The Algarve beckons
The Algarve beckons, leaving Huelva in Spain, where a new country awaits. A large sign spans the motorway, showing we’re now in the Algarve, Portugal’s southern region and all we have to do now is decide where to start.
Checking the map, we decide to come off the motorway at one of the first coastal towns. After all, we don’t want to miss anything!
Motorway Tolls – The Algarve beckons
It’s worth mentioning, before setting off from home in Wales, we ordered a motorway toll tag. This covers both Spain and Portugal and was promptly delivered to our home. We already had a separate one for France so ordered ours with the same company, Emovis Tag.
On crossing the border, there was a sign giving instructions for “foreigners” to pull over to register. We think it’s to give payment details for tolls, but because we have a toll tag, our payments are automatic.
Vila Real de Santo Antonio
Back to our first stop in the Algarve and the coastal town of Vila Real de Santo Antonio beckons. We’re unsure what to expect in a campervan, but find ample parking, making it easier to visit the town.
A pleasant promenade with mosaic type paving continues into orderly shopping streets. Surrounding the clean and tidy walkways are white wash buildings, reflecting brightly in the Spring sunshine.
In the centre is a large square whilst pavement cafes and numerous small shops make an ideal browsing experience.
Although there’s a motorhome Aire-type parking here, we’re not ready to park up for the night.
However, it’s a good sign, hopefully Portugal is going to be a motorhome-friendly country, which is always a bonus.
Vila Nova Cacela
A stretch of the legs around Vila Real de Santo Antonio has been a great introduction to The Algarve. After deciding to move onwards to another coastal town, Vila Nova Cacela, we set our sights on a motorhome parking area near the beach.
This is all new to us and we’re a bit confused to begin with. This motorhome Aire type parking has a barrier entry but to access the area, we have to check in at the adjacent portable office. It’s more like a private motorhome area in this respect, but we’re sure it’s run by the local authority.
We have to complete a form with our details and pay €1 tourist tax, with the nightly €10 fee being paid on leaving.
It’s a good Aire and very busy, but there’s enough space for several more motorhomes. Apparently it’s only open here off season, with Summer reverting to car parking.
Boardwalk and Sands
After parking up and having a chat with our British neighbours, we’re off exploring on foot. There’s a wooden boardwalk direct from the Aire to the beach, which is vast swathes of fine sand.
Along the shore is a nature reserve, with more boardwalks leading off in different directions. It’s a great place to stroll, just enjoying the wonderful sea views and long swathes of sands.
The town itself is relatively small, with just a few shops and cafe’s, more of a village really, with plenty of low rise white wash buildings.
The beach is the main focus, we’re soon to find that the Algarve has some of the most spectacular sandy beaches imaginable.
Fine views from Cacela Velha
After a good nights sleep and emptying and re-filling at the dump area, we pay the fee for the night and drive off in search of more sights.
We soon come across a sign for the hilltop village of Cacela Velha so decide to take a look. Once again, parking is easy, with few people around and a large parking area. It’s mid morning, so we’re not in search of an overnight spot.
This pretty village of colourful buildings and quaint church provides fine views from its hill top position. Below is the Rio Formosa Natural Park, spanning the coast, this was once a peninsula but is now more of an island.
There’s a small terrace restaurant open for refreshments, but otherwise it’s a place to come and enjoy the scenery.
After a short walk around and suffering with a heavy cold, we’re wanting to retreat back to the campervan.
Next up is Tavira where a motorhome parking awaits for a chilled overnight stay.
