Holiday Chalets Camping Mare e Pineta

There's a real camping feel here, with a good mix of Italian locals and tourists, while still having the comfort and facilities you need. The friendly staff deserve a big thumbs up, especially the animation team, whose positive energy lasted right through the end of the season. The campsite is well shaded on hot days, amenities are cleaned often, and there's a refreshing pool just a short walk from the beach. Fresh fruit and vegetables are available every day, along with all kinds of bread, pastries, and ice cream. Sports facilities are everywhere, for fitness or games on the beach.

We had to leave this campsite because it was the only one with availability in peak season, and the experience made that easy to understand. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're a retired couple with a dog or really like pigeons. The pine trees provided pleasant shade, as advertised, but pigeon droppings constantly got on our tent and outdoor things, so we had to keep cleaning them. When we arrived, our spot near the stores came with a loud refrigeration unit that switched on and off every minute all night. After a sleepless night we asked to move, which cost us hours of taking down and setting up the tent. Staff could have warned us about the noise. This place didn't seem set up for families. The playground and pool close from noon to 3 PM, which makes it hard to keep children entertained if they don't nap, while elderly guests can play loud televisions without restrictions. The pool is small and costs extra; tickets come in packs of 10, with no refunds if plans change. The rules are strictly enforced. On our last day we checked out at 10 AM as required, then stayed for lunch at the restaurant. We weren't allowed to leave the campsite and had to pay for an extra day. Reception staff were not very helpful.

It was our sixth visit, and we'd never seen the beach this littered before. There were branches all over the pool area too, and it felt like there was less cleaning staff around the campsite than in earlier years. The bathrooms were still super clean, as always. The little train that used to run inside the camp years ago wasn't working, unfortunately. I can't say whose responsibility the mess was, but staff in the shops, restaurant, and bar barely spoke English. The receptionists were the only ones who did.

The beach was nice, and the coffee shop staff were pleasant, but the rest of our six days was a nightmare. We booked for the pool and gym, and both stayed closed the entire time. After Sunday's heavy rain, Monday was sunny and we hoped to take the kids swimming, but the pool was still closed even though we could see maintenance work going on. The toddler playground is outside the campsite on the way to the beach, and it only opens in sunny weather. The grass there was so high that it looked like the place wasn't maintained often. Prices at the little shop and fruit stand were high compared with buying outside the campsite. If the weather turns bad, there's not much to do in a small cabin, especially with loud neighbors so close by. Mid-May, this place didn't seem ready to host visitors. The pool is small too, so I imagine it could get overcrowded when it's open.