The best on the Adriatic (Camping Marina di Venezia)

Member Name: witneyite

Product:	Camping Marina di Venezia
Date:	21/08/08 (329 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: All mod cons, all singing and dancing in a picture postcard setting

Disadvantages: Not the cheapest and books up quick in high season

In a former life I was a campsite courier (that's a fancy word for holiday rep). Contrary to popular opinion being a rep is actually pretty hard work. Over the 4 years I repped and dozens and dozens of family camping holidays, I can safely say Marina is probably the best campsite I've been done.

Marina is situated about a ten minute bike ride from Punta Sabbione, home of the ferry to Venice. The campsite also runs buses so you are very handily situated for what is for most people the main attraction. You are the same distance the other way from Ca'Savio with shops, restaurants and bars etc. Lido de Jesolo is also only about half an hour a way from bus with its huge shopping strip and bustling nightlife (try Gasoline Bar and the nightclub at Aqualandia - there is a free bus to this from the site as well).

That being said, you have everything you need on site. The campsite has a variety of shops including a camera shop, supermarket, souvenir shop and newsagents with British books, newspapers and magazines. It's a little pricey but you pay for the convenience. If you can drag yourself to the entrance of the campsite then you can also shop there and it's definitely cheaper.

The campsite also has excellent catering. There are two full on restaurants serving traditional Italian fare (no real surprises but not bad value and very tasty). The waiters provide great service. There is also a gelateria, sveral takeaways and a snackbar. You'll not starve. There is also a fun 'karaoke' bar for the young at heart. There's an interesting array of cocktails on offer. Avoid the Fiamma if you enjoy having skin on the inside of your mouth. Kids dancing etc regularly goes on there hosted by Andrea and everyone gets into the spirit of things. One night a week it is host to the tour companies' barbecue so if you are an independent camper steer clear on that night. You can always take the opportunity to try the bar on the beach that night.

The leisure facilities are also fab. The campsite has its own beach which is beautifully looked after and fully patrolled by lifeguards. The standard of cleanliness is excellent. Children have their own club and lots of sporting activites are on offer. Younger ones in particular are at no risk of being bored. Try Gommaland or Leo Park for fun inflatables and a kiddies playpark. There is also a team of 'Animators' who perform shows most nights. It's no Broadway but it should keep you entertained.

The campsite itself is broadly split into 3 areas. There is an area known as the 'dog area'. This is fenced off from the main site and dogs are note allowed on the rest of the site. The remainder is split into two sections immediately adjacent to each other and the furtherest section from the main areas is accessed by an underpass. Most tour operators are here and there is little independent camping in this section. Facilities are excellent throughout with cleaners on virtually 24 hour duty. There are more than enough toilet blocks and each is very well equipped. You will almost never queue for a shower here. There are laundry facilities too.

The campsite is therefore ideal for those who like a bit of luxury in their camping. The staff are excellent and are totally on the ball and the site is efficiently run, clean and organised. Definitely one of the best out there.

Summary: A great site for the nervous camper to try and for the experienced camper to savour