Retirees move into motorhome and cut expenses

Portugal offers opportunities for motorhome travel in September and October, particularly in the Algarve and Alentejo regions. The country has official motorhome stops and campsites with electricity, drinking water and waste disposal. Wild camping is prohibited in Natura 2000 areas and certain coastal zones; outside such areas, without stricter municipal rules, a maximum stay of 48 hours in the same municipality applies.

At a Leiria municipal council meeting, PSD councilwoman Luísa Gonçalves raised the future of the Praia do Pedrógão campsite and highlighted issues with maintenance, cleaning, lighting and security. After visiting the site, she acknowledged storm damage but said that several months later problems affecting usability remain.

A road accident involving two passenger cars and a motorhome occurred on National Road 18 (EN18) at kilometre 273 in the Beja–Évora direction. Seven people were injured; five were taken to Espírito Santo Hospital in Évora, while two were treated at the scene. The response involved 27 personnel and 12 vehicles from Évora firefighters and the National Republican Guard. Traffic on that section of the EN18 was restricted and later resumed.

Demand for motorhome rentals is rising: Roadsurfer reported a 30 per cent year-on-year increase in bookings, and a Practical Caravan survey found 53 per cent of Brits would choose a motorhome or caravan holiday over flying abroad. A five-day, 163km Algarve route included campsite stays and an overnight at Quinta do Canhoto vineyard, where a €29 welcome pack included two bottles of wine. Roadsurfer's Camper Castle rental starts from £67 per night.

On September 6, GNR conducted an operation in Sesimbra against illegal camping, issuing 16 citations for parking motorhomes in protected Natura 2000 areas.

Maribel and Vicente, retirees from Mallorca, gave up their conventional home five years ago to live in a motorhome of about 10 square meters. They travel across Europe, adjusting their routes to seasons and budget. The couple says that leaving their house cut their monthly expenses by about 1,000 euros, covering utilities and car payments. They spend around 2,000 euros a month on living and travel, with a fuel budget of 700 euros. The motorhome is equipped with appliances, including an air fryer, coffee machine, fridge, freezer, and two TVs.