South Berlin is a vast district and has some of the most lush forests surrounding Berlin’s biggest lake, and is perfect for exploring the old towns and getting back with in touch with nature. For the ultimate camping adventure in and around the city of Berlin, here is a list of some of the best sites:

Zeltplatz Saatwinkel

Just 100m away from the beach, the Zeltplatz Saatwinkel Campsite is situated on the banks of the Lake Tegel Saatwinkel, in the Reinickendorf district in Berlin. There are stunning camping areas available on the vast site. Spanning 17000sq mm, plenty of water sports and other amenities like a soccer field and volleyball court are available, as well as a large area for camp bonfires in the evening. There is also a clubhouse with games like foosball and pool for when the weather is miserable.

Lake Tegel, Berlin, Germany by Aconcagua

The Camping Club, Breitehorn, Berlin

The perfect setting for a wonderful family holiday right on the banks of the River Havel, there is space for caravans and tents as well as plenty of fun and exciting activities. The site hosts a summer festival every year under the big shady trees. People camping here can take their dogs with them to enjoy the outdoors, and the campsite is really close to the beach. There are also washing facilities available on site. Play table tennis, darts or enjoy a gas BBQ with your friends and family.

Wohnmobilepark, Tegel

Just 20 minutes from Berlin city center, Wohnmobilepark is located at Tegel Creek, in the beautiful, tranquil countryside. Main amenities and facilities are excellent, with the shower block having undergone refurbishment in 2008. Spaces are expansive and the grounds are really well kept, harkening back to the days the site was a nursery. This is the ideal spot for a peaceful stay but within easy access of all the sights and sounds of downtown Berlin.

You may have heard of Tentstation. This was an urban campsite, just a five minute walk from Berlin city center. Unfortunately, recently the license wasn’t renewed so city camping is currently suspended in Berlin. It is worth keeping an eye out for news though, as the organizers of Tentstation are looking for a new site.

Tips for Camping in Berlin

Find out in advance if you are able to rent tents, gas burners and other essential camping equipment. Berlin is really jacked up in terms of tourist infrastructure and tent rentals could save plenty of money at the airport with overweight baggage fees.

Rent a car. Many of the campsites are not serviced by public transport as they are too far out of the city.

Don’t pack like you are going to the jungle. Casual wear that is comfortable will be perfect, as you are not going on safari, and are still fairly close to the city. So if you want to explore some of the sites in the city, you won’t be doing so in hiking boots.

If you are camping during the months from October to April, it’s going to be rather chilly being winter and all. Make sure you have warm sleeping bags and thick socks, gloves, hats and coats.

Author Bio:
Guest post contributed by Justin Epley on behalf of the Marriott Hotels – find out about hotels in Dallas. Justin is a freelance travel writer. He loves sharing his travel insights on various blogs.

The post Great Berlin Camping Destinations | Germany appeared first on Europe Explored.

Catherine Zeta Jones by David Shankbone

Majorca has long been known as a playground for the rich and famous in Spain.  The secret has gotten out though, and even though it is an incredibly popular holiday destination for the rest of Europe, many celebrities still choose to buy or build homes there.  Here are five of the most affluent celebrities that make Spain their home.

Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas

Welsh beauty Catherine Zeta Jones and her wealthy older husband Michael Douglas own a property on the north end of the island of Majorca.  They have a lovely luxury villa on the island where they spend part of the year.  They have also been spotted holidaying in various other places around the country.

Rafael Nadal

Grand Slam tennis champion Rafael Nadal not only has a home on Majorca, but he is also a native of the island.  He was born in the district of Manacor on Majorca, and he still has a beautiful mansion there.

Zinedine Zidane

Former French footballer and head-butting enthusiast Zinedine Zidane has a home in Madrid, Spain where he settled during his time spent playing for legendary football club Real Madrid.  Many people wonder why he has stayed in Spain, but can you think of a better place for a retired footballer who David Beckham has described as being “the greatest of all time?” He lives there with his wife and their four sons, three of whom are members of the Real Madrid Academy; one as a midfielder, one as a goalkeeper and one as a striker.

Antonio Banderas

Famous actor Antonio Banderas not only has a beautiful beachfront mansion in Andalucía, Spain, but he was also born there in Malaga.  He began acting in Spain at the age of 19, but in 1991 he managed to break through to Hollywood in Madonna’s documentary Truth or Dare.  Even though he spoke minimal English, he was still able to perform in major roles, and his big break came in 1993 when he appeared on screen as the gay lover of an AIDS infected Tom Hanks in Philadelphia.  He retains close ties to Malaga, thanks in part to his home there and despite currently being married to actress Melanie Griffith, an American.  Banderas is a huge supporter of Malaga CF and even owns a vineyard in Andalucía that he spends a lot of time promoting in both America and Spain.

Alan Sugar

Alan Sugar, also known as Baron Sugar or Lord Sugar, former owner of football club Tottenham Hotspur and the UK version of the TV show The Apprentice also has a house in Marbella, Andalucía.  The savvy businessman started from humble beginnings in London’s East End and now is ranked as the 89th richest man in the world.  Alan Sugar also has estates in the USA and his primary estate in Essex, but I am sure he manages to make quite a lot of visits to his relatively modest beachfront home in Spain using his private aircraft, or possibly one of the many classic Rolls Royce or Bentley cars that he is well known for collecting.

If you want to do some celebrity spotting on your next holiday abroad, look into La Manga Club holidays – dozens of celebrities are spotted here year after year and you never know who you may bump into.

The post The Spanish Rich List – Five Well Known Stars Who Live in Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.