Escape to Paradise: Cerquestra Camping Village, Magione, Italy
Escape to Paradise: Cerquestra Camping Village - A Review (With Some Real Talk!)
Okay, listen up. I just got back from Cerquestra Camping Village in Magione, Italy, and I need to tell you about it. Forget those sterile, overly-perfect reviews. This is the real deal. This is my experience. And trust me, it’s a mixed bag, but mostly good. Like, really good. Think sun-drenched days, questionable Wi-Fi, and enough pasta to make you dream in Italian.
First Impressions (and the Wheelchair Factor):
Landing in Italy is always a sensory overload, and Cerquestra is no different. Nestled on the shores of Lake Trasimeno, it's stunning. The views alone are worth the trip. Now, the big question: Accessibility. I'm happy to report they do have facilities for disabled guests. They say they do, and I saw some evidence of ramps and accessible rooms. BUT, and this is a big BUT, the terrain is a bit… undulating. Think rolling hills, not perfectly paved paths. So, while technically accessible, navigating a wheelchair might require a little extra effort (and maybe some good glutes!). Check with them directly before you go and be super specific about your needs. Don't be shy!
The Room – My Little Slice of Heaven (and Wi-Fi Hell):
I snagged a room with a view. Seriously, the view was EVERYTHING. Waking up to that lake every morning? Pure bliss. The room itself was… well, let’s call it charming. Clean, comfortable, and equipped with all the essentials. Air conditioning? Check. Coffee maker? Double check. The bed was ridiculously comfy. Seriously, I slept like a log. The Wi-Fi, however… let’s just say it was a bit of a rollercoaster. They promise free Wi-Fi in all rooms (and in public areas), but sometimes it was faster to send a carrier pigeon. This is my only major gripe, honestly. I need to work, and that's where it failed a little bit. Luckily, I could use LAN internet too, so at least it was an option.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Disappointment):
Oh, the food. Where do I even begin? The restaurants at Cerquestra are a highlight. There’s a buffet, an a la carte option, and a poolside bar. The buffet was a classic. Breakfasts were amazing, with fresh pastries, fruit, and all the usual suspects. The Asian breakfast was a fun twist! I loved the coffee, so I was there every morning. The restaurants offer delicious international cuisine and Western cuisine. I can say that the salad in the restaurant was superb. The desserts were to die for, and let’s not forget the coffee/tea in the restaurant! The Happy hour was great, and I could get a bottle of water to stay hydrated. But, and this is where it gets real, sometimes the service was a bit… Italian. Charming, but a little slow. And the vegetarian restaurant I wanted to go to… was only open certain days. I missed it. Sad face.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Sauna, and Swimming Pools – Oh My!
Okay, time for the good stuff. The Spa/Sauna is fantastic. I spent a glorious afternoon in the sauna, steamroom, and pool with a view. The massages were heavenly. Seriously, I'm still dreaming about it. There’s also a fitness center if you’re into that sort of thing (I’m not, but it looked well-equipped!). They even had a foot bath! And the swimming pool [outdoor] was HUGE. If you're looking to relax, this is your place.
Things to Do (Beyond Relaxation):
Cerquestra offers a ton of activities. They have a fitness center, which I didn't use, but looked impressive! They have a poolside bar, which I did use, a lot. They offer the chance to do body scrubs and body wraps, but I didn't feel like it. They had a shrine, if you're into that, and they have a terrace.
The Little Things (and the Big Ones):
- Cleanliness and Safety: They take cleanliness seriously. They use anti-viral cleaning products, and there's hand sanitizer everywhere. The staff are trained in safety protocols, and they do daily disinfection in common areas. They even offer room sanitization opt-out available. The physical distancing of at least 1 meter was maintained.
- Services and Conveniences: They offer almost everything. Cash withdrawal, concierge, currency exchange, daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, elevator, food delivery, luggage storage, laundry service, safe deposit boxes, and Wi-Fi for special events.
- For the Kids: They are family/child friendly. They have babysitting service, and kids facilities
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: I love the poolside bar.
Getting Around (and Not Getting Lost):
They offer airport transfer, bicycle parking, car park [free of charge], car park [on-site], car power charging station, taxi service, and valet parking.
The Real Deal: What I REALLY Liked (and What Could Be Better):
The Good: The location, the views, the spa, the food (mostly), the overall relaxed vibe. That lake is just magical. I spent hours just staring at it. Seriously, it's the kind of place where you can truly disconnect and recharge.
The Not-So-Good: The Wi-Fi (seriously, get better Wi-Fi!), and the slight accessibility challenges (I'd still recommend it, but be prepared). The service can be a bit slow sometimes, but hey, you're in Italy! Relax!
Final Verdict:
Look, Cerquestra Camping Village isn't perfect. But it’s a fantastic place to escape to. It's charming, relaxing, and offers a genuine taste of Italian life. The imperfections add to its character. If you're looking for a luxurious, perfectly polished resort, this might not be it. But if you're looking for a beautiful, authentic, and memorable Italian experience, book it. Now.
My Crazy, Unbelievable Offer to Get You There!
Okay, here’s the deal. I’m so convinced you need this getaway, I’m offering a special deal just for you.
Book your stay at Cerquestra Camping Village through my link (I’ll send it to you, just ask!) and I’ll personally guarantee that you’ll receive:
- A complimentary bottle of the best Italian wine (I'll send you a recommendation based on my trip!)
- A personalized itinerary with my favorite hidden gems around Magione (including the best gelato spots!)
- My unwavering support and advice before, during, and after your trip (because, let's be honest, travel can be stressful!)
Why am I doing this? Because I want you to experience the magic of Cerquestra. I want you to relax, recharge, and fall in love with Italy. So, what are you waiting for? Click the link, book your escape, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Escape to Paradise: Oceanfront Getaway in Port Aransas (Gear Included!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this isn't your meticulously planned, color-coded itinerary. This is a journey. A messy, glorious, possibly slightly disastrous journey to Cerquestra Camping Village in Magione, Italy. And trust me, I'm still recovering, both physically and emotionally.
CERQUESTRA CHAOS: A Camping Chronicle (or, How I Survived Italy and Possibly Lost My Mind)
Day 1: Arrival and the Awkward Tent Tango
- Morning (ish): Departed from… well, let’s just say “reality.” Flight was delayed. Of course it was. That's the universe's way of saying, "You think you're ready for Italy? Think again." Arrived in Perugia. The rental car? A Fiat. A tiny Fiat. I swear, my suitcase took up half the interior.
- Afternoon: The drive to Cerquestra. Gorgeous, breathtaking scenery. Which I mostly missed because I was too busy wrestling the Fiat around hairpin turns that seemed designed to test the limits of human sanity. Found the campsite, but… OH GOD. The tent. The instructions, a cryptic hieroglyphic mess. "Easy setup," they said. "Perfect for beginners," they lied. Let's just say, a helpful Italian family took pity on my flailing limbs and saved me from a complete tent-related breakdown. They even offered me some of their homemade pasta. I swear, that pasta tasted like pure, unadulterated kindness.
- Evening: Tent is mostly up. Still slightly lopsided. Mosquitoes. So. Many. Mosquitoes. Dinner: questionable pasta I cooked myself (don't ask). Attempted to enjoy the sunset over Lake Trasimeno. Failed. Too busy swatting. Gave up and crawled into the tent, feeling a profound sense of existential dread.
Day 2: Lake Trasimeno and the Great Gelato Debacle
- Morning: Woke up to the sound of… birds! And the faint, lingering scent of mosquito repellent. Decided to be brave and venture out. Lake Trasimeno! Beautiful. Truly. Rented a bike. Thought I was being all active and outdoorsy. Immediately regretted it. Hills. So many hills. Almost died. Twice.
- Afternoon: Found a charming little village on the lake. Got gelato. Okay, here's the thing about gelato in Italy: it's amazing. But also, dangerous. Because you want to eat ALL of it. I had three scoops. Three! My brain froze. My stomach ached. Worth it. Every. Single. Spoonful.
- Evening: Tried to cook a proper dinner. Failed. Burned the sausages. Again. Started a conversation with a grumpy French camper. We bonded over our mutual ineptitude in the kitchen. Found out he had a pet ferret named "Napoleon." The world is a strange and wonderful place.
Day 3: Wine Tasting and the Accidental Olive Oil Spill
- Morning: Decided I needed to embrace the local culture, so I went wine tasting. The wine was… exquisite. Too exquisite. I may have bought a bottle (or three).
- Afternoon: Back at the campsite, feeling rather mellow. Decided to be extra ambitious and make a salad with some of the local olive oil I’d bought. Disaster. The olive oil bottle exploded. Olive oil everywhere. My clothes, the picnic table, the poor, innocent grass. I looked like I'd been personally attacked by a rogue oil slick.
- Evening: Sat by the lake, nursing a headache and staring at the stars. Realized I was in Italy. Surrounded by beauty. Eating (mostly) delicious food. Feeling… strangely content. Maybe the olive oil incident was a necessary evil. Maybe it was a sign that I should just embrace the mess. Or maybe it was just the wine.
Day 4: The Quest for the Perfect Pizza and the Unexpected Friendship
- Morning: Attempted to locate the elusive "perfect pizza" in a nearby town. Got hopelessly lost. Asked for directions. The locals, bless their hearts, were incredibly patient with my broken Italian and terrible sense of direction.
- Afternoon: Finally found the pizza place! And it was… glorious. Thin crust, fresh ingredients, the perfect amount of cheese. Ate the whole thing. No regrets.
- Evening: Back at the campsite, met a couple from Germany. They were seasoned campers, with fancy equipment and a well-organized setup. We talked for hours, sharing stories and laughing. They gave me some tips on how to survive the mosquito onslaught. Realized that even though my trip was far from perfect, I was making connections, experiencing new things, and learning to laugh at myself. And that, my friends, is what it's all about.
Day 5: Departure and the Bitter-Sweet Goodbye
- Morning: Packed up the tent. This time, it was easier! Progress! Said goodbye to my new German friends. Felt a pang of sadness.
- Afternoon: Drove back to Perugia. The Fiat held up! (Mostly). Returned the car. A huge weight lifted.
- Evening: Flight back home. Reflected on the past few days. Yes, there were mishaps. Yes, I was often hopelessly lost and covered in olive oil. But there was also beauty, laughter, delicious food, and the unexpected joy of human connection. Italy, you magnificent, chaotic mess. I'll be back. And next time, I'm bringing a better tent and a hazmat suit for the olive oil.
Alright, spill it. Cerquestra: Paradise or… slightly less paradisiacal?
What's the deal with the pitches? Are they cramped? Do I need a machete?
Food! The most important question. Is the on-site restaurant any good? And are there shops nearby to hoard snacks?
Swimming Pool! Is the pool a glorious oasis or a crowded, chlorine-filled battleground?
What about the facilities? Showers, toilets, etc.? Are they… clean-ish?
Is there anything to do besides eat, swim, and get bitten by bugs?
What about the kids? Is it kid-friendly? Or will I be spending the entire time telling them "shhh!"?
The WiFi. Don't lie to me. Is it a complete farce?
Is there anything I REALLY need to know before I go? Any hidden pitfalls?
Okay, one last thing. Give me the absolute, brutally honest, bottom-Globe Stay Finder
