PSD warns of deterioration and lack of lighting in campsite

Fernando and Ana, retirees in Spain, have lived for about three years in a 27-year-old Fiat Ducato Maxi motorhome they call “La Vaca”. According to their account, leaving their house eliminated fixed costs for water, electricity, condominium fees, garage and home internet. They carried out a wall repair themselves over five months at a cost of 1,631 euros, including exterior painting; Fernando said professional painting alone would have cost more than 3,000 euros. The couple admitted they had never calculated their expenses in detail but say they now have money left at the end of the month. According to INE, the median rent for new lease contracts in Portugal reached 9.46 euros per square metre in the first quarter of 2026, while the median price of transacted homes was 2,337 euros per square metre.

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.

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.