Second-Best in Europe: Unpacking Our 2016 SUPERPLATZ Ranking

When travelers search for consistent quality, clear standards matter. Our 2016 SUPERPLATZ ranking placed Camping Les Medes as the second-best European campsite according to Germany’s CARAVANING magazine. In this guide, we unpack what that 2016 SUPERPLATZ ranking means, how it was determined, and—most importantly—how the same quality principles still shape your stay today.

What is a SUPERPLATZ?

SUPERPLATZ is the top classification in the ADAC system—an independent, inspector-led rating for campsites across Europe.

The ADAC classification explained

• ADAC inspects campsites annually using strict, uniform guidelines.
• A SUPERPLATZ is a campsite with 5 out of 5 stars in the ADAC classification.
• The rating reflects an on-the-ground assessment of overall offering and consistency.

How the 2016 CARAVANING study ranked us

In 2016, the German magazine CARAVANING analyzed all ADAC SUPERPLATZ campsites along with user qualifications on social networks. The result: Camping Les Medes was listed as the second-best European campsite. For guests, that recognition validated what they were already experiencing on site—reliable comfort, attentive service, and facilities designed for real-world holiday needs.

The qualities behind the recognition

A long-standing commitment to improvement

Continuous improvement is not a slogan at Camping Les Medes—it’s a track record:

• Facilities evolution: A new swimming pool in 1987; a second sanitary block in 1989; and a heated pool inaugurated at Christmas 1996. In 2003, the former caravan park made way for a sports zone for tennis, beach volleyball, basketball and five-a-side football.
• Certifications and distinctions:
  • Tourist Diploma of the Government of Catalonia (1999)
  • ISO 14001:2004 environmental management certification (achieved in 2000 as part of a 1999 pilot—pioneering in Europe in this area)
  • ISO 9001:2000 quality management certification (2003)
  • Environmental Quality Guarantee Emblem of the Government of Catalonia (2003)
  • ANWB EUROTOP since 2012
  • ADAC SUPERPLATZ since 2013
  • Participation in the European Charter of Sustainable Tourism (ECST) since 2018

These milestones anchor the culture that led to the 2016 SUPERPLATZ ranking—and they continue to guide our decisions today.

Facilities that enhance every stay

Whether you prefer a quiet winter swim or a summer splash, a self-contained bungalow or a well-serviced pitch, the on-site setup is designed for comfort and convenience:

• Pools and wellness

  • Heated indoor pool: open 15/09 to 15/06 (weather permitting); swimming hat required per regional rules
  • Outdoor pools: open 01/05 to 15/09
  • Sauna and massages available as paid services
  • Indoor pool changing room with lockers

• Sanitary and accessibility

  • Two modern sanitary blocks with fully accessible cabins, showers, and toilets
  • Laundry with washing machines and tumble dryers
  • Dog bathing room in one sanitary block
  • WC chemists station for chemical-toilet emptying

• Safety and peace of mind

  • On-site automated external defibrillator (AED)
  • Safe-deposit service (custodia de valores) for money, documents and valuables

• Dining and social spaces

  • Year-round snack bar-pizzeria with indoor seating, a billiards table, and a small library corner
  • TV room for communal viewing

• Active holiday add-ons

  • Children’s play area
  • Boules (pétanque) court
  • Bike rental with a nearby self-repair station and indoor bike storage

• Motorhome and vehicle services

  • Dedicated motorhome service area with waste disposal
  • Adjacent self-service car wash point

• Connectivity

  • Wi‑Fi is available for a fee (single-device access); free in high season for all Bungalows

• Entertainment

  • Activities for all ages (from 4 years) in July and August
  • Adult-focused activities in mid and low season
  • Occasional evening entertainment for adults

• Pet policy

  • Pets are not allowed in bungalows
  • Pets are allowed on camping plots until 05/07 and again after 22/08
  • In July and August, collaboration with Canisapiens (Ventalló) offers a dedicated leisure and well-being space for dogs

• Location advantages

  • 800 m from the beach, 2 km from the center of L’Estartit
  • In front of the Medes Islands Nature Reserve on the Costa Brava
  • Open all year
  • Multilingual team: assistance in Dutch, English, French, German and Spanish

Accommodation designed around real needs

• Bungalows

  • Bungalow Park – 4 persons: 30.7 m² indoors + 18 m² terrace
  • Bungalow Shop – 4 persons: 27 m² indoors + 5.75 m² terrace
  • Bungalow 2 persons: 20.4 m² indoors + 16 m² terrace
  • All bungalows include kitchen utensils, TV, air conditioning and heating, bed linen, towels, bedspreads, blankets and kitchen towels

• Pitches

  • Pitches: 70–80 m², up to 6 people, with 6 or 10 A electricity, water inlet and drainage (drainage is absent only on 10 even-numbered plots in Street K)
  • Electrical connection: CEE three-phase plugs
  • Water connection: Gardena 1/2″ or 3/4″ hose connector (or similar)

Diving—right on your doorstep, responsibly

Since 2017, the Aquàtica diving centre has been located inside the campsite, promoting respectful diving and minimizing environmental impact on every outing. Guests transfer by minibus to the harbor and board the Maria Mir, a large-deck boat that comfortably carries up to 18 divers (authorized for 25), for trips and courses in the Medes Islands and Montgrí Natural Park.

How the 2016 SUPERPLATZ ranking still benefits you today

• Quality you can feel: Certifications like ISO 9001:2000 guide processes that make service reliable—from housekeeping cadence to maintenance response.
• Sustainability in action: ISO 14001:2004, the Environmental Quality Guarantee Emblem, and participation in the ECST reinforce careful resource use and ecosystem respect—especially important opposite the Medes Islands Nature Reserve.
• A complete holiday base: With pools for all seasons, well-equipped bungalows and pitches, on-site dining, accessible facilities, and services for motorhomes and cyclists, the essentials are on site so you can focus on your time together.
• Easy exploration: The beach is nearby, and rewarding day trips are within reach—Besalú (56 km), Olot & Garrotxa Volcanic Zone (83 km), Vallter 2000 (132 km), Vall de Núria (138 km), La Molina (154 km).

FAQ: Fast answers about our 2016 SUPERPLATZ ranking

• What does “2016 SUPERPLATZ ranking” mean?
  It refers to our recognition by CARAVANING magazine as the second-best European campsite in 2016 after it analyzed all ADAC SUPERPLATZ sites and user ratings on social networks.

• Are you an ADAC SUPERPLATZ?
  Yes. Camping Les Medes has been rated ADAC SUPERPLATZ since 2013.

• How does this improve my stay?
  You benefit from the same quality mindset: comprehensive facilities, ongoing investment, recognized sustainability and safety standards, and a service culture focused on consistency.

Practical takeaways for planning your stay

1. Pick the right accommodation

   • For maximum convenience, choose a bungalow: Bungalow Park – 4 persons, Bungalow Shop – 4 persons, or Bungalow 2 persons.
   • Prefer your own setup? Opt for Pitches with water, drainage and 6/10 A power. Bring a CEE adapter and Gardena 1/2″ or 3/4″ hose connector.

2. Time your swim

   • Indoor heated pool: 15/09–15/06 (weather permitting). Bring a swimming hat.
   • Outdoor pools: 01/05–15/09.

3. Plan for pets

   • Pets are welcome on plots until 05/07 and after 22/08.
   • No pets in bungalows.
   • July–August option: Canisapiens (Ventalló) provides dedicated dog leisure and care.

4. Stay connected wisely

   • Wi‑Fi is paid (single-device access); it’s free in high season for Bungalows.

5. Leverage on-site services

   • Laundry, safe-deposit, AED, car wash, motorhome service area, bike storage and self-repair, dog wash, TV room, and a cozy snack bar‑pizzeria with billiards and a reading corner.

6. Enjoy activities year-round

   • July–August: activities from age 4; mid/low season features adult-focused programs.
   • Occasional evening activities for adults complement quiet, restful nights.

7. Dive the Medes responsibly

   • Book on-site with Aquàtica for dives, courses and snorkeling. Transfers by minibus to the harbor; boat Maria Mir carries up to 18 divers comfortably (authorized for 25).

8. Make the most of the location

   • We are 800 m from the beach and 2 km from L’Estartit’s center—perfect for cycling, walking or quick rides.

9. Ask in your language

   • Our team assists in Dutch, English, French, German and Spanish.

10. Arrive with ease, stay all year

    • Open year-round. For directions and transport options, see our How to Get Here information.

Conclusion

Our 2016 SUPERPLATZ ranking as Europe’s second-best campsite was never an endpoint—it was a milestone on a continuous path of quality, sustainability and guest‑centered design. From certified management systems to thoughtful facilities and a prime location opposite the Medes Islands, the standards behind that recognition still shape every detail of your stay.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Book your next escape at Camping Les Medes. We’re open all year and happy to help.

• Phone: +34 972 75 18 05
• Email: info@campinglesmedes.com
• Address: Paratge Camp de l’Arbre, Apartat de correus 140, 17258 L’Estartit (Girona – Spain)

Explore our accommodation options to get started:

• Bungalow Park – 4 persons
• Bungalow Shop – 4 persons
• Bungalow 2 persons
• Pitches