We are currently looking to book our summer holiday for summer '25. We are a family of 6 with 4 kids from 5 to 12.
We have been to Bella Italia (twice) on Lake Garda, Cambrils near Salou and a small site near Biarritz in previous years. We really liked Bella Italia as the town of Peschiera del Garda is gorgeous as is the general area around the lake.
We didn't like Cambrils too much although the site itself is amazing. The area outside the site was a bit basic and we do like to leave the resort to eat out in the evening. We rarely cook dinner on holidays and most sites aren't great for food onsite. Port Aventura theme park was enjoyable.
Last year the campsite near Biarritz was basic but we rented a car for the first time and did lots of day trips in the Basque area so we really enjoyed it as a holiday. Our youngest is out of needing buggys, day time naps and nappies so we are a bit more robust and would like something similar again this year to the Basque region.
Our other criteria are
• a site that suits younger kids and teens ie a good pool and slide area with lifeguards. Our eldest two and probably our third will want a good football playing facility with some form of organisation rather than a free for all.
• a nice town or village nearby with good choice of restaurants. Somewhere like Peschiera del Garda would be ideal but they are not easily found.
• we are not too bothered about being near the beach. But we do like being near the coast. It's not a deal breaker.
• entertainment at night isn't a big deal for us. We usually prefer going out for a meal than watching shows. The shows at Cambrils were the only ones we ever went to.
•somewhere near an airport as looking at hiring a car for doing day trips.
• mosquitoes are a big issue and they seem to love us. That's really putting us off the adriatic coast. We don't want high 30 degrees either.
It really is hard to find somewhere that ticks all the boxes and we know that compromise is needed. We like Italy in general and have thought of the Tuscany region. France was great last year. We like ambling around the picturesque towns and we aren't too active on holidays but have rented bikes.
Any suggestions would be great.