Motorhome fined for parking in disabled spot in Baratti, illegal camping rises in pine forest

The author first pitched a tent on the Italian Adriatic in 2007 at the 'Ca’Pasquali Camping' site. Nineteen years later, he returned to the same location, now renamed 'Ca’Pasquali Village' and rated five stars. Reservations are now mandatory, and the infrastructure has turned a simple pitch into a full-fledged resort complex.

Italian manufacturer Etrusco has expanded its camper van lineup with the CV 640 PB+ for the 2027 model year. The 6.36-meter van, built on a Fiat Ducato, features an electrically adjustable lift bed at the rear, allowing the space to serve as both a sleeping area and cargo hold. The storage compartment measures 73×111×180 cm. The model also includes a Skyview glass roof and a compact Variobath. Price is €80,990; debut at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf.

Stellantis has confirmed the return of the Fiat Ducato's 160 PS engine (2.2-liter turbodiesel) from 2027. The engine will be available exclusively to motorhome and camper van manufacturers, not commercial customers. It comes with a 6-speed manual (380 Nm) or 8-speed automatic (400 Nm) transmission.

Starting October 1, four northern Italian regions — Piedmont, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna and Veneto — will ban diesel vehicles meeting Euro 5 standards (roughly 2009–2015 models). The restrictions cover cities like Venice and Milan. Many motorhomes, often kept for decades, may not comply, affecting travel plans.

Italian motorhome manufacturer Laika, part of the Hymer Group, has unveiled its updated flagship model Kreos L 5009. The motorhome is built on a Fiat Ducato Heavy chassis with AL-KO AMC suspension; a Mercedes Sprinter version is also available. Pricing starts at €152,488.

Italian manufacturer Giottiline (part of the Rapido group) has announced its 2027 model range. It includes three new profiles: Siena 340 with a rear U-shaped dinette, Compact CX 64 without a permanent bed, and Compact CX 69 with a central bed. Existing Toscan, Siena, Compact, and Giottivan series have also been updated.