About 18% of nearly 3 million camper van owners in Europe will travel to Portugal this summer, according to Camping-Car Park, a European network of Europe.
With 13,000 registered campers, the country is increasingly fascinating European tourists who want to travel like this. They spend an average of 52 euros per night.
They are mostly Spanish, French, Italian and German, and spend at least three weeks between June and September.
We traveled around Portugal for 20 days Camping carfrom Lisbon and along the southwest coast, including Costa Capalica and Costa Vicentina, and the Algarve to the south, show what it is.
Lisbon’s starting point
After a trip from Madrid for over 6 hours, we arrive in Lisbon and begin our route. The entrance to the city is very confusing and there is little traffic and patience on the driver’s side.
If driving a camper van in a big city is already complicated, it seems like mission impossible here. It’s also an Odyssey that is relatively close to the centre and safe to park. The Park4night Parking app, an app that all self-esteemed motormers have, has many points, but few are persuasive.
Finally, we settle on the pay and display site near the impressive and noisy 25-de Abril Bridge, a symbol of the city rising above the Tagus River estuary, under the careful eyes of Cristo Rei, a 28-meter high (110) (a 28-meter high statue of Open Arms, along with an 82-meter high pedestal.
The best way to see the surrounding area is at the Belem Bakery, where you can taste the warm cream pancakes with bicycles, discovery monuments, Belem Tower (under construction), Jeronimos Monastery, historic districts, and warm cream pancakes with warm sugar and cinnamon powder.
The heart of Lisbon is easily reached by metro or train. It is an open, welcoming city and a melting pot of culture. Furthermore, in the summer, the hot heat won’t stop you from enjoying the place. Many people soak in the river to absorb heat. There is a lot to see and visit.
The panoramic views of the city from St. George’s Castle are spectacular and a stroll through the old town is a delight. You’ll be engrossed in the culture and music of Chiad, the historic cafe’s most bohemian neighborhood. It houses a statue of Fernando Pesoa on its terrace. I’m getting drunk.
Squares such as Praça Do Comercio, Tagus, its cathedral, and the old main port of maritime trade with perspectives such as Graça and San Pedro de Alcántara are also worth visiting.
Most of the approximately 19 million tourists who visit the city each year are trams 28, crossing several neighborhoods and passing through narrow streets, slopes or Elevedor de Santa Justa, which connects the Bikesa to the upper district.
Costa Capalica, Lisbon Beach
Back on the road again, it’s about traveling along the entire southwest coast of Portugal. It starts at Costa Capalica, 20 minutes from the capital, south of the mouth of the Tagas Estuary.
It features 15km of golden sandy beaches and cool Atlantic ocean waters, where you can see families, surfers, nudists, locals and foreign tourists.
Praia de Sant Joan or Praia Nova is a beach in Lisbon and features a beach bar, live music and a sunset terrace. The further south you go, the more natural and wild you reach the very large and beautiful sands.
A few days later, our next stop is Setbaru, 50km from Lisbon. It is surrounded by Arabida Natural Park, the country’s most spectacular coastline protected area.
Throughout this area, campers are not allowed to stay on the coastline, but you can park your camper van during the day to enjoy breathtaking views. This will become a common theme throughout Vicenza’s coastal trip.
One of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, Praia de Galapinhos is located in this area with its natural beauty and turquoise waters. The Setúbal region combines oceans, mountains and credibility making it ideal for patrol travelers, but parking can be a little difficult.
From Setubal you can arrive at the Trojan Peninsula by ferry. This is a good starting point to start a route along the Alentejo or Vicentina coast as it is connected to the next stop, Comporta. This is a popular holiday destination with artists, designers and international celebrities.
Don’t confuse the coast with sines, another 55km away. This is an industrial city known for being the birthplace of Explorer Vasco Da Gama, the navigator who discovered the sea route to India. Its medieval castle and adjacent museum tell the story of this important figure from the Discovery era.
Wild nature and small village
From sines the landscape is completely changed, with sturdy cliffs, wild beaches and picturesque villages. The first thing you will grab is Porto Kobo, a small village in white houses with blue stripes and a quiet atmosphere. Ideal for cutting off from the city’s rhythm, it has a strong local flavour.
Its stunning gem is a cove surrounded by cliffs. The Praia da Samoqueira is the most impressive, with rock formations, cliffs and hidden corners. This is a very popular place for travelers on the road, perfect for enjoying the ocean and breathtaking views. The larger Praia Grande is also worth a visit.
Off the coast, you can take a boat to visit Ilja do Pesegueiro, a historic island with its ancient fortress.
With the feeling that it may surpass everything we have seen so far, we reach Praia do Marchao between Porto Covo and Villa Nova de Mirfonte in the city of Odemira. Surrounded by natural sand dunes, the scenery is breathtaking and breathing with constant sound of waves and sea breezes. This is a surfer’s paradise. It’s like the forgotten horn of the world. Two mounted genderms that remind visitors not to park near the beach will quickly bring you back to reality.
After so much wilderness, Vila Nova de Milfontes has demonstrated its position as a more tourist spot. It is a popular destination for Portuguese people who enjoy quiet river beaches, including the Praia da Franquia, perfect for family, water sports and safe bathing.
From wild cliffs to crowded coasts
After relaxation, it’s time to get even more excited at Cabo Saldan, a dramatic cliff that stands straight up, 40-50 meters tall. Lord of the Rings or game of thrones. This is an important stop on the Vicentine coast where you can see white storks, peregrine falcons, sea caca and other amazing wildlife.
Another inevitable stop is Zambujeira Do Mar. This is a fishing village that retains its authentic charm. The tiny white house with blue accents, a harbor next to a traditional cliff, and an invitation restaurant serving fresh fish all add to its charm. The town’s extensive urban beaches offer drastic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Continuing your descent across southwest Portugal, you will encounter Praia de Odesekse, one of the country’s most unique beaches on the border with the Algarve. It is located at the mouth of the Sex River, separating Allentejo from the Algarve.
Here, river and sea meetings create an impressive horseshoe-shaped sandbar. One is washed by ocean waves, and the other is washed by calm river water. At their junction, there is a playful current form, delighting children and adults floating downstream. Around it, green cliffs rise high and offer breathtaking views of where the river and the ocean become one.
In the Western Algarve of Algiezur, you’ll spend the morning at Praia de Monte Crerigo, a very accessible beach at the foot of a small collection of beaches and pink homes. One more in the afternoon The algarve gem Beaches of Vincentian Coast, Tick or Praia Dabordeira.
Over 3km long, it is one of the largest beaches in the Algarve and a favorite destination for surfers due to constant waves. In fact, they warn that the coast is dangerous to bathers. Before you reach the beach there is a calm water lagoon where the kids can play. Behind the sands are large natural sand dunes with hundreds of seagulls flapping.
There are plenty of campers in the area and you need to book your parking in advance. Otherwise you won’t be able to find a parking space.
“There’s a problem with spending the night for a large number of people when it comes to parking and spending the night throughout the Algarve,” the Seville campervan warned me that there are more restrictions on spending the night this year than in the past.
We always witness tourist overcrowding that occurs in the Algarve during this time of year. Non-crowded beach It is left to give way to popular tourism on the Vicentin coast.
The end of the world
One of the most iconic places in southern Portugal, Cape St. Vincent is just as touristy. This is one of the most western points of the European continent, considered for centuries as the “end of the world.”
It boasts cliffs above 60 meters tall, panoramic views of the open sea, and one of Europe’s most beautiful sunsets. Here dozens of tourists immortalize the moment, but the wind blows hard.
Very close to Cabo de San Vicente, one of the best beaches in the area, Praia is Beliche. It is a secluded, steep cove, protected by high cliffs that give it a warm microclimate. It’s a postcard beach. It is accessible via rock-carved stairs that are easy to descend but costly to climb. The rock has a wooden beach bar with grilled sardines and grilled chicken.
Large-scale tourism in the Algarve
Continue your route through the Algarve and arrive in Lagos, a popular town with tourists across Europe. A visit to Ponta da Piedade, a rock formation famous for its cliffs, caves and turquoise seas, is a must. It is one of Europe’s most photoshore coastal landscapes.
Of course, it is also crowded with tourists seeking shade among the rocks of the busy cove.
Our next destination is Portimao, one of the largest towns in the Algarve, with a port perfect for boat trips along the south coast. We set out to visit the caves and caves on a two-hour tour of Algar (Carvoeiro), Praia da Marina, Praia do Carvalho and the famous Benagil caves. The skylight here enters sunlight, creating a magical effect inside, illuminating the golden sand and orange walls.
After the visit, with soaking from the boa, immediately swim in the sea, T is our reward. On the way home, a lively Praia Darocha awaits us.
After 45 minutes, you will reach it Albufertya mecca for tourism in this area. Quietness and calm give way to the fuss, busts and mass tourism. English mainly takes over this town. The town has beautiful beaches, including the city of Praia de Zernel, accessed from the old town through a tunnel carved in rocks.
After the storm settles in the form of Faro, it comes to the centre of the old town surrounded by the Moors and Roman walls, the quieter and more relaxed capital of the Algarve. The town is adjacent to Park Natural Darea Formosa, one of Europe’s most important wetland areas with islands, marshes and canals.
Tabira: The Unknown Jewel of the Algarve
In the last two days, we discovered the real gem of the Algarve: Tabila. Though not as famous as other towns, the town is perfect for a relaxing stop on our road trip. It is a historic, elegant, strong Roman, Islamic and Christian past. The white house with gable roof, cobblestone streets and squares with orange trees give a very unique air.
One of the most iconic landmarks is the Roman Bridge, a stone pedestrian bridge that crosses the Gilao River. The castle and over 20 churches scattered throughout the city are also outstanding. Its beach is Paradisiacal and not overcrowded. A particularly enjoyable activity is taking tourist trains to Praia de Valire.
The eight-minute ride with thousands of crabs waving as they walked through the swamp is a joy for the sensation. As soon as you arrive at the beach on your left, the Anchor Cemetery, with over 200 old anchors, reminds you that this is a historic beach.
They serve as reminders of the beach’s storied past. From 1841 to 1966, this was an active hub for tuna fishing. When the fishing was demolished, many crew members left anchors, and trains that were once transported were reused for tourists.
Another must-see beach, Ilha de Tavira, is only accessible by ferries from the city. It’s a true island escape, with miles of white sand and a peaceful atmosphere that is rarely crowded.
Tabira is undoubtedly the ideal place to learn about the most authentic Algarve.
Twenty days on the road, we found that the southwest and south of Portugal are ideal for those seeking to combine freedom and nature, especially in the Vincentian Coast and coastal Allentejo. The wild scenery and tranquility are in contrast to the bustling and bustling of the Algarve.
This journey through untouched beaches far from Lisbon captures all the scope of Portugal’s coast, from the bustling coast of the Algarve. It is the perfect road trip for anyone who wants to combine the beauty of raw naturalness with the spontaneity and spontaneity of life on the road.