There’s something wonderful about camping. Reconnecting with nature, switching off, and celebrating the simpler things in life. Though, sleeping outdoors with the ground for a mattress and little in the way of luxury certainly isn’t for everyone.
And that’s where glamping comes in. Glamping, a combination between glamour and camping, has become an ever-popular way to immerse yourself in some of the untamed, beautiful parts of the world, without having to sacrifice comfort.
Today, glamping sites are continually upping their game – and with everything from fancy treehouses to beachside resorts and fairytale igloos, they offer so much more than just a nice tent.
With that said, here are 10 glamping destinations in Europe. From France and Spain to Finland and Slovenia, we hope there’s something for everyone.
1. Schlafen im Weinfass, Germany
Located on a farm 350m above the flower and wine village of Sasbachwalden in Germany, is Schlafen im Weinfass, which translates as ‘sleeping in the wine barrel’.
This is a glamping resort that does exactly what it says on the tin. Surrounded by idyllic vineyards, 8000-litre wine barrels have been lovingly converted into unique glamping accommodation. Each sleeping barrel can host two people and has its own living and toilet barrels attached.
Here, you can enjoy unobstructed views of the stunning Rhine plain – and if you look out of your wine barrel’s window in the evening, you’ll see breathtaking sunsets over the vineyards. The barrels can also be heated, so trips here can be enjoyed all year round.
Sasbachwalden is also an ideal base for hiking, cycling, and motorbike tours in the Black Forest and through the lush countryside near Baden Rebland.
2. Glamping Gozdne Vile, Slovenia
Tucked away in the heart of a pine forest right next to the iconic Lake Bled, Slovenia’s Glamping Gozdne Vile is the perfect location for a romantic getaway under the stars.
Adorable wooden huts made from unprocessed larch wood are covered with larch shingles, and the comfy bed is made entirely of natural materials. The comforting scent of wood which fills the entire hut gives sleeping in nature a whole new meaning.
Even better, each cabin has its own private bathroom, outdoor bathtub heated by firewood, and comfortable wooden loungers that are the perfect for relaxing the day away in.
A relaxing walk or magical horse-drawn carriage ride around the fairytale Lake Bled are a must during your stay.
3. Aurora Domes, Finland
If you’re more drawn to snow than warm, sunny weather, then you might be more intrigued by a glamping trip to Aurora Domes in Finland.
So called after the Aurora Borealis – more commonly known as the Northern Lights – the Aurora Domes offer guests a chance to watch this phenomenon dance across the sky from a highly unique viewing point.
Set amongst the fairytale winter scenery of Lake Torassieppi and Lake Jerisjarvi, both of which are frequently lit by the Northern Lights, a stay in these igloo-shaped tents promises an unforgettable experience.
In an Aurora Dome, guests can relax with home comforts and soak up the warmth of their wood burning stove – surrounded by husky and reindeer-themed furnishings, which only add to the charm.
Due to strategically placed clear panels, a cosy double bed looks directly out across the breathtaking landscape. And there are sauna and washroom facilities located around 50 metes away from the campsite.
For information on the best time of year to spot the Aurora Borealis, have a read of this advice from Visit Rovaniemi.
4. Bukubaki Eco Surf Resort, Portugal
In the small town of Peniche, Portugal – just one hour north of Lisbon – Bukuhabi Eco Surf Resort warmly welcomes guests to its eco-friendly glamping site. Built using natural materials and electricity generated from renewable energy sources, this is an idyllic place to unwind.
Surfing is the main event at Bukuhabi, and all levels of experience are welcomed. There’s also yoga, hiking, skateboarding, and mountain biking if you’d prefer to stay out of the sea. Or, for something more relaxing, why not take a dip in the pool, or make the most of the massages and steam rooms on offer?
Guests can choose between glamping tents or treehouses – both of which are safe havens to relax in after a day of excitement and adventure. Enjoy the sound of waves and the fresh scent of pine trees and sea air, which fills the campsite as you lie back on your beautiful sun deck.
A permaculture garden produces most of the ingredients for the onsite restaurant, where guests can enjoy a tantalizingly delicious mixture of Italian and Portuguese cuisine.
5. Sails on Kos, Greece
Greece is an ever popular summer holiday destination – and in Marmari, on the beautiful island of Kos, Sails on Kos glamping site has carved out its own little slice of heaven.
Marmari is a small coastal village and its glistening beaches are some of the best in Kos. During a stay here, you can wander the white-sand beaches, soak up the sun, or even get to grips with some water sports if you’re feeling adventurous.
Sails on Kos has 20 luxury tents that come in four different sizes. They’re described as a combination of boutique hotel and adventure – promising four-star service.
There’s also a swimming pool and restaurant on site, which serves various homemade, locally sourced, and creative dishes for the ultimate Greek cuisine experience.
6. Camping Miramar, Spain
If you’re a fan of retro and vintage styles, then you won’t be able to resist the unique charm of Miramar Campsite on the Costa Dorada, Spain.
Bursting with colour, the 37 re-purposed caravans at Miramar have been lovingly decorated and transformed into comfortable homes. Each with its own unique name and design – from rainbow patterns to electric polka dots and warming block colours – it’s tricky not to feel a little brighter and happier here.
Varying in size, caravans can host up to six people and each comes with its own fittings and appliances, including electric stoves, kitchenware, refrigerators, wardrobes, and a dining area.
There are also a number of restaurants to enjoy onsite, and situated right on the beach, Miramar is a fantastic spot for a getaway.
7. The Lazy Olive Glamping, Italy
Set in the idyllic Tuscan countryside under the shade of olive trees and alongside grape vines, the glamorous tents at The Lazy Olive Glamping are enchanting.
Sit back and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Tuscan hills, take a refreshing dip in the pool as you look out over the vineyard, or use the bikes provided to explore more of the surrounding countryside. There’s also an organic olive grove and vegetable garden especially for guests – so don’t forget to ask to try the olive oil!
A shared, fully-equipped kitchen, barbeque, and two long tables are perfect for meeting fellow guests. And local restaurants are between a five and 10 minute drive away if you’d like to venture out.
Each tent is spacious, thoughtfully prepared, and has its own private shower and bathroom – where hot water is provided by solar panels. There are laundry facilities available too.
Lazy Olive Glamping is also an ideal base to explore the rest of Tuscany too.
8. Kudhva, England
Set in the heart of Cornwall on the hillside of a 43-acre disused slate quarry, the glamping site of Kudhva is Cornish for ‘hiding place’ – which is a pretty apt description for the seven-metre-tall huts that are found here.
These unique, eight-legged, angular treehouses are made from glass, larch, and galvanized steel. Standing seven metres high, they reach above the treeline – offering far-reaching views of the spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the north Cornish coast.
Kudva follows a basic, laid back approach, and while the site is a huge step up in comfort than generic camping, guests don’t come here for luxury. The communal kitchen is rustic in style and though each kudhva has a double bed, the rooms can be a bit of a tight squeeze.
Instead, people are typically drawn here for a back-to-nature style retreat; to switch off and immerse themselves in activities like stargazing, wild swimming, and campfire cooking.
Tintagel, famous for its Arthurian castle, is also right on the doorstop, as are the the quaint fishing villages of Port Isaac and Boscastle, and the clifftop beach walks at Trebarwith Strand.
9. Plitvice Holiday Resort, Croatia
Plitvice Holiday Resort in Grabovac, Croatia, strikes the ideal balance between nature, cultural beauty, and outdoor fun.
There are a range of accommodation options available onsite, including mobiles homes, tipi tents, lake houses, and trees located high in the pine trees that are perfect for glampers.
If you’re after an active holiday, kilometres of cycling trails and hiking paths surround the camp area; and activities like archery, fishing, zip lining, kayaking, and paintballing are available too. Plus, the resort is located next to Plitvice Lakes National Park, where you can walk for miles.
Alternatively, for something more laid back, why not head to the site’s wellness zone? Here you’ll find an infrared sauna with a salt wall, a hydromassage pool, and a refreshing rain shower.
The town of Grabovac enjoys both sunny summers and white cold winters – so it’s a great choice of destination whether you prefer warmer or colder climates.
10. Auvergne Naturelle, France
One of the most laid-back and beautifully isolated campsites in central France, Auvergne Naturelle is the place to go if you want to experience the undiscovered beauty of France’s Auvergne region.
The site is run by owners Robert and Kathryn, who wanted to share their passion for the area and create a holiday experience everyone can enjoy. With four luxury yurts, the site is small and intimate, and offers guests a highly personal service.
Dedicated to preserving the beauty of nature, Auvergne Naturelle is surrounded by delightful woodland and stunning scenery, and each yurt is made from ash coppice – a material that has minimal impact on the environment.
There are also private ensuite toilets, shower rooms, and outdoor dining table and chairs – so you can embrace the great outdoors, all the while enjoying home comforts.
Final thoughts…
Where nature meets luxury, glamping offers a unique experience to reconnect with the great outdoors, without sacrificing comfort. And whether you’re into warm or cold climates, or seeking relaxation or adventure, a glamping trip can make the ideal getaway.
For more travel inspiration, head over to the travel section of our website where you’ll find everything from UK staycations to long-haul travel and adventure holidays.