FRANCE
le grand champ In the foothills of the legendary Mont
Françoise and the gang do everything in
Blanc mountain range, directly beneath the
their power to make sure the site functions
towering peak of Aiguille du Midi, you’ll
perfectly. The facilities are in decent shape,
find Camping Le Grand Champ – and what a
with three sanitary blocks (sinks and
great find it is. Run by Françoise Dudas and
showers, hot and cold water), access for
her family, the site is in a tip-top location,
disabled visitors, washing machines and
1,000 metres up in the sky, with mountain
electricity; there’s even a basic but cosy little
views wherever you look.
communal room should the weather turn nasty. And if you’re running low on supplies,
The jagged and oft-snow-topped blocks of
just pop along to the reception, where you’ll
rock that dominate the horizon in every
find a few essentials on sale. Fresh bread
direction make this place feel a bit like
is delivered every day during the summer
Shangri-La: a secret valley, cut off from the
months, just in time for breakfast.
world and stranded in happy seclusion. And whilst the spike-strewn view is the
The nearest supermarket is in the town of
most obvious of the site’s charms, there are
Les Houches, almost 2 miles (3 km) along the
plenty of other reasons to recommend Le
road. Comprised of a number of hamlets, Les
Grand Champ as one of the most appealing
Houches has a certain Alpine charm, as well
of all Alpine camps.
as great ski slopes, a lake and castle ruins. Climbing fans will enjoy the town’s indoor
The beautiful terraced garden boasts pretty
wall, whilst walkers can begin the Tour du
pitches, all grassy and green, and separated
Mont Blanc there.
by a neat-but-natural jumble of trees, bushes and hedges. Even though there’s actually
Nearby, Chamonix is a far cry from the
room for up to 100 tents or caravans, you’d
peace and tranquillity of the site – but, it’s
never guess that this was such a large site
a bit of a mixed blessing. With its myriad
since the layout of the gardens gives it a very
cafés, restaurants, tourist facilities and
intimate feel. Whilst groups are welcome
activity centres, it makes a fantastic hub for
at the site, they are directed to set up camp
anyone wanting to make an exploration of
in a separate area, and this ensures that
the region. But (and you could hear a ‘but’
the other tenters can enjoy their peace and
coming), with up to 40,000 people a day in
privacy at all times.
the surrounding valley during peak season,
123
le grand champ FRANCE
it has a resort atmosphere that erodes
tire of all the activities and feel in need of
its more natural charms.
a well-earned rest, then Chamonix offers the opportunity to be indulgent as well as
Although this area is best known for its ski
active. There can’t be many campsites in
slopes, it offers something for every kind of
the midst of a natural wonderland that also
thrill-seeker. In fact, it would be easier to
offer cinemas, beauty salons, casinos and
list what it doesn’t have: you can hike, cycle,
shopping so close by.
climb, raft, kart, golf, abseil, glide, swim, snowboard – and that’s just for starters.
At the end of your hectic day, just zip up the
Entrées could include canyoning, hot-air-
tent flaps on that vertiginous view, snuggle
ballooning, paint-balling and off-road
into your sleeping bag and join Le Grand
mountain-biking. And why not round the
Champ’s version of the mile-high club –
menu off with a sedate ride in a helicopter, a
snoozing happily at altitude in this freshest-
horse trek or a game of boules? If you should
of-fresh mountain air.
THE UPSIDE Drop-dead gorgeous site on the doorstep of Mont Blanc. THE DOWNSIDE Self-sufficiency is the name of the game here. And depending on where you pitch you might hear some motorway noise. THE DAMAGE It’s €4.50 for a pitch, €4.30 per adult and €2.20 per child (under 7). THE FACILITIES In keeping with the site these are fairly basic – just a small shop and decent sanitary provisions. FOOD AND DRINK Apart from the classic Savoyard specialities (fondue, raclette, tartiflette and farcement) you can find most kinds of food in this area. However, a decent local option is the hotel-restaurant Les Gorges de la Diosaz in Servoz (00 33 4 50 47 20 97; www.hoteldesgorges.com), which serves good classic French dishes and has
a great terrace to sit on. But if you want something that’s a little more swish, Les Granges d’en Haut (00 33 4 50 54 65 36; www.grangesdenhaut.com) is a contemporary spot above Les Houches with novel twists on French classics and some very good brunch options. FAMILY FUN There’s so much for families to do here, it would be hard to fit everything in. Options include Les Gaillands in Chamonix, a natural climbing crag great for children and beginners (follow the ‘Taconnaz, Bossons’ signs from Chamonix and the wall is on your left, opposite the lake); and a tree-based activity centre (00 33 6 62 67 28 51; www.arbreaventuremontblanc.com). TREAT YOURSELF To a romantic dinner at Hameau Albert 1er (38 Route du Bouchet, 74402
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc; 00 33 4 50 53 05 09; www.hameaualbert.fr). GETTING THERE Les Bossons is located directly off the E25/A40 just over 3 miles (5.5 km) from Chamonix. The site is signposted from the village. PUBLIC TRANSPORT Chamonix is accessible by train and bus from most major French towns. From Chamonix, you can catch a bus to the nearby shops, just over half a mile (1 km) away. There’s also a railway station at Les Bossons just over a mile (2 km) away. OPEN May–mid-Oct. IF IT’S FULL Glacier d’Argentière, 161 chemin des Chosalets, 74400 Argentière (00 33 4 50 54 17 36; www.campingchamonix.com) is one of Chamonix’s more scenic and naturelle campsites.
Camping Le Grand Champ, 167 chemin du Glacier de Taconnaz, Les Bossons, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France t
00 33 4 50 53 04 83
e
campinggrandchamp@hotmail.com
125
THE NETHERLANDS
camping de roos A zwembroek (if you’re a guy) or badpak (if
they are exclusively reserved for anyone
you’re a girl – though what’s with the ‘bad’?)
who’s come by bike or on foot. The site’s
is an absolute must for a stay at Camping
sensible ‘no-car’ policy, with vehicles only
de Roos. Also known as bathers, swimmers,
allowed onsite for unloading and loading,
bathing suits, trunks or cozzies, unless you
helps maintain that natural feel.
fancy a skinny-dip, these items are wardrobe essentials for a refreshing dunk in the
In fact, preserving the natural beauty of the
River Vecht, which meanders through this
site is a priority at Camping de Roos, as it’s
sprawling campsite. So be sure you pack at
a rare honour to be granted permission to
least one or two.
run a campsite in a protected area. Timed showers and recycling bins, plus gentle
Located within an area of outstanding
requests not to pick the lovely flowers ensure
natural beauty between the towns of
the site remains as kind to its environment
Ommen and Beerze, the campsite occupies
as possible. There’s also an onsite shop
an expanse of sloping clearings surrounded
chock-full of healthy foods, planet-friendly
by dense woodland, boasting friendly
cleaning unguents and the most local of
neighbours such as roe deer, nightingales
local produce, of which ice cream made at a
and woodpeckers.
nearby farm is worth several return trips.
Despite the site’s capacity of 276 pitches,
The merry tinkle of children’s laughter is
many of them taken by caravans, the careful
a constant backdrop here, with the owners
layout means you rarely get that unpleasant
taking the term ‘child-friendly’ to a whole
overcrowded sensation. The pitches are
new level. It’s almost guaranteed you won’t
extremely roomy, and the undulating land
hear the familiar ‘I’m borrrred’ when there’s
scattered with trees, bushes and winding
a volleyball court, a football pitch, a kite-
paths creates the illusion of a much smaller
flying field, boules ground and dinghies
site, with more than enough room to go
dotted along the river bank; as well as a
round. But if you’d rather a complete slice of
kiosk where kiddywinks (along with sweet-
countryside peace and quiet, two designated
toothed mums and dads) can get their fill
trekkersvelden are on hand to provide just
of tasty treats. Even on rainy days there’s
the sanctuary you might be needing. Tucked
plenty of indoor fun to be had. But the
away amidst the ground’s chunkier trees,
firm favourite has got to be the swimming
157
THE NETHERLANDS camping de roos
opportunity, well…jumping into water and
the Vecht Valley walking path passes right
splashing around. The river’s tributary forms
through the campsite, covering a fair old
the ideal spot for a children’s pool – even
trek of 44½ miles (72 km) in total, taking in
boasting its own mini-beach – and when the
some top-of-the-range countryside.
weather’s fine they jump, dive and ‘bomb’ from its little pier.
This site’s enviable location means that, even with numerous amenities and kids’ activities
The surrounding area is criss-crossed with
on offer, it still exudes a tranquillity that
cycle routes in the ‘river-dune’ landscape,
can be hard to find at other European sites.
formed at some point during the last ice
And if it takes you a while to tune in to the
age. You can hire bikes from the site, and a
country vibes, try floating along the cool
short pedal will find you plunged deep into
river, with blue skies and fluffy clouds above
wonderfully quiet woodland. Or if you’d
and grassy banks on either side, to enjoy a
like to dispense with wheels completely,
bit of Mother Nature at her finest.
THE UPSIDE Stunning woodland location around the River Vecht. It’s relaxing, environmentally friendly and heaven for kids. THE DOWNSIDE With 276 pitches it can get pretty busy. As it’s very family-orientated it’s not the ideal place for couples wanting a romantic retreat or some adult-only time. THE DAMAGE The basic rate per pitch per night is €16.50 for 2 adults, a tent/caravan/camper and parking space, and €13.50 in the low season, with extras per night for another person (over 3 years of age) €3.50, auxiliary tents €1/€2, tourist tax of €0.80 per person per night, electricity €2.60, sewerage €1. There are also packages available. THE FACILITIES An onsite shop, which stocks organic and local produce as well as hot pizzas and vegetable pies. A small tea room and kiosk on a terrace near the river tributary. There’s also an onsite launderette complete with iron and
board. Handy cooling elements and freezer packs are available. There’s also a payphone and free Internet. The loo blocks are heated, with each shower doling out 5 minutes of hot water. Dogs are not allowed on the site. FOOD AND DRINK For mouth-watering pancakes try the De Gloepe farm restaurant in Diffelen (Rheezerweg 84a; 00 31 523 25 12 31; www.degloepe.nl). FAMILY FUN Take the kids on the Wolf Trail adventure walk through the woods. Games are played throughout the 1½ mile (2.5 km) route, and each child gets a rucksack full of descriptions, assignments and a magic sweet that will apparently turn them into a wolf (sounds like fun). Info and rucksacks (€5.95) available at Ommen’s Tourist Info Centre, Kruisstraat 6, Ommen; 00 31 0900 112 23 75; www.vvvommen.nl. TREAT YOURSELF Take a canoe trip along the
River Vecht to experience the valley’s beautiful scenery. A bus will take you to the starting point and from there you travel at your own pace back to Ommen (00 31 529 45 19 24/45 14 33). GETTING THERE Head from Amsterdam on the A1 towards Almere/Amersfoort. Take exit 14 for A28 towards Zwolle. Just past Zwolle, get off at exit 21 for the N340 to Ommen. In Ommen, turn right onto the bridge and turn left onto Zeesserweg, which becomes Beerzerweg. The campsite is approximately 6 miles (10 km) along the road on the left. PUBLIC TRANSPORT The closest you’ll get is Ommen if you come by train, and it’s a long old walk to the site from there. OPEN Mid-Apr–early-Oct. IF IT’S FULL Along the same road, towards Ommen, you’ll find Camping De Vogelsangh (00 31 546 67 30 80; www.devogelsangh.nl).
Camping de Roos, Beerzerweg 10, Beerze–Ommen, 7736 PJ, The Netherlands t
158
00 31 523 25 12 34
w
www.camping-de-roos.nl
GERMANY
schnitzmühle If the Black Forest is Germany’s dark
Its several acres, located right next to a
secret, a place of goblins and ghosts and
pretty section of the Schwarzer Regen
the occasional slice of devilish gateau, its
river, are green and airy, peppered with
easterly cousin, the Bavarian Forest, is all
trees, bushes and flowers. Even without
easy-going charm and woody innocence.
the funky extras it would be nice, but when
A lumberjack’s violent fantasy, the forest
you discover the delights of: the Bongo Bar
comprises a seamless landscape of
(a thatch-roofed drinks bar surrounded by
undulating hills, winsome spa towns and
sand and deckchairs); Stonehenge (a cheeky
dense woodlands, criss-crossed with
replica of the great British landmark that
comely copses and titillating trails for
doubles as an open fire and grill place);
bikers, hikers and cyclists.
and the Group Camping section that has adventure facilities and experienced
Located slap-bang in the centre of this leafy
instructors leading rope-climbing, canoeing
nirvana is Camping Schnitzmühle, arguably
and mountain-biking escapades – well, it’s
the first really cool campsite in the country.
hard not to be impressed.
Unlike most German sites, this one is run by young people determined to make the tenting
Being blessed with two rivers – the Regen
experience considered and comprehensive,
and the Schwarzer Regen – means water-
as well as energetic. The owners in question
babies are going to feel totally at home here.
are Sebastian and Kristian Nielsen, who
Stroll around for a minute or two and you’ll
adopted their parents’ hotel business a few
find a lovely natural swimming spot, whilst
years back and have lovingly transformed
you can easily arrange canoe trips on site
it into a funky one-stop-shop for all things
(€36 per canoe for 2 adults/2 adults and a
outdoorsy. Not only did they give the
child). A shuttle bus whisks you to a starting
hotel’s interior a modernist makeover, they
point and you make your own way back to
also overhauled the restaurant, added the
Schnitzmühle.
capacious camping area, constructed an expansive spa and built a beach area around
The surrounding area isn’t short of charming
the site’s natural lake.
countryside or traditional towns and villages. Some leave you a bit cold, though
The Nielsen brothers’ rejuvenating spirit
others have high rural appeal. Arnbruck for
haunts the whole site, and in a good way.
example, is world famous for its superior
185
GERMANY schnitzmühle
glass production and a perfect place to pick
camping reception, which also boasts a
up some quality wine glasses at decent
well-stocked kiosk offering everything from
prices for all your drinking exploits at home.
lovely local Weizenbier to the equally lovely
Nearby Viechtach has some cafés and gives
freshly baked bread.
insight into small-town Bavarian life. The nearby beach and lake, located along Back at the site, if you don’t feel like
a path on the other side of the hotel, is the
breaking out the barbie, take advantage
perfect place to cool off and sunbathe. And
of the hotel-restaurant, which combines
if you’re feeling even more indulgent, the
Thai and Bavarian specialities with truly
spa is just a short aloe-vera-face-scrub-
superb results (the mixed tapas is especially
throw away. But if you don’t feel like leaving
good, though it’s neither Thai nor Bavarian,
Schnitzmühle to enjoy some real R&R,
but who cares?). Behind the hotel lies the
there’s absolutely no need to.
THE UPSIDE Authentic ‘cool camping’ in the heart of the Bavarian forest. THE DOWNSIDE You need a car to get around. THE DAMAGE Tent plus 2 adults is €12 (including tent). THE FACILITIES These are superb, including a clean (and colourful) shower block, well-stocked kiosk, onsite bar (Bongo Bar), a place for camp fires and BBQs, a playground and Internet (restaurant) – plus a hotel, spa, restaurant and lake right next door. FOOD AND DRINK The kiosk sells fresh bread in the mornings and general camping essentials. The hotel-restaurant serves up a funky fusion of Bavarian and Thai food, and has a generous breakfast buffet each morning for €8, as well as salads and sandwiches for lunch. Bella Italia (00 49 9942 3633) in nearby Viechtach sells good pizza and pasta.
FAMILY FUN The site can organise everything from canoeing and hiking, mountain-biking, cycling and tree-climbing tours. There’s a playground onsite with table-tennis tables, and you can swim in the lake. Another great option is the bobsleigh ride at the theme park Rodel Paradies (www.sommerrodeln.de; 00 49 9965 1203), a 20-minute drive away. TREAT YOURSELF For a truly relaxing experience, try one of the many massages at Schnitzmühle’s spa. Take your pick from the Yanomami (with banana leaves – €72 for 75 minutes), the Espresso (a 15-minute quickie for €14) or the Absolute High Power Massage (55 minutes for €49). GETTING THERE From Munich take the B2R and exit onto the A9. From there take the exit 68-Kreuz Neufahrn to merge onto A92 towards Landshut, continuing on the B11. Turn left
at the B85, right at St2139 and continue on Bahnhofstrasse/St2326. Take a right towards Blosserberg, right at Schönauer Strasse and right at Leuthenmühle. Then it’s a left towards Rothenbühl, left at Rothenbühl and left at Gmeinholz. From Dresden, take the A4 towards Chemnitz/Leipzig, taking exit 68-Kreuz Chemnitz to merge onto A72 towards Hof/Zwickau/ Chemnitz-Süd. Take exit 4-Dreieck Hochfranken to merge onto A93 towards Regensburg/Prag/ Praha/A6/Hof-Ost. Take exit 33-Schwandorf-Mitte towards Cham/Wackersdorf. Merge onto the B85, the B20/B85, turning left at St2139. Follow directions as from Munich. OPEN All year. IF IT’S FULL Campingplatz am Höllenstein Pirka (Leitenweg 12, 94234 Viechtach; 00 49 9942 8501) is a small, family-run site where river fishing is much more likely than Internet surfing.
Camping Schnitzmühle, Schnitzmühle 1, 94234 Viechtach, Germany t
186
00 49 9942 94810
w
www.schnitzmuehle.de
USEFUL WORDS AND PHRASES
useful words ENGLISH
PORTUGUESE
SPANISH
FRENCH
DUTCH
campsite
parque de campismo
un camping
un camping
camping
pitch
alvéolo
una parcela
un emplacement
kampeerplaats
large/small/ family tent
tenda grande/pequena/ familiar
una tienda grande/ pequeña/familiar
une grande/petite tente/ tente de famille
kleine/grote/familie tent
facilities
instalações/serviços
unas instalaciones
le bloc sanitaire
badkamers
toilets
casas-de-banho
unos aseos
les toilettes
toiletten
showers
duches
unas duchas
les douches
douches
washing-up/ laundry sink
lavandaria/tanque
un fregadero/lavadero
un bac lave vaiselle/ lave linge
afwas/wasplek
drinking water
água potável
agua potable
l’eau potable
drinkbare water
beer
cerveja
una cerveza
une bière
bier
wine
vinho
un vino
du vin
wijn
sleeping bag
saco-cama
un saco de dormir
un sac de couchage
slaapzak
campfire
lareira
una hoguera
un feu de camp
kampvuur
train
comboio
un tren
un train
trein
car
carro
un coche
une voiture
auto
petrol (unleaded)
gasolina (sem chumbo)
gasolina (sin plomo)
l’essence (sans plomb)
benzine (ongelood)
diesel
gasóleo
diesel
diesel
diesel
bicycle
bicicleta
una bici
un vélo
fiets
left
esquerda
izquierda
à gauche
links
right
direita
derecha
à droite
rechts
straight on
em frente/a direito
todo recto
tout droit
rechtdoor
316
USEFUL WORDS AND PHRASES
useful words GERMAN
ITALIAN
SLOVENIAN
CROAT
GREEK
Campingplatz
un campeggio
kamp
kamp
!"#$%&'( (Camping)
Zeltplatz
una piazzola
postaviti
postaviti, razapeti
)*+,-'%.-+(,&/
ein kleines/grosses/ Familien-Zelt
una tenda grande/piccola/ velik/majhen/družinski familiare šotor
veliki/mali/obiteljski šator
01'"2,30%(4/35%(6'1&1%.(/+(,&/-(Megáli/mikrí
Sanitärbereich
i servizi
ugodnosti, ponudba
sadržaji
7.468*9-(Parochès)
Toiletten
i bagni/WC
WC, toaleta
WC, toaleti
:6;.2*<19 (Toualètes)
Duschen
le doccie
tuši
tuševi
=<6>9 (Doùs)
Abwaschwanne/ Wäschereiwanne
la lavanderia/il lavello
pomivanje/odtocni jašek pri pranju
Pranje/umivanje/Praonica rublja
72;&</4%63?("@,--
Trinkwasser
acqua potabile
pitna vod
voda za pic´e
7A+%#6-=14A (Pósimo neró)
Bier
la birra
pivo
pivo
0$>4.-(Bíra)
Wein
il vino
vino
vino
!4.+B (Krasí)
Schlafsack
un sacco a pelo
spalna vreca
vrec´a za spavanje
?2B$%&'(-#$.'(--
Lagerfeuer
il falò
taborni ogenj
logorska vatra
@C<%"-(Fotià)
Zug
il treno
vlak
vlak
:4*&6-(Tréno)
Auto
l’automobile
avto
auto
.;<6(B&,<6 (Aftokínito)
Benzin (bleifrei)
la benzina (verde)
bencin
bezolovno (gorivo)
D1&EB&,-F.#A2;GH,I
Diesel
il gasolio
diesel
dizel
71<4*2.%6 (Petréleo)
Fahrrad
una bicicletta
kolo
bicikl
76H/2.<6 (Podílato)
links
a sinistra
leva
lijevo
J4%+<14" (Aristerá)
rechts
a destra
desna
desno
K1L%" (Deksiá)
geradeaus
avanti dritto
naravnost
ravno
M;N1B. (Efthía)
(Thési gia skiní)
ikogeniakí skiní)
(Plintírio/skáfi)
(sleeping bag)
Venzíni (amólivdi)
317
SLOVENIA
menina ‘Welcome’, says the laminated sign pinned
spots in total Menina tends to have room
to the door of the wooden reception. ‘If we’re
for everyone, though the site doesn’t feel as
not present you can find us in bar…just find
big as that figure might suggest, due to the
nice spot for you and see you later…’
haphazard layout.
The sign says a lot about Camping Menina.
Menina prides itself on being a thoroughly
It tells you that the site is laid-back; it
sociable place. There’s a nice, natural lake to
suggests that the owners – Jurij and Katja –
gather around instead of a formal swimming
are open-minded, trusting and probably very
pool; an extensive outdoor playground close
busy. And it reveals a beautiful truth – that
to the bar/restaurant so you can grab a
this is a campsite with a bar.
coffee and chat whilst keeping an eye on the kids; and the staff take a fairly spontaneous
Indeed, Menina buzzes in the way a campsite
approach to organising everything from
should. It’s a wonderfully sprawling place
discos and concerts on the lake to guided
that has developed slowly and organically
tours and excursions.
within a section of natural forest in Slovenia’s striking Upper Savinja Valley. Like
In the evenings, people hang out at the
the region, Menina has retained much of its
bar/restaurant, taking advantage of the
sylvan charm. Branches flutter flirtatiously
very decent food (fish, meat and vegetarian
in the valley breezes, dapples of sunlight
dishes on offer) or just to sip a cold beer
dance on the grassy floor and a silver brook
from the bar. This attitude engenders a
tinkles merrily by. It’s the kind of scene
broad demographic. Everyone from kids and
that makes you reach immediately for your
teens to young families and older folk – an
acoustic guitar.
international mix – feel comfortable here, which all makes for a friendly ambience.
Though it’s divided vaguely into sections –
268
a tipi camp (complete with friendly ponies
As well as tents, you’ll notice an abundance
in an adjacent meadow) lies in one area, a
of canoes, kayaks, bicycles and climbing
row of comfortable wooden cabins lines
gear lying around. The site is perfectly
another – visitors generally do as the sign
placed to explore not only the gorgeous
says: find a spot wherever looks nicest…and
Upper Savinja Valley, but also the Kamnik-
pitch. There are plenty of options; with 180
Savinja Alps and the nearby Logarska Dolina
GREECE
dionysus In mythical days gone by, the final leg of
or haggling over evil eyes and alabaster
Odysseus’ journey shipwrecked him on the
gods, there’s a rich mix of options to take
peaceful island of the Phaeacians, where the
your interest. Be it water sports, walking,
kindly princess Nausicaa took him to her
museum-hopping, monastery-peeping or
palace to tell his tale, before letting him set
just basking on the beach, Corfu is a large
sail on to the island of Ithaca. Nowadays,
island and you can easily lose yourself in
that same island is commonly known as
the flower-filled meadows, crags and secret,
Corfu, but you can still find the same gentle
hidden coves, leaving the hustle and bustle
hospitality there.
(if the Greeks have such a thing) of the resorts far behind you.
This Ionian island became a major player in Greek affairs because of its handy location
Five and a half miles (9 km) out of Corfu
in the Mediterranean and when you are
Old Town and a mere five minutes from
ambling through the old town’s sandy neo-
chock-full, glistening-bodied Dassia beach,
classical buildings you’ll be sure to feel
is Dionysus Camping. If this is a name to
the breath of history touching your cheek.
conjure up images of near-naked nymphs
Well, Corfu’s seen a fair few tourists since
popping grapes into one another’s mouths
the late sixties, but you can still catch a
to the accompaniment of a lyre, you may,
glimpse of the Greece of that era by taking
perhaps, be a little disappointed. But in
random turns off the main drag. All sorts
every other aspect this serene spot, set in a
of time-stands-still scenes greet you – from
tiered 400-year-old olive grove, more than
the crumbling, washing-strung piazza to an
justifies its evocative name.
octogenarian bedecked in black, measuring out her years with a string of beads. The real
The facilities offered at the campsite are
Greece is never very far away.
excellent. There are two pristine shower blocks with hot water round the clock, a
Corfu actually means ‘peaks’ and Corfu’s Old
handsome bar overlooking a good-sized
Town is sandwiched between two natural
swimming pool, plus you have the choice of
promontories on which stand two mighty
pitching your tent in the terraced meadows
fortresses, strong enough to repel the
or – and these are terrific value for couples –
aggression of five Ottoman sieges. If you get
taking one of Dionysus’s 50 well-appointed
tired of drinking frappés in the stylish cafés
Polynesian-style cabanas or tikis.
285