Whether you're an experienced nomad or on your first family road trip, there's no better way to see Europe than by motorhome. With its diverse culture and landscape, Europe offers endless adventures, from wild swimming in Greece to trekking Iceland's Golden Circle. Roll down the windows, fill up the tank and get ready to discover the most beautiful places to park your motorhome.
Click through this gallery to see the best spots in Europe everyone with a motorhome should visit...
A place that needs no introduction, Lake Como is easily one of Europe’s most spectacular places. Every summer its azure waters draw visitors in the thousands to devour homemade pasta and sip Campari spritzes until the sun goes down. Don your hiking boots and wander the iconic Greenway trail through ancient villages and gorgeous greenery, or take the ferry to Varenna and wander the gardens of Villa Monastero. La Fornace is a great base, situated near Lecco and Bellagio. Park by the water under Grigna Mountain.
Inspiration for some of the world’s most famous poets, Lake Windermere is renowned for its spectacular landscape, with romance found in its moody waters and blustery moors. Hunker down at Low Wray Campsite, where you will find homely laundry facilities, hot showers and an on-site shop for essentials. The location is hard to beat, and it’s easy to join cycling and walking trails to picturesque spots like the Claife Viewing Station, the historic Allan Bank villa and Hill Top, a delightful cottage once home to beloved children's author Beatrix Potter.
There's nowhere in the world quite like Greece, and a motorhome is a fun way to explore the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean – Crete. If you’re a keen hiker, Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge in Europe, takes six to seven hours to walk. Base yourself in Chania – Camping Chania is a popular option, and comes with a shop and a pool – and take an early bus to Xyloskalo, where the gorge begins. Don’t forget to pack your swimming gear for a well-deserved post-hike dip at the black-sand beach of Agia Roumeli.
The Black Forest is a great place to stop on your German adventure. In summer, swimsuit-clad visitors flock to Lake Titisee to swim, windsurf and sail its glistening waters. When snow falls the lake freezes over and transforms into a natural ice rink. Camping Bankenhof is highly rated for its location in the heart of the Black Forest National Park and offers lots of activities to keep the family entertained, from rental go-karts and a children's cinema to a private cross-country ski run.
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Run by third-generation farmers, Fidden Farm in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull is a love letter to Scotland. Set against untamed mountains and glittering waters, Tobermory is famed for its colourful houses, fresh seafood and secret coves. Motorhomes are welcome and you don’t need to book in advance. Equipped with modern facilities and wifi, it’s a great spot to hunker down and explore the Scottish Isles. Don’t forget your swimming stuff as the southeast is renowned for its watersports.
With crystal-clear waters and a 12th-century castle, Slovenia's renowned Lake Bled comes straight out of the pages of a children's storybook. A charming pit stop on your European adventure, park at River Camping Bled to explore the lake, the Julian Alps and the surrounding Upper Carniola region. With the magnificent Karavanke Mountains as a backdrop, the campsite is perfect for families and boasts a playground, various sporting activities and a swimming pool on-site.
The drive to Highland Base in Kerlingarfjoll is an adventure in itself. This extraordinary campsite is located in the heart of Iceland’s highlands and opens to motorhomes in the summer. Thrill-seekers have the chance to explore the Icelandic interior with a professional tour guide, whether you want to clamber to the highest peak of the Kerlingarfjoll mountains or learn more about how glaciers are formed. After a long day spent on foot, retreat to the campsite for a night under the stars.
Thousands of city slickers flock to Cornwall every summer for wild swimming, hot pasties and England's best surf. With over 400 miles (643km) of pristine beaches, it has more campsites and holiday parks per square mile than any other English county bar North Yorkshire. Park up at Cornish Tipi Holidays, set beside a secluded lake. It's just a 10-minute drive to the charming chocolate-box villages of Port Isaac and Tintagel, while the Cornwall Coastal Footpath is not to be missed.
The little-known island town of Mali Losinj is defined by its colourful promenade, with fishing boats bobbing in the sunshine. The Croatian island of Losinj is a hiker’s paradise with over 137 miles (220km) of trails punctuated by beaches and coves perfect for short rest breaks. Camping Village Poljana is a great place to rest your feet after a long day, and has four different areas you can park in. Our favourite is by the beach for morning swims and unspoilt views out over the sparkling Adriatic Sea.
Camp Mons Klint has welcomed adventurers from around the world since 1954. A roughly two-hour drive from Copenhagen, Mons Klint is one of Denmark's most spectacular natural wonders – a four-mile (6km) stretch of milky-white chalk cliff that soars above the crashing Baltic Sea. The campsite is a great spot for adventurers, with fishing trips, horseback riding and popular hiking trails all within easy reach. There's a small restaurant and swimming pool on-site too.
A 40-minute drive from Amsterdam, Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is well worth a spot on your Dutch itinerary. Hidden in the sandy dunes is Camping de Lakens, a campsite just a short stroll from Bloemendaal Beach which is famous for its surf. The camp is a top spot for lovers of the great outdoors, and walking, cycling and bridle paths criss-cross the area. Keep your eyes peeled for roe deer, Highland cattle and European bison.
The Ring of Kerry road trip should be on every traveller’s bucket list. Its deep emerald landscape is straight out of a fairy tale, with tumbling waterfalls, medieval castles and darling cottages. Set in southwest Ireland, the three-and-a-half-hour loop (nine days of walking for the adventurous) includes famous pit stops like the Gap of Dunloe, Killarney National Park and Torc Waterfall. Park your motorhome at family-run campsite Wave Crest to explore this wild stretch of the west Irish coast.
Natur Camping Kuprian in the Otztal Alps is a popular destination all year round. In summer, activities range from adventurous hiking trails and bike paths to wild swimming in gurgling mountain streams. In winter, the area transforms into a skier’s playground with the family-friendly ski resort of Gries offering toboggan runs and ski lessons for all levels. After a long day of exploring, the nearby Aqua Dome spa is the perfect place to unwind.
Renowned for its medieval churches and cobbled streets, Bruges never fails to appear on European bucket lists. But did you know you can visit with your motorhome? Camping Melming is situated just a short drive from the city centre in a neighbouring forest, a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle. Those that want a break from the city's history tours can also book boat and bike excursions. Ring in advance, as pitches fill up fast in summer.
Spread along the Spanish border is Peneda-Geres National Park, an extraordinary expanse of lush forest and jagged mountains. There's an abundance of wildlife in the park, from deer and wolves to around 150 different bird species – including the golden eagle. There are numerous hiking trails to explore as well as the small town of Geres and the village of Lindoso, which is home to a medieval castle. Stay at Parque Cerdeira which is close by and offers canoeing and fishing.
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No European road trip is complete without stopping by to say hello to Wales' largest and most impressive landmark: Mount Snowdon. Eryri National Park (also known as Snowdonia) is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with public footpaths weaving through the epic mountain landscape. History buffs should add Harlech Castle to their itineraries, while Fairy Glen is a magic spot for wild swimming. There are lots of campsites to choose from in Eryri National Park – just make sure to book in advance.
Few cities lend themselves better to a city break than Prague. Renowned for its Gothic skyline, the Czech capital boasts a feast of historic landmarks – from the Charles Bridge and St Vitus Cathedral to the famous Astronomical Clock. Pitch up at Camping Sokol Praha, where you can relax after a long day tramping the streets at the on-site restaurant or by the swimming pool. When you’re ready to explore again, take the free shuttle bus to the train station, from which you can quickly reach the city centre.
Just an hour and a half's drive from Budapest is Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake. Almost 49 miles (80km) in length, Lake Balaton’s turquoise waters are hard to say no to, whether you're seeking out a sailing trip or simply an afternoon swim. Music lovers won’t want to miss Balaton Sound, one of Europe’s largest open-air electronic music festivals, which runs every July. Sello Camping is based right by the water’s edge and comes with a private beach.
There’s a buzz about Biarritz. The smart seaside town on the southwestern coast of France welcomes holidaymakers every summer with the promise of bright sunshine, sumptuous seafood and excellent surf. Biarritz Camping is ideally situated by the beaches of Ilbarritz and Milady. Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a short drive away and boasts four beaches, outdoor markets and hiking trails, while Hendaye is famous for its friendly waves and surf schools.
Sweden’s second largest island, Oland has long been a summer destination for the Swedish royals, and it's not hard to see why. Defined by its lush landscapes and vast stretches of coast, the isle is particularly known for its cycling routes and large windmills. You’ll be in good hands at Kapelludden Camping, just a short walk from Borgholm city centre. There’s plenty to keep the family busy with a beach, a gym, two outdoor pools and a bike rental service on-site.
Made up of 1,700 islands and islets, the Solund archipelago is a nature lover's dream. Just a two-hour drive from Bergen, it's a great base for island hopping with daily boats to neighbouring Bulandet, where fishing, cycling and kayaking are popular. There’s a choice of four different places to pull up your motorhome in the region, two of which come with access to shower facilities and electricity. Make sure to book in advance in the high season to avoid disappointment.
Camping Eiger North Face sits at the foot of the epic mountain it’s named after. Part of the Jungfrau region, it’s a five-minute drive from the charming Alpine village of Grindelwald, with magnificent views from every pitch. In summer, it’s a great base to kickstart day-long hikes, gentle walks and mountain tours. When winter rolls around, exhilarating ski and toboggan trails end at the campsite. It’s first come, first served in high season so arrive in the morning – the location is worth the early alarm.
The Finnish Archipelago claims to have more islands than any other archipelago in the world, and it really shows off what Scandinavia has to offer. Its rocky islets and windswept pastures are a haven for wildlife, from the rare Baltic ringed seal to more than 130 species of bird. Livonsaari Caravan in Naantali is a great base for hiking, cycling and bird-watching, with the local ferry within walking distance. Borrow a bicycle to explore the neighbouring islands.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bialowieza National Park is home to a host of rare and endangered species, such as Europe's heaviest land mammal: the European bison. The last original lowland forest in Europe, this ancient wildlife haven can be explored on foot, on horseback or by bike, with guided tours available from various tour agencies. Set up your motorhome at nearby Camping U Michala for easy access to the park and washing facilities.
Nowhere feels more French than Provence, a region headlined by its vibrant lavender fields. June is the best time to visit if you want to see the region in full bloom. Take the Lavender Trail from Coustellet, where enthusiasts can pay a visit to the Lavender Museum, before making a pit stop at the historic Notre-Dame de Senanque Abbey. Make time for lunch and souvenir shopping at Sault, which hosts a lavender festival during peak season. Set up camp at Camping le Colorado, which boasts a pool and a children's playground.
It’s hard to believe that Bardenas Reales is in Europe. Its lunar landscape has found fame as a film and television set, and has starred in Game of Thrones and the James Bond movie The World Is Not Enough. Park up in Arguedas to explore the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve when the sun comes up. Look out for the awe-inspiring Castildetierra – a striking conical rock formation that's among the most photographed spots in the park.
In northeastern Estonia lies the Kurtna Lake District, a natural wonder formed long ago by glacial ice. There are 42 lakes in total with campsites dotted along the water’s edge. If you’re arriving from the Estonian capital Tallinn, Vihula Talu Campsite is just a 25-minute drive away and is perfectly situated for cycling and swimming. The Korvemaa Landscape Conservation Area, a nature reserve where you can take a guided hike around picturesque forest, is around 40 minutes from the site.
The Cotswolds feel quintessentially English. Think rosy-cheeked walks through charming countryside, rewarded with a cosy Sunday lunch at the local pub. The region is spread across five counties – from Gloucestershire to Somerset – and a motorhome will let you breeze through all of them. Film buffs should swing by Gloucester Cathedral, which doubled as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies, and the village of Bampton, which played a starring role in Downton Abbey. Surrounded by attractive farmland, Cotswold View Caravan Park is a great base.
The Dubysa River is a honeypot for hikers, and an eight-day walking trail through the river valley encompasses quaint villages, crumbling farmsteads and sweeping countryside. Kayaking is also popular in the area and Campsite Dubysa is perfectly situated on the river bank. It’s just a short drive to several local areas of interest, including the charming Palazduonys Spring and the crumbling Seredzius Old Bridge Ruins. Light the campfire for a night beneath the stars.