Camping Edy

When I first pulled up to Camping Edy in Diano Marina, I’ll be honest — the name had me expecting something pretty basic. But this four-star property completely changed my perspective on what camping accommodations can actually offer. The moment you arrive, there’s this immediate sense that someone really cares about this place, and the fact that they have free private parking right on site means you’re not circling around looking for a spot like you do at so many coastal places.

What struck me most was how many guests I met who’d been coming back year after year. You know what they say about repeat customers — it tells you everything you need to know about a place. I chatted with this German couple at breakfast who’d been returning for five summers straight, and they explained that Edy (the owner) remembers everyone’s preferences. That kind of personal touch is getting harder to find these days, especially in tourist areas along the Italian Riviera.

The location is honestly fantastic, and I can see why couples rate it so highly for romantic getaways. You’re literally a five-minute walk from Diano Marina’s main beach, but tucked away enough that you don’t get the constant noise from the beachfront bars. The Via Calderina address might not mean much until you’re there, but it’s this perfect sweet spot — close enough to everything, far enough from the chaos.

My room was way more comfortable than I expected from a camping-style setup. I mean, we’re talking proper beds, decent storage space, and — this was a pleasant surprise — really good air conditioning. During those sweltering July afternoons when the Mediterranean sun gets intense, you’ll appreciate having a cool retreat. The bathrooms are clean and modern, which honestly can be hit-or-miss at properties like this.

The grounds themselves have this relaxed, almost family-compound feel. There are these shaded areas with picnic tables where people gather in the evenings, and I found myself joining impromptu conversations with travelers from all over Europe. It’s that kind of place where you end up making friends without really trying. The landscaping isn’t fancy, but it’s well-maintained and there are enough trees to provide natural cooling during the day.

One thing that really impressed me was how well they handle the practical stuff. The reception staff actually knows the local area — not just the tourist brochure version, but real recommendations. When I asked about hiking trails in the hills behind Diano Marina, they pulled out this hand-drawn map showing the best routes and warned me about which paths get muddy after rain. That’s the kind of local knowledge you can’t get from a chain hotel.

The beach access is where this place really shines. Diano Marina has this gorgeous stretch of sandy coastline, and from Camping Edy, you can walk there without dealing with parking nightmares or paying beach club fees. I spent most mornings there before the crowds arrived — the water’s surprisingly clear for this part of the coast, and the beach bars serve decent coffee if you need your morning caffeine fix.

Food-wise, you’re not stuck eating on-site every meal, which I appreciated. There’s a small kitchenette area where you can prepare simple meals, but honestly, with all the great restaurants within walking distance, I mostly used it for morning coffee and storing leftovers. The town has this excellent little trattoria called Da Mario (locals will point you there) where the seafood pasta is absolutely worth the splurge.

What I found interesting was the mix of guests — definitely not your typical camping crowd. There were young couples on budget-conscious romantic trips, families with teenagers who wanted more independence than a traditional hotel offers, and quite a few solo travelers like myself who appreciated the social atmosphere without feeling obligated to be social all the time.

The 8.4 rating this place gets makes complete sense once you’ve stayed there. It’s not trying to be something it’s not — no pretentious amenities or over-the-top service. Instead, it delivers exactly what you hope for: a comfortable base for exploring the Italian Riviera, run by people who genuinely care about their guests’ experience. The repeat visitor rate speaks volumes, and after spending a week there, I totally understand why people keep coming back.

If you’re looking for a place that combines the affordability of camping with actual comfort, and you want to experience Diano Marina without the tourist trap pricing of beachfront hotels, Camping Edy hits that sweet spot perfectly. Just don’t expect opulence — expect something better: authenticity and genuine hospitality in one of Italy’s most beautiful coastal areas.