Overnight rules for campers and motorhomes tightened in Portugal

The Porto Moniz campsite on Madeira has reopened to the public after being closed for several months for rehabilitation works. The project, costing around 80,000 euros, involved structural repairs to the access bridge, terrace renovations, and lighting replacement. It is the only campsite in the Madeira Autonomous Region, managed by the local council.

António Magalhães Aires and his wife traveled by motorhome from Lousada to Campo Maior for the Festas do Povo. They arrived on Friday to see the street decorations and plan to stay for a week. António said the trip was worth it and recommended it to others.

A 25-year-old motorcyclist died on the morning of Sunday, August 9, after colliding with a motorhome on National Road 114 in Caneira, Coruche. The alert was raised at 09:40, and an INEM helicopter was dispatched, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene by the VMER medical team. The motorhome occupants were unharmed. The road was closed for several hours, and 20 emergency personnel, including firefighters, VMER, INEM, and GNR, were involved. The GNR's NICAV is investigating the cause.

Portuguese campsites offer a range of accommodation options, from traditional tents to glamping and bungalows. The selection features five parks located in different regions of the country, including national parks and coastal areas. Among them are Lima Escape in Ponte da Barca, surrounded by pines and oaks, with tree bungalows and a glamping tent; Parque de Campismo São Miguel in Odeceixe, on seven hectares of pine forest, with a pool and pre-pitched tents; PenichePraia in Peniche, accommodating about 400 campers and 30 bungalows; Skiparque in Manteigas, by the Zêzere River, near a beach; and Village Turiscampo in Lagos, with a pool and various types of accommodation.

Following a fire that destroyed a motorhome parked near Cabo do Mundo beach in Perafita, PSD Matosinhos has proposed a municipal regulation for motorhome tourism. The proposals include creating designated areas with a 48-72 hour stay limit, prohibiting parking and overnight stays outside authorized zones, installing signage, regular inspections by the municipal police, and introducing a daily fee for services.

Aveiro's municipality announced the renovation of São Jacinto campsite will begin in September. The €2.2 million project includes a motorhome area and modernization.