Malaga to Algarve late May

[Guest Chris Hirst]

Well after previous advice, freely given on the forum we have booked a motorhome from Malaga for 2 weeks. General intentions is to tour Andalucia on the way and on the way back from Algarve. I would be grateful for any tips and hints regarding campsites, or places of interest, or places to avoid. will probably visit 3 sites over 6-7 days in Algarve, hopefully picking up some sun and swimming. No family just 2 middle aged newcomers... Hope to hear from you soon. Chris & Vanessa

[Guest Yorkshire Tyke]

Aviod tha site at Capobino - That is if you like going out to places The only approach is via the very busy motorway There is a good site in Ronda it is on the A369 but I have forgotten the name - There was considerable road works it that area last time we were down there Also to avoid is Camping Olaho - crowded & not too clean There are no campsites for Gibraltar. Most just wild camp on the car park outside the gates. Very strict limits on goods being brought out of Gib enforced by the Spanish 200 cigs 1 bottle spirits - but you will find same cheaper in Spin / Portugal in any supermarket Sagres is good to visit and Capo de San Vinceti is a must also Silvas and Portugese West Coast The central area of Portugal is way back in time as is the central part of Spain Good Journey

[Guest Brian Kirby]

Chris So much depends on what interests you. Andalusia has three great historic/architectural attractions, the Alhambra at Granada, the Alcazar at Seville and the Mesquita at Cordoba. These are fascinating buildings in their own right, and their history is equally interesting, as it opens up some insights into Spahish history the Spanish still seem a bit reticent about. It is worth getting an outline of what was going on historically before you visit, though, to put the buildings into context. The Alhambra was built by the Moors (Muslims) during their 700 year occupation of Spain. It is simply stunning, words are inadequate, it has to be seen. Camping Sierra Nevada is just within the Granada city limits, Carretera de Jaen y Madrid. Good, well organised site, but check for up to date opening times. Excellent supermarket almost opposite (5 mins walk), another a bit further into town (10 mins walk). If you enjoy walking, you can walk from the site to the Alhambra in about 30/40 minutes. More importantly, the site can pre-book entry tickets, (small fee) but you have to spend two nights to qualify. Not really a restriction, you'd be hard pressed to visit the Alhambra and go anywhere else on the same day, and even with pre-booking you'll still have to queue for a while to collect the tickets when you arrive. However, don't turn your nose up at pre-booking, the queues for those who haven't pre-booked are interminable. The Alcazar in Seville is later that the Alhambra and was built by the Spanish just after the Moors left, but in Moorish style, employing Moorish craftsmen. Similarly stunning, but more colourful. Seville is quite a pleasant city and there is a intersting old Jewish quarter with rambling, narrow alleys, lots of restaurants and (reasonable quality) souvenir shops etc. Camping Villsom is at Dos Hermanas, on the N-IV dual carriageway a bit South of Seville, but there is a excellent bus serving the two. Very attractive site, family owned, well run. Not especially handy for shops, so arrive stocked! Again, check 2006 dates. The Mesquita at Cordoba was a mosque during the Moorish occupation, but later had a Catholic cathedral inserted into it. The result is quite unique and, again, really defies description. Cordoba also has an interesting old Jewish quarter, not unlike that in Seville, also with shops, restaurants etc. Camping El Brilliante is a good municipal site just within Cordoba, to the North. It's on the Avienda del Brilliante and is very easy to miss! You're heading slightly up hill, away from the centre, and the site is on the right. The entrance is concealed by shrubs - until it's too late to stop unless you are especially attentive! The clue is a sign on the left hand side of the road, pointing across - just what you're looking for when you know the site's on the right. If you miss it, go to the top of the hill where there's a roundabout to turn on and you can try again coming back down! As before, check 2006 dates. If you manage to fit these three into your week's travel schedule you'll have done well! I agree about the Olhao site, the town's abit of a dump as well! Didn't think Faro had much going for it either; surprisingly, it turned out to be just a small seaside resort town with an fairly interesting small cathedral, and a reputation that seemed to me to be based on a mistake! It seems the Portugese haven't really been sufficiently protective of the Algarve and, sadly, a lot of it's coast is under (generally ugly) concrete hotels etc. The best bits seem to be at the extreme Western end of the South coast and a little way up the West coast. Driving: we found the Spanish far less excitable then expected. Generally they were fairly restrained and quite patient. The pushy, aggressive, driving didn't start until we reached the Costa Brava, so won't worry you unless you take a huge accidental detour! Portugese driving, once off the dual carriageways and out into the countryside is quite another matter! Not aggressive, but totally detached and very much on the spur of the moment. Be prepared for surprises is all I can really say, you're bound to get the hang of it sooner or later - though I'm not quite sure I ever really got "inside their heads" after 3 weeks! Enjoy Brian

[Guest chris]

Thanks guys, a great help, and very informative.. Can't wait now! Chris