Camping Ca Savio – An alternative stay when in Venice

When you reminisce about a holiday what do you remember most?  For me, when I close my eyes and think about all the wonderful holidays we have had at Camping Ca Savio, I smell the pine trees that shelter you during the midday sun; the trees that protect you during a thunderstorm; the tress that have become home to the numerous birds that will provide you with a chirpy morning wake up call.  I am not alone either, ask my dad the same question and he too will tell you that the smell of pine sends him into a dreamy state, leading to a desire to return to the one place that has become a home away from home.

So why is Camping Ca Savio near Venice special?

Since 1993, Ca Savio has been a summer holiday location for us as a family – it has become a tradition to return to the sandy shores of Venezia every couple of years to relax, unwind and enjoy some down time together.

When we first visited, facilities were basic but, as children, we had the freedom to enjoy the outdoor space without annoying others around us so it became the ideal family holiday experience – stress-free for parents; independence for children.

Fast-forward to 2014 and many things have changed.  Today, children can pretend to be buccaneers aboard the pirate ship bestowed upon the swimming pool, can test their nerve in the high-wired maze or enjoy the animated children’s club that runs daily.  Adults, you are well catered for as well – with two swimming pools of your own, more sun-loungers than I have seen at any other campsite and several onsite bars to enjoy – this is the perfect spot to recuperate after the long winter months have passed.

Wander to the beach which stretches as far as the eyes can see in both directions.  The small grains, cool on your feet in the early hours as the sun begins to rise, will welcome you.  Head down early morning and you will be able to stroll along the sandy shoreline with only the sea birds, the small sand crabs and the lifeguards for company.  At this time of day the sea-breeze will wake you whilst the rising sun warms your back.  The only noise you will hear is the sea as it laps around your feet and the rustling long grasses back towards the tree line catching in the air.  The only footprints in the sand will be yours, which will once again disappear with each lightly crashing wave.

By midday however, the scene has changed.  What was once a welcoming cushion under your feet, is now a scorching bed of heat and the once deserted landscape is awash with brightly coloured parasols, children building sandcastles and bodies lying in all directions trying to bronze in the summer sun.

At this time of day, a quiet haze falls upon the campsite.  Siesta hours have creep in and all is peaceful once again.  No cars are allowed to drive around the site between 1pm-3pm making it the perfect time to head back for a relaxing lunch and perhaps an early afternoon snooze.

If however, all of this sounds just a little too relaxing for your tastes, don’t worry there is plenty to explore in the local area.

What To Do In The Local Area

Ca Savio may be a small town but it is location-perfect for those with a desire to explore.

Tapping on the door of Venice, you can reach St Marks Square within an hour; no guided tour or car needed.  Simply head down to Punta Sabbioni on the no.5 bus and get the boat across the lagoon.  What’s more, if you fancy staying late into the evening, boats run into the early hours during the summer months which means you won’t miss out exploring the alleyways and piazzas after darkness descends – you will however, save a small fortune on the price-tag of a hotel.

Lido, with its stretches of sandy beaches and long, never-ending streets, is also on the same boat route – so why not hop-off on route to the floating city for a brief wander and enjoy a relaxing mid-morning coffee whilst starring out over the water towards the towers of San Marco and San Giorgio.

If you visit during August, make sure you head to Lido during the famous Venice Film Festival for a bit of star-spotting – Who would you like to see walk the red carpet?

Interested in seeing the beautiful Islands of Burano and Murano?  Then head to Treporti and you can Island-hop all day.  Tickets also include a stop-off at Torcello, which is well worth a visit to explore the old Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.  Take the time to enjoy a relaxing lunch or afternoon aperitif whilst on the Island and savour the peace and tranquillity that sets this little Island off from the others.

There is also plenty to explore back in the Ca Savio area itself.  Cavallino is a foodie’s paradise.  Not only are there several restaurants within walking distance from the campsite, that are all worthwhile trying, there are also several markets where you will discover local produce grown by local farmers.

Why not hire a bike, pack a picnic and head out along the narrow pathways toward Lio Piccolo and Mesole to explore the history of the local area.  Alternatively, catch the bus into Jesolo where you will find a wealth of tourist attractions, restaurants, bars and shops.  Jesolo is also home to a large waterpark and mini golf course, leading to yet another great family day out.

Back At The Campsite

The owners of this site are proud of their local history and therefore have promised to preserve the area whilst educating those that visit.  Therefore, you will not find a heavily built up site, rather a site that is almost unseen from the skies above.  Facilities are modern and well-maintained; in fact, the ablutions are cleaned more frequently than anywhere else we have visited.  The shop is well-stocked, there are three snack bars and a restaurant that caters for all and a late-night bar for those that are after a few more night-caps.  Staff are friendly and knowledgeable when it comes to the local area plus they are able to converse in several languages.

This year the site also started its own educational program.  Located in the heart of the farming community, it now also provides all guests with a selection of vegetable seeds to take home in an attempt to teach children about where food comes from.

So, if you are after a family-friendly holiday, within easy access of Venice then this is the place to stay.  Each year, the site may modernise accommodation and facilities but it still manages to keep the charm of a place that I first visited back when I was a child.

Things to know:

• Camping Ca Savio provides accommodation and pitches so should you wish to bring your own caravan or tent you can. However, if you prefer the luxury or just turning up and unloading your suitcase this is also an option.  On site accommodation varies from small bungalows to very large luxury chalets.
• Other companies also provide accommodation on site – these include: Eurocamp, Venue Holidays, Happy Camp, Vacansoleil, Roan and Select Camp.
• Our Top Three restaurants to try in Ca Savio –
• The Terrazza Beach Bar: a great location right on the beach front which offers everything from seafood to pizza and late night cocktails.
• Al Funghetto: A great restaurant with a large selection of seafood and meat dishes.
• Villa Gentile: This restaurant offers the best steak in town, the largest pizzas and is extremely popular with locals; always a great sign.
• Best local Market – Cavallino Day Market which opens every Tuesday until September. Speak to the team on site at the Customer Care Office, they will be able to provide you with discounted bus tickets.