The Best Places to Go Camping in Greece

Bring your own tent or rent one of Nisi’s domes, treehouses or cabins as your base at this family-friendly campsite in Greece. Playgrounds, climbing walls, minigolf and volleyball are all on-site to keep kids and adults busy – and the team also recommend hiking and biking trails, as well as a nearby wine-tasting trip for those who prefer a slightly less active holiday. Don’t miss the on-site restaurant under the trees, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.

At this rustic, easygoing spot on the long Rethymno beach in northern Crete, choose to rent a caravan, tent or safari-style glamping pitch right on the sand – or simply bring your own. A sunset stroll will lead you to the reasonably priced beachside taverna, which serves freshly cooked Greek favourites and hosts weekly barbecue nights. Extra points go to the sea turtles – this beach camping site in Greece is their nesting site, and that ensures it stays blissfully undeveloped.

Campers have been pitching tents and hooking up caravans under the olive trees here since 1974, and for good reason – it’s just 60m (200ft) from the lovely Mikros Gialos beach and is known for its well-maintained facilities. If you tire of sleeping under canvas, there are studios and family rooms available – and the friendly hilltop restaurant, Menta, offers tasty Greek food accompanied by views of the bay from an open terrace.

Located at the tip of the Sithonia peninsula – with shady spots for tents and caravans spread amid palms and pines – this pet-friendly campsite in Greece is a hit with families looking for a warm welcome and easy beach access. The broad sweep of sand at Sykia beach – with its clear, shallow waters just perfect for children to splash in – is just 20m (66ft) away. There’s no restaurant here, but the on-site minimarket is well-stocked with groceries, drinks and beach toys.

If you’re looking for something more spiritual than your average Greek campsite, this yoga and meditation retreat could be just your thing. Located in a calming pine forest adorned with Tibetan prayer flags, Drolma Ling offers full retreats as well as yoga training, massage and reiki. Ascetics can opt for basic tents, but wooden huts, forest houses and cottage rooms are also available. You’re pretty much guaranteed to find your Zen here – the land has been blessed by Tibetan Buddhist monks.

The dazzling white sands and shallow turquoise waters of Elafonisos beach beckon savvy campers to Simos, just 50m (164ft) from the sea. Beach camping pitches are shaded, which turns out handy in summer, and you can BYOT (bring your own tent) or rent one of theirs. An on-site restaurant serves home-made Greek classics and the bar – which opens at 10pm – ensures you won’t go thirsty late at night.

When the Meltemi winds blow, the surfers come out to play, and this camp is a great place for picking up the basics or stretching your limits. From kitesurfing to windsurfing and regular wave surfing, Keros’ sandy bay is a great summer playground. Base yourself in one of the surf club’s safari-style tents, refuel at the Hungry Local beach bar and chill in the evening with your newfound surfer friends at the Tiki Bar.

With a “summer camp” vibe, Club Agia Anna has welcomed families seeking summer fun for 30 years. It’s all about the activities at this camping site in Greece: from school-sports-day-style races for kids and grown-ups – sack race, anyone? – to swimming pools, basketball and beach volleyball courts, table tennis, playgrounds and cinema screens. It’s more than enough to keep the most rambunctious kids – and adults – occupied.