Motorhome Aires in Portugal
This Spring our travels took us to pastures new across various regions of Portugal. In the process, numerous Motorhome Aires or stopovers were our home for the night. Here’s what we found out along the way, much of it being a rather big surprise!
What are Aires?
For ease, I’m calling these motorhome stopovers by the more familiar name – Aires. Many of you will know, Aires are not Portuguese at all, but French, officially known as “Aire de Camping Car”.
In a nutshell, an Aire is the adopted name used across many countries by us Brits, describing a dedicated area for motorhomes to park overnight.
The only reason I’m calling the Portuguese system Aires, is because motorhome folk generally know about Aires in France. I’m not sure if there’s an official Portuguese term, so excuse me if there is.
Where are Motorhome Aires in Portugal?
Our tour of Portugal took us across the Algarve before touring the West Coast and some Northern inland regions.
During the trip, our overnight stays were usually on dedicated motorhome Aires.
These motorhome stopover areas are located in various places along the coast or inland. They can be in a town, on the outskirts, close to the coast or next to a beach. Each are different and locations vary enormously.
Overall, we think Portugal offers a good motorhome stopover system.
How do you find Motorhome Aires in Portugal?
We use a Garmin Overland Sat Nav which has built in Aires, stopovers and campsites. This doesn’t rely on data roaming so we don’t have to think about date usage.
In addition we also use Apps on our phone such as Park4Night. Whichever App or device you use, there are easy options to search and find motorhome Aires as well as get directions.
Are Aires in Portugal privately run or local authority operated?
This is a complete mix, but predominantly we found the Aires we used were provided by a local authority.
Having said that, there are private Aires too, especially along the tourist resorts of the Algarve.
What’s the difference to a private and local authority type Aire?
Private aires in Portugal are in our experience more like a basic campsites for motorhomes.
The private Aires we saw offered facilities such as toilets, showers, electric hook up, dishwashing, laundry, marked pitches and often hardstanding parking. These seem to attract long-term travellers, such as those wanting Winter sun.
They also often have a reception, barrier entrance or at least someone on site to look after things, as well as a dump/service area.
Another big difference, on a private Aire, because it’s more like a campsite, camping behaviour is usually ok. That means, you can usually have an awning, chairs out etc.
In contrast, a local authority type Aire is predominantly a motorhome parking area where you can legally stay overnight. The facilities will usually just be the parking space but sometimes there is also a dump/service area.
More often than not, in Portugal, there is no camping behaviour allowed on local authority type Aires. This generally means it’s a parking place only.
Both have their place and are a convenient way to make touring so much more flexible.
How much does it cost?
Almost all local authority motorhome Aires we came across were Free to use.
On the odd occasion, there was a charge of a couple of Euro for using the fresh water/dump but this was rare.
Those privately operated motorhome aires we used were very reasonable for the facilities on offer. Generally costing us between 12 and 20 Euro a night.
Can you book ahead?
We didn’t book at all, but we did notice an option to do this on some private Aires. There’s no option to book on local authority Aires that we used.
How long can you stay?
Parking overnight on a local authority type Aire is governed by a set time you can stay. This can be anything between 24-72 hours but may differ. Each area has a sign to tell you the area rules and length of stay.
Private Aires operate differently, so may have longer stays available, just like a campsite.
Is an Aire “wild camping’?
No staying on an Aire type area is not the same as wild camping.
How do you know where to park at the location?
Sometimes the area is mixed parking, so there may be a section for cars. Either way, the motorhome parking area will have a sign to show which bays to use.
Are there rules to adhere to?
Yes there often are rules. There will be a sign at the entrance area or somewhere within the Aire to tell you.
What sort of rules can there be?
The rules depend on the owner or local authority. Usually, if it’s a local authority provided parking, the rules, if any, will almost certainly be around camping behaviour.
There may also be rules such as no tents, self-contained motorhomes only and no BBQ’s or fires. Check for any signage before you get cosy incase it’s not for you!
Will there always be a dump/fresh?
No not always but often there is.
Are the parking areas scenic?
Motorhome Aires are generally provided as being a place of convenience and not a beauty spot with picture perfect view.
However, sometimes, you can find a really great Aire which has both convenience and beautiful surroundings.
Our verdict on Motorhome Aires in Portugal
Several years ago, there was a lot of press attention concerning motorhomes in Portugal, especially on the coast. Basically, it wasn’t good news!
As a result, we were anticipating Portugal to be far less motorhome friendly than it actually is. To be honest, we were really surprised at just how good it is, providing places for motorhomes to stop and so many for free.
Overnight Parking at attractions
We found that the Portugal tourist authorities were really flexible in allowing parking at many local attractions. These weren’t Aires as such but we were welcomed.
Whether it be a natural sight or historic attraction, we were able to park overnight at the parking areas provided on several occasions. This was tolerated for one night and staff even showed us where to get water if needed at one major sight.
Ensure you ask or are certain it’s ok to park before attempting it though – you don’t want to be moved on or fined!
Wild Camping
Ok, so wild camping is no longer such an option, but that’s the same in many countries across the world, not just Portugal.
Aires Full?
During our tour, several people commented on how the motorhome aires are usually full. For us, touring in May, this wasn’t the case. The Algarve was busier than the other regions we toured, but that was to be expected, and even then the aires had plenty of space available.
Portugal is still motorhome friendly
In our opinion, Portugal is a good, motorhome friendly country to tour, offering plenty of options. Whether it be a private Aire with more facilities or a basic free Aire provided by the local town, we’re just grateful for either.
Although options are limited in areas of Natural or National Parks, outside of these areas there are Aires available.
For those wanting a traditional campsite, then Aires may not be for you, but for the rest of us, Portugal is providing just what we need to keep us happy – so thank you!
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