6 European Camping and 4WD Destinations. Planning a 4WD and camping adventure in Europe this summer ? Europe offers some remote hidden gems when it comes to camping and 4WD adventures.

Bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south you could easily spend a lifetime visiting remote campsites and exploring the network of tracks that connect approximately 10 180 000 square kilometers of very diverse terrain. We have a quick look at some of these epic destinations.

1.Portugal

Most people may not be aware that Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe, with nearly nine centuries of history and traditions resulting from a legacy left by the various cultures who inhabited these lands over the centuries.
Not only is Portugal one of the best countries in Europe in which to explore a huge network of dirt tracks it is also top destination for 4WD tourers. For those of us who love our food,the Portuguese cuisine is delicious, diverse and very rich in its ingredients.
For most of us who love nothing more that exploring the dusty tracks in our 4WD’s, one of the best rewards you can have at the end of a long day’s touring is finding the perfect camp and resting up for the night.

Though wild camping is not permitted in Portugal, there are a number of rural accommodation options that include choosing numerous registered campsites and B&B’s.

Portugal just may be Europe’s best kept secret – especially if you decide to explore its remotest areas in a 4×4. for more information on touring Portugal contact www.dreamoverland.com

2. The Alps

The Alps are the highest and most extensive mountain range system in Europe,running for 1,200 kilometers (750 mile) through Switzerland, France,Monaco, Italy, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Slovenia.

This dominant mountain range was formed millions of years ago when the African and Eurasian tectonic plates collided and creating this spectacular mountainous landscape. The highest mountain in the Alps is Mont Blanc this dominant peak reaches 4,810 m (15,781 ft) with numerous other mountains reaching over 4,000 m (13,123 ft).

You will follow the tracks in the footsteps of visionary adventurers, brave mountaineers and the great Hannibal and Napoleon who crossed through these passes on foot and horseback.

For more information on exploring some of these spectacular 4WD tracks contact
www.alpinerovers.com

The ALPS reach a staggering 10,000ft, expect plenty of hairpin bends and if you are afraid of heights you probably should not look down on some of the tight turns.

3. Romania

Romania is the twelfth largest country in Europe and is bordered by Bulgaria, Hungary, Moldova, Serbia and the Ukraine.

Its unique terrain is evenly divided between mountains, hills and plains so plenty of diversity when it comes to tackling 4WD tracks and wild camping.
The country is divided by regions that cover an area of 92,043 sq. miles 238,391 sq. km.

Some of these regions include the Carpathian Mountains that are split between three major ranges that include the Eastern (Oriental) Carpathians, the Southern Carpathians or famously known as the Transylvanian Alps, and the Western Carpathians.

Other well known regions include the forest of Transylvania and of course home place of Count Dracula. Visit www.transylvaniaoffroad.com for more information .

4.Scotland

Scotland has all the essential ingredients for the perfect road trip – beautiful, ever-changing scenery, incredible attractions and welcoming towns and villages. All you need is the vehicle, an amazing playlist and some good company!

When touring Scotland in a camper or 4WD, your route can vary in length; trips can be as short or as long as you like. You could easily spend a week or two touring a large area of the country, or explore a couple of regions over a weekend.

Plan a road trip to see some of Scotland’s most awesome sights – maybe you’ll weave through the dramatic mountains of Glen Coe, skirt the eastern coastline to see Dunnottar Castle, or wind your way along the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond?

Scotland Overland hire expedition-equipped Land Rovers for touring Scotland. Their vehicles include roof tents and all the equipment needed for up to 4 people to explore and camp in the wildest parts of Scotland.Click here for more information www.scotlandoverland.com

5.Ireland

If you have not heard about this coastal adventure yet, you probably will soon, as the Irish Tourism Department is in the process of promoting this touring gem to the rest of the world, simply called “The Wild Atlantic Way”. Taking in the remote tracks along entire west coast of Ireland, it starts from the picturesque town of Kinsale in County Cork and goes through counties Kerry, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim before ending in County Donegal.

Photo:  Cal Bailey, Mountain Leon

Alternatively, you can start in Donegal and work your way down the coast to Kinsale. This coastal route lives up to the hype – around most corners of this coastal gem you will be presented with magnificent views of the west coast’s rugged shoreline.

But it’s not just about what you see along the way it’s also about the touring experience, visiting ancient sites ,engaging in the cultural heritage through various mediums including the music in its pubs , the mythical tales, the warm welcomes and the opportunity to discover this green island perched on the edge of Europe.

This coastal route lives up to the marketing hype, around most corners of this coastal gem you will be presented with magnificent views of the west coast’s rugged shoreline. But it’s not just about what you see along the way it’s also about the touring experience, visiting ancient sites ,engaging in the cultural heritage through various mediums including the music in its pubs , the mythical tales, the warm welcomes and the opportunity to discover this green island perched on the edge of Europe.

6.Pyrenees

The Spanish Pyrenees are the least visited part of the dramatic Pyrenean Mountains, guarding the border between France and Spain.

The whole region is immensely beautiful – thickly forested foothills, secret plunging valleys and soaring snow capped mountains make for some of the best mountain driving in Europe.

Home to Western Europe’s last bears and wolves, it is a forgotten area of Spain – villages still speak their own dialects, an ancient mixture of Spanish and Catalan.

The forest tracks make for challenging driving on steep climbs and tight hairpins bends as the group traverses forgotten smugglers trails that cross the border between France and Spain. Climbing into the High Pyrenees, twisting through steep gorges carved by torrential, snow fed steams as they rush south to the Spanish Plains. http://www.onelifeadventure.co.uk/pyrenees.php

6 European Camping and 4WD Destinations