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Union Lido & Audi Tradition

A Journey That Began Long Ago: The Origins of Union Lido 

Did you know that Union Lido’s origins are deeply rooted in the world of German automotive?

Italy’s first five-star campsite was born in 1955 as NSU Lido – a seaside village designed to welcome employees and motorcyclists of NSU, the historic German automotive brand that later became part of the Audi Group.

What started as a pioneering initiative for a passionate community evolved into a long-lasting partnership that still today connects Union Lido Mare and Audi Tradition, united by passion, vision, and innovation.


And it’s this fascinating story that we want to share with you.

Everything began in the early 1950s, in an Italy that, for many German travelers, represented a dream waiting to be lived. The songs of Domenico Modugno filled the air, along with a longing for sunshine, sea, and freedom.

But traveling abroad wasn't easy: where to sleep? Where to eat? How to make yourself understood?

Employees of the NSU factories in Neckarsulm were asking the same questions. When holiday requests for Italy kept increasing, NSU management contacted the brand’s Italian importers: Angelo Macola and Ignazio Vok Senior.

And so, a revolutionary idea was born. After a few years, the first official announcement was released:

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“Dear NSU motorcyclist! 
On May 15, 1955, NSU inaugurated a large campsite on a private beach on the Adriatic Sea, near Venice. All NSU riders across Europe are welcome!” 

The campsite was called NSU Lido and was designed to welcome NSU motorcyclists and employees to a place where they could feel at home, even far from home. 

Macola and Vok began by planting young poplar trees to stabilize the ground and provide shade for campers—today, there are over 20,000 tall trees in the park. 

With the support of Arthur Westrup (NSU press officer) and Hans Neumann (ADAC camping expert and first director of NSU Lido), the campsite took shape. 

The vision? An innovative concept, right from the beginning—far beyond traditional camping:

  • power
    220-volt power outlets
  • shower
    Hot showers
  • family_home
    Rental accommodations
  • restaurant
    Restaurants, gelato shops, and fresh products at affordable prices
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1955 - 2025

A story we've been celebrating for 70 years

Over time, NSU Lido grew into a benchmark for open-air tourism in Europe. 
In the 1970s, the name changed to Union Lido. From a resort dedicated to NSU motorcyclists, it evolved into a large open-air tourist destination welcoming guests from all over the world—becoming Italy’s first five-star campsite. 

The name has changed, but the spirit remains the same: to offer unique experiences shaped by nature, innovation, and genuine hospitality. 

Still today, Union Lido Mare and Audi nurture the special bond that began in the 1950s. 
With the support of Audi Tradition, a historic exhibition celebrates this shared legacy—a tribute to a vision that has always united passion and the future. 

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Union Lido Mare was born from a story of passion, vision, and a love for hospitality.  And every holiday here is part of that story. 

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