Former campsite in Viana do Castelo to become tourism project

The Freixial Camping Park (Parque de Campismo do Freixial) in the Castelo Branco district has been awarded the Five Star Regions Award in the 'Camping Parks' category for the second consecutive year. The recognition is based on service quality and visitor satisfaction. Located near the village of Penamacor, close to the Spanish border, the park is set in a natural area adjacent to the Serra da Malcata Nature Reserve. It operates annually from June to September; the bar and restaurant are temporarily closed, with reopening expected soon.

The Aveiro City Council announced that the renovation project for the São Jacinto campsite has received approval from the Court of Auditors (TC) and is ready for tender. The renovation projects for the EB 2,3 São Bernardo school and the Cacia pool/exhibition complex also received approval. Mayor Luís Souto stated during a public meeting on Friday that the campsite contractor has been notified, with a 30-day period to sign the contract, after which work is expected to be completed in seven months.

Several municipalities in Portugal's Algarve region are considering establishing official motorhome parking areas. Mayor of Aljezur, José Amarelinho, announced plans for three sites with basic facilities: toilets, drinking water, and sewage. Portimão will add two service stations in Alvor and Figueira. Lagoa and Faro are also reviewing proposals. Unauthorized camping outside designated parks may result in fines of €150 to €200.

The body of 55-year-old Teresa Janerinio was discovered in a burnt motorhome near São Bartolomeu de Messines, Portugal. Reports suggest she may have been killed before being placed in the vehicle. A witness saw a man dragging her motionless body into the motorhome and then setting it on fire. The suspect, believed to be her husband or partner, has been arrested and remanded in custody. An autopsy will determine the cause of death.

A letter to the editor of a Portuguese publication suggests introducing an annual fee for motorhomes and campervans with foreign plates entering the country. The author proposes setting up border checkpoints, similar to Switzerland, where tourists are asked to pay a road toll. This would reduce unemployment by staffing checkpoints around the clock and generate government revenue. The letter also recommends lowering campsite fees and compensating operators with subsidies.

The Portuguese Motorhome Association (FPA) has urged the government to create new laws to regulate the industry, calling current rules 'absurd and discriminatory.' FPA President José Pires stated that existing laws were drafted without input from industry representatives and contain errors and contradictions. In the Algarve, strict policing has led to evictions of motorhome travelers from a campsite near the Silves river and fines in Costa Vicentina, prompting the creation of a 'motorhome-friendly' network. The FPA notes that about 80% of motorhome owners are retirees who prefer off-season travel, and the industry grows 15% annually, contributing around 100 million euros to the economy.