Exploring the Algarve in a Camper-Van: A hidden gem for March to travel in Portugal on wheels

A trip to Portugal in March is a true insider tip! The sun shines during the day with temperatures reaching up to 25°C, inviting you to soak up the sun. However, the nights can still be a bit chilly, so make sure to pack a warm fleece. The tourist crowds have not yet arrived, allowing you to enjoy some overnight spots all to yourself. But you'll still come across occasional groups of surfers, cyclists, hikers, and especially campers.

At the end I summarize a conclusion and all costs together - and our route.

But let's start from the beginning: Me and my friend flew from Cologne-Bonn to Faro with Eurowings, a direct flight with great timing - early morning departure and landing in just under 3 hours. It was also early morning due to the 2-hour time difference. We took a taxi to the city of Faro, which cost us about €12. We had some time to spare before picking up our van, so we enjoyed a cozy breakfast: toasties + coffee for about €7. During this time, we started getting used to the pleasant climate. In Germany, it was around 5°C, so we took a stroll around the port city.

The RoadSurfer station was located a bit outside the city, so I called an Uber, which cost us about €7, to take us to the office. As we got out, we immediately saw the van that we would embark on our road trip with. It was a brand-new model from VW - I'm not very familiar with cars or vans, but I think it was the T6.1 model in the Ocean configuration. That means it had an integrated kitchenette, refrigerator, pop-up roof, awning, and much more. Station manager Francisco gave us a brief introduction, and off we went!

Without a real destination, just go with the flow - that's exactly how I like it! Well, the beach should be our first stop. Isn't it a wonderful feeling to take off your shoes and feel the warm sand between your toes? But I can't stay in the scorching sun for too long without getting completely burned. So, I search for the nearest supermarket and buy some sunscreen - for about €13.

Since it's already late and we've been looking for a suitable spot to spend the night, I quickly Google nearby campsites and find one without much hassle. We manage to secure a spot at the "Parque Caravanas Acoteias" campsite in Albufeira, which is almost fully booked. For €12, we get a pitch for two with electricity. The only restroom facility is not too far away, but there aren't many toilets or showers. However, the highlight is undoubtedly the, well, let's call it a private path to the beach, or rather, the cliffs. We got there at the right time, so I quickly grab my camera backpack and set off.

Finally, a chance to take proper photographs and not just snap a few random shots here and there. I set up my tripod and capture a vertical panorama. This is what came out of it:

I'm sorry you had to go hungry because of my pictures, Joshi, but if we had gone to the restaurant at 7 p.m., the picture wouldn't have been taken.

Combining photography with vacation travel isn't always easy, especially when there are other people involved. It always pains me when I have the perfect light and want to take photos here and there, but my travel companion is eager to move on.

Well, we didn't starve. Just a few hundred meters away from the campsite, there was a pizzeria still open.

The next morning went quite smoothly at the campsite. Since we hadn't done much shopping, we didn't have much time to waste. A quick shower was still possible though. Then we headed to a local café where we ordered breakfast to go and found a nice shady spot to enjoy it.

With our energy replenished, we continue to explore a part of Albufeira's coastline and stumble upon this beach artwork:

While hiking, we contemplate where to spend the next night - initially, we don't want to opt for a campsite again.

We checked out a satellite image of the map on Google Maps and considered whether the location is private property and if our camper van can reach there.

Since we weren't entirely sure how overnight camping works here, we decided to explore the place during daylight. In photography, this would be called location scouting. A larger parking lot already gives the impression of higher footfall, and as we approach the cliffs, we still see tire tracks.

So, here it is - our sleeping spot for the night.

After a short walk, we head back to the town: Ferragudo.

The loud music from a beach bar attracts many guests, and luckily, we manage to find a spot.

Since I brought my camera along, I seize the opportunity to walk along the beach again, capturing the perfect shots in the soft light of the sunset.

While I was out on another photo tour, Joshi had the honorable task of finding a restaurant for the evening. And because it's getting late and especially very dark again, we can consider ourselves lucky that we found our spot during the day. Quietly, we pass by other campers and set up our camp.

The night was a bit windy, but waking up to such a view is simply fantastic. Of course, I want to make the most of the early morning light, even though it's much more comfortable under the covers than on the breezy cliff.

I also decide to use my drone again, but unfortunately, my flight is interrupted. It seems we camped on private property after all, and the owner kindly asks Joshi to pack our things. Luckily, he didn't show up during the night...

Well, let's pack up and hit the road. We drive along the southern coast towards the west, with no specific destination in mind, just a rough direction.

Since it's Monday, we can finally replenish our supplies. And gradually, we find a potential overnight spot, slightly north of Sagres.

On the way, we make a stop at Miradouro (which means viewpoint) da Ponta da Piedade. There are plenty of parking spaces, and you don't have to walk far to reach the rugged cliffs. From above, we see lots of boats and kayaks—I could picture myself in one of them. But even from above, the rock arches and caves look incredibly beautiful. There are plenty of photo opportunities. Unfortunately, the sun is almost directly overhead, causing intense glare, so I quickly put away my camera.

As we approach our overnight spot, our goal is to spend the night near a beach. However, just a few meters before the parking area, signs catch our attention, indicating a ban on overnight stays for caravans: "No caravan." Nevertheless, this doesn't deter us from pausing there for a while before heading to the final spot we spotted during our journey.

A little siesta and a short walk on the beach, then we turn around and drive back a few meters - the view is much better from up here ;)

This place will always hold a special memory for me. It's Monday, March 27, 2023, around 6 p.m., when I receive the news that my grandma has passed away. An illness was the cause, and it was only a matter of time. But how does one cope with it? Being far away in a foreign land, amidst this chaos of emotions. On one hand, there's grief, and on the other hand, the joy of experiencing freedom in Portugal. Later in the evening, I was able to talk to my siblings on the phone; it feels good to know that someone is there for you, even if it's only from afar... In the meantime, I'm not idle.

Unbelievable, that this place belongs just to us for the night! The next morning starts off relaxed as we prepare breakfast and decide what we want to see during the day.

Our general direction is towards Lisbon, hugging the coastline. So for now, we let ourselves drift and once again enjoy the beautiful landscape of Portugal in the best weather. It has become a habit for us to set off after breakfast, find a nice café or bar at a scenic spot, linger there for a while, and then continue our journey in the afternoon. The main thing is not to stress ourselves out! This time, we've chosen a campsite near Santo André. The reviews were okay, and the beach is within walking distance. There's even a nature reserve adjacent to the site. After checking in - we had almost free choice of spots - we quickly familiarize ourselves with the sanitary facilities and pack a few things for the beach. According to the map, it's only 100 meters as the crow flies. What they fail to mention is the large fence surrounding the area. Therefore, we have to go back down from the campsite and approach the water from the other side of the fence. We walk a few meters through the dunes of the nature reserve - simply a beautiful place that, however, for the first time, doesn't remind us of the steep cliffs of the Algarve. We treat ourselves to a drink in the setting sun, and I continue to observe the happenings by the water.

The next day brings us closer to Lisbon once again. However, along the way, I want to visit a historical site: Here, fishermen have built a network of boat docks over the decades, and it is fascinating to watch them.

Otherwise, we made a stop for lunch in Setubal. Those who are fans of maritime cuisine will be spoiled here. However, time is somewhat pressing, and we still haven't found a spot for the night - this time, we want to find a free place. Unfortunately, we have no success as we only find signs indicating prohibition or private property at a large nature reserve at Lagoa de Albufeira.

As the day slowly comes to an end, we search for a campsite once again and find one to the south of the lagoon. It's called Home Touristico. Just like all the previous places, it's no problem to check-in here without a reservation. It even seems like we are the only guests for the day.

The staff is busy preparing for the official start of the season, so it's very calm otherwise.

For the next day, we have a bit more on our itinerary. Before we enter Lisbon, we visit Christo Rei, where there's more activity to be seen. Tourist buses bring visitors here in droves. From here, you also have a wonderful view of the famous 25th of April Bridge. It's even cherry blossom season in Portugal.

After a brief stopover, we continue our journey and cross the bridge into the city center. Time is of the essence as we have a sightseeing tour booked on a sailboat. Fortunately, our camper van is not a huge battleship, and we easily find a parking spot. Now, let's hurry. At the pier, we meet a diverse group of tourists, and we quickly board the boat. The guide provides a brief safety briefing while the captain prepares the ship. Once we're on the Tagus River, the sails are hoisted, and we drift inland before turning back towards the Atlantic and returning to the pier. The entire journey lasts 90 minutes, and a drink is included, along with a wealth of information about Portuguese history. This tour comes highly recommended, allowing you to escape the city's hustle and bustle and admire the beautiful historic buildings from a distance.

After finally setting foot on solid ground, we start forging a plan for the day ahead. We haven't secured a place to stay yet, so we quickly agree to book a campsite in Lisbon and explore its nightlife. Unfortunately, the options for camping in Lisbon are limited, so we opt for Lisboacamping, which happens to have the highest fee we've encountered so far. For two people, electricity, and, of course, sanitary facilities, we pay €32. Well, a hotel would have been much more expensive.

Using TripAdvisor, I research the best cocktail bars, and an Uber promptly takes us there. Unfortunately, I didn't bring my camera, so there won't be any pictures.

The next morning starts off quite relaxed. We stayed up late last night, and regrettably, we have a long distance to cover, leaving us no time to explore Lisbon. But I had been there in 2022 and still had some impressions to share.

On the way back south, we decide this time not to drive along the coast but more through the inland. It quickly becomes clear that we want to stay here. The gentle hills, filled with lush grass, look very inviting for extensive hiking tours. We'll probably save that for our next visit.

As a rough destination, I have chosen a spot near a large reservoir. On the way there, we pass many green fields and see agriculture for the first time in the country.

As we approach the destination after about 200 km, we have to exit the highway - which, by the way, is subject to tolls - and drive into the rural area.

The actual spot seems to be on private property, so we keep searching a bit further. Just a few meters away, there is a large parking lot where we already come across some campers who have already settled in for the night, all of them Germans.

The parking lot is right next to the Monte da Rocha Dam, and offers a fabulous view of the area. This is where the drone comes into play again. But it was especially the next morning that was beautiful, with dense fog spreading over the water.

Now it's time to tidy up and end this amazing road trip - not because we want to.. So, we set off early, as we have to return the van by 11 a.m. We need to refuel, wash the car, and get everything in order. With a bit of delay, we finally arrive at the rental station, but the staff is super friendly and doesn't even glance at the clock. After a quick check to make sure everything is okay, I call an Uber to take us back to Faro. Since our flight is in the early evening, we still have plenty of time to enjoy the last rays of sunshine and take a leisurely stroll along the harbor promenade. There seems to be a marathon event planned for this weekend, with many barriers, a large stage, and food and drink stalls set up. We indulge in a final feast before we have to head back. Unfortunately, it's time to go back already.

Conclusion:

Exploring Portugal in March was absolutely right! Choosing Roadsurfer was the perfect decision. The country is very camper-friendly, and with the camper van, we were incredibly flexible, navigating both remote gravel paths and narrow city streets. Moreover, the service was simply fantastic! However, it wouldn't be accurate to consider it a low-budget vacation. The costs depend largely on activities and dining choices.

Expenses:

• Flight: ~ €265

• Camper van: ~ €400

• Diesel: ~ €60

• Campsites: ~ €40 (average of €10 per night, but we only stayed for 4 nights)

• Food prices are comparable to those in Germany, ~ €50

• Sailing boat tour: ~ €40

• Restaurant and café visits: ~ €20 per day

Overall, we paid around €1,000 per person for a week in Portugal. It could be slightly more considering additional expenses such as airport parking or sunscreen. However, it's also possible to spend significantly more, for example, if you take a surf course. Unfortunately, I couldn't do it this time. Next time for sure!

(Source: GoogleMaps)