This Is Italy
Is it possible to camp outside campsites and campsites in Italy? Read on to find out where you can and can't wild camp on the peninsula.
The ultimate Italian camping dream is pitching your tent right on the beach, by the lake or in a deserted pine forest and waking up to spectacular views all to yourself. But is it allowed? The short answer is… not really.
Wild camping is generally banned in Italy and can get you fined anywhere from €100 to €500. However, the situation is a bit more nuanced by the fact that each of the country's 20 regions has its own rules regarding wild camping , ranging from very strict to indulgent.
Wild camping vs bivouacking
First of all, it is important to know that there is a legal difference between wild camping (wild camping) On camp (bivaccare).
The first is simply holidaying away from a campsite, while the second involves setting up some kind of makeshift camp (with or without a tent) at sunset, leaving again around sunrise the next day, staying no more than a few hours . A bivouac is considered an emergency in Italy.
In some situations where wild camping is prohibited in Italy, you are still allowed to camp.
However, do not assume that you will not be fined if you simply call wild camping bivouacking: in many cases you must also obtain permission to bivouac. In some regions, both wild camping and bivouacs are occasionally allowed, it depends on local regulations what exactly is allowed and what is not allowed.
If you are aiming for a cheap holiday in Italy with wild camping, there are also alternatives to that deserted mountain top. Sicily and Abruzzo, for example, allow local municipalities to create places where campers can stay for free for a certain period of time.
Regardless of the region, you can expect general bans on wild camping on beaches or in built-up areas in cities and towns.
Great diversity in campsites
Wild camping is not necessarily necessary. Italy has a great diversity of campsites, from campsites in the woods and mountains to campsites on the lakes and by the sea and from small and basic to large and luxurious.
Italy is proud of its agricampings, where you camp, as it were, in the countryside with local farmers. This experience isn't just fun for kids, who can often help care for the animals.
Another attractive option are the city campsites scattered throughout Italy. These campsites are often located just outside well-known places such as Rome and Florence, and offer a pleasant and affordable way to explore the beautiful cities of the world.
Do not expect an abundance of luxury here, as these campsites are aimed at campers who are out all day exploring and only come to sleep.
On ditisitalie.nl you will find our tips for campsites in almost every Italian region, so that you can always choose the perfect camping experience that matches your wishes and interests.
But let's get back to wild camping, which has irresistible appeal for some.
How do the rules differ between regions?
Some regions, such as Sardinia, Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, have a total ban on camping outside camping areas. Others, such as Basilicata and Lazio, say the decision rests with local municipalities.
As a wild camper you must make a written request. If your request is approved, you can sometimes stay. Lazio sets a maximum of 15 days in this case.
In Trentino-South Tyrol they allow bivouacs for a maximum period of 24 hours in places where this is not explicitly prohibited by the competent local authorities (all national parks in South Tyrol have a total ban).
The Aosta Valley allows bivouacs above 2.500 meters, but not in it Gran Paradise National Park or near existing shelters such as mountain huts (shelters). You may only camp here in areas equipped and set aside for receiving visitors. A bivouac is only allowed in case of emergency and if other options are fully booked.
Some regions seem to have no regulations at all regarding wild camping. In these cases, it is safest to email the local municipality (comune) of the place where you plan to stay to ask for permission. You have to do this well in advance to get a timely response, which is why this is not a solution for most wild campers.
Briefly
Wild camping is only allowed in Italy with the permission of the police or the owner of the site. The only exception to this is the Alpi Marittime National Park in Piedmont. Wild camping is allowed here for a maximum of 48 hours, when there are no campsites in the area.
For hardcore campers there is a good alternative to wild camping. Along the roads you will find so-called rest areas, free parking places where you can stay overnight with campers during your trip. The more luxurious pitches are equipped with extra facilities such as water and electricity.
For those who are going on a special holiday to Italy, it is probably best to book a place in an official campsite. However, for avid campers staying in Italy for a longer period of time and who speak good Italian, it may be worth exploring the option of wild camping.
By the way, you'd be surprised how willing private landowners are to let you camp on their property in exchange for a small fee, or simply an agreement that you'll use their other facilities (e.g. going to an agriturismo's restaurant if you're on vacation). their country camps).
Do you want to take on the challenge of wild camping? Then plan well in advance where you want to spend the night, try to arrange this in advance and don't be afraid to ask private individuals.
Sources: thelocal.it/gitefuoriportainpiemonte.it
Comments