The question arrives every spring for families considering a camp for the first time: what is the best time of summer to send a child? In Spain, the short answer is July. The longer answer depends on the family’s calendar, the participant’s age and the type of camp. This article looks at when the turns are concentrated, what differences there are between July and August and how the Natuaventura offer is distributed.
Why July Concentrates Most of the Turns
July is the first complete month of school holidays in Spain. Families emerge from their last exams and children arrive at camp full of energy and eager for a change of routine. That is the main reason why most residential camps operate during this month: demand is high and the weather, with the exception of some mountain destinations, is stable.
The Natuaventura Calendar
All of Natuaventura’s residential camp offer is concentrated in July, with the sole exception of Sierra Madrid English Camp, which has an additional ten-day stay in August. This table summarises the turns according to the 2026 official information sheets:
| Camp | Turns | Ages |
|---|---|---|
| Madrid Multi-Adventure | 1–14 July · 16–29 July | 6–17 |
| Sierra Madrid English Camp | 1–14 July · 16–29 July · 1–10 August | 6–17 |
| Cuenca Multi-Adventure | 1–14 July | 6–17 |
| Gredos Multi-Adventure | 2–14 July · 17–29 July | 7–16 |
| Navarredonda | 2–14 July · 17–29 July | 7–17 |
| Navatormes English Camp | 2–14 July | 7–17 |
| Santander Surf 10 Days | 1–10 · 11–20 · 21–30 July | 13–17 |
| Santander Surf Fortnight | 1–14 July · 16–29 July | 7–17 |
| Finca Daroca (Alicante) | 2–14 July · 17–29 July | 7–17 |
First Fortnight, Second Fortnight or Ten-Day Stay: How to Choose
First Fortnight of July
The school year has just ended, children want a change of scene and groups fill up quickly. It is usually the most in-demand fortnight and the first to close.
Second Fortnight of July
It fits better with work schedules, often has slightly lower prices and the weather in the mountains is more settled. A good choice for returning campers.
Ten-Day Stays
A shorter format, ideal for a first experience or to combine with family holidays. Available for Santander Surf 10 Days and the August ten-day stay of Sierra Madrid English Camp.
August
At Natuaventura, only Sierra Madrid English Camp runs from 1 to 10 August. For those who need that specific slot, it is the only option in the catalogue.
How Age Affects the Choice of Month
Minimum ages also influence the choice. At Natuaventura, the youngest children (from age 6) can join Madrid Multi-Adventure, Sierra Madrid English Camp and Cuenca Multi-Adventure, all running in July. Camps from age 7 (Gredos, Navarredonda, Navatormes, Daroca and Santander Surf Fortnight) also open turns only in July. And for teenagers from age 13 there is Santander Surf 10 Days, spread across three consecutive turns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is July or August better?
For most families, July. That is where the offer is concentrated and where groups are at full strength. August, in the Natuaventura catalogue, only appears for Sierra Madrid English Camp (1–10 August), designed for those who need that specific slot in their calendar.
When should you book?
The most popular turns (first July fortnight, English Camp) tend to fill up earliest. Booking between February and April is standard practice; from May onwards, the most sought-after places are usually closed.
Is there a price difference between fortnights?
Yes. At several Natuaventura camps the 2nd July fortnight is offered at a slightly lower price than the 1st. The difference is around 20–30 euros depending on the destination.
How long is a typical turn?
Fortnights last between 13 and 14 days depending on the camp; ten-day stays last 10 days. The duration is chosen to cover the settling-in phase plus a full experience of activities, excursions and evening programmes.
What if the child can only go for 10 days?
For those cases there are the ten-day stays: Santander Surf 10 Days (3 consecutive turns in July for ages 13–17) and the 3rd Ten-Day Stay of Sierra Madrid English Camp (1–10 August for ages 6–17 with English immersion).
Which One Fits Your Summer Best?
Browse all turns, ages and available places in the Natuaventura summer camp catalogue.
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