Winter Sun

This efficient, well maintained medium-sized site has 185 pitches (60-80 sq.m). They are divided by hedges and trees, 100 have 10A electricity and some have artificial shading. Specific taps about the grounds provide drinking water. The pool has an overlooking bar and restaurant which is kept busy serving excellent typical Spanish ‘menu del dia’ food at reasonable prices. It is a popular site with British tourists seeking the sun. The salinas on the approach to Cabo de Gata are famous for birdlife (including flocks of pink flamingos).

Cabo de Gata, situated on the Gulf of Almería, is a pleasant, all-year campsite offering facilities to a good standard. Popular with British visitors through the winter, and within the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Nature Park, set amongst fruit farms, it is only a 1 km. walk to a fine sandy beach. The 250 gravel pitches are level and of a reasonable size, with 6/16A electricity and limited shade from maturing trees or canopies. There are specific areas for very large units, with very high canopies for shade and seven chalets for rent.

In a fairly remote area close to the N340, away from the beaches and town at Los Gallardos is a pseudo English enclave. There are over 384 pitches of which 114 are for touring units the remainder are for long stay campers and static units. The pitches are flat and a good size with hard clay and gravel surface, electricity (10/15A), 15 also have water and waste water, but little shade. We see this as a transit site rather than for longer stays, however bowls enthusiasts may argue otherwise. This is a popular site, so the facilities can be stretched at times.

Close to the sea and within walking distance of the fishing village of Balerma, Mar Azul is open all year round making it a particularly good choice for a winter break (booking is recommended). The 220 gravel pitches (70-140 sq.m) are in orderly rows and have 16A electricity, water and drainage. The site is relatively new, with just a few trees, low hedges and small palms so artificial shade is provided for the summer months. This site really comes into its own as a base for touring Andalucía. Almeria, a short drive away, has an old quarter, the Alcazaba fortress and a 16th-century Gothic cathedral; Granada and the Cabo de Gata National Park are also among the region’s many attractions. The site is in an area where intense agriculture is the main economic activity.

This is a smaller sister site to Don Cactus (ES92950). It is located right on the beach (the side gate leads straight onto a small pebble beach). Many pitches run along the sea with a bamboo fence which provides some shade, and from many pitches you can see and hear the sea. It is a peaceful and wonderful setting. There are 240 pitches of various sizes (mostly medium) shaded by a variety of trees. This is an option for those looking for a quieter site to just relax. A family run site (with a little English spoken) facilities include a small shop, small restaurant and a bar.

Situated between the main N340 and the beach, this family-run campsite is pleasantly surprising with clever planning and ongoing improvements. It is a comfortable site of around 320 pitches (254 for touring). The flat pitches vary in size with electricity (5/12A), some providing water and satellite TV connections, and are arranged along avenues with eucalyptus trees for shade. This quieter section of the coast is beautiful with coves and access to larger towns if wished. The friendly reception staff are very helpful with tourist advice and can arrange trips for you if needed.

Camping Playa Poniente is in Motril, a coastal town in Granada, Spain. It is situated directly on the beach, with views of the Mediterranean Sea. The campsite is about 70 kilometres from Granada and 100 kilometres from Malaga. The campsite has 203 touring pitches and 19 bungalows to rent. The pitches are spacious and well-maintained, with eclectic hook-up points available, and most have shade. The bungalows are fully equipped and have air conditioning, heating, and a private bathroom.

Set on the high slopes of the Sierra Nevada and only 2 km. from Orgiva, this is a small and well-managed site that offers the opportunity to escape into rural Spain. It is open all year and is an ideal place to relax. For those who feel more energetic, there are facilities for climbing, horse riding and canoeing, all within close proximity of the site.

Camping Los Bermejales gets its name from its location; situated on the banks of the reservoir Los Bermejales and at the foot of the Sierras Tejeda and Almijara, there is plenty of adventures to be had whilst staying here. The campsite owners have managed this site for more than 16 years, pride themselves on customer service, and make the campsite very friendly and family orientated.

El Pino is in the Axarquia region of the Costa del Sol, east of Malaga and is surrounded by avocado groves. The old but well-maintained site enjoys some fine views of the surrounding countryside. There are now 290 pitches here, mostly well shaded, and a further 148 mobile homes and chalets to rent. Most pitches have electrical connections and vary in size from 60-100 sq.m. The site is open all year and has some good facilities including a swimming pool, supermarket and bar/restaurant. The nearest beach is 800 m. distant – a bus service runs there from the site.

Laguna Playa is a pleasant and peaceful site, run by a father and son team (the son speaks excellent English) who give a personal service, situated alongside one of the Costa del Sol beaches. Trips are organised to the famous Alhambra Palace in Granada on a weekly basis and the site is well placed for visits to Malaga and Nerja. The 142 touring pitches are flat, of average size and with good artificial shade supplementing that provided by the many established trees on site. All pitches have electricity (10A). The busy restaurant with a terrace offers good value for money and many locals use it.

With direct access to a one-kilometre grey sand and shingle naturist beach, this established, all-year naturist site, set amongst agricultural land with a mountain backdrop, is proving a firm favourite with many British campers seeking winter sun. The facilities are of a very high standard. The entire two-hectare site is flat with a fine shingle surface. A large number of mature trees provide much-needed shade in the summer months.

Situated between Málaga and Torre del Mar, this secluded campsite offers an idyllic escape in the less touristic area of the Costa del Sol. Located right on the beach camping, Camping Playa Almayate offers 234 touring pitches between 42 and 100 m2 with electric hookup points available and a television aerial. These are somewhat open and are close together with partial shade provided by trees but are mainly provided by a covering over each pitch. The best pitches are to be found on the site's perimeter and have sea views.

La Sierrecilla is a fairly new site situated in the heart of Andalucia on the edge of a pine-covered Natural Park. It is one of the areas where eagles, falcons and vultures can still be seen. The 86 good sized touring pitches are on level ground and all have electricity. There is little shade from the young trees, and being on a plain the pitches could become extremely hot during summer. There is a beautiful pool with access for visitors with disabilities, and a good value restaurant with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. Paths lead through the site to a viewpoint and picnic area, which are extremely popular at weekends. It is an ideal site for those wishing to explore Andalucia; it is just 40 minutes from the beaches at Malaga and one hour from Seville, Granada and Cordoba.

This large, mature site is alongside the main N340/A7 Costa del Sol coast road, 12 km. east of Marbella and 15 km. from Fuengirola. The Costa del Sol is also known as the Costa del Golf and fittingly there is a major golf course alongside the site. The site is set amongst tall pine trees which provide shade for the pitches (there are some huge areas for large units). The 250 touring pitches, a mix of level and sloping (chocks advisable), all have electricity (10A), but long leads may be required for some. There is a separate area on the western side for groups of younger guests.

Situated between Estepona and Marbella, Parque Tropical is a small, family-run site and is well-placed for those wishing to explore the Costa del Sol. Set with attractive tropical plants, the overall atmosphere is peaceful and quiet, and the friendly staff will help arrange day trips on request. A 5-minute walk takes you to the nearest beach across the road, where there are opportunities for water sports such as windsurfing and snorkelling.

Camping Valle Niza Playa offers a year-round escape along the southern coast of Andalusia. Located just steps from the Mediterranean Sea, the campsite enjoys a prime position on the coastal road connecting Torre del Mar and Málaga. While the beach may be limited directly in front of the campsite due to high tides, the nearby towns offer stunning sandy shores and crystal-clear waters. On site, 130 touring pitches with 10-amp electric hook-up points are available. The campsite is well landscaped with demarcated pitches but lacks privacy between each pitch due to low hedges. Pitches vary in size, and the smaller pitches may be a bit of trial and error if you want to park your caravan and car on one itch. 

Camping Pueblo Blanco is an all-year site in Sierra de Cádiz, Spain. It is situated on a hilltop with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The campsite has 200 spacious pitches with electricity, water, and drainage and two sanitary blocks, one accessible to people with reduced mobility. You will soon notice that this campsite is still relatively newly established, with many trees and shrubs that are not fully grown yet. In various places, beautiful ornamental planting has been used. The reception is situated in a farmhouse in typical Andalusian style. This former farmhouse also has a courtyard now used as an outside seating area.

TAIGA Tarifa Valdevaqueros is located at Tarifa on the Costa de la Luz. This is a friendly site with large pitches (60–80 sq.m), most of which have electrical connections. Several chalets and mobile homes are available to rent, as well as several apartments. Longer-term residents take up several pitches and can look slightly tired early in the season.

Pinar San José first opened in 2008. The site is located in the La Breña Nature Park and has been developed to reflect the natural beauty that surrounds it. The nearest beaches on the Costa de la Luz are around 1 km. distant. On-site amenities are modern and well designed and include two swimming pools, tennis and a sports court. Pitches are grassy, and all have electrical connections. There is good provision of water points, and many pitches also have drainage and internet connections. Several brick-built chalets are available for rent.

Lying 40 km south of the charming old port of Cadiz and set back slightly from the busy coast, this is a great base from where to explore and enjoy everything this Costa de la Luz coastline offers. Head to Cadiz for its winding streets and ancient monuments, then visit Jerez, famous for its sherry and the Royal Andalusian Horse School. Back at the base, various excursions and activities are offered, such as Flamenco, music nights and cookery lessons. Alternatively, enjoy the wonderful surroundings of Conil and its white sandy beaches or venture along the local cycle trails.

This site lies within the Parque Natural Bahia de Las Dunas and is adjacent to the long and gently sloping golden sands of Puntilla beach. This is a pleasant and peaceful site (though very busy in August) with some 539 separate marked pitches, 260 for touring units, with much natural shade and ample electrical connections (10A). Motorhomes park in an area called the Oasis which is very pretty. Tent and caravan pitches, under mature trees, are terraced and separated by low walls. This is a spacious site with a tranquil setting and it is popular with people who wish to ‘winter over’. A 2 km. unshaded walk takes you into the bustling heart of Puerto Santa Maria.

Camping La Bolera offers nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers an idyllic escape. Just a short distance from the town centre and the La Bolera Reservoir, this campsite provides the perfect blend of peace and adventure. On-site, 40 touring pitches have electric hook-up points available and are under the cover of a pine forest, giving plenty of shade during the summer months.