Marina di Venezia is still our favourite Eurocamp, even after staying at several other large European campsites. With an enormous swimming pool complex, direct access to a sandy beach, fantastic evening entertainment and enough activities to keep teenagers occupied, it's one of the most impressive holiday parks we've visited.
It was also our very first Eurocamp holiday, so we learnt quite a few lessons along the way, particularly about booking accommodation for a family of six and the possibility of thunderstorms during an Italian summer.
We stayed at Marina di Venezia during the final week of the school summer holidays, travelling with our four children and without hiring a car. We arranged private airport transfers, explored the local area on foot and by bicycle, and visited Venice twice using the campsite bus and public boats.
In this Marina di Venezia review, I'll share what we loved, what we'd do differently, whether it's worth the higher price and how practical it is to stay here without a car.
For more campsite inspiration, our Eurocamp Italy guide covers other family-friendly parks across the country.
Where Is Marina di Venezia?
Marina di Venezia is a huge holiday park on the Cavallino-Treporti peninsula, near Punta Sabbioni, overlooking the Adriatic Sea. It's in a great location for families who want a beach holiday while still being able to explore Venice.
Eurocamp describes the park as car recommended, but I wouldn't let that put you off if you're planning to fly. We didn't hire a car during our stay and didn't find that we needed one once we'd arrived.
We spent most days enjoying the campsite, swimming pools and beach, with two separate trips into Venice using public transport.
There isn't a huge amount immediately outside the park to explore on foot, at least not in the direction we went when we ventured out for a couple of hours. However, with so much available onsite, this wasn't really a problem for us.
Our Two-Bedroom Eurocamp Mobile Home
This was our first Eurocamp holiday, and in an effort to keep the price down, we'd booked a two-bedroom mobile home for all six of us.
Looking back, this is the one thing we'd definitely change.
The accommodation was incredibly compact for a family of six. Our youngest ended up sharing our bed because there wasn't enough room for a pop-up cot, while our other three children shared the second bedroom, which had two single beds and another bed above.
The kitchen was perfectly adequate, and we had no complaints about the decking area, but the overall floor space was much smaller than we'd anticipated. There was hardly any room for everyone to relax inside together.
If you're visiting as a larger family, I'd strongly recommend checking the accommodation layout carefully rather than booking purely on the number of people it sleeps. A mobile home may technically accommodate six, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will feel comfortable with six people inside.
The accommodation options at Marina di Venezia through Eurocamp vary, so I'd compare the floor plans and living space rather than automatically choosing the cheapest option.
We learnt our lesson on this trip and have prioritised larger accommodation on subsequent Eurocamp holidays, even when it costs a little more.
Lunch on the Decking
When the weather was good, the outside decking made a real difference because we could sit outdoors for meals and enjoy having more space.
Staying in the Marina 2000 Area
Our Eurocamp accommodation was in the Marina 2000 section, which is connected to the main campsite by an underpass.
The park is enormous, and staying in this area meant a bit of a trek to the main swimming pools, shops and entertainment facilities. You certainly get your steps in, particularly if you're going backwards and forwards several times a day.
One thing I would mention is the number of people cycling and riding scooters through the underpass. Children particularly enjoyed picking up speed on the downhill slope, so we made sure we were watching out for bikes whenever we walked through.
There was an advantage to our location, though. Marina di Venezia has several entrances to the beach, and we were actually closer to the sea than many of the families staying in the more central parts of the campsite.
Bike hire is available if you'd prefer not to walk everywhere, and on a park of this size it can make getting around much easier.
The Thunderstorms We Weren't Expecting in August
We'd booked a summer holiday in Italy and hadn't really considered the possibility of spending two days inside our mobile home because of the weather.
Unfortunately, we experienced some of the most incredible thunder, lightning and torrential rain we'd ever seen. The storms were spectacular, but they were considerably less enjoyable when six of us were trying to spend time inside such a small mobile home.
After that experience, we vowed not to book accommodation that was too small for us again just to save some money.
We've since taken several more holidays in northern Italy and learnt that summer thunderstorms aren't unusual. Warm, humid air can interact with cooler air around the Alps, creating dramatic storms and heavy rainfall even in the middle of summer.
It certainly hasn't put us off returning to northern Italy, but it has made us much more realistic about choosing accommodation with enough indoor space for everyone.
Swimming Pools and Water Slides at Marina di Venezia
The swimming pool complex is one of the main reasons we'd recommend Marina di Venezia, particularly for families with teenagers.
It's absolutely enormous, with different pools, water slides, splash areas and plenty of space for children of different ages to enjoy themselves.
Our older children loved having such a wide choice of things to do, while the younger ones were equally happy in the shallower pools and splash areas.
It's one of the best swimming complexes we've come across at a Eurocamp site, and it's particularly useful when you're travelling with several children who all want to do different things.
Pools for Younger Children
Although we think Marina di Venezia is particularly good for teenagers, there are also excellent facilities for toddlers and younger children.
The shallow water areas were especially useful for our younger children, as it meant we weren't constantly trying to find activities that suited everyone at the same time.
Do You Need Tight Swim Shorts or Swimming Caps?
One of the questions that regularly comes up when booking European campsites is whether men and boys need tight-fitting swimming shorts or whether everyone has to wear a swimming cap.
During our stay at Marina di Venezia, we didn't need either. Normal swimming shorts were fine, and swimming caps weren't required.
It's still worth checking the latest pool rules before travelling, as campsite regulations can change, but this was something we appreciated.
The Downside: Paying for Pool Sunbeds
One thing we weren't keen on was having to pay for sunbeds around the swimming pools.
When you're travelling with four children who want to spend time by the pools every day, those additional charges can soon add up.
We'd much prefer sunbeds to be included in the cost of a holiday, particularly at a campsite that's already towards the more expensive end of Eurocamp's range.
There is also a poolside bar where you can buy drinks, ice creams and small snacks, which is convenient when you don't want to head back to your accommodation.
Bear in mind that the aquatic area can close for a siesta during the afternoon. Check the current opening times on arrival so you can plan your day around them.
Direct Access to a Beautiful Sandy Beach
Another huge advantage of Marina di Venezia is its location directly on the beach. You can walk straight out of the campsite onto a wide stretch of sand without needing a car or public transport.
We visited the beach three or four times during our stay, and it was lovely to have such an easy option when we wanted a change from the swimming pools.
The beach was flat and well maintained, and we saw it being swept in the mornings. It was an excellent place for spending a few hours with the children.
There were also plenty of facilities nearby, including toilets, showers, a restaurant, children's play areas and somewhere to buy ice creams. The beach has lifeguard facilities, although supervised swimming hours and the availability of services should always be checked locally.
Beach Play Areas
We particularly liked that the beach wasn't simply an empty stretch of sand. There were play areas for the younger children, so everyone could find something to enjoy.
During our holiday, there was also a fireworks display on the beach, which was a lovely addition to the evening entertainment.
I wouldn't assume fireworks take place every week throughout the season, as programmes can vary, but it's worth checking what's scheduled during your stay.
Restaurants, Takeaway and the Marina di Venezia Supermarket
For a campsite of this size, the choice of food and shopping facilities is excellent. In fact, we didn't need to leave the site to buy groceries during our stay.
The Onsite Supermarket
The supermarket was one of the best we've seen at a campsite. It was large, well stocked and had an impressive choice of groceries, along with a hot food counter.
We found it particularly convenient for feeding a family of six, as we could pick up everything we needed without having to travel elsewhere.
As you'd expect, some items were a little more expensive than they might have been in a large supermarket outside the campsite. However, the convenience was worth it for us, especially because we hadn't hired a car.
Wine on Tap
One little discovery I particularly liked was the refillable wine available in the supermarket.
You could buy a glass bottle and then return to refill it from the wine dispensers for just a few euros. It was such an unusual little feature that I still remember it from the holiday.
Pizza Takeaway and Restaurants
We really liked the onsite pizza takeaway. The large 16-inch pizzas were enormous, and for our family we'd order two pizzas with a few sides, which was usually plenty for everyone to share.
You could choose to sit in or take the food back to your accommodation, making it a convenient option after a full day at the swimming pools.
We also ate at one of the sit-down restaurants, which we enjoyed. With several restaurants and takeaway options around the park, there was plenty of variety for a family holiday.
Shops, Souvenirs and Evening Markets
Marina di Venezia also has a range of shops selling souvenirs, games, swimwear and holiday essentials. I remember there being a bakery too, although the supermarket itself was so well stocked that we rarely needed to look elsewhere for food.
We also came across an evening market during our holiday, with stalls selling sweets and other treats.
Having so many facilities onsite was one of the biggest advantages of staying here without a car.
Evening Entertainment: What Makes Marina di Venezia Special
If there was one thing that really set Marina di Venezia apart from other Eurocamps we've stayed at, it was the evening entertainment.
During our stay, there were impressive shows on most evenings, including international performers. Some of the acts were genuinely incredible, and we haven't seen anything quite as good at any of the other Eurocamp sites we've visited since.
We found it a particularly good option for teenagers because the evening shows appealed to older children as well as adults. It wasn't simply a case of sitting through entertainment designed for toddlers.
The whole park felt lively in the evenings, with people heading out for meals, browsing the shops and enjoying the atmosphere around the main entertainment area.
Entertainment schedules change throughout the season, so I'd recommend checking what's on during your travel dates, particularly if you're visiting outside the main summer holidays.
Is Marina di Venezia Good for Teenagers?
Without question, this is probably the best Eurocamp we've stayed at for teenagers.
We've since visited several other popular campsites, including Camping Village Fabulous near Rome, Camping Butterfly at Lake Garda, Duinrell in the Netherlands and Hu Norcenni in Tuscany, but Marina di Venezia still stands out for its combination of swimming pools, sports, evening entertainment and beach access.
There's simply so much to do that older children can enjoy the holiday without needing to leave the campsite every day.
Sports and Activities
Marina di Venezia has a wide range of sports facilities and organised activities, including football, basketball, volleyball, table tennis and other outdoor activities.
There are also opportunities to hire bicycles, which can be useful both for exploring the campsite and getting out into the surrounding area.
Activities for Younger Children
Although we think the park is especially good for teenagers, younger children are very well catered for too.
We visited an inflatable play area where you could pay a few euros for access to equipment aimed at smaller children, including Little Tikes-style play equipment.
There were also inflatable attractions and other activities around the park, which gave the younger children more options beyond the swimming pools and beach.
Small Driveable Boats
Another activity we photographed was the small driveable boats available onsite. These sorts of activities are particularly useful when you're travelling with younger children who want something different to do.
Some of these extra attractions have separate charges, so it's worth allowing a small additional budget if your children are likely to want to try them.
Our Experience of the Kids' Clubs
We did try the children's club during our holiday, but it didn't really work for our girls.
Most of the children attending at the time were German, and the language barrier made it difficult for them to mix with the other children.
This wasn't a criticism of the staff or the activities, and families visiting at a different time may have a completely different experience. It just wasn't something our girls wanted to continue with.
Fortunately, there was so much else happening around the campsite that they were perfectly happy without attending the club.
Marina di Venezia Without a Car: How We Managed
Eurocamp recommends having a car at Marina di Venezia, but we stayed here for our entire holiday without hiring one.
Once we'd arrived at the campsite, we didn't need a car for shopping, restaurants, entertainment, swimming pools, the beach or our days out in Venice.
The main part of the holiday that required some extra planning was travelling between Venice Marco Polo Airport and Marina di Venezia.
Our Private Airport Transfer
Our flight landed at Venice Marco Polo Airport at around 9pm, and we'd booked a private minivan transfer through Holiday Extras for both our arrival and return journeys.
With six of us travelling and quite a few suitcases, this was definitely the easiest option for us.
At that stage, I hadn't mastered the art of packing light, and trying to organise multiple public transport connections late in the evening with four children and all our luggage wasn't particularly appealing.
By the time we'd landed, collected our cases and left the airport, there would have been very limited practical public transport options to get all the way to the campsite.
Having a minivan waiting meant we could travel directly to Marina di Venezia without needing to navigate boat and bus timetables after a long day of travelling.
We booked our transfer through Holiday Extras, and I'd recommend comparing private transfer prices before automatically assuming that public transport will work out cheaper for a family of six.
How to Reach Marina di Venezia by Public Transport from Marco Polo Airport
If we returned now, I wouldn't be worried about making the journey by public transport, provided our flight arrived at a sensible time.
Since that first trip, we've used the water bus from Venice Marco Polo Airport into Venice on another holiday, and we've also become much more comfortable navigating the boats around the lagoon.
For Marina di Venezia, the route I'd investigate first would be:
- Arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport. Follow the airport signs towards the water transport terminal, which is reached via the covered walkway from the airport.
- Take an Alilaguna boat towards Punta Sabbioni. Check the current route map and sailing times carefully, as some services may require a change and not every departure serves Punta Sabbioni.
- Continue from Punta Sabbioni by local bus. During the holiday season, Marina di Venezia also advertises a shuttle connection between the campsite and the ferry terminal, although operating dates and times can vary.
- Arrive at Marina di Venezia. Check the nearest stop and your accommodation location in advance, particularly if you're travelling with cases.
The important thing is to check the complete journey rather than looking at the airport boat timetable alone. You need to make sure the connecting bus is operating when your boat arrives.
You can use the official Venezia Unica transport information and Venice Airport's water transport guide to start planning.
I wouldn't guarantee this route works for every flight arrival, particularly late at night or outside the main holiday season.
Is Public Transport Cheaper for a Family of Six?
Not necessarily.
If you're travelling alone or as a couple, using boats and buses may be a sensible way to save money. However, once you're buying return tickets for six people, the difference between public transport and a private minivan can become much smaller.
You also need to consider how much luggage you're carrying and whether the children will cope with the connections after a flight.
For us, booking a private transfer made the arrival and departure days easier, and I don't regret that decision.
Getting Around the Local Area
We took a walk away from the campsite on one of the days, but didn't find a huge amount to explore immediately nearby, although it's possible we simply headed in the wrong direction.
We also enjoyed cycling, and bicycle hire is particularly practical because the campsite itself is so large.
For families who want to explore further along the Cavallino-Treporti coast, it's worth checking local bus routes and bicycle paths before deciding whether you need a car for additional day trips.
Visiting Venice from Marina di Venezia
Being able to visit Venice easily was one of the reasons we'd chosen Marina di Venezia, and we made the journey twice during our holiday.
The campsite has a bus connection towards Punta Sabbioni, where you can board a public water bus across the lagoon towards Venice.
It's a very practical arrangement if you don't have a car, and we found it straightforward once we understood where to go.
The Bus and Vaporetto from Punta Sabbioni
We took the bus from the campsite towards the ferry terminal and then continued by vaporetto into Venice.
One thing I would warn you about is how busy the boarding area can get. On the way into Venice, it sometimes felt like a bit of a scrum, with people pushing forward because they were worried they wouldn't get onto the boat.
It was much calmer on the way back, and overall it was still a perfectly manageable journey.
Make sure you check the final return departure and leave enough time to get back to the campsite, particularly if you're planning to stay in Venice for the evening.
Our First Day Exploring Venice
On our first day, we mainly wanted to get our bearings and explore Venice itself.
We spent time wandering through the narrow streets, crossing bridges, stopping for food and enjoying the atmosphere. Venice is such an unusual place that you don't need to book endless activities to have a lovely day out.
Our children particularly enjoyed browsing the shops and choosing souvenirs, which is something we always allow time for during our Italian holidays.
Of course, we also stopped for gelato, which is practically compulsory on an Italian family holiday.
Our Second Day: Gondola Ride, Burano and Murano
We returned to Venice on another day when the weather was better, and this time we included some of the experiences we'd particularly wanted to do.
One of those was taking a traditional gondola ride through the canals.
It was a memorable experience and something that made this holiday feel extra special. If your children enjoy unique experiences rather than conventional attractions, this is one I'd consider including in your Venice plans.
The views from the water are completely different from what you see when walking around the city, particularly when you pass historic landmarks and buildings beside the canals.
Taking a traditional gondola ride through Venice was one of the most memorable experiences of our family holiday. Seeing the canals and historic buildings from the water was completely different from exploring on foot, and it's something I'd definitely recommend considering when visiting with children.
We've included a gondola ride in our guide to bucket list experiences for kids in Europe, alongside other unforgettable activities families can enjoy together.
Exploring Burano
We also used the public boats to explore the islands around Venice, including Burano and Murano.
Burano was particularly lovely, with its colourful houses, canals and much more relaxed atmosphere. We enjoyed walking around the island and stopped for a meal during our visit.
The brightly coloured houses make it a fantastic place for photographs, and the island offers a nice contrast to the busy streets of central Venice.
Visiting Murano
We then continued to Murano, which is famous for its traditional glassmaking.
We enjoyed seeing the glass artwork and watching glassblowing, which was particularly interesting for the children because they could see how the pieces were made.
We eventually returned to Marina di Venezia later that evening after a full day exploring.
If you're planning to visit Venice with older children, we've shared more of our experiences in our Venice with Teenagers guide, including things to do, practical tips and visiting from Lake Garda.
Is Marina di Venezia Expensive?
Marina di Venezia is generally one of Eurocamp's more expensive Italian parks, and it's easy to see why when you experience the facilities.
However, we did manage to reduce the cost of our holiday by being flexible with our travel dates.
How We Saved Hundreds of Pounds
We booked the final week of the school summer holidays, returning to the UK on 3 September, the day before the children went back to school.
Travelling that little bit later made a difference of several hundred pounds compared with some of the earlier summer holiday dates we'd considered.
The only downside was that I had to be extremely organised before leaving home. School uniforms, shoes, bags and everything else for the new term had to be sorted before we went away, because there was no time to deal with it after returning.
For the amount we saved, it was definitely worth the extra organisation.
I'd recommend comparing different weeks rather than assuming the whole school summer holiday period costs roughly the same. Depending on your school's return date, a small shift in travel dates could make a significant difference.
When comparing Marina di Venezia holiday prices, I'd look at a few different departure dates as well as the accommodation types, especially if you're travelling during the school holidays.
Additional Costs to Allow For
Although Marina di Venezia has an impressive number of facilities, there are a few extra costs worth considering when planning your budget.
- Pool sunbeds: We had to pay to use loungers, which could add up during a week-long family holiday.
- Additional children's activities: Some inflatables, rides and play attractions cost extra.
- Bike hire: Useful for getting around the enormous park, but an additional expense.
- Food and shopping: The onsite supermarket is excellent, although some items are more expensive than shopping outside the park.
- Airport transfers: Compare the total cost of a private transfer with six sets of public transport tickets.
- Venice transport: Allow for bus and vaporetto fares if you're planning excursions.
- Local taxes and departure-day arrangements: Check the current conditions for your booking.
Making the Most of Departure Day
One last detail worth mentioning is what we did on our final day.
We had an evening flight back to the UK, so we didn't want to spend most of our final day sitting around the airport.
After checking out of our mobile home, we paid to remain onsite for longer, which meant we could continue enjoying some of the campsite facilities before our airport transfer.
It was a much better way to spend the day, particularly with four children, and helped us get the most from the final hours of our holiday.
Departure-day passes and the facilities they include can change. Eurocamp currently advises that paid extensions may allow access to the campsite after accommodation checkout, but the aquatic area may be excluded, so check the latest arrangements before relying on this.
How Does Marina di Venezia Compare with Other Eurocamps We've Visited?
Since staying at Marina di Venezia, we've visited several other large European campsites, which has given us a better idea of how it compares.
Camping Village Fabulous, Rome: We enjoyed combining our campsite stay with sightseeing in Rome. You can read our Camping Village Fabulous review for more details.
Camping Village Butterfly, Lake Garda: Another excellent base for exploring northern Italy without a car, including a day trip to Venice. See our Camping Butterfly review.
Duinrell, Netherlands: A very different style of holiday park, with its own theme park and water park. We've shared our experience in our Duinrell review.
Hu Norcenni Girasole Village, Tuscany: Of the parks we've visited since, this is probably the one that reminds me most of Marina di Venezia in terms of its scale and the variety of facilities. Find out more in our Hu Norcenni Girasole Village review.
Every park has something different to offer, and we tend to choose campsites that let us combine swimming pools and family activities with exploring nearby towns and cities.
However, Marina di Venezia still comes out on top for us, particularly when it comes to the evening entertainment and the facilities available for teenagers.
Our Marina di Venezia Review: Would We Return?
Yes, we'd definitely return to Marina di Venezia, although we'd book a larger mobile home next time.
For us, the combination of excellent swimming pools, direct beach access, fantastic evening entertainment, restaurants, shops and activities made it a brilliant family holiday.
It's also one of the best European campsites we've visited for teenagers. There was so much for everyone to do that we never felt we needed to arrange extra excursions simply to keep the children occupied.
Our main disappointment was the accommodation we'd chosen rather than the campsite itself. A two-bedroom mobile home was too cramped for our family of six, particularly during the thunderstorms, and we've never repeated that mistake on subsequent Eurocamp holidays.
We also weren't keen on paying extra for pool sunbeds, and the main facilities were quite a walk from the Marina 2000 area where we stayed. However, being closer to the beach helped balance that out.
As for visiting without a car, we managed perfectly well. We had a private transfer from the airport, used the bus and vaporetto to explore Venice and had everything we needed for our holiday within the campsite.
The only reason we're unlikely to rush back is that we've now visited Venice several times, and we love discovering new places as a family. Our ideal holiday usually combines a brilliant campsite with opportunities to explore somewhere we haven't been before.
That said, Marina di Venezia remains the benchmark we compare other Eurocamps against, and very few have come close.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marina di Venezia
Do You Need a Car at Marina di Venezia?
We stayed for the entire holiday without hiring a car and didn't find we needed one. We arranged private airport transfers and used the campsite bus and public boats to visit Venice. The onsite shops, restaurants and facilities provided almost everything we needed.
Is Marina di Venezia Good for Teenagers?
It's probably the best Eurocamp we've stayed at for teenagers. The enormous swimming pool complex, sports activities, beach, shops and evening entertainment provide plenty for older children to enjoy.
Is Marina di Venezia Good for Younger Children?
Yes. Alongside the larger pools and slides, there are shallow swimming areas, splash facilities, playgrounds and additional activities designed for younger children. We found the park suitable for our mixed-age family.
Does Marina di Venezia Have Direct Beach Access?
Yes, you can walk directly from the campsite onto a wide sandy beach. We found it clean and well maintained, with play areas, toilets, showers and food facilities nearby.
Are Sunbeds Free at Marina di Venezia?
We had to pay for sunbeds around the swimming pools during our stay. It's worth checking the latest charges before travelling, particularly if your family plans to spend most days by the pool.
Do You Need Swimming Caps or Tight Swim Shorts?
We didn't need swimming caps or tight-fitting swim shorts during our holiday. Normal swimming shorts were permitted, although it's always sensible to check the latest pool rules before visiting.
Can You Visit Venice from Marina di Venezia?
Yes. We made the journey twice using the campsite bus towards Punta Sabbioni and public boats across the lagoon. It's one of the main reasons we chose this campsite.
Is Marina di Venezia Worth the Money?
For our family, yes. It's a more expensive campsite than some other Eurocamp options, but the quality of the facilities and entertainment helped justify the cost. We saved several hundred pounds by travelling during the final week of the school summer holidays.
Can You Reach Marina di Venezia from Venice Airport by Public Transport?
It may be possible to use Alilaguna boat services towards Punta Sabbioni and continue by local bus, but the connections depend on current timetables. We chose private minivan transfers because our flight landed at 9pm and we were travelling as a family of six with several suitcases.
Affiliate disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, Build a Break may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions about our family stay are based on our own experience.
