Sun, sea and swimming in Sweden

Having left the city, we have now headed up the south-west coast to a region called Uddevalla. It is a beautiful part of the Swedish coastline and our site - Hafsten resort  - was in an idyllic location, on a peninsular surrounded by sea. The sea is sheltered by the surrounding landscape and looks like a lake when there is little or no wind. It is saltwater though and is affected by the tides.

 

To make the most of the stunning views, pitches are terraced and many overlook the sea on either side. We were lucky enough to get a pitch in a small cul de sac that overlooked a bay with sloping rocky banks covered in pine trees on one side and flat, grassland on the other. The shallows were inhabited by birds that you could faintly hear, particularly at dawn and dusk.

 

This site is quite remote and you feel like you've escaped from everything as you drive down the single lane road closer to the peninsular tip. The main area is where the reception is located - a busy place. The site was busy during our stay but were able to use our camping cheques since the low season officially started on our day of arrival. As with other sites, we were given cards that could be used for the entrance barrier and showers.

 

Alongside the reception there is a cafe that serves food and drinks. The cafe overlooks the beach where there is a gentle grassy bank leading down to the sand and water. There is a good playground, mini golf course and an area for petanque / boules. There is also a selection of carts for hire outside the reception. As if that's not enough there is also a heated outdoor swimming pool with a smaller pool for younger children and a fast, curly slide - bands need to purchased for these.

 

The swimming pool has a bar area that sells drinks and snacks throughout the day. Not far from the swimming pool, there is a bar and restaurant that overlooks the sea, providing a great escape for parents. Within the same building there is a small shop that sells a few food and camping items.

 

The pitches are in a separate area from the activities and spread over quite a large area with two toilet blocks. The toilet blocks are centrally located, clean and spacious although there could be more toilets to avoid the queues in the mornings. A card is needed to use the showers; you had to simply touch a sensor to trigger the water which lasted for about 3-4 minutes. One of us was caught short with shampoo in our hair and the card didn't work a second time! Luckily there were sinks nearby!

 

There is a wide range of facilities on site that mean you don't have to venture very far (unless you want to). As well as swimming in the pool and sea, there is an outdoor gym and a selection of short walks from the site around the peninsular; the walks vary from 1.5km to 4.2km and take in the surrounding area and views. We got up one morning for a run along one of the shorter trails that went through woodland to emerge on a sandy beach - a beautiful find - and I'm sure the others are just as picturesque. 

 

For the less energetic, there is a spa centre with saunas, massages and an indoor gym. These can all be booked at reception.

 

This was one of our favourite sites and we would have loved to spend longer here. 

 

@meekroadventure