10 reasons why you hear German so often at Italian campsites

Anyone visiting an Italian campsite in the summer will quickly notice it. On the beach, by the pool, or at the campsite shop, you'll hear a surprising amount of German spoken. This is no coincidence. Germans have been the largest group of foreign tourists in Italy for years, and they're especially prominent at campsites.

This is all due to Germany's strong camping culture, the enormous popularity of campervans and caravans, and Italy's easy accessibility by car. But there's more to it than that. New camping trends, changing holiday habits, and a growing demand for comfort are driving more and more Germans to Italian campsites.

Here are the key facts, figures and trends behind this striking presence.

1. Germans make up the largest foreign tourist group

Germany has been Italy's most important foreign destination market for years. According to recent figures from the Italian tourism board ENIT from 2024 and 2025, more than 11 million German tourists Italy.

Together they were good for about €7,5 billion in tourism spending. German visitors thus make an enormous contribution to the Italian tourism sector.

For many regions, Germans are even the largest foreign visitor group. This is true, for example, for Sardinia and Calabria, where German tourists top the rankings. Also on Sicily Germans are among the largest foreign groups.

In addition, classic destinations remain popular, such as:

• Lake Garda
• South Tyrol (where German is traditionally spoken)
• Tuscany
• Adriatic Coast

These areas are relatively easy to reach by car and have a wide range of campsites.

2. Germans dominate the camping sector

The German presence is particularly strong in the camping segment, as Germans constitute the largest foreign group of campers in Italy.

In the Italian outdoor sector – i.e. campsites and holiday parks – German tourists accounted for approximately 18,4 million overnight staysThat is considerably more than other foreign visitors.

For comparison:

• Dutch: approximately 5 million camping nights
• Swiss: about 2,6 milion

These figures demonstrate the importance of German campers to the Italian camping sector. Many campsites in Northern Italy are even partially geared towards German guests. Think of German-language information signs, German-speaking staff, and entertainment programs in which German plays a prominent role.

3. Germany is a camping country

The strong presence of Germans on Italian campsites isn't surprising. Germany is one of the largest camping countries in Europe.

The number of campers has grown explosively in recent years. In 2024 there were more than 900.000 campers registered in GermanySince 2017, the number has even more than doubled.

In addition, there are millions of caravans on the road. And tents for pitching yourself are in high demand. Camping in Germany has grown from a niche to a mainstream holiday option for countless families.

In Germany alone, more than 42 million camping nights registered. It shows how great the camping tradition is in the country.

Many Germans who are used to camping in their own country then also travel to other European destinations with a caravan or camper.

4. Italy remains a favorite destination

Although German campers also like to stay in their own country, Italy has been one of their favorite foreign destinations for decades.

There are several reasons for this. Do we really need to explain them? Well, okay then:

• Firstly, Italy is relatively easily accessible by car. From southern Germany, you can reach northern Italy in just a few hours. This makes the country ideal for caravan and campervan holidays.
• Of course, the climate, gastronomy, and landscape also play a major role. Sun, sea, mountains, culture, and good food form a combination that appeals to many German holidaymakers.
• Italy also boasts a vast camping infrastructure. Large campsites with extensive facilities are particularly prevalent around Lake Garda and along the Adriatic coast.

5. Germans stay relatively long

Another characteristic of German holidaymakers is that they stay relatively long. On average, German tourists stay about a week to 10 days at their destination in Italy. That's longer than for many other European nationalities. Many German families book two or even three weeks at the same campsite.

This is attractive for campsites. Longer stays ensure more stable occupancy rates and fewer guest turnovers.

One of the most striking developments is the growth in the number of campervans. Germany has experienced a huge campervan boom in recent years. Vans and compact campervans are particularly popular.

This is why German travelers often take road trips through Europe. Italy is high on the list, partly due to the large number of campervan sites and campsites.

For example, many camper routes run through:

• the Alps
• South Tyrol
• Tuscany
• the Dolomites

Campervans also offer vacationers a lot of freedom. They can easily change destinations and discover new places along the way.

6. More comfort at campsites

Campers' expectations are also changing. While camping used to be simple and basic, many travelers now seek more comfort.

For example, becoming increasingly popular:

• private sanitary facilities at the camping site
• glamping accommodations
• wellness facilities
• luxury swimming pools and water parks

Large Italian campsites, in particular, are responding to this trend with extensive facilities. As a result, the difference between a campsite and a luxury holiday resort is becoming increasingly smaller.

7. Camping also appeals to younger travelers

Another trend is that camping is becoming increasingly popular among younger generations.

Interest in camping is growing rapidly among people under 35. Tent camping, campervans, and road trips are particularly popular with this demographic.

For many young people, camping represents freedom, adventure, and nature. Moreover, depending on the destination, it's relatively affordable. And if you do a lot of your own cooking during your camping holiday, it doesn't have to be expensive.

8. Nature and outdoor life attract campers

Many German campers consciously choose a holiday close to nature. Hiking, cycling, swimming, and outdoor activities often play a significant role in their holiday plans.

Italy offers countless opportunities for this. From mountain hikes in the Dolomites to cycling tours through Tuscany and beach days on the Adriatic coast. This combination of nature and culture makes the country particularly appealing.

9. The camping season is getting longer

The camping season is also changing. While camping used to be primarily a summer activity, more and more campers are now also heading out in the spring and autumn.

This is especially popular with campers. In spring and autumn, it's quieter, the weather is often pleasant, and prices are lower.

Many campsites respond to this by staying open longer and offering more facilities outside the high season.

10. The German presence will remain for the time being

Everything indicates that the strong presence of German tourists in Italy will not disappear any time soon.

The combination of a strong camping tradition, a growing number of campers, and the appeal of Italy ensures that Germans will continue to play an important role in Italian tourism in the coming years.

For many Italian campsites, this also applies: without German guests, the high season would look very different.

And anyone who's camping in Italy again this summer will likely notice it again. Chances are good that your neighbors are from Germany.

Sources: ENIT, CIVD, ADAC/Pincamp, Camping Business, Stiftung für Zukunftsfragen