The range of camps on offer is wide. At Natuaventura we have more than ten different camps to choose from, which means the key question is not «what camps exist?» but «how do I decide between so many?». This guide proposes a decision method based on six concrete criteria: work through them in order and the answer appears by itself.
The method: 6 criteria for choosing a camp
Age. This is the first filter. At Natuaventura there are camps from age 6 to 17 (Madrid Multi-Adventure, Sierra Madrid English Camp), others for narrower age ranges such as Santander Surf 10 Days (13 to 17). Even where age ranges are broad, groups are always subdivided by age.
Language. Do you want the camp to include English? If so, the fully immersive English camps are the option: Sierra Madrid English Camp or Navatormes English Camp. If you prefer a camp in Spanish, the rest of the catalogue offers more variety of destinations.
Accommodation. This defines a great deal of the experience. If you are looking for something closer to pure nature, the accommodation is a tent (Gredos, Navarredonda) or tipis (Navatormes English Camp). If you prefer something more standard, there are hostel and cabin camps (Madrid, Cuenca, Finca Daroca, Santander).
Duration. Ten days for a first experience or if you prefer a lighter format. A fortnight (12–14 days) to deepen bonds and activities. In Santander both formats are available; in Gredos, Navarredonda, Madrid, Cuenca and Finca Daroca the base format is the fortnight.
Location and surroundings. Sierra Norte de Madrid, Sierra de Gredos, the Serranía de Cuenca, the Cantabrian coast or the Alicante mountains. The surroundings determine the activities available: surfing in Cantabria, kayaking in Alicante, climbing in Madrid, bivouac and river swimming in Gredos.
Budget and organiser. Always compare on the same «all-inclusive» basis (4 meals, equipment, activity leaders, insurance) and check the organiser’s track record, 1:8 ratio and communication with families during the camp.
Questions to answer before deciding
How old are they?
The starting filter: determines which camps are possible and guides the recommended duration.
Spanish or English?
If you want language immersion, choose an English camp. If not, a standard camp gives you more variety of destinations.
Tent or hostel?
Pure nature in tents (Gredos, Navarredonda) or the comfort of a hostel or cabins (Madrid, Cuenca, Santander, Finca Daroca).
10 days or a fortnight?
Ten days for first-time campers or shorter summers; a fortnight to build stronger bonds and make the most of the experience.
Mountains or sea?
Inland multi-adventure with climbing and hikes, or the Cantabrian coast with surfing and beach Olympics.
What is your budget?
From 568 € (Gredos 2nd fortnight) to 938 € (Santander Surf Fortnight 1st). Always all-inclusive.
Criteria many families overlook
What almost nobody asks but should check
- Actual activity leader ratio (at Natuaventura: 1 per 8).
- Maximum group size (40–50 participants).
- Mobile phone policy (collected on arrival, returned every 3–4 days for calls home).
- Daily social media diary to follow day-to-day life.
- Cancellation policy in writing.
What gives families peace of mind
- SMS confirmation of safe arrival at the destination.
- Medical assistance reference and first-aid kit on site.
- Menus adapted to allergies and intolerances.
- Non-mixed rooms with separate bathroom facilities.
- Public liability and accident insurance included.
Frequently asked questions about the decision method
In what order should the criteria be applied?
The most efficient approach is to apply them in this order: age (filters what is possible), language (English camp yes/no), accommodation (tent or hostel), duration (10 days or fortnight), location, and finally budget and organiser. Applied this way, the catalogue narrows down to one or two clear options.
Which criterion carries the most weight?
Age is the non-negotiable starting filter. After that, accommodation tends to matter a great deal (sleeping in a tent is very different from sleeping in a cabin) as does duration, especially for a first camp. Language and surroundings come into play when there is a specific goal (improving English, learning to surf, experiencing the mountains).
If I am torn between two camps, how do I decide?
Ask for the information sheet for both finalists and compare them side by side: dates, exact age ranges, itemised price, accommodation, menus, activity list and rules. The difference usually emerges in the detail: type of room, a special excursion or the transport schedule.
Is it better to decide alone or consult the organiser?
Both. The final decision always belongs to the family, but a good organiser should guide you: at Natuaventura we offer free advice to point you towards the camp that best suits your child, based on their age, interests and previous experience.
When is the best time to book?
The sooner the better, especially if you have a preference for a particular destination or date. Also, cancellation costs are minimal up to 1 March (20 €), so booking early gives you flexibility and secures a place on the most popular dates.
Ready to apply the method?
Browse the Natuaventura catalogue using the six criteria and find the ideal summer camp for your child in Madrid, Cantabria, Cuenca, Ávila or Alicante.
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alicante madrid barcelona more destinationsCamps from 6 to 17 years old, in different regions of Spain: Alicante, Madrid, Ávila, Cantabria and Cuenca.
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2026
multiadventure surf english immersion