By William Coleman
The summer is almost upon us, as I look out of the window now all I can see is blistering sunshine. That can only mean one thing, festival season is almost upon us. The Caravan and Motorhome Club have put together a list ot top European festivals based near their sites so you can take your touring holiday abroad.
No matter what tickles your fancy these festivals will have something for everyone from tomato throwing in Spain to tasting devine Dutch cuisine, so do not hesitate.
Here are four of the Club’s most popular festivals to explore on the continent for 2018:
Squash all inhibitions at La Tomatina
Possibly the most well-known tomato throwing festival in the world, La Tomatina returns to Buñol, near Valencia in Spain, on the 29 August. Known as the ‘world’s biggest food fight’, more than 100 tonnes of over-ripe tomatoes are thrown in the streets of this traditional Spanish town which dates back to 1945. With just 20,000 tickets available, the festival is popular amongst local and international visitors alike. With hours of tomato throwing fun to be had and bringing people together from all around the world, the festival also hosts an official pre-party and after-party with some of the coolest Spanish DJ’s – meaning visitors can make the most of their time in Buñol.
What’s more, the Caravan and Motorhome Club offers the perfect place to pitch up and stay at the Altomira Site. The site is situated in the heart of the Spanish countryside and is surrounded by cycle routes, beautiful walking trails and is only a short train journey from Valencia where visitors can pick up a bus to the festival.
From £17.09 per night based on two people sharing a standard pitch
Celebrate Swiss love and freedom at Zurich Street Parade
Taking place on the streets of one Switzerland’s greatest cities, the Zurich Street Parade takes the Berlin Love Parade as inspiration. Taking place on 11 August, the festival is a celebration of freedom, love and tolerance – great for those looking for nothing other than a feel-good, chilled time! Featuring house and techno music, Zurich Street Parade attracts roughly one million people each year and revellers march around the natural beauty of Lake Zurich accompanied by ‘Love Mobiles’ blasting uplifting music. The Swiss answer to Glastonbury, the festival originally started in 1992 and continues to grow every year drawing crowds from all around the world.
For the ultimate Swiss escape, why not stay remove – (we want people to stay longer than one night) at the Sempach Site. Recently voted one of the top 100 campsites in Europe, this site is great for those wanting to immerse themselves in the great outdoors and spend time with nature. It offers some great cycling trails, walking routes and plenty of time for water based activities, as the site is situated on the edge of Sempach Lake and is only just over an hours drive to Zurich and just 18 km from the historic city of Lucerne, making it a good pitstop after a day of exploring.
From £43.20 per night based on two people sharing a standard pitch
Go Dutch this summer with a Taste of Amsterdam
This June the streets of southern Amsterdam become a hotspot for foodies from across the globe. The Taste of Amsterdam food festival is a celebration of the cities cuisine and will welcome 20 restaurants to its line-up – from seafood delicacies to vegetarian specialists, there is something for everyone. Held 1-3 June, visitors can sample tasting menus, try fine wines, watch live cookery demonstrations from high-acclaimed Dutch chefs, take part in culinary workshops and take a stroll through the Farmers Market with local fresh produce available to purchase every day.
Start at the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Koningshof Site which is only 43 km from Amsterdam. The site is located in Rijnsburg and is perfect for families, dog-lovers and active adventurers too, as it is only a 30 minute cycle to the beach. The site offers something for the whole family with a games room, tennis courts, playground, paddling pool, fishing and entertainment (high season only) available on site.
From £26.82 per night based on two people sharing a standard pitch
Rock out at Doolin Folk Festival
Now in its sixth year, the Doolin Folk Festival celebrates everything Irish. Located on the west coast of the Emerald Isle, the festival showcases a selection of traditional Irish bands and singers. Held 15-17 June, the festival is held in intimate settings of local gardens and pubs, leaving the audience and musicians embracing the communal spirit. Doolin Folk Festival attracts visitors from around the world with its niche music combined with a traditional Irish knees up!
Visitors to the festival can maximise their time on the Green Isle with a stay at the Nagles Doolin site. Set on the dramatic coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, this Site offers stunning coastal walks and is only a short distance from the village of Doolin itself, making easy access to the festival. The site is also a short distance from the ferry terminal making it a great pitstop after exploring the Aran Islands and the cliffs of Moher.
From £20.91 per night based on two people sharing a standard pitch
