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Motorhoming is a great way to see the real
Portugal,
whether you want to explore the country's historic
cities and enjoy their nightlife or relax in the
countryside.
Portugal is
well equipped to accommodate motor homes with a large
network of reasonably priced campsites.
Portugal is
easily accessible for motorhomes with a good network of
motor ways and A roads. However some caution should be
taken for those with American motor homes as not all of
Portugal's historic towns are able to accommodate these
leviathan vehicles and it may lead to some sticky,
tricky driving experiences.
On the
whole
Portugal is
accommodating for motorhomes and in towns and villages
devoid of municipal or privately owned campsites, the
local councils do permit 'free camping'. In some areas
where there are no campsites, the local council
representative will also permit the refilling of water
storage tanks and use of the public conveniences to off
load your black and grey water tanks during your stay.
However 'free camping' is frowned upon in more tourist
areas where facilities are available.
In
recent years 'free camping' has become a problem for
residents in the
Algarve, where
large gatherings of motor homes have amassed. Don't' be
surprised if you are moved on by the police in these
areas.
Having
travelled all over
Portugal in a motor home,
I can attest it is a great way to see the country, meet
an interesting variety of people and also stay in some
of the best locations at a fraction of the cost of
booking a flight, car hire and a hotel.
A good
deal of retirees from all over Europe also agree. Rather
than spend their money on just one holiday home
location, they utilise their motorhome to visit
countries. However during our travels
Portugal did
rate number one for all we spoke to and we can
understand why. Some couples even spend upwards of six
months each year in various locations throughout
Portugal,
enjoying their twilight years in a hospitable and
affordable country.
Many
return to favourite locations to catch up with their
European friends during the winter months and campsites
are a little like international communities come
November and December as an ever increasing number of
motor homes descend on
Portugal.
More
recently couples looking to
purchase a property in Portugal
have also opted to buy a motorhome to allow them time to
explore the different areas of the country. Having a
home from from home before you buy one is a great idea
and ensures you don't rush into purchasing a property
just because you don't have your familiar things at hand
in the hotel, bed and breakfast or rental property.
However,
if you are not sure you would enjoy motorhoming and
don't want to go to the expense of buying a motorhome,
why not hire one? There are various companies in
Portugal which
hire out motorhomes in a variety of shapes and sizes for
holiday purposes. |
