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🇵🇹 Portugal — OpenVan.camp

Portugal
Portugal
125 · 7 / 1,2к per week / 5,5к per month
Freixial Camping Park in Penamacor Wins Five Star Regions Award for Second Consecutive Year Openings © SAPO
PT Portugal

Freixial Camping Park in Penamacor Wins Five Star Regions Award for Second Consecutive Year

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.

Source: SAPO POR
Aveiro: Camping, school and pool projects get green light from Court of Auditors Openings © NotíciasdeAveiro.pt
PT Portugal

Aveiro: Camping, school and pool projects get green light from Court of Auditors

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.

Source: NotíciasdeAveiro.pt POR
Openings PT Portugal

Algarve municipalities discuss creating motorhome sites

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.

Source: Portugal Resident ARA
Woman found dead in burnt-out motorhome in Portugal Incidents © Portugal Resident
PT Portugal

Woman found dead in burnt-out motorhome in Portugal

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.

Source: Portugal Resident ARA
Law & Regulations PT Portugal

Portugal: proposal to charge foreign-registered motorhomes an entry fee

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.

Source: Portugal Resident ZHO
Law & Regulations PT Portugal

Portuguese Motorhome Association Calls for Legislative Reform

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.

Source: Portugal Resident ZHO
Openings PT Portugal

New motorhome parking network to be presented in Algarve

On December 11, a network of motorhome-friendly parking spots will be presented at the Turiscampo campsite in Lagos under the RAARA project. The initiative aims to legalize stops and rest for motorhomes without the risk of fines. The project is backed by the regional development commission, the association of municipalities, the tourism board, and the Algarve tourism association. The network follows incidents in Silves where motorhome owners were forcibly removed from a parking lot.

Source: Portugal Resident RUS
FeelEverywhere invests €4 million in converting former Viana do Castelo campsite Openings © ECO
PT Portugal

FeelEverywhere invests €4 million in converting former Viana do Castelo campsite

FeelEverywhere is investing €4 million to convert the former Orbitur campsite in Viana do Castelo into the FeelViana Nature tourism complex. The project, set to open in May 2027, includes 17 glamping units, 42 motorhome pitches, a wellness area, a restaurant, and a performance training center. It is expected to create 32 direct jobs. The concession runs for 20 years, renewable up to 30.

Source: ECO POR
Bans & Fines PT Portugal

Portugal evicts 20 motorhomes from protected beaches

Portugal's Maritime Police forcibly removed over 20 motorhomes from Barranco, Ingrina, Zavial, and Boca do Rio beaches in Vila do Bispo. The action enforces a law banning overnight parking of motorhomes near beaches in the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. Most of the evicted travelers were foreign nationals. Police stated they will continue regular patrols to prevent violations during the summer season.

Source: Portugal Resident ZHO
Massive mobilization saves motorhome rental company in Algarve from ruin Incidents © Portugal Resident
PT Portugal

Massive mobilization saves motorhome rental company in Algarve from ruin

Soul Campers Vanlife Portugal, a motorhome rental company in the Algarve, avoided closure due to widespread support after the theft of four vehicles. The four motorhomes were stolen from a warehouse in São Brás de Alportel but were recovered days after owners Tânia and Pedro issued a desperate appeal for help. The owners thanked friends and strangers for sharing the alert, which enabled the vehicles to be located and the business to continue.

Source: Portugal Resident POR
Vila do Bispo: 91 fined for illegal camping and motorhomes Bans & Fines © Portugal Resident
PT Portugal

Vila do Bispo: 91 fined for illegal camping and motorhomes

On Thursday, August 13, 91 people were fined in Vila do Bispo, Portugal, for illegal camping or using motorhomes. Another 21 were penalized for ignoring traffic signs. The operation ran from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, involving the National Republican Guard, the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF), and the local council. Authorities are tightening enforcement in the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park; in June, 92 people were fined for similar violations.

Source: Portugal Resident ZHO
Openings PT Portugal

Algarve to create 'better conditions' for motorhome travelers

Authorities in Portugal's Algarve region are set to sign a new 'Regional Motorhome Strategy' agreement. The document, to be signed by CCDR Algarve, AMAL, RTA, and ATA, aims to increase the number of suitable sites for motorhome parking and services. Tens of thousands of motorhome tourists visit the region annually, many during the low winter season. In 2014, their number was estimated at 60,000.

Source: Portugal Resident ZHO
Locals carry out night raids on camper vans and tents Incidents © Portugal Resident
PT Portugal

Locals carry out night raids on camper vans and tents

In Portugal, a group of 20 local residents conducted night raids on camper vans and tents in the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, targeting illegal campers. The group claimed authorities have failed to address the issue and took direct action, waking up violators on three beaches in Vila do Bispo. The raids were filmed and shared on social media. The president of the Alentejo and Algarve Camping Association urged authorities to take measures against illegal camping.

Source: Portugal Resident TUR
Campers leave Faro campsite 'peacefully' after long dispute with municipality Closures © Portugal Resident
PT Portugal

Campers leave Faro campsite 'peacefully' after long dispute with municipality

Faro municipality officially took over the city's campsite on Monday (November 25), the same day most campers began leaving the site they had called home for years. Their departure was 'peaceful' although a considerable amount of trash was left behind, which municipal services have started removing. Some campers were given extra days to remove all their belongings so the municipality can finally 'open the campsite for everyone'. Mayor Rogério Bacalhau refused to describe the end of the dispute as a 'won battle', stating the goal was to create a project for the area, not to fight. The renovation, representing an investment of €450,000, will involve cleaning and reorganizing the campsite, renovating electrical and water networks, and creating green areas. The park will have 200 tent pitches, including 84 for large tents, and 24 pitches for motorhomes, with plans to open to the public by the end of 2020.

Source: Portugal Resident SWE
Court gives green light to Faro campsite renovations Closures © Portugal Resident
PT Portugal

Court gives green light to Faro campsite renovations

The Tax and Administrative Court of Loulé rejected an injunction filed by a group of about 100 campers seeking to prevent eviction from the Faro campsite. The decision, announced by Faro City Council on Monday (11 November), allows the planned renovation of the campsite's infrastructure to proceed. The project represents an investment of €450,000. Campers must vacate the site by 25 November; the municipality stated it will assist with relocation, including social services for two individuals reportedly lacking financial means for alternative housing.

Source: Portugal Resident SWE

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