Travel by car or camper in South Europe
- Alexander Kwapis
- Nov 23, 2023
- 4 min read
Listing the best South and Occidental European National Parks to travel by car or camper
We usually plan a trip to Europe to see cities like Vienna and Berlin or to spend the summer in Tuscany, Italy. However, this continent hides some real gems of nature. So, while we might still consider spending our Christmas visiting the most famous flea markets, today we are going to hop in our car (or camper van) and explore the most incredible national parks in Western and Southern Europe.
Travel by car or camper in South Europe
Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany
Saxon Switzerland is located on the Czech border and gives its name to one of Europe's top 10 national parks. Its landscape is entirely natural and wild, except for the park's only man-made feature: the Bastei Bridge. Built of sandstone, it is surrounded by characteristic rock formations that reach up to 305 metres above sea level. Did you know that it was formed by water erosion more than a million years ago?
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
The 16 Plitvice Lakes, some of the most impressive waterfalls and dolomites. This national park is a must on the list. A stroll along the surrounding promenades or a boat ride on Lake Kozjak will immerse you (figuratively) in the incredible aquamarine waters.
Look no further if you're looking for the perfect hideaway with the most breathtaking views. The Dolomites are a mountain range in northeastern Italy, part of the southern limestone Alps, stretching from the Adagio River to the Piave Valley. Here, you will find the most peaceful, remote and challenging routes to discover hidden corners where you can get lost among waterfalls and natural pools.
Glaciers and rivers are the protagonists, along with ski resorts in winter. However, this park in the Dauphiné Alps is the perfect destination for climbers and mountaineers looking for mountain resorts in the warmer months. This is why the Council of Europe has designated it as 'European Mountain Park'.
Although Montenegro is known for its fusion of mountains and the Adriatic Sea, we have replaced its picturesque villages and coastline with the Dinaric Alps. The rugged nature of Durmitor National Park and the Tara River Canyon will open your eyes to a new view of the Balkan landscape. And you can enjoy it all year round, as hiking and rafting give way to snow-covered slopes when summer ends.
Named after Slovenia's highest peak and national symbol: Mount Triglav. At 2864 metres, it is the only park in Slovakia to offer something for everyone, from hiking through green valleys and tranquil forests to skiing on the slopes of Kranjska Gora and Vogel or surfing in the waters of Lake Bohinj.
Ordesa National Park, Spain
At the foot of the imposing Monte Perdido, there is a park for everyone. Not only is it the perfect place to slow down and enjoy Spain's wildlife, but it also has a mountain playground for the kids. A place not to be missed? The route takes you to the Cola de Caballo waterfall along a path that follows the course of the Arazas River.
Göreme National Park, Turkey
If ever there was a magical place, this is it. "Fairy chimneys", cave towns and a steep, rocky valley. Göreme National Park in Cappadocia is one of Turkey's most iconic landscapes. Its natural heritage deserves much more than the UNESCO World Heritage designation it has received. Seeing its landscape illuminated by sunrise from a hot air balloon or walking through its rock-hewn houses and churches is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This national park captures and reflects the volcanic origin of the Canary Islands through landscapes with soils ranging from reddish to orange and black tones or geysers and toothless rocks. Its origin is the result of volcanic eruptions in the 18th and 19th centuries and is found on the island of Lanzarote. However, some areas are inaccessible to visitors due to the fragility of the ecosystem.
We're going to repeat the country again, but we couldn't end the list any other way. Sea caves, white cliffs and turquoise waters. It is a landscape that contrasts with the others in this article, but it is magical nonetheless. This is the place for southerners and those looking for a European summer while still visiting natural gems. The Gargano National Park is located in the Puglia region of southern Italy. It is renowned for its varied landscape and the fusion of the green of the Umbra Forest and the blue of the Adriatic Sea. Enjoy hiking trails, scuba diving or swimming in its bays and caves.
Travelling through this European natural treasure has reminded us again of sustainability's vital importance. Visiting these national parks while respecting and preserving the environment exemplifies the perfect balance between satisfying our thirst for adventure and exploration and environmental responsibility.
So, if you're gonna travel by car or camper in South Europe, remember to take sustainable products with you when you visit, which take care of the earth and leave no trace.
