Contrada Salinella, San Vito lo Capo, Italy
Large camping complex set in parkland with private rocky beach
Apartments or mobile homes with kitchens
On secluded and picturesque northwest tip of Sicily
Large swimming pool with lounge chairs overlooking the sea
Shallow kids' pool
Apartments and mobile homes have kitchenettes and private bathrooms
Mini-mart, pizzeria, and restaurant on-site (half-board and full-board packages available)
Sporting facilities include tennis court, climbing wall, and soccer pitch
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Dive center for scuba trips
Gets overcrowded in August
Can get noisy
Facilities poorly maintained
Rooms are dated
El Bahira Camping Village isn't going to win any awards for presentation -- the two-and-a-half-pearl complex feels run down and parts are shabby. However, its setting overlooking the sea in a picturesque corner of Sicily is undeniably special, and there are plenty of sports and leisure facilities to keep everyone happy. Self-catering accommodation is basic but adequate, and there are family-friendly dining options on-site. El Bahira gets very busy in August, and rates shoot up, so you might want to aim for a little earlier in the year.
Scene
Sprawling and shabby camping complex popular with families
El Bahira Camping Village is a large, somewhat ramshackle campsite set on nearly 20 acres of gardens and parkland that lead to a rocky beach. Presentation is rough and ready, with little emphasis on overall aesthetics or even much in the way of a coherent layout. However, the vacationing families who make up the clientele come for a no-frills, back-to-basics, affordable camping experience in pretty surroundings. The property also attracts climbers and hikers happy to overlook general wear and tear in order to take advantage of area activities.
Location
Located on a secluded spot in the northwest coast of Sicily, two hours from Palermo
The campsite is located in a secluded spot the northwest coast of Sicily overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. The town of San Vito Lo Capo is a 10-minute drive away; here you can find one of Sicily's most popular stretches of beach. Sicily's capital, Palermo, is almost two hours away by car; this is where the closest airport can be found. There are also two nature reserves in the area, both of which are about 30 minutes away by car. Parking at the village is free and plentiful.
Rooms
Apartments and mobile homes include self-catering facilities and private bathrooms
On-site accommodation includes apartments and mobile homes, both of which are decorated in simple, colorful styles with modern furnishings. Self-catering facilities include kitchenettes with cookware and a small dining area. Appliances aren't fancy but they are convenient. TVs are tube-style. All units have private bathrooms with showers, double rooms, and bunk beds. Rates includes electricity, water, linen, and cleaning, though tourist tax is extra. Outside, there are tables and chairs under a canopy.
Features
Swimming pool, scuba, and sports facilities
There is plenty to do in and around the complex, from lounging by the large (though shallow) swimming pool to snorkeling off the rocky beach. There's a second shallow pool for kids. Tennis and soccer are also available, but the court and pitch are on the shabby side. A climbing wall and bike rentals are fun options. There's a mini-market with snacks and basic supplies, as well as a pizzeria and trattoria. Half-board and full-board packages are available. There's also a dive center that operates scuba trips. Family-friendly entertainment is provided in the evenings.