Picnic in Altomincio Family Park

We had been planning the trip opening the camping season for a long time. This year we decided that our May weekend destination would be camping in Italy . We wanted to go to Garda again, and an important argument was, among others, close distance to Poland. Even though it snowed in Austria the day before our departure, it was already sunny on the other side of the Brenner Pass, and during our spring break we even managed to feel the breeze of summer.

We usually go camping with a camper or trailer. This time, however, we received an invitation to a campsite where there are no pitches! There was an opportunity to test accommodation in a holiday home, which we decided to do for the first time in our lives. Did we like it?

Close to nature and... with pizza on call

Altomincio Family Park is not located directly on Lake Garda, but south of it, directly on the Mincio River, which flows from it. The campsite is located on terraces, so most of the cottages have a view of the beautiful Mincio River. There are parking lots on the lowest level, and above (on a huge area) there are houses, swimming pools, restaurants and shops. Even higher up you will find more cottages - but these are a bit away from the center of the campsite. In return, they offer a fantastic view and provide a pleasant breath of fresh air, which will be most important during the summer heat. The distance from the center of the campsite is not a problem, because in the season there is a melex bus there, and food can be ordered by phone from the restaurant. Even bread, if we order it the day before, will be delivered straight to the cottage's veranda. If someone wants to live in silence, away from the hustle and bustle of the swimming pool, this is the perfect place.

View from the upper level of the campsite

However, in the center of Altomincio Family Park at Piazza Froggy there is everything we may need during a day spent at the campsite: one deeper swimming pool, two lagoons with low water level and soft ground (including one tiny one for the youngest children), three slides and the greatest fun – a whale-shaped slide with an underwater tunnel.

Next to the swimming pools there is a grocery store, as well as a shop selling toys, swimsuits, clothes and souvenirs. There are compressors at the store and at the pool bar, thanks to which we can quickly inflate purchased mattresses, pontoons or other toys perfect for water.

Children will not be bored, because in addition to swimming pools, there is also a rope park, mini golf, and professional animations from morning to evening. In addition, there are many small playgrounds throughout the campsite. They are practically on every corner, so children don't have to go too far from the house to play. Moreover, they can also have fun in the streets, right next to the holiday cottages, because car traffic is completely prohibited at the Altomincio campsite.

Cheaper tickets and rental

There is also an Information Point at the campsite, where the staff will help us organize activities outside the campsite. You can go on an organized tour or take advantage of tips on how to explore the area individually. At this point you can also buy cheaper tickets for most attractions located around the lake. For example, an entry ticket to the Gardaland amusement park purchased at the campsite will cost EUR 33.50 instead of EUR 40.50.

At the Information Point you can rent bicycles for adults (with child seats) and bicycles for children, and even balance bikes and scooters. The location of the campsite allows you to go on great bike trips along the Mincio River . The 35 km long path (located directly next to the campsite) connects Peschiera with Mantova and is a very important part of the popular Ciclopista del Sole cycle path (eurovelo 7).

If we cycle towards Peschiera (5 km), we can continue the ride further along Lake Garda or hop on a ferry (also with a bike) to visit other towns further north. We, from Lazise, were riding our bikes back to Altomincio.

A campsite full of delicious things

When it comes to meals at the campsite, the holiday cottages are fully equipped, so you can easily cook anything there. When booking, you can also order a gas grill, which will be waiting at our cottage on the day of arrival. You can also shop on site in a fully equipped store. You can find everything there - from bread, fruit and cheese to alcohol, cosmetics and household chemicals.

But if we don't feel like cooking, there is a restaurant at the campsite with delicious takeaway food. It's not fast food like the famous chain with the golden arches, but truly delicious Italian food - only in boxes ;) There is also another restaurant with incredibly delicious food (open in the evenings), and a pool bar where you can also find among others pizza, salads or fruit and drink coffee and cocktails. There is also an ice cream parlor with amazing ice cream made on site.

Houses with a jacuzzi or Hello Kits

Someone might ask: what is a campsite without pitches? This is an ideal solution for those who want to experience a camping holiday without having to take all their equipment with them (especially if they do not have it). In the houses you will find everything: bedding, towels, dishes and much more.

There are as many as 820 cottages on the campsite - from standard to truly luxurious ones. And in mid-June, Elite Club Vacanze will offer brand new houses called Mobile Home EDEN with a jacuzzi on the terrace! Also new will be glamping tents (safari-style) located in the heart of the campsite and a small hotel with several rooms.

There are also Hello Kitty houses at the campsite. We had the opportunity to go inside and see what a fairy-tale holiday with this sweet character could look like. We have to admit that it's great there! The pink house has its own garden, and most of the equipment inside is decorated with a Hello Kitty motif (bedding, a dryer and even toilet paper are just part of the beautiful, tasteful and - contrary to appearances - subdued interior). There is only one disadvantage - your children will not want to leave it too eagerly ;)