraces and set amongst tall trees. They are mostly level, on grass and sand and all have 10A electricity. The limited facilities at Camping la Verna include a small pool, a bar and a restaurant/pizzeria. This is a peaceful and remote site suitable for campers who enjoy simple pleasures.
Pitching your tent in Assisi allows you to step into the serene world that influenced Giotto di Bondone.
The Basilica of San Francesco unveils his captivating frescoes, narrating Saint Francis's life and works. Admission is free, but many guided tours are on offer if you want to understand more.
Nave of the Scrovegni Chapel painted by Giotto di Bondone (c.1305)
Not much is known about the life of Giotto, and in fact, even the authorship of these frescoes is disputed! It's one of the most hotly contested issues in Art History, as all the documents surrounding the commission were destroyed during the Napoleonic wars.
Whatever the truth, one thing is for certain – Assisi is a perfect stop for art-loving campers. Amidst the Renaissance architecture and rolling hills, absorb the peaceful ambience that shaped this pioneer of Italian art.
Green Village Assisi is an excellent site situated on the west side of Assisi and provides a green environment and tranquillity. Situated on a 30.000 Sqm green area of pinewood forest, it is a good base to visit both Saint Francis’ city, only 3.5 km away, and nearby Perugia and Lake Trasimeno. The flat grassy pitches, with 6A electricity, vary in size and some are specifically for motorhomes overlooking the hills to Assisi. It can be very hot in this part of Italy, and a welcome relief is a large pool and shady pitches. The excellent restaurant serves reasonably priced meals, ranging from pizzas to local Umbrian dishes. A large terrace can be completely enclosed. A daily shuttle bus service is available to the city, which is lit up in the evenings, providing a beautiful backdrop from some areas of the site. An ideal place for families with children to enjoy safely the spacious playground and swimming pool.
There's almost too much art and culture to see in Rome! Pretty much every Italian artist spent some time living and working in the country's capital. So, where to start!?
Well, why not head to the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica to soak up the Baroque drama of Caravaggio's chiaroscuro? Although born in Milan, Caravaggio spent most of his working life in Rome.
The Calling of Saint Matthew - Caravaggio (c.1600)
Once you've marvelled at the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte's collections, head to the Vatican Museums to view iconic masterpieces like Raphael's The School of Athens. Several Raphael works also exist at the Palazzo Barberini, Villa Farnesina and the Galleria Borghese. When it comes to Raphael in Rome, you really are spoilt for choice.
As well as the Renaissance masters, you can also join street art tours of the city – for a contemporary take on Italian creativity.
Flaminio Village Camping Bungalow Park is a high quality campsite near Rome, with many flowers, shrubs and trees giving some shade. Being 400 metres from the main road it is protected from traffic noise. Although it is quite a large site, there are around 180 pitches for tourers, all with 6A electricity, which are approached by brick access roads. The excellent sanitary block is close to both camping areas, as is the restaurant, bar and info point.
Perched high on a hilltop on the edge of Rome, the site is owned by the Cardini/Vanucchi family, who have other quality city sites in Italy. The diverse range of facilities are designed in particular to meet the needs of young travellers and the aim here is to provide a friendly helpful service all year round. There are 100 touring pitches of varying sizes on level terraces. Motorhomes are mostly placed in a separate area where 20 pitches are fully serviced. There is a new swimming pool and a jacuzzi on a terrace with beach volleyball on soft sand, and relaxation areas with a barbecue. The modern bar (nightclub) has a huge TV screen and a terrace to relax and enjoy the cool evening breezes and the views. We visited on a Saturday when there was a superb cheap buffet prepared in the large, well appointed, Italian-themed restaurant. A vibrant site where all can have fun and get good value for money, but the many young people can be noisy after hours.
Continuing our journey south, we reach Naples. Amidst this exciting city's vibrant and multicultural energy, unearth the story of Artemisia Gentileschi.
An Italian Baroque painter, Gentileschi started producing professional work at just fifteen. In a period when women had few opportunities to pursue careers and training, her success was all the more impressive.
Esther before Ahasuerus - Artemisia Gentileschi (c.1635)
She moved to Naples in 1630, as this port city was famed for its artistic workshops and lucrative art patrons. Gentileschi remained in the city for the rest of her career until she died in 1656.
Visitors to Naples can find Gentileschi's Judith Beheading Holofernes (1612–13) at the Museo di Capodimonte. Several monumental canvases, including The Adoration of the Magi, Saints Proculus and Nicea, and Saint Januarius in the Amphitheatre at Pozzuoli, are also on display at the Pozzuoli Cathedral.
Camping Pineta Varca d’Oro is set in a Mediterranean pine wood and is close to the beach. The 90 touring pitches (80 sq.m) all have private sanitary facilities, a small kitchen, electricity and gas and there is accommodation to rent and a hotel. The site has direct access to a private beach where visitors are provided with a parasol and sunbed. The air-conditioned restaurant serves traditional food from the Campania region together with vegetarian meals and caters for special dietary requirements. The surrounding area includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Royal Palace of Caserta and the Cuma archaeological site.
The naming of this site is obvious once you discover it is just 50 metres from the entrance to the fantastic ruins at Pompeii (closer than the car park). It is a reasonably priced, city-type site perfect for visiting the famous Roman archaeological sites here. The site’s 100 pitches, all for touring units, are on flat grass under mature trees that give shade. All have access to 10A electricity. Larger units use the tarmac parking area. Access amongst the Orange trees can be a challenge even with a motor mover. This site provides a safe central location and is of a high standard for the area, albeit with none of the holidaying trimmings.
Antonello da Messina was a pioneering Early Renaissance painter from Messina, a city on the island of Sicily. A beautiful harbour city and an important gateway to the mainland Calabria region, it is located near the northeast corner of the island.
San Cassiano Altarpiece - Antonello da Messina (c.1475)
You'll find many noteworthy paintings at the Regional Museum of Messina, including two works by Antonello da Messina.
As a bonus, you'll also find two Caravaggio paintings on display (The Resurrection of Lazarus and The Adoration of the Shepherds). Indeed, Caravaggio spent time in Sicily after killing a man in a brawl while on the run from the Roman authorities.
Camping Il Cicero is located on the north coast of Sicily, directly on the Tyrrhenian Sea. The site has 220 pitches, of which 40 are occupied on a seasonal basis. 144 are for touring units and have 8-amp hook-up points; these are spacious and well-shaded. The site is comprised of two parts. The first part is a luxury bungalow park situated in a botanical garden. The second part is a simple camping area. A railway line separates both parts, and access to both areas is via a tunnel under the railway line.
We hope you've found inspiration for your next Italian trip, exploring the living artistic legacy that continues shaping this fascinating country.
From the grandeur of Rome to the excitement of Naples and the tranquil landscapes of Sansepolcro and Assisi, each location provides new insights into Italy's rich artistic heritage.
With hundreds of Alan Rogers approved campsites in Italy, the only question is, where will you go first?
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There is an awful lot more to French art than Monet’s lilies. And for that matter, the daubings of some Neolithic would-be artist who decided 17,000 years ago that the caves of Les Eyzies in the Dordogne needed a little brightening up with a lick of paint.
