Five people, one hotel room.
If that sentence gives you mild claustrophobia, you’re not alone.
This summer, we decided to ditch the traditional package holiday and try something different: Eurocamp.
And, spoiler alert, it wasn’t just a change of scenery – it was a full-on upgrade in how we do family travel.
We flew from Luton Airport to Barcelona, and quickly swapped airport chaos for campsite calm, and discovered a holiday style that might just become our new default.
Eurocamp booking: like picking your own adventure
Booking with Eurocamp felt more like choosing your own adventure than locking into a rigid itinerary.
You start by picking your country: Spain, France, Italy, wherever takes your fancy. Then narrow it down to a region, and browse campsites like you’re scrolling Airbnb.
You can then book a ferry or Le Shuttle (Channel Tunnel) so you’re ready to go, if you’re planning to drive to your fav location.
As we were going to Spain, we opted to fly and sort our own car hire, but Eurocamp can arrange transfers.
There are daily buses to nearby towns and Barcelona, so you’re never stuck.
One thing to note: you’ll need to book bed linen and towels unless you fancy packing them yourself.
Most Europeans drive in with their gear, so flying Brits like us are the minority. But, once that’s sorted, you’re good to go.
Eurocamp Villanova Park: where campsite meets resort
We chose to visit Villanova Park, which is just 30 minutes south of Barcelona.
It has five pools, seven water slides, pool bars, restaurants, sports pitches, and even a supermarket.
The site is massive – the kind of place where your kids disappear on bikes/scooters and you don’t panic because everything feels safe and self-contained.
It’s got the polish of a resort but the soul of a campsite—and that combo works brilliantly.
There’s a real sense of community here. Kids roam freely, parents relax, and the whole place hums with laid-back energy.
It’s the kind of environment where you can actually switch off.
Our Cabin: not camping, not a hotel, just right
Our cabin that was surprisingly well-equipped.
The kitchen had everything: dishwasher, microwave, fridge-freezer, toaster, kettle, coffee pot—the works.
The bedrooms were flexible, with twin beds that could be pushed together, and the air conditioning was a lifesaver in the Spanish heat.
Outside, there was a barbecue, already hooked up with a gas cannister, and a shaded seating area which was perfect for evening games and dinners.
Food freedom tastes like pulled pork nachos
Speaking of food. Having a proper kitchen meant we could mix things up: some meals out, some meals in, and the occasional barbecue.
It made the whole trip feel more relaxed and less like a schedule we had to stick to.
One night we made a nacho table. Yes, a table, covered in pulled pork, guacamole, melted cheese, and zero regrets! The best part? Clean-up took only 30 seconds!
We also packed picnics, made lunches, and skipped the daily restaurant roulette.
It saved us money and gave us flexibility. You can’t do that from a hotel mini fridge.
Entertainment wasn’t just for the kids
Eurocamp’s evening shows were genuinely impressive.
Each night had a different theme, and many of them included a bit of local culture, which was a nice touch.
The kids clubs were well run and actually kept the kids entertained.
Not just with glitter glue and face paint, but with proper activities that gave us grown-ups a chance to breathe.
It felt like a proper holiday vibe, without the forced conga lines or awkward karaoke.
Myth-Busting: what Eurocamp isn’t
Growing up, I had a few misconceptions about Eurocamp.
I thought you had to camp, but you don’t—cabins are everywhere (but you can camp or bring a caravan if you want to).
I thought you had to drive from the UK, but flying works just fine.
The final myth that I’d heard from a young age was that you had to wear speedos in the pool. Thankfully, that myth’s been busted too, at least in Spain.
Eurocamp isn’t roughing it at all. It’s not a compromise. It’s a different kind way of having a European beach holiday and, for us, it was a better one.
Day Trips: Beaches, Basilicas, and Barcelona
We made the most of the location with a few brilliant day trips.
In Barcelona, the girls toured Gaudí’s Basilica while the boys did a sports-themed wander through the city.
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Vilanova i la Geltrú, our local beach, was just five minutes away and had pop-up bars where you could sip something cold with your feet in the sand.
We also visited Sitges, a medieval town just 15 minutes away.
It had cobbled streets, market stalls, great restaurants, and even a few proper bars and nightclubs if you fancied a night out. It was the perfect mix of chill and explore.
Final thoughts: one of our best holidays
This was one of our favourite family holidays.
It had the right balance of entertainment, water fun, beach time, city exploring, and proper family connection.
It felt like we’d discovered a new way to travel, one that gave us freedom without sacrificing comfort.
I’ve got a big idea for our next Eurocamp trip but I’m saving that for another blog post.
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