The 1950s marked the beginning of Spain's unique and vibrant camping culture. With a history of over 70 years, Spain's camping sector has evolved from humble beginnings into a cherished tradition for many families and adventurers. Here we take you on an exciting journey, revisiting some of the oldest campsites in Spain that have withstood the test of time, offering a thrilling glimpse into their rich histories and enduring legacies.
Sant Antoni de Calonge
Camping Costa Brava
Camping Costa Brava: A Timeless Retreat
Nestled in the heart of Costa Brava, in the town of Sant Antoni de Calonge, lies Spain's oldest continuously operating campsite. Established in 1953 by Juan Farre and his sisters, the Costa Brava campsite began with basic facilities, typical of the era.
Over the decades, it has grown into a well-equipped establishment boasting 220 camping plots, swimming pools, a restaurant, and a children's playground. The Herranz-Colomer family, who currently manage the campsite, have preserved its historical charm while modernizing its amenities, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all.
The simple Camping Costa Brava offers pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents and is located in the bay of Sant Antoni, in the heart of the Costa Brava, one of the oldest in Catalonia and Spain. They are just a few metres from a sandy beach, rocky coves and the commercial centre of the town, surrounded by pines trees that provide natural shade throughout the day.
Camping Roca Grossa: From Farmland to Family Haven
In 1956, Josep Bachs Betriu, a former farmer, founded the Roca Grossa campsite on the Barcelona coast of Maresme. Initially, a simple pay bar was converted into a reception area and bar. The first guests were primarily Germans and local families, some of whom have been returning for over 60 years.
Today, Roca Grossa, managed by Josep's grandchildren, features bungalows, tennis courts, and water sports facilities, maintaining its warm, family-oriented atmosphere. The campsite has undergone numerous changes and developments over the years, adapting to the needs and preferences of its guests, while still maintaining its original charm.
Roca Grossa’s owners, the Bachs family, are very friendly and there is a very happy atmosphere in the campsite. Very steep slopes predominate at this site and there is a challenging 1 in 3, 100 m. climb from reception to the swimming pool set at the top of the site. From June, a road train runs all day to ferry you up to the amenities, but the site is unsuitable for those with mobility isssues. The bonus is some great views over the sea from most of the terraced, but flat and reasonably sized pitches. The site Landrover will be used to position your caravan, whilst short-stay motorhomes are parked at the bottom of the hill.
The Villsom campsite was established in Dos Hermanas, Seville on May 13, 1958, by Gabriel Villalobos Garcia and Carmen Some Vazquez. The name "Villsom" is a blend of their surnames.
Over the years, Villsom has expanded to include a swimming pool, hotel, mini-golf, and modern facilities. It has evolved into a popular stopover with an average stay of 2.5 days, attracting many international tourists during the spring season.
This site on the edge of Dos Hermanas, south of Seville, was one of the first to open in Spain and it is still owned by the same friendly family. The reception area also contains a peaceful and attractive bar with satellite TV and a patio where breakfast is served. It is a good site for visiting Seville with a frequent bus service to the centre. Camping Villsom has around 180 level, shady pitches with 7.5A electricity. A huge variety of trees and palms are to be seen around this attractive, well kept site and in summer the bright colours of the flowers are very pleasing.
Founded in 1959 in Sant Feliu de Guixols, Girona, the Sant Pol campsite was initially managed by the Brujats family.
When the Genover family took over in 1994, they undertook extensive renovations, transforming Sant Pol into a modern campsite with amenities like a swimming pool, bar, shop, restaurant, and WiFi. A pioneer in environmental sustainability, Sant Pol is now part of the prestigious Yelloh! Village chain, known for its commitment to quality and design.
Sant Pol is a small, family-owned site set on a pretty hillside on the edge of Sant Feliu, 350 m. from the beach and town. An attractive solar-heated pool and a paddling pool, bar and restaurant are the central focus of the site with shaded terraces and pitches of differing sizes curving down the slope. There are 16 pitches for touring units and campervans (all fully serviced). The on-site restaurant features regional à la carte dishes based on the best local produce.
In the early 1960s, the Carbo family owned a property in Begur, Girona, that attracted campers.
Although the initial campsite project was abandoned, it was revived in 1999, leading to the creation of the Begur campsite.
Today, Begur is an eco-resort recognized for its environmental sustainability, holding certifications like Biosphere Responsible Tourism and Ecolabel EU.
The choice of pitches on this pleasant, wooded site, just two kilometres from the coast is remarkable; some are on gently sloping grassland, others on hillside terraces or on the hilltop itself, and one steep slope has terraced tent pitches. Two hundred and seventy have electricity (10A), water and drainage, 40 are for tents and various corners are occupied by 49 mobile homes and chalets to rent, and by seasonal caravans. At the centre are two pleasant swimming pools, one a new spa-style pool with grassy terrace and a small paddling pool, overlooked by an attractive bar and snack bar. Begur is an attractive village with a choice of seven beaches.
Opening its doors in 1960 on the beach in Pals, Girona, Inter-pals campsite was founded by Josep Salva Turro. Initially accommodating 80 pitches, Inter-Pals has undergone numerous modernizations and is now managed by the Mestres family.
With multiple environmental certifications, including EMAS and ISO 14001, Interpals became an Eco Resort in 2023, reflecting its commitment to sustainable management. The campsite has implemented various eco-friendly practices such as waste recycling, energy conservation, and water management, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious campers.
Alan Rogers first visited this site in the 1970s, using it as his base in this area of the Costa Brava. At that time it was described as a ‘site shaded by an umbrella of pines’ and it retains a very authentic Costa Brava atmosphere of tranquillity with its local stone terraces and sea views. There are 450 level, terraced pitches, most with shade and some with sea views through the trees. On-site amenities include modernised toilet blocks and a supermarket. A formal restaurant with a good value menu and a bar overlooking the stylish swimming pool.
Santa Clara Camping is in an enviable position, just 2 minutes walk from the nearest pebble beach and with good access to many others north and south of the marina. This is a small and relaxed campsite, a family affair since 1961, and with a reputation for friendly charm. There’s no bar or organised entertainment so there’s a peaceful ambience so you can simply relax and enjoy the views. The owners pride themselves on the fig trees, oranges and bougainvillea that make this a lush, almost secret enclave.
Each campsite has a unique and storied past, contributing to the rich tapestry of Spain's camping heritage. From humble beginnings to modern eco-resorts, they stand as testaments to the enduring appeal of camping in Spain, offering cherished memories and experiences for generations of campers, and inspiring a deep sense of respect for their historical significance.
Author
Rob Fearn
Editor - Alan Rogers Guides
Rob has been involved in the leisure industry since completing a BTEC in Travel & Tourism in 1993. Previous roles have included the promotion of tourism in Yorkshire and running a motorcycle touring company in the Australian Outback.
He is the General Manager at Alan Rogers Travel Group, responsible for the ongoing development of the Alan Rogers website and the publication of the Alan Rogers Guides and 'Destinations' magazine.
Rob has owned several caravans, and he regularly travels with his wife and young daughter in their VW Transporter, complete with a Tentbox roof tent. A keen cycling fan, Rob can often be found in a field in Belgium during the 'Spring Classics' season.
A region whose colours and climate draw in thousands of visitors each year and with a strong sense of identity through language, cuisine and tradition, it is a fascinating example of Catalonian culture and the extraordinary resilience of its inhabitants.
With 300 km of coastline studded with little bays, sandy coves and rugged cliffs, the Costa Brava has an irresistible appeal. Add in picturesque fishing villages, sensational cuisine and wonderful climate, and you have the recipe for a perfect holiday.
Not long ago, we ventured down a rabbit hole and found ourselves over the Spanish border in Catalonia. We were smitten and immediately decided to do something about it.
