10 QUESTIONS with Camping Campo dei Fiori
Camping Campo dei Fiori is set across 16 hectares in the maritime pine forest of Vada in Rosignano Marittimo, on the famous Etruscan Coast. The campsite is now in its second generation having been founded in 1975 by Carla and Giulio Facchini. Their sons Robert and Marco now run the site with the same desire and passion for camping and nature. Although they have seen great change over the years and have embraced technology and innovations, maintaining the core values of camping is critical for them. They are proud of the result and provide their guests as little or as much creature comforts as they wish amongst the lush vegetation and flowers. We caught up with them to hear what they have to say about camping in 2020 and what they’re looking forward to sharing with campers in 2021.
What do you think is unique about your campsite?
At the heart of Camping Campo dei Fiori is undoubtedly nature and its proximity to the beach. From ensuring care and protection of the local environment, we have also invested in numerous awareness-raising initiatives and programmes that are focused on preserving our natural environment. Our hot water is heated by solar energy, we actively use recycled materials where we can or natural infrastructures, we recycle, limit the use of motorized vehicles by staff and use organic and biological products in our bar, restaurant and mini- market.
Is there a particular type of camper who would love to stay at your campsite?
Our site mainly chosen by families and I would say we have focused a lot of attention on creating a perfect family environment. As well as entertainment and activities for adults we’ve added many attractions for children. We’ve got numerous dedicated and specially equipped spaces, lots of entertainment and weave in our commitment to the environment with educational workshops onsite. We’re also very committed to safety for children, we regulate traffic and have plenty of “child-friendly” signs so the children themselves can be free to explore with a degree of freedom they want from camping holidays.
What do your guests appreciate about staying at your campsite?
We constantly receive reviews and testimonials and these topics mainly emerge: the friendly environment and the particular relaxed atmosphere, the nature and the wide spaces of the campsite itself, the quality of the restaurant and services on site in general and the attention and care of their children. The availability and courtesy of the staff is also often mentioned, and this makes us immensely proud.
How have you seen the world of camping change over the last year?
The summer of 2020 was undoubtedly the most peculiar season ever experienced, above all because no one had ever seen and handled anything like this before – either owners or campers. Apart from the necessary adjustments to hygiene and safety and managing the fears and expectations of the staff and guests, life on-site has not undergone too much of a substantial change. The amount of natural space and types of accommodation on site has definitely been an advantage as social distancing was much easier. The biggest change we observed was the nationality of our guests this year. We’ve welcomed mostly Italian holiday makers, mostly because the borders closed and there were such travel restrictions between countries.
Tell us a little about your area, what is it famous for, why should people visit it?
The area of Tuscany in which we are is full of variety both in terms of terrain but also interests and activities. Venture a few kilometers from our doors and guests can visit anything from theme parks to nature reserves with large pine forests, from medieval villages to shopping centers, from beaches with crystalline sea to archaeological sites or food and wine routes. A few more kilometers and you reach the main Tuscan cities of culture and art or the islands of the archipelago. The same variety is offered to outdoor sport lovers (we can always suggest routes by road bike or mountain bike, trekking, Nordic walking, etc.) or watersport enthusiasts especially because of our proximity to the sea. In a notoriously beautiful country, we are lucky to be in a region that upholds that reputation and really has countless opportunities for a tourist.
Tell us a little about your favorite restaurants and food in your area? What do you like to eat there – is there a specialty / typical dish you would recommend?
As for the food and culinary specialties there are so many delicacies of the region its difficult to chose a few! We have an exceptional restaurant within the campsite which reflects the ambiance of the site and offers guests meat, fish and vegetable specialties typical of the area. We try and apply the 0 km rule for our products, pay attention to source organic where we can and of the highest quality always. Guest can take also advantage of discounts for meals, including take-away when they use our on-site restaurants.
Tell us a bit about camping holidays with pets?
Our site has always been animal friendly and that includes our guest’s pets. We have an area of the campsite dedicated to goats and the chicken coop with Livorno hens, they are great friends for our young guests and an active part of our recreational and educational activities. Squirrels, naturally present in the site, are a favorite subject for guest photos and the squirrels themselves never disappoint for an Instagram post! We welcome pets at the campsite and in all our accommodation and areas. We’ve even installed services for pets equipped with a shower for dogs and a dedicated washing machine and, you can reserve a kennel and bowls for food and water if you need them for your four-legged friend.
Do you offer forms of entertainment at the campsite?
Activities for adults, teenagers, juniors and children are regularly held from May to September. We’re lucky to have qualified instructors for the adult holistic fitness and fitness program, free group lessons and individual tennis lessons for adults and children and the football school. The entertainment staff take care of the activities for mini, junior and teen clubs, alternating playful and educational activities and tournaments. The wide spaces of the campsite have allowed us to continue most of our entertainment activities safely, even during the 2020 season.
How does the idea of opening your campsite for next season make you feel, given the situation of Covid-19?
A new season is always a challenge and we feel ready to face the 2021 season with determination and optimism. Above all we want to give that serenity and confidence to our guests as we are always aware that the holiday itself represents the necessary oasis of peace. We continue to make improvements to the site and from September 2020 we started work on the pool area, to expand the camping area and add new accommodation, created a parking area from scratch and increased the fields and sports equipment. Our staff, who for the most part are long-time employees, are constantly trained and supported to deal with the constant change of this year. We’re proud that they’ve shown flexibility and professionalism in managing guests and the new challenges that have arisen.
What are your best tips or tricks for campers – new and experienced?
The advice to campers is to continue to appreciate this style of holiday and put their trust in the sites, like ours, that create the unique experience with passion, attention, safety and quality.
We would love to publish more of your stories for the CampInn community, if you would like to share your own experiences of camping please contact the team at victoria@campinn.com.