From AI-generated RVs to retro classics: three vanlife news

Luca and Christina Hänni took a 13-person family holiday to Camping Marina di Venezia in Italy, staying in a bungalow instead of their usual caravan. On their podcast, the couple said they missed the camper lifestyle, especially cooking outdoors. They concluded that future trips will be either full hotel stays or genuine camping with a caravan.

The Regional Administrative Court of Bolzano annulled a 2025 municipal ordinance banning overnight parking of camper vans in public lots in Wolkenstein. The court ruled that the city council lacked authority to impose such traffic restrictions, and a subsequent mayoral decree was also legally insufficient. The lawsuit was filed by the National Association of Camper and Motorhome Owners. The municipality must reimburse the association's legal costs, amounting to a five-figure sum.

The municipality of Spoleto has renounced a €108,000 grant from the Italian Ministry of Tourism for the expansion and redevelopment of the camper area on Via del Tiro a Segno/Ponzianina. The decision was forced by a veto from ANAS, which cited safety concerns due to the site's location under the Flaminia state road overpass. An alternative plan to use part of the Ponzianina parking lot was rejected as it would reduce space for tourist buses. Mayor Andrea Sisti has instructed technical offices to find a new location near the Spoleto Sfera mobility hub.

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 introduced the Plus version of the CV 640 PB campervan based on the Fiat Ducato for the 2027 model year. It features an electric lift bed, Skyview panoramic roof, and a transformable Variobad bathroom. Price starts at €80,990.

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.