Glamp it up: Our guide to camping in style
Updated June 2017
There’s nothing quite like a weekend under canvas in close proximity to nature to gently wash away the stresses of city living. But, the aches and pains from a night on a thin camping mattress, the hours spent undoing the tent and clearing up your pitch, and the investment in all that equipment, is enough to drive many of us to the nearest hotel. So welcome to glamping, the way to camp with absolutely no back pain or hard work involved. Just turn up to your well-appointed yurt or tent and enjoy...
Forest Days Glamping. Solsonès, Lleida
This glampsite near Solsona in Lleida was set up in 2014 by a Catalan/UK couple, John and Montse, and it is a haven for restless city folk in search of some peace. Set on a beautiful farm, surrounded by five acres of woods and meadows, the site boasts spectacular views of the rolling foothills of the Pyrenees and beyond—on a fine day you can look out to the Montseny massif, Montserrat, Pedraforca, Port del Comte and the Cadí massif. Nestled among the trees are four secluded white cotton bell tents set on wooden platforms. Inside each one there’s a huge king-size bed with crisp white linen and solid wood bedside tables, whilst outside a hammock awaits, where you can laze with a good book. To complete the ‘back to nature’ experience, each tent has its own eco-friendly wooden dry toilet (although you can also use the ‘real’ toilets in the attractive shower room that serves all guests). You’ll find a fresh continental breakfast waiting for you when you get up in the morning and, if you can drag yourself away from your hammock, there’s plenty to do nearby. Visit the town of Solsona, take a dip in the river just a ten-minute walk away, visit the lakes or don some hiking boots and take advantage of all those mountains.
Vineyard Yurt. Santa María d’Oló, Moianès
Mark Lavery and Arbel Lowther bought this 18th-century masía in 1990 and renovated it into their home plus a seven-bedroom guest house. In the grounds of the farmhouse, with its own private garden and barbecue, is a handcrafted yurt which can be rented for the weekend. Fitted out with traditional Japanese futons, it sleeps five and the relaxed setting is ideal for families with children.
Visitors get a chance to experience life on a small vineyard as Mark and Arbel produce natural wines on the 11 hectares surrounding the farmhouse. The vineyard is a short walk from the little town of Santa María d’Oló, halfway between Vic and Manresa, with views of Montserrat and the Pyrenees. The area is known for its excellent cycling and outstanding hiking trails, and there’s horse riding within easy distance. Or, just relax in the lovely gardens amongst the olive and almond trees.
Camping Lodge Neus. Cala Montgó, Costa Brava
This campsite is located near l’Escala in the Alt Empordá. It’s set in the Montgrí Mountain Natural Park, an area which encompasses many diverse landscapes, from arid mountains to beach coves, and offers lots of outdoor sports, including diving, climbing and hiking. Camping Lodge Neus is a small, shady site just 850 metres from the lovely Cala Montgó beach. It caters to tents and caravans and is popular with families looking for something a little quieter than the average Costa Brava campsite. There’s a pool and a restaurant, plus pleasant grounds where you can relax in one of the hammocks. They have several glamping options, from a simple tent for two people complete with beds, fridge and dining table, to the five-person Lodge Tent with mezzanine for some real style.
Cala Llevado Camping. Cala Llevado, Costa Brava
This campsite near Tossa de Mar enjoys clear views of the Mediterranean and, although it caters to campers and motorhomes, the facilities and ambience are a cut above other campsites in the area. Its location is unbeatable, set in the pine forests just above the rugged Costa Brava coves, and some of the more secluded spots are so idyllic you can feel as though you’re in the wild. In the last couple of years, they have added two glamping pods to the site. These minimalist, eco-friendly wooden pods (called Glamping Sheeps as they are insulated with the wool of local sheep), contain nothing more than a double bed and are perched among the trees looking straight out to sea. There are also six larger Forest Cabins in a similar style, which sleep four people and also have sea views.
There’s lots to do at this campsite, which has a pool, restaurant and supermarket. Take your pick from four accessible beaches, including a cove with diving centre, kayaks and restaurant and a nudist beach.
Voraparc. Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park
For those in search of some stunning mountain scenery, Voraparc could be the place for you. Located at the entrance of the incredible Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, near the winter ski town of Espot, this small campsite is set by a stream and surrounded by wooded mountain slopes. It’s green and shady with lots of nearby adventure opportunities, from rafting and kayaking to mountain biking and canyoning. There’s a swimming pool, cafe and play area for children. The glamping tents aren’t completely secluded, but they’re well kitted out with two single beds and a small kitchen with fridge.