Portugal - so sad

simsy56 said:
And the Segovia aquaduct does not have any mortar whatsoever holding it together, just clever engineering.

Craig
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It’s held together by Faith in God. As engineering was called in those days.
 
varaizian said:
Going back to #152 I was rather tart with you; for which, in hindsight, I apologise. Having travelled slowly through Spain, down the Atlantic coast of Portugal and across to Praia de Luz it was mostly much busier than previous years. We crossed the Algarve only stopping once but without being too coastal. We have been turned away from full sites 3 times in Spain; even from previously quiet inland aires in Murcia! Now heading back home inland across to SW France so do not anticipate any further problems but have come to the conclusion that the days of freewheeling trips are over and, because we don’t want to book everything in advance, our casual meanderings around southern Europe are over. We will stick to France; but how hard is that?
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Yes, I'm afraid things do seem remarkably different to when we started. It's a shame that many previous locations - even out of the way places - are now deemed off limits by the police, even though completely empty.

We went to a paid aire today, highly recommended on S4S, but the showers were cold and the advertised Wi-Fi non-existent. Most of the ones we've tried are very full and not really for us.

It's been a few years since we spent a lot of time in France, but I still believe it's the most motorhome friendly country in the EU, and it does have a real variety of areas to visit.

I don't know if Portugal / Spain would be better in spring or autumn (I suspect it would be as they're would be a lot more choice for sunshine then) but winter is a definite non-starter for us now. There seem to be an increasing number of German / Dutch / French long-termers talking up every available space.

We live in Scotland so do like to get away for the worst of the winter 😬 but next year will either be the south of France or straight through Spain to Morocco.

And I do find it quite sad!

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GoldenVision said:
Yes, I'm afraid things do seem remarkably different to when we started. It's a shame that many previous locations - even out of the way places - are now deemed off limits by the police, even though completely empty.

We went to a paid aire today, highly recommended on S4S, but the showers were cold and the advertised Wi-Fi non-existent. Most of the ones we've tried are very full and not really for us.

It's been a few years since we spent a lot of time in France, but I still believe it's the most motorhome friendly country in the EU, and it does have a real variety of areas to visit.

I don't know if Portugal / Spain would be better in spring or autumn (I suspect it would be as they're would be a lot more choice for sunshine then) but winter is a definite non-starter for us now. There seem to be an increasing number of German / Dutch / French long-termers talking up every available space.

We live in Scotland so do like to get away for the worst of the winter 😬 but next year will either be the south of France or straight through Spain to Morocco.

And I do find it quite sad!
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Morocco is a good choice for snowbird season. Too many Mh's in Spain at that time( I blame the forums :LOL: ) Morocco is changing fast although still very basic and a bit raw in places but very keen to welcome tourists, better weather and a big choice of landscapes.
 
We are heading to Porto in a few days, any recommendations of safe places to stay for a couple of nights, that are within easy reach of the sights?

We are happy to travel in by bus, train or bikes.
 
Holly's mum said:
We are heading to Porto in a few days, any recommendations of safe places to stay for a couple of nights, that are within easy reach of the sights?

We are happy to travel in by bus, train or bikes.
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Venda Nova, Aire right next to the tram stop.
 
Lenny HB said:
Venda Nova, Aire right next to the tram stop.
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Thanks Lenny, we had that earmarked to stay at.

Paul has just looked on P4N and it seems that it is no longer an Aire and is now a park and ride car park and the water tap has been removed :(
 
We are staying on a site about 10k out of Porto but have the car to go in as we did today. Will be going in again tomorrow.
It's a faff walking from the MH 4 feet to the car to drive in.
However, we did walk 4.5Ks around Porto today. The area around Sao Bento train station and down to the river is a bit good. (some road modifications going on near the station.

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bobnick said:
We are staying on a site about 10k out of Porto but have the car to go in as we did today. Will be going in again tomorrow.
It's a faff walking from the MH 4 feet to the car to drive in.
However, we did walk 4.5Ks around Porto today. The area around Sao Bento train station and down to the river is a bit good. (some road modifications going on near the station.
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What site are you on Bob?

We are currently in Obidos, which I think you said is on your list to visit, are you also going to Aveiro? It is said to be the Venice of Portugal.
 
Holly's mum said:
What site are you on Bob?

We are currently in Obidos, which I think you said is on your list to visit, are you also going to Aveiro? It is said to be the Venice of Portugal.
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Going to Averio totay, then back to Porto for the afternoon and evening.
We are on a Orbitur site called Canidelo. It's almost on the beach with some good bars and resturants.
The site suits us as this is the 3rd site we have drove on with the trailer and car and not had to unhitch.
6amp only
Very quiet first night but last night a few came in. Don't know the price as HRH sorts that bit out, think she said €28
Onto Lisbon tomorrow staying in Sintra.
Obidos is planned for a full day.
Weather lovely yesterday, bout 16c i think.
 
Not the Portugal I am in at the moment? Plenty of areas spaces designated for MH overnight in Algarve. Yes can be busy with 'foreign' MH but lets remember why this has happened. The minority have ruined it for us all it seems. I was told a devestating wild fire was caused by rubbish left from a MH! Portugal is a very clean country at the moment and we find the people are much nicer than the 'noisy' Spanish. Also the campsites are very cheap and pretty good, please use them!
 
Can recommend avensis(?) biological park aire.
Enclosed hedged pitches with all facilities very well maintained. Not many spaces so phone first.
Few years since our visit bus into centre.
 
We might see you in Averio today bobnick , we still owe you a drink 😊

Whereabouts in Sintra are you planning to stay? We were there a couple of days ago, it was busy and very hilly but not many places to stay that we could find.

Weather yesterday was very nice, sunny and 16 felt warmer in the sun.

Obidos is very nice, I am sure you will enjoy it here.

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berni109 said:
Can recommend avensis(?) biological park aire.
Enclosed hedged pitches with all facilities very well maintained. Not many spaces so phone first.
Few years since our visit bus into centre.
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I was looking at that one yesterday 👍

You get entry to the park included in the ticket too.
 
jumar said:
Of course the number of Motorhomers visiting Iberia during the Winter will have a detrimental effect on all of us...what has caused Portugal to make a stand against inappropriate park ups, will also force some Spanish regions to follow the same course...

What some have written in the Media including Fun..."Spain needs us" well believe me....they do not... everywhere on the coast is greatly overcrowded...this year even worse than last...so anyone planning a visit here...plan ahead...be prepared to get turned away from your favourite stopover..
.
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But you still park anywhere in your motorhome and stay overnight - just don’t put anything outside or that extends your vehicles footprint - in both countries, park as though you were a car!
 
I don't know how I get away with it ( :wink: ) but I am now heading back to my orchard paradise (Quinta Majay) in central Portugal after a couple of months in the (warmer) Algarve and I have just spent the last 5 nights off-site motorhoming... without getting "troubled" by anyone.

I now find myself in Tomar for a couple(ish) of days.

(Tomar's Burger King is the one closest to QMJ...)

I had planned to spend last night in the market place location in Coruche (free parking and leccy) but there must be some event happening as it was closed off. Instead I carried on to Almerin and over nighted very near the Tennis/Petanque courts.

Having thus saved €60 on parking, I treated myself to a short Temu shopping spree!

JJ :cool:
 
Just finished lunch in an Adega. Spotted the white vans outside. Home made bread. Slow cooked pork ribs, vegetable stew with potato. Large wedges of home made cake for pud, chocolate for Lesley, lemon for me. Water, beer (or wine) and coffee included. Euro 22 the lot. What's not to like.

PS Forgot to mention the poached egg on the meat. Different but as it turned out delicious.

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Dorset Diver said:
Just finished lunch in an Adega. Spotted the white vans outside. Home made bread. Slow cooked pork ribs, vegetable stew with potato. Large wedges of home made cake for pud, chocolate for Lesley, lemon for me. Water, beer (or wine) and coffee included. Euro 22 the lot. What's not to like.

PS Forgot to mention the poached egg on the meat. Different but as it turned out delicious.
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€22 for two or each
 
I have just booked a site near Ourique for the Easter weekend- just wanted tohave that weekend settled. Looks our sort of thing, Dutch owned and quiet. 🙂
www.campingserrodabica.com

Home - English - Camping Serro Da Bica

Portugal Camping Serro da Bica Peace, space and freedom ACSI… Read more
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There used to be a Yelloh site not far from Sines. Anyone know what it's called now?
 
HugoBNB said:
We will keep an eye out for you and any other funsters. Silver Hymer for us. Registration is our name.
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Leaving Porto tomorrow (fantastic place, see pic of the day later) for Coimbra.

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bobnick said:
Leaving Porto tomorrow (fantastic place, see pic of the day later) for Coimbra.
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Yup, it is a great spot. I have worked there, and many other places in Portugal over many years. Enjoy Sintra. My friend married a Portuguese girl in the 11 century church there. It is a beautiful place. Cascais is also worth a look. Or, I should say it was the last time I was there.
We are holed up in La Cala now with the MH in storage. We just came past the large municipal aire there. It is totally jammed with nearly a full row of MH's in front of the barrier that they are all supposed to be behind! Normally, the administration turn a blind eye, but this is a lot of extra vans. Also note, if you are coming this way, there is no fresh water (I tried the tap when we were at the market yesterday), grey water disposal, or black water disposal available here. I have no idea where you would get it either.
At least the weather has improved for you. Safe and happy onward travels.
 
HugoBNB said:
Yup, it is a great spot. I have worked there, and many other places in Portugal over many years. Enjoy Sintra. My friend married a Portuguese girl in the 11 century church there. It is a beautiful place. Cascais is also worth a look. Or, I should say it was the last time I was there.
We are holed up in La Cala now with the MH in storage. We just came past the large municipal aire there. It is totally jammed with nearly a full row of MH's in front of the barrier that they are all supposed to be behind! Normally, the administration turn a blind eye, but this is a lot of extra vans. Also note, if you are coming this way, there is no fresh water (I tried the tap when we were at the market yesterday), grey water disposal, or black water disposal available here. I have o idea where you would get it either.
At least the weather has improved for you. Safe and happy onward travels.
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Coimbra only hour or so away so doing the day and night there tomorrow, then onto Sintra for 4 nights. Already booked and confirmed.
2 aires very near Averio today we saw, sardines came to mind. Not for us thank you.
You to have a safe and happy one.............watch them pot holes. (see pic of the day later)
 
bobnick said:
Coimbra only hour or so away so doing the day and night there tomorrow, then onto Sintra for 4 nights. Already booked and confirmed.
2 aires very near Averio today we saw, sardines came to mind. Not for us thank you.
You to have a safe and happy one.............watch them pot holes. (see pic of the day later)
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There’s a basic Aire in Obidos. Just passed the car parks. It free to park during the day (so cheaper than the car parks) - over night it was a small charge (under €10??) no ehu but dump and water. Very convenient fir the old town.

If you are heading towards Coimbra do stop in Tomar. It’s worth a couple of days. Free Aire in the town. It was the old municipal campsite. Basic, safe, quiet.

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