Winter in Portugal

[Val & Frank]

Hi Just toying with the idea of spending a couple of winter months in Portugal. We have looked for some write ups etc but don't seem to be able to find anything. Anyone know of anything written about this?? ( did a google and not much info )

Val & Frank

 

[JamesFrance]

Hi Val & Frank,

I was going to suggest the website www.orbitur.com, which is the main Portuguese camping chain, but the site doesn't seem to be responding at the moment.

I don't know whether you are familiar with camping in Spain in winter, but the main differences are as follows:

Portugal has a greater chance of wet weather but is warmer over night.

Spanish sites are expensive for short stays so Portugal is better for touring, most sites have a good price for around 3 days stay.

Nearly all their sites are open all year and there is a good sites book called Roteiro Campista which gives details of special winter rates and is published each year.

The south is much warmer than the north in winter and the Algarve campsites can get quite busy, although we have never been turned away, whereas some years many Spanish sites can be full soon after Christmas.

James

 

[JamesFrance]

Just found this excellent website as mentioned above:

http://www.roteiro-campista.pt/index.htm
James

 

[Clive-Cardiff]

Hi Val & Frank,

What we found this year in Portugal was that there were far fewer sites than you would expect in a similar area of spain. Sites and other places seem more laid back and far less commercialised.

The sites were generally OK but we didnt find one site with hot water in the dish washing area. The sites were usually cheaper than Spain and there was always a deal on offer.

One site offered a 50% reduction after 7 nights.

 

[justcards]

Hi,

We were also thinking of Portugal and after a quick look at your 2 recomended websites which seem to have lots of info especially orbitur we will now go at the end of Jan.

Graham

 

[JamesFrance]

Hi Graham,

We have often been to Portugal in February and managed to miss a wet winter earlier. It often pays to leave it until then. One year we went there at the beginning of January, were told that we arrived on the 83rd consecutive day of rain, so turned back and drove 600 miles back to the Costa Blanca. The roads then were like rivers. In February and March it is usually sunny in the south.

James

 

[justcards]

Hi Graham,

We have often been to Portugal in February and managed to miss a wet winter earlier. It often pays to leave it until then. One year we went there at the beginning of January, were told that we arrived on the 83rd consecutive day of rain, so turned back and drove 600 miles back to the Costa Blanca. The roads then were like rivers. In February and March it is usually sunny in the south.

James

Hi JamesFrance,

Thanks for the weather report, any sites that you thought were really good ?

Also thinking about Morroco, have you been there with a caravan ?

Graham

 

[JamesFrance]

Hi JamesFrance,

Thanks for the weather report, any sites that you thought were really good ?

Also thinking about Morroco, have you been there with a caravan ?

Graham

Hi Graham,

On the Algarve we probably prefer Armacao de Pera but there are lots of others we have stayed on and liked. Fuseta, Olhao, Trinidad at Lagos (a bit basic).

Our choices have been for a motorhome so no car which would make a difference.

Further up country we like Beja, Evora, Tomar, Amarante and lots of others but not in the winter.

We never did get to Morrocco mainly because our insurer didn't cover it, but now we have French insurance and a caravan we are covered and will probably go soon as it is a fascinating place.

James