FREE PARKING IN PORTUGAL 2007

Don Madge
2007 

Thanks to veteran motorhomer and MMM Travel Consultant, Don Madge, who wrote the following useful notes for other motorhomers planning to spend a winter in Portugal and not wishing to spend money on campsites, unnecessarily. 

The image on the left shows Don and Maureen's Timberland next to our Four Winds motorhome waiting in Brindisi to board the ferry for Greece. On the right, we are in  Igoumenitsa, having just landed in Greece at the beginning of 2006. The Madges were again heading for Turkey.

Don writes:

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 gone.  

We know of few emptying places on the Algarve but I would suggest you ask around the other motorhomers.  

Earlier this year we were free-parked on the beach at Boca on the western Algarve. At times there were up to 25 motorhomes and 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 an 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.  

We stayed at or visited all the places listed. Some places are rapidly developing into concentrated tourist areas and these parking places may be 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  

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 alongside 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 and take next road on the right, signed Furness.  

Almograve: Signed off N 393. Small village on coast with 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 the N 120 south of town. Municipal market in town on riverside. Parking area behind market. Toilets and water available.  

Praia De Amada: Signed off N 268 just before entering Carrapateira going north. Not usually marked on maps. Water and shops in Carrapateira village.  

Carrapateira: Signed of N 268 north of Vila do 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.  

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 - 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 100 kg box of squid.  

Ingrina: Signed off the N 125 at the traffic lights at Raposeira. Limited parking next to the beach.  

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: a very popular spot in winter. Can get very windy at times. Toilets available in Selema (next village west) - 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 Ecomarche 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 there's a garage on right with 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 beach-side in sand dunes.  

Barragem Da Bravura: Signed off N 125 at Odiaxere. Water available at windmill on leaving Odiaxere.  

Alvor: Plenty of parking on seafront at eastern end of town near Ocandeerio Restaurant. For parking west of town, follow signs for Zona Ribeirina and park among palms and oleanders in car park. Could be a problem in the wet. Also parking behind swimming pool.  

Praia da Rocha and Alvor more or less run together along seashore with hotels and apartments.  

Armacao De Pera: Parking on car park at western end of town. 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 there is 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 and Espahne, and 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.  

08.30, 09.30, 10.30, 14.00, 18.00, 19.00, 20.00.  

10.30, 14.00, 18.00, 19.00. 20.00  

09.00, 10.30, 12.00, 19.00, 20.00.  

Monday – Friday 19.30.