betsy Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 Hello! Can anyone tell me whether the work that was being carried out last year at just behind the sand dunes at Manta Rota (on the Algarve) has been completed and if so, are motorhomes now allowed back? Any up-to-date info on other free stops in Portugal (particularly along the Algarve) would also be much appreciated. Off there as soon as this fabulous UK weather reverts to normal! Many thanks, Dick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Highe Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 Hi Betsy The portugese are becoming increasingly intolerant of free camping especially in/near towns but Sagres seems more tolerant than most and at this time of year you can (could a year ago) camp South of the town just below the town centre, to the West in the car parks for the Forteleza, to the North in several places off the road to the lighthouse and to the East down by the harbour. You could stay in Armacao de Pera to the East of the town behind the football stadium by the fishing beach and further East along a track. Another possible is on the clifftops to the west of Luz, though if the building work there is complete that may not now be possible. All these towns have campsites if you get stuck! Peter Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 Unlike France where free one night sleep overs are written in their constitution Portugal is totally the oposite. Wild camping is illegal in Portugal. Some places its tolerated for a bit but they are getting tougher. One day they will be as intollerant as the UK!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olley Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 Hi Quarteria, coming from Faro take the first turning left immediately before the high rise Flats, and its on your left on the beach. About 30 there in January this year. also "Motorhome Trails Portugal" from http://www.motorhometrails.com/ lists a whole pile of wild sites. If you buy it contact me for a GPS download for satnav I did. Olley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Madge Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 betsy - 2008-02-12 12:17 PM Hello! Can anyone tell me whether the work that was being carried out last year at just behind the sand dunes at Manta Rota (on the Algarve) has been completed and if so, are motorhomes now allowed back? Any up-to-date info on other free stops in Portugal (particularly along the Algarve) would also be much appreciated. Off there as soon as this fabulous UK weather reverts to normal! Many thanks, Dick Hi Dick, At one time every village had a water fountain and a wash house for the locals to do the washing. Some also had a toilet. A few years ago the authorities turned off many of the water taps because of the drought. Also many of the toilets have also gone. We know of few emptying places on the Algarve but I would suggest you ask around the other motorhomers. Early in 2007 we were free parked on the beach at Boca on the western Algarve and at times there were up to 25 motorhomes, I hate to think where they were dumping their black (sewage) water. I've included a list of free parking areas and loo emptying points. If you can't find a emptying point go out in the hills and dig a big hole and bury it making sure you are well away from any water course. This list was compiled in September/October 2003 and February/March 2007. We stayed at or visited all the places listed. Some places are rapidly developing into concentrated tourist areas and these parking places maybe swallowed up. The free parking places could be very busy in the winter period (Dec–March). I would suggest the best time to visit Portugal would be April/May and September/October. Many of the water fountains were turned off a couple of years ago during the drought and have never been turned back on. I’ve also included details of the English language radio station (Kiss FM 95.80 & 101.2) which broadcasts on the Algarve only. In the last few years free camping on the Algarve has become a problem with so many campers wintering in Portugal. It is usually quieter on the western Algarve (west of Lagos) it’s even quieter on the west coast but can be very windy at times Central and West Coast BARRAGEM PEGO DE ALTER. (Commonly called Pego by the Brits) Signed off the N 253 Alcacer to Montemor road 6 miles from Alcacer. Excellent long stay place with plenty of parking. Very popular with the Brits on their way home after their winter tour. Spring water available half way up hill. Toilet and shower also available. BARRAGEM DE MONTERGIL. Situated on the N2 between Abrantes and Montemor. Entrance to camping area along side Shell garage. Water available. Trees could cause problems on entering for large outfits. PORTO COVO. Small village south of Sines on coast road. Plenty of parking on north side of village on cliffs. Toilets and spring water available, municipal market. Many beach side parking places between Sines and Porto Covo. One of our favourite spots. VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES. On N 390. Town on river estuary. Good parking spots at Praia de Furness other side of river from Milfontes. Go south from Milfontes on N 390 over bridge next road on the right signed Furness. ALMOGRAVE. Signed off N 393. Small village on coast good parking on cliffs above beach. Spring water available and the cleanest toilets in Portugal (closed at night). PRAIA DE ODECEIXE. Signed off N 120. Poor parking in village. Very good parking on other side of estuary from village. Take unmade road on north side of bridge on N 120. Spring water available. ALJEZUR. Praia de Amoreiro signed from N 120 north of town. Monte Clerigo signed from N 120 south of town. Municipal market in town on riverside. Parking area behind market toilets and water available. PRAIA DE AMADA. Signed off N268 just before entering Carrapateira going north. Not usually marked on maps. Water & shops in Carrapateira village. CARRAPATEIRA. Signed of N268 north of Vila de Bispo. Municipal market and toilets/water in village. Very nice beach. VILA DO BISPO. Don’t go into town centre as streets are very narrow. Take the main exit for the town from the N 125 and this will take you to the supermarket and water/toilet. In town follow the sings for Praia do Castelejo then Praia da Cordoama. Cordoama is an isolated beach down an unmade road and is good for long stays. At Caselejo parking is very limited. During the surfing season both beaches are very crowded. Algarve Between Sagres and Cape St Vincent there is parking on the cliff tops. Usually very windy short term only. SAGRES . Parking on the quayside for small outfits only. For the larger outfits there is parking in various places in the town and on the seafront. Water/toilet emptying place is available in the town, you will have to ask the other motorhomers for directions. The fish auction takes place late afternoon at the fish dock complex. If you do attend sit very still or you could be the proud owner of a 100kg box of squid. INGRINA. Signed off the N 125 at the traffic lights at Raposeira. Limited parking next to the beach. BARRANCO. Not signed but take same turn off as Ingrina then fork right in 150 metres. Unmade road (bad in places) for 3.5 miles to very isolated beach. Mainly used by windsurfers. Water is available on the right about 200-300 metres from the traffic lights on the Ingrina road. SALEMA. Parking available in village, on entering turn right at sea front and then turn right immediately after bridge, well signed. Toilets in village square. BOCA DO RIO. Signed off the N 125 at the traffic lights at Budens (Ecomarche for cheap fuel at junction) then tarmac road to beach. Good for long term parking very popular spot in winter. Can get very windy at times. Toilets available next village (west) Selema a 15 minute bike ride. Bread is available from a caravan that is parked in Selema square opposite the toilets. There is a toilet in the Eco supermarket but I would suggest you don't use it for emptying the loo. LAGOS. Parking behind the railway station in large car park in front of school. Toilets at the Marina. On the road from Lagos to Meia Praia garage on right, parking on urbanisation behind garage. Some parking on hard standings between seashore and road between Lagos and Meia Praia MEIA PRAIA. Signed from Lagos parking beachside in sand dunes. BARRAGEM DA BRAVURA. Signed off N 125 at Odiaxere. Water available at windmill on leaving Odiaxere. Not on Monday as it's market day. ALVOR. Plenty of parking on seafront at eastern end of town near Ocandeerio Restaurant. For parking west of town follow signs for Zona Ribeirina park among palms and oleandas in car park. Could be a problem in the wet. Also parking behind swimming pool. PRAIA DA ROCHA. Limited parking for vans at eastern end of promenade opposite Hotel Concorde also parking behind Hotel Concorde at lower level. Praia da Rocha and Alvor more or less run into together along seashore with hotels and apartments. ARMACAO DE PERA. Parking on car park at western end of town and at the eastern end parking behind football pitch. QUARTEIRA. Parking at Praia Forte Novo at the eastern end of the town. FUZETA. Go through village and parking on sea front car park next to camp site (camp site usually very crowded). PEDRAS D’EL REI. Clearly signed off N 125 west of Tavira. Follow road to lagoon turn right and parking area ahead. CABANAS. Enter village then turn left at seashore limited parking at far end of coast road. Water tap in municipal bin area on right. PRAIA DA MANTA ROTA. Parking on large beach car park behind sand dunes. Water available. GAS BOTTLE REFILLING STATIONS ON THE ALGARVE. Boliquime. 50 metres off N125 sign clearly visible from main road. Quelfes. Take the N 398 (East of Olhao) signed Moncaraphacho, Faro & Espahne leave at first exit. GPL station can be clearly seen on the left as you approach the exit. From A22 leave at exit 15. Take Quelfes turn off from N398 signed on left. They will also refill Calor bottles. KISS FM. 101.2 + 95.8 FM ENGLISH NEWS PROGRAMS ON THE ALGARVE Monday – Friday News, Sport & Weather. 08.30, 09.30, 10.30, 14.00, 18.00, 19.00, 20.00. Saturday News & Sport. 10.30, 14.00, 18.00, 19.00. 20.00 Sunday News & Sport 09.00, 10.30, 12.00, 19.00, 20.00. Sports Report Monday – Friday 19.30. Clive when were you last in Portugal? Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MandyAndy Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 You never cease to amaze me Don!! :-> Not going there myself but this could be a gem of a list for those who are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olley Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 hi just remembered one Don missed, :-D Belem just outside Lisbon on the targas next to the 100' tall monument to Henry the Navigator, so its hard to miss. catch your ownfish if your an angler. Excellent spot for visiting Lisbon as the trams are only 800yds away and so is mcdonalds for free wi-fi. Olley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betsy Posted February 13, 2008 Author Share Posted February 13, 2008 Thank you all, particularly Don Madge and Olley for all the useful information/sites/advice - really, very much appreciated!! My wife and I have been wintering on the Algarve for about 10 years (first six in a caravan) and whilst we have built up our own list of places to drop-the-hook we are really grateful for all the info. Dont worry Don, I have a purpose-built tool to lift "escotos" covers and would never dispose any waste other than in a proper way. I too miss the big wheels that used to provide water. Off on Friday for six weeks so hope to try lots of your spots out. Thank you all again. Dick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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