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Beautiful town but forever remembered as where I fell ill with covid mark 1 unfortunately
Back on the road - Northern Spain/Portugal beckon
- Thread starter VXman
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Beautiful town but forever remembered as where I fell ill with covid mark 1 unfortunately
OP
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One of my favourite finds so far has been the hilltop town of Monsanto. Apparently used as a film location for House of the Dragon (prequel to Game of Thrones). A lot of the houses are built out of and into the boulders that are strewn in this hilly region.
We stayed the night in the Square of another village just below Monsanto. The guy whose house we parked outside of came over - not to complain but to offer us a dozen free lemons! Locals are so friendly and welcoming!
Also met a lovely Portuguese lady with excellent English who gave us some excellent tips on places to visit.
We stayed the night in the Square of another village just below Monsanto. The guy whose house we parked outside of came over - not to complain but to offer us a dozen free lemons! Locals are so friendly and welcoming!
Also met a lovely Portuguese lady with excellent English who gave us some excellent tips on places to visit.
OP
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The next day we moved on in a southerly direction. The weather is getting warmer. Popped into Idaha a Velha, a small history village with a lot of Roman remains. There we were given a guided tour by a local dog.
Strange these places. They are specifically set up and maintained as tourist attractions with clearly a lot on money invested in restoration, buildings and staff and yet completely free
Strange these places. They are specifically set up and maintained as tourist attractions with clearly a lot on money invested in restoration, buildings and staff and yet completely free
¯\(ツ)/¯
We ran in an orienteering competition at Monsanto. It was very interesting, not least because it started to rain and running on the cobbles was tricky.
We really need to have a trip back to Portugal to meet up with some of the friends we met through the competitions.
Thanks for bringing back a lovely memory.
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OP
OP
- Feb 14, 2021
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From IIdaha a Velha we popped into Castelo Branco where we had a little wander and visited the Jardim do Paco Episcopal. This is hailed as the best gardens in Portugal. Well if they are it's a little disappointing but they were lovely in their own right. Basically hedges and lots of statues of bishops and other important folk.
OP
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After this we travelled to a parking spot near the river in Vila Velha de Rodao. It's on the river Tagus - the longest river in Spain/Portugal. Starts west of Madrid and enters the sea at Lisbon. Lovely little spot. Met an Irish man how has been living here since November in a beat up little caravan. There was also a Norwegian in a little caravan who had been here all winter. The Irish man lives in Sweden and just works there 6 months a year and then comes down here to escape the cold is Sweden.
Had a pleasant night here. Chilled for a while watching the school kids take canoeing lessons and council workers weeding the flower beds! I do like chilling and watching real life sometimes.
A lovely little cat tried to stow away with us. I think she was trying to escape her responsibilities of her six 1 week old kittens which were born in the Irish mans caravan!
Had a pleasant night here. Chilled for a while watching the school kids take canoeing lessons and council workers weeding the flower beds! I do like chilling and watching real life sometimes.
A lovely little cat tried to stow away with us. I think she was trying to escape her responsibilities of her six 1 week old kittens which were born in the Irish mans caravan!
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Brilliant day to day account and Great photos. Love the simple photo of the lemons and mug. Where is the 12th lemon though? Was it used in a crafty G&T, disguised as a mug of coffee?
We are headed that way later this year. Ferry to Dieppe and ferry back from Santader. Have visited many of the places several times but not in the van as we usually spend our summers somewhere in Skandi, mostly Sweden. Thought we would go south instead so your account has been great help, thanks. We are staying at a friend's house in the Ardeche for a week en route and also a week in an old cottage in Pido (Picos de Europa) so not 'roughing' it every night!
It was interesting to learn that San Sebastion comes with many good reviews. Did not appreciate that before so will make sure we give it some time, also Burgos.
Anyway, enjoy rest of the trip and safe travels. Thanks for sharing.
We are headed that way later this year. Ferry to Dieppe and ferry back from Santader. Have visited many of the places several times but not in the van as we usually spend our summers somewhere in Skandi, mostly Sweden. Thought we would go south instead so your account has been great help, thanks. We are staying at a friend's house in the Ardeche for a week en route and also a week in an old cottage in Pido (Picos de Europa) so not 'roughing' it every night!
It was interesting to learn that San Sebastion comes with many good reviews. Did not appreciate that before so will make sure we give it some time, also Burgos.
Anyway, enjoy rest of the trip and safe travels. Thanks for sharing.
We also ran in the same event. About 10 years ago was it? Infact, we have done the POM events many times as well as the training camps. This is the main reason we have got to know Portugal so we'll, and love it so much.
Best wishes
Jane NotRog
LIFE MEMBER
Lovely thread and great photos, thanks!
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Well, small world isn't it. We helped at the World Masters in Portugal in 2008 for three weeks. We've done lots of POM's also.
Sorry for thread drift.
...and, most of you are probably thinking, what is 'POM'? Nothing to do with 'whinging poms' or 'pommy barstewards' etc etc. It stands for Portugal Orienteering Meeting. Held each year in Portugal (surprise, surprise!), lasts about 5-6 days, different venues each year and attracts runners from all over Europe and beyond.
As Jumartoo suggested, apologies for digression!
OP
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Just realised that I began by putting day/date on the post but forgot later on. I'm a bit behind on the posting due to being busy doing stuff!
Wednesday April 3rd
We headed to Elvas but the only place motorhomes park (near the Aqueduct) was a bit full. Strangely there are no official motorhome park ups here which is the first time we've struggled in Portugal.
They do have services near the supermarket market but it was difficult to access and apparently water is 3 euros 50.
So all in all we decided to go down the road and back into Spain to Badajoz. Even there we struggled as the Aire we went to was full. We decided to fill with water before heading off the try another aire out of town. The tap thread section had broken and while we were trying to work out what to do a guy came across and told us it had been like that for 3 days. He had just been to town to get a part to fix it. So, fix it he did and l filled up. By the time that was all done another motorhome waved to us to say he was leaving and offered us his space. By now it was 7.30 pm so we really weren't expecting anyone to go. It's a lovely spot by the river and the old bridge. So result!
The next morning we explored the town which is lovely. Had very cheap Churros and chocolate, went to the castle museum. Lovely morning. Then headed back to the van to grab an early spot back in Elvas by the Aquaduct.
Wednesday April 3rd
We headed to Elvas but the only place motorhomes park (near the Aqueduct) was a bit full. Strangely there are no official motorhome park ups here which is the first time we've struggled in Portugal.
They do have services near the supermarket market but it was difficult to access and apparently water is 3 euros 50.
So all in all we decided to go down the road and back into Spain to Badajoz. Even there we struggled as the Aire we went to was full. We decided to fill with water before heading off the try another aire out of town. The tap thread section had broken and while we were trying to work out what to do a guy came across and told us it had been like that for 3 days. He had just been to town to get a part to fix it. So, fix it he did and l filled up. By the time that was all done another motorhome waved to us to say he was leaving and offered us his space. By now it was 7.30 pm so we really weren't expecting anyone to go. It's a lovely spot by the river and the old bridge. So result!
The next morning we explored the town which is lovely. Had very cheap Churros and chocolate, went to the castle museum. Lovely morning. Then headed back to the van to grab an early spot back in Elvas by the Aquaduct.
OP
OP
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Friday April 4th
Headed back into Portugal to Elvas and managed to get a nice parking spot this time overlooking the 16th century Aquaduct. Elvas is a really interesting hilltop, walled town with a castle but it also surrounded by 2 hilltop forts. So much history here!
First we cycled out to one of the forts and had a look around there. Whist peering over the edge the wind caught my 9 year old Californian cap and off it went down towards the moat but caught on a ledge half way down.
We continued on exploring the fort and then popped into Lidl for some food shopping.
Back to the van. Then in the evening went to a proper local bar/restaurant for some dinner. Chips and Rice with Pork - again! What is it with the Portuguese and their chips and rice! (plus bread) Enormous portions though and the pork was lovely. Two good meals, various cakes for pudding, 1/2 litre of wine, espresso - 20 euros!!
After a peaceful night by the Aquaduct we popped into Elvas and explored the town and castle. Found a really interesting Synagogue/museum all about the Jewish population in Elvas over 2000 years. After lunch we moved on south. Popped back to the fort on the way to see if the wind had blown my cap off but sadly it was still on the ledge - irretrievable.
Headed back into Portugal to Elvas and managed to get a nice parking spot this time overlooking the 16th century Aquaduct. Elvas is a really interesting hilltop, walled town with a castle but it also surrounded by 2 hilltop forts. So much history here!
First we cycled out to one of the forts and had a look around there. Whist peering over the edge the wind caught my 9 year old Californian cap and off it went down towards the moat but caught on a ledge half way down.
We continued on exploring the fort and then popped into Lidl for some food shopping.
Back to the van. Then in the evening went to a proper local bar/restaurant for some dinner. Chips and Rice with Pork - again! What is it with the Portuguese and their chips and rice! (plus bread) Enormous portions though and the pork was lovely. Two good meals, various cakes for pudding, 1/2 litre of wine, espresso - 20 euros!!
After a peaceful night by the Aquaduct we popped into Elvas and explored the town and castle. Found a really interesting Synagogue/museum all about the Jewish population in Elvas over 2000 years. After lunch we moved on south. Popped back to the fort on the way to see if the wind had blown my cap off but sadly it was still on the ledge - irretrievable.
That's what is known in Wales as "half and half".
Beef Madras with half and half. Best of both worlds!
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Mikey RV
LIFE MEMBER
Get a local fisherman to hook your cap. 
OP
OP
- Feb 14, 2021
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Theres an idea!- I'm too many miles away now. My wife dispairs with me and caps. The number I get through. That's the sad thing. This was 9 years and a memory of our travels around California in an RV. My shortest lived was one in Frankfurt. Lasted one week!Get a local fisherman to hook your cap.
Puddleduck
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Martin is the same but flat caps do last longer except when he folds them and puts them into a pocket and they drop out unnoticed.
OP
OP
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Saturday 5th
On to Evora today. Always been interested in going here since Lotus named a car after it. (No logic here I know!)
The free Aire (proper name in. Portugal 'Area servico Autocaravanas') was really nicely placed for a 20 mins walk into the old town. First impressions were not great though as there was a young guy living (full time it looked like) in a old caravan, 2 dogs, one of which barked a lot and lots of 'stuff' all around. (Surprised there is not more of this considering most of these places are free) In practice it was fine and very quiet overnight considering proximity to the main road. About 30 vans here. (Full)
We wandered into town. You can climb the cathedral stairs to the roof and walk around which was great! Really interesting place for 4 euros.
Also nearby is the Roman Temple to Diana. Sadly we were a little to late for some of the other highlights but it was a pleasant place to spend a few hours and a overnight stop.
Tomorrow we head to the beach for some R & R. It's been a full on nearly 2 weeks so far.
On to Evora today. Always been interested in going here since Lotus named a car after it. (No logic here I know!)
The free Aire (proper name in. Portugal 'Area servico Autocaravanas') was really nicely placed for a 20 mins walk into the old town. First impressions were not great though as there was a young guy living (full time it looked like) in a old caravan, 2 dogs, one of which barked a lot and lots of 'stuff' all around. (Surprised there is not more of this considering most of these places are free) In practice it was fine and very quiet overnight considering proximity to the main road. About 30 vans here. (Full)
We wandered into town. You can climb the cathedral stairs to the roof and walk around which was great! Really interesting place for 4 euros.
Also nearby is the Roman Temple to Diana. Sadly we were a little to late for some of the other highlights but it was a pleasant place to spend a few hours and a overnight stop.
Tomorrow we head to the beach for some R & R. It's been a full on nearly 2 weeks so far.
OP
OP
- Feb 14, 2021
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Thanks to Carpmart for the suggestion of Algarve Motorhome park. We've chilled here for 4 nights. Watched sunsets across the sea, paddled in the Atlantic (too cold to go further!) Explored Vilamoura and Albuferia and had a few nice meals out.
We holidayed in this area a few times many years ago as we had a timeshare that we used to exchange for a few weeks down here with the kids so did a bit of reminiscing. Not my kind of holiday nowadays though!
Met a English couple who have been here for 2 weeks and staying another 2. Not for me! 4 days and I need to see pastures new.
We may stay in the area a little longer as by chance my sister and her husband are coming nearby on Sunday to meet up with my nephew and his wife/kids who live in Spain so we might stop around to say hello before we head up the west coast.
Any suggestions for interesting places going north on the weather side of Portugal would be appreciated.
We holidayed in this area a few times many years ago as we had a timeshare that we used to exchange for a few weeks down here with the kids so did a bit of reminiscing. Not my kind of holiday nowadays though!
Met a English couple who have been here for 2 weeks and staying another 2. Not for me! 4 days and I need to see pastures new.
We may stay in the area a little longer as by chance my sister and her husband are coming nearby on Sunday to meet up with my nephew and his wife/kids who live in Spain so we might stop around to say hello before we head up the west coast.
Any suggestions for interesting places going north on the weather side of Portugal would be appreciated.
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Carpmart
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Atlantic coast of Portugal next then… we love it here too! The beach and the little village are just our cup of tea!
- Dec 19, 2020
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Obidos, an hour or so north of Lisbon is interesting. Plenty of room for motorhome parking adjacent to the aqueduct. Not sure if any services though.
MichaelT
LIFE MEMBER
Yes there is
Area Óbidos
Details for Area Óbidos a Overnight parking - with services Óbidos, Obidos, Leiria, Portugal, 2510
www.searchforsites.co.uk
OP
OP
- Feb 14, 2021
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So after 4 days chilling at the beach my feet got itchy so we decided to go and check out Faro.
We entered the free car park on the edge of the city wall from the direction where there are no 'NO MOTORHOME' signs. Didn't see the NO MOTORHOME sign at the other and at all.
Had a got night there with a number of other motorhomers.
Faro was a interesting place with the city walls and gates, various churches including another 'bone chapel', lots of street art, a museum, marina and some nice coffee shops and restaurants. Good for an afternoon, evening and morning.
We entered the free car park on the edge of the city wall from the direction where there are no 'NO MOTORHOME' signs. Didn't see the NO MOTORHOME sign at the other and at all.
Had a got night there with a number of other motorhomers.
Faro was a interesting place with the city walls and gates, various churches including another 'bone chapel', lots of street art, a museum, marina and some nice coffee shops and restaurants. Good for an afternoon, evening and morning.
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