The Caribbean is a beautiful place. Unfortunately, it's also quite far away. These alternatives within Europe are cheaper and involve less travelling.
Well, it's not quite like Jamaica, Barbados & Co. in Spain or Sardinia, but turquoise blue water, sandy beaches and sunshine will add a little Caribbean flair to your holiday. And even if not, all the places on our list are beautiful either way - a classic win-win situation.
German Caribbean by the lake - The lakes of the Bavarian Caribbean
Holidays at the Walchensee
What the Walchensee lacks in sandy beaches, it makes up for with turquoise-coloured water. You can swim, windsurf or sail in the lake, but if you're not really in the mood for water sports, you can also cycle around it or simply enjoy the view from the Herzogstand. You can find more information and ideas for your holiday in
our article on Lake Walchensee.
Camping Walchensee
Camping Walchensee is located directly on the lakeshore. You don't have to do without any campsite essentials here: In addition to sanitary facilities and a supply and disposal station, you will also find a small shop where you can stock up on regional products, as well as a café with a terrace by the lake and a playground. You can also pre-order rolls for breakfast. Another particularly cool thing is that a food truck comes by several days a week in the afternoon. Depending on the day of the week, there are dumplings or pizza, etc. - perfect for holidays when you don't feel like cooking.
Holidays at the Eibsee
You can also find turquoise-blue water in the Alps, at Lake Eibsee near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, below the Zugspitze. Here you can swim, stand-up paddle, explore the many small islands in the lake on a boat trip or stretch your legs on a circular hike around the lake. We have compiled even more information about Lake Eibsee here.
Camping site Eibsee
Unfortunately, there is no campsite directly on the Eibsee, but there are accommodation options nearby in Grainau and Garmisch-Partenkirchen. When camping on the grounds of
Wohnmobilhafen Zugspitze, the view of the mountains is just as inclusive as the most important facilities.
Holidays at Hintersee Ramsau
Mountain scenery and turquoise-coloured water - the Bavarian Caribbean's recipe for success also works at Hintersee in Ramsau. There is a circular walk around the lake, where you cross the so-called magical forest, and the lake can be explored in more detail by boat. Although the water in the lake is quite cold, you are theoretically allowed to swim here. You can also buy food and drink on the lake shore.
Campsite Hintersee Ramsau
There are no campsites directly on the Hintersee but the
Simonhof campsite is not far away. The campsite is well equipped with sanitary facilities, fresh water and waste water connections, a washing-up area including a washing machine and tumble dryer as well as a recreation room, kiosk and playground - and thanks to its location near the mountains, it also has a fantastic view.
Caribbean Beach Europe - the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, Spain & Co.
Cala Luna, Sardinia
A little piece of the Caribbean in the Mediterranean - that's what you'll find in Sardinia. What Bavaria lacks in sandy beaches, you will find in Sardinia, along with crystal-clear water, sunshine and palm trees. There are some particularly Caribbean-style bays and beaches, one of the most beautiful of which is Cala Luna in the east of the island. You can either reach the bay via a two-hour hike along the rocky coast, or you can travel there comfortably by boat. The many grottos and caves that can be found here are a special feature of Cala Luna.
Plage de la Courtade, Porquerolles, France
The beautiful beach ‘Plage de la Courtade’ on the island of Porquerolles is a little insider tip on our list. Porquerolles is located off the south coast of France and is a real little paradise for anyone who prefers to get on their bike rather than sit behind the wheel, as the island is a car-free zone. The Plage de la Courtade is just five minutes by bike from the ferry terminal (handy, we think) and is one of the most beautiful stretches of beach on the island. Here you can swim to your enjoy a nice swim and soak up the sun.
Playa de ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain
Playa de ses Illetes is one of the classics when visiting Formentera, and when we look at it like this, we can definitely see why. The beach is located in the Ses Salines nature reserve in the south of the island and you can reach it by car, bus, on foot or by bike. Turquoise water? Check. White sand? Check. The best conditions for a relaxing day at the beach with swimming, stand-up paddling and card games on the beach.
Zlatni Rat, Brač, Croatia
Zlatni Rat on the island of Brač is one of Croatia's most popular beaches. The beach is the best proof that pebble beaches can also give you that Caribbean feeling, as you won't find any sand here. Another special feature is the shape of the beach: Zlatni Rat protrudes several hundred metres into the sea like a horn or sickle (hence the German name ‘Golden Horn’). Behind you the pine forest, in front of you the sea in the most beautiful shades of turquoise and nothing on your to-do list except a round of windsurfing - this is what your day at Zlatni Rat could look like. If required, you can also hire parasols and sunbeds here, and toilets, showers and changing rooms are also available on site.
Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece
The beach of Elafonisi on the Greek island of Crete has made it straight onto our list because of its light pink sand in places. Of course, you can also look forward to clear turquoise-coloured water at this beach. You can reach Elafonisi beach either by car or by boat. Once you arrive, you can rent a sun lounger with a parasol and spend the whole day dozing, swimming or doing whatever else you fancy.
Capriccioli Beach, Sardinien
Sardinia has found a place on our list twice: in addition to Cala Luna, we also really liked the Spiaggia di Cappriccioli with its clear, inviting water. The beach, which you will also find on the east coast of Sardinia, stretches around the entire headland in front of Capriccioli, so there is a northern, western, southern and eastern part - they are all beautiful. That's why holidaymakers flock to all sections, especially in summer, so it's worth arriving early to make sure you get a good spot. There is also a beach bar on the beach and the option to hire parasols or sunbeds.
Off Guide
Did you know we have our own travel guide? The Off Guide.
It creates individually planned routes for camping trips. These are tailored to your personal vacation ideas and include locations, campsites, activities and restaurants.
For a road trip without the stress of vacations planning.
P.S.: Your trip still remains flexible, because the Off Guide provides input without fixed bookings.
Plage de Saleccia, Corsica
Let's move on to Sardinia's neighbouring island, Corsica. Corsica also has no shortage of beautiful bays and fine sandy beaches, and this time we are introducing you to the somewhat secluded (but nevertheless popular) Plage de Saleccia in the north of the island. The best way to reach the beach is by boat (from Saint-Florent, for example), as the road to the beach is rather difficult to navigate by car. You can also take the boat from Saint-Florent to Lotu beach and then hike on from there, which takes another 1-1.5 hours to Saleccia. Once you arrive, you will find fine white sand and turquoise water as far as the eye can see - and occasionally even the odd cow. If cows appear on the beach, it's best to stay away from them and just let them enjoy their day at the beach. You should also be aware that the waves at Plage de Saleccia can be higher than at other Corsican beaches.
Tavira Island Beach, Tavira Island, Portugal
Last, but not least, the Praia de Ilha de Tavira in Portugal. The Algarve and its beaches have long appealed to camping fans, and we are certainly no exception. The Praia da Ilha de Tavira is located on an island off the coast of Tavira and is very spacious - you tend to find a nice spot here even in the high season. The sand is fine, the water clear and rather calm. You can hire parasols and sunbeds on site, and there are also a few restaurants. You can reach the beach by ferry from Tavira, the crossing only takes a few minutes.
The Caribbean in Europe - let's go & get into the water
That's it for today. Even though Sardinia, Portugal and France might not be a complete substitute for a Caribbean holiday, we think the beaches (and lakes) on our list are definitely worth a visit. Don't forget to pack your sun cream and see you next time!