I’m not a big camping person. Actually, let me be honest, I’m not a big “outside” person. Bugs? No thanks. Dirt? Hard pass.
I went camping as a kid with my family, and I never loved it. So when glamping started becoming popular, I was intrigued but skeptical. Cute tents and real beds sounded promising. But when I looked into a few spots in Utah back when I lived in Las Vegas, they were $300 or more per night. If I’m spending that kind of money, I want a resort, an all-inclusive, or at least room service.
So I never booked it.
Then a friend asked if I wanted to try a glamping spot in Spain. Since moving to Portugal, I’ve been trying to say yes to new experiences and explore more of what’s around me. So this time, I said yes.
And that’s how I ended up glamping in Spain.
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Quick Glamping Overview
- Location: Isla Cristina, near Huelva, Spain
- Distance from Tavira: About 1 hour
- Type of stay: Private glamping tent with bathroom
- Price: Varies depending on tent; we paid €75 per night
- Best for: Couples, families, easy weekend trips
- Would I do it again? Yes, for a short stay
Where We Stayed: Kampoah Isla Cristina at Camping Giralda
Kampoah Isla Cristina is located inside Camping Giralda in Isla Cristina, near Huelva in southern Spain. It’s only about an hour from Tavira, which makes it an easy weekend trip if you’re in the Algarve.
The campground itself is huge, with plenty to do, but we opted for comfort. We booked the Iamu private tent, which comes with its own bathroom.
And honestly? It felt more like a boutique hotel room than camping.
Inside the tent, there were two beds, air conditioning, a mini fridge, a cooler, lamps, outlets, dishes, and even a heater for colder months. So yes, you’re technically “outside,” but you’re also very much not suffering.
Outside, we had a picnic table and two lounge chairs, perfect for slow mornings with coffee.
The bathroom was its own little setup with a rainfall shower and toilet inside, plus a sink and mirror just outside. It was modern, clean, and surprisingly adorable.
We paid €75 per night, which felt like a steal compared to the $300+ per night glamping options I had seen in the U.S.
What’s at Camping Giralda?
One of the best parts about glamping at Kampoah Isla Cristina is the location. The campground sits right across the street from the beach, which automatically earns it bonus points in my book.
Inside the grounds, there’s a lot more going on than I expected.
There’s a playground and adventure zone for kids, a climbing wall, a pool, and even a sports complex with archery. You can rent canoes, which makes it feel a little summer campy, but in a fun way.
There’s also a small convenience store stocked with food and essentials, which came in handy because I forgot to pack soap. Classic.
Since it’s a full campground, not just glamping tents, there are spaces for traditional camping and RVs. That means shared shower facilities and even laundry areas, which would be especially helpful for longer stays.
The map also listed a restaurant and bar, although I never actually found them. Either they were closed, or I somehow missed them completely, which is possible.
Our Experience: One Night Glamping in Spain
We stayed for one night, and overall, it was a really nice little getaway.
The bed was surprisingly comfortable. Definitely better than sleeping on the ground, like I did as a kid. Progress.
I felt safe the entire time. The tent had a proper lock, everything was very clean, and it genuinely felt more like a cozy hotel setup than traditional camping. And the best part? I never got dirty. That alone is a win for me.
The only downside was the noise. The tents next to us had kids who were running around and yelling until about 1 am, then back at it around 7 am. That’s part of staying at a campground, especially one that’s family-friendly, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for total peace and quiet.
Overall, though, it was a fun experience and way better than the camping trips I remember from childhood.
Pros and Cons of Glamping at Kampoah Isla Cristina
Pro’s
- Affordable price
- Private bathroom
- Close to the beach
- Clean and comfortable
- Great for families
Con’s
- Can be noisy
- Not super private
- Feels more campground than boutique escape
Who This Glamping Spot Is Perfect For
- Want a camping vibe without actually camping
- Are traveling with kids
- Want beach access
- Like having amenities nearby
- Are doing a short Algarve or southern Spain trip
It may not be ideal if you’re looking for total quiet or a luxury resort-style experience.
Tips for Glamping in Spain
- Bring earplugs just in case
- Book during the shoulder season for fewer crowds
- Pack basics, like soap, even though there’s a small shop
- If you want more privacy, request a tent farther from family zones
Final Thoughts on Glamping in Spain
If you had told younger me, the girl who hated sleeping on the ground and avoiding bugs at all costs, that one day I’d willingly book a glamping trip, I would not have believed you.
But living in Europe has definitely pushed me to say yes more often. Yes to quick road trips, yes to places I wouldn’t normally consider, yes to trying something that feels slightly outside my comfort zone.
Was it luxury? No. Was it five-star resort energy? Also no.
But it was fun. It was easy. It was affordable. And it felt like a small adventure, just an hour from home in Tavira.
That’s one of my favorite parts about living in Portugal. Weekend trips like this are simple and accessible, whether it’s Spain, the Algarve, or somewhere new I haven’t discovered yet. If you’re curious about what moving here has been like, I shared more about that journey here.
Glamping in Spain might not convert me into a full outdoorsy person, but it did remind me that I don’t have to love dirt to enjoy a little nature.
And honestly? That feels like progress.
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Follow me on Instagram @vegas.to.portugal for more of my adventures and daily life living as an expat in Portugal.
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