Routes
RoutesA Happy Van
In A HAPPY VAN, we offer our motorhome rental service and we offer you motorhome routes, with indications of tourist interest and overnight, to facilitate the planning of your trip.
Do not forget to visit this section. We will continue adding routes to be made, of different duration for the different getaways. There will always be a new way to go and a new experience to live.
Route along the beaches of Cádiz Route along the Costa Tropical Route through the Natural Park of Cabo de Gata Route through the Algarve, Portugal
A HAPPY VAN is not responsible if any of the recommended places on these routes is no longer accessible or the overnight stay is no longer allowed.
Our recommendations are based on our experience, and everyone must assume their own responsibility.
Likewise, we ask for civic behavior and common sense, respecting the areas we use, taking care of the environment, and leaving the place exactly the same as we found it.
ROUTE BY THE COAST OF CADIZ
Wanting to travel wonderful beaches, live the bohemian atmosphere and eat good fish, a plan that will not leave you indifferent is to rent a motorhome to enjoy Cádiz and its coast, the Costa de la Luz.
Rent a motorhome with A HAPPY VAN and in just one hour, you will be enjoying the atmosphere of TARIFA, jovial and surf. Its summer nights are chill-out nights, and days, beach and sailing sports. With about 38 kms of beach of fine and shallow sand, the best known are the beach of Los Lances, declared Natural Area, and the beach of Bologna, which we will visit at our next stop.
In spring or autumn you will continue to enjoy the good weather and the beach, although it will not be overcrowded and the parties will focus more on specific dates and weekends, and in winter you will find a town that continues to retain its essence, where the Mediterranean Sea is it links with the Atlantic Ocean, and that rests from the hustle and bustle of the summer season to regain strength and resurface renewed.
Where to park and / or spend
the night in Tarifa
Overnight during the mid-high season is controlled in some specific places but there is a place where until now there have been no problems (although these rules change every year) in front of Lances beach ( 36.047501, -5.63527), yes, being far from the center environment.
And if you feel like going out, you can always spend the night in the town of Tarifa, parked in a street or public parking where it is not specified that the overnight stay is prohibited. If instead you prefer to spend the night in a campsite, or you need refueling service, I leave the following information:
* AREA of Tarifuel (36.026402, -5.60778). Right at the entrance of Tarifa. With gray and black water filling and emptying services, which offer you free for refueling. There is also laundry service and they sell gas bottles. It does not have an overnight area but there is a possibility to spend the night in the polygon right next to the gas station.
* AREA Park Tarifa (36.01806, -5.61083).
Near the center, for € 8 a day with water refueling service.
CAMPINGS DE TARIFA, on the outskirts, with services for motor homes and classified according to proximity to the center, I propose:
- Camping Tarifa www.campingtarifa.es
- Camping Rio Jara www.campingriojara.com
- Camping Valdevaqueros www.campingvaldevaqueros.com
- Camping El Jardín de las Dunas www.campingjdunas.com
BOLONIA
Next stop, BOLOGNA, a must to spend at least a few hours on this beach, that of the most crystalline waters in the area and more than 4 km long, and why not, batter such which croquette in its dunes. Children are the ones who enjoy them the most, who raise and lower them tirelessly, something fabulous so that they later fall asleep without giving much war ...;)
Another reason to visit Bolonia is to walk through the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia, on the beach, and where you can take some spectacular photos.
Where to park and / or spend
the night in Bolonia
In Bologna the overnight stay is very controlled, so unless you are visiting the area in low season, I would not risk finding myself with a fine at dawn.
One option to spend the night here is the Tarifa-Bologna Motorhome Area (36.088001, -5.76583). The price for 24 hours is € 12, and if you want electricity they charge it separately (€ 5). It has water services. WC and hot showers, quite austere, but that make the deal. 250m from the beach and close to restaurants and shops.
ZAHARA DE LOS TUNES The next bohemian town to visit will be ZAHARA DE LOS TUNES, in which of course it is a sin not to try tuna from almadraba, named for the fishing technique and that gives it an unbeatable quality. In addition to enjoying your gastronomy, walk through its streets and enter its little shops, where you will surely find a thousand things that you want to take home, because everything is in very good taste and with that chic touch that we love. Where to park and / or spend the night in Zahara de los Atunes * Private parking on the beach next to the football field (36.132, -5.84267), for about € 18 24 hours, of course, it has no services. * Camping Bahía de la Plata www.campingbahiadelaplata.com on the outskirts of the town, small in extension, but with a playground with grass for children on the beach, perfect for when the wind does not let us enjoy it without diving The sand as if they were pins. * Asphalted public parking between the campsite and the village (36.129601, -5.83999), out of high season, 5 minutes walk from the center and next to the beach, where you can spend the night without problems. BARBATE Continuing our route along the Cadiz coast, the next town we find is BARBATE, which shares tuna trap fishing along with Zahara de los Atunes, and in which although we do not stop, I have to mention it because it is protagonist of one of my favorite Spanish films called "Tuna and Chocolate", which you can enjoy aboard any of our motorhomes, because being a film that not many people know, no matter how much we see it, we still get the smile and tenderness heart ... Where to park and / or spend the night in Barbate And as a practical fact, if necessary, there is a Motorhome Area in the Marina (36.183969, -5.935742), where you can change the water for € 3 and where it is possible overnight, with showers, toilets and electricity services. CAÑOS DE MECA And then we arrive at CAÑOS DE MECA. Beautiful beaches sheltered by cliffs and pine trees, in which nudism is practiced in some of them, being something natural without restrictions to wear or not, bathing suit. The beach of Cabo de Trafalgar that cannot be missed and invites us to watch the sunset and walk to the Trafalgar Lighthouse. And a small town with hippie atmosphere and charming places to go out on summer evenings. Where to park and / or spend the night Caños de Meca Overnight in this area is as restricted as in the Bologna area, but there are several campsites where you can spend the night and take advantage of all the services for the AC, as well as a good shower for the long mane ... * Camping Faro de Trafalgar www.campingfarodetrafalgar.com * Camping Caños de Meca www.campingcm.com * Camping Camaleon www.campingcamaleon.com EL PALMAR If we like sailing, or we love walking along the shore of endless beaches, our next stop will be at PALMAR beach. Extensive and well known for being the surfers' favorite beach, although you can find them in almost all the beaches of Cádiz. If you dare to try this sport, this is probably the best place to start your first classes. Of course, in the summer season we complicate motorhomes. The road is not very wide and parking is scarce, so vehicles are parked to one side, and for motorhomes, it is almost impossible. Where to park and / or spend the night in El Palmar The only option that I recommend during the high season of parking and overnight, is the Camping El Palmar www.campingelpalmar.es CONIL DE LA FRONTERA And to spend the night, go out to dinner and have fun, CONIL DE LA FRONTERA, a beautiful lively fishing village on summer nights thanks to tourism. The only hit here, the difficulty of parking and rest assured that you will not be fined, even without overnight. However, there is an esplanade of land in front of Fuente del Gallo beach (36.2868, -6.10322) where you can spend the night without problems. Of course, it is on the outskirts of the town, and I advise you to do it accompanied by other vehicles, although in the summer season, you will almost certainly not be alone. My advice anyway, to enjoy the advantages of this beautiful place, we better choose to secure our AC on a camping plot and relax. Where to park and / or spend the night in Conil de la Frontera There are many campsites to choose from, among them I want to highlight: * Camping Cala del Aceite www.caladelaceite.com 250m from the beach, Cala del Aceite. * Camping Los Eucaliptos www.campingloseucaliptos.com The closest to the town and only 10 min from the beach * Camping La Rosaleda www.campinglarosaleda.com With many entertainment activities. Motorhome areas on the way to Cádiz On the way to the capital of the silver cup, if we have dispensed with the campsites and need a motorhome area where we can refuel our AC, we have two gas stations where we can fill and empty gray and black waters, when refueling. * Shil Chiclana SL (36.403847, -6.129923). It is just before reaching Chiclana de la Frontera, next to the highway. * CLC low cost gas station (36.501984, -6.270497). In Cádiz city,.
CADIZ And mandatory stop, of course, in CADIZ. The oldest city in the west, and almost completely surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, is known as Old Havana because of its resemblance to the Malecon of Havana in Cuba. Famous for its Carnival throughout the world, it is also loved by its historical heritage and the atmosphere of its streets. La Caleta beach, even being the smallest in the city, is the most popular for its history and its surroundings. Clothed by the castles of Santa Catalina and San Sebastián, it offers spectacular sunsets that will not leave you indifferent. Where to park and / or park in Cádiz * Parking Santa Catalina (36.533501, -6.30814), next to La Caleta beach, without services and with a price of € 14 for 24 hours, but next to the beach, with views, to 5 minutes from downtown and with good access for motorhomes. * Parking of the Reina Sofia Pier (36.537998, -6.28955). Notifying the security guard that you go by motorhome, the price for 24 hours is only € 3 except for Carnival, Easter and Christmas, that the price goes up to € 18. It has no services, except WC open from 11:00 to 20:00, but for that price and with surveillance, we can not ask for more. EL PUERTO DE SANTA MARIA In the heart of Cádiz Bay, and in case we still want to enjoy the seafood of the area, in EL PUERTO DE SANTA MARIA you will find the best cookers to suck your fingers between mollusk and cetacean, accompanied by a good wine of Sherry. Strolling through its cobbled streets, between whitewashed and orange facades, and visiting the Castillo de San Marcos or the famous Bodegas Osborne (the bull on Spanish roads), are some things that can be done in addition to bathing on its beaches. The best known and extensive, Valdelagrana. Others also recognized are La Muralla beach or La Calita beach, both farthest from the center. Where to park and / or spend the night in El Puerto de Santa María * Esplanade next to the Valdelagrana beach (36.580601, -6.22762) if you find a free place. * Parking by the beach of La Muralla (36.581501, -6.26127). * Parking by the beach of La Calita (36.583504, -6.268337). * Parking Gateway of the Port of Santa Maria (36.59801, -6.22088) Perhaps the safest and most central option, with a rate of € 6 24 hours. It has no services, but nearby we find a Cepsa gas station (36.593647, -6.223057) with gray and black water filling and emptying services. As always, it is advisable to refuel. * Camping Playa Las Dunas de San Anton www.lasdunascamping.com. CHIPIONA In CHIPIONA, our penultimate stop, the best known is the Regla beach that extends from the lighthouse along the entire west coast, with its Rule Sanctuary located in the center, which houses the Virgin of Regla. It is said that the waters of this beach are healing, and it is very frequented by tourists and bathers in the area. We can also visit the Muscat Museum, originally from this land, or the Museum tribute to Rocío Jurado, a great music artist born here, who left a great legacy in the Spanish copla. Where to park and / or overnight in Chipiona To spend the night, I can only recommend the Chipiona Marina Area (36.744801-6.4267). On the beach, near the town on foot and with a fee of € 9.55, separate water refueling. SANLUCAR DE BARRAMEDA And finishing the route along the Costa de la Luz, we arrive at SANLUCAR DE BARRAMEDA, where in addition to walking along its beach at the mouth of the Guadalquivir and walking its streets, we can visit some of the Manzanilla wineries, typical of the place, or take a tour of the Doñana Marshes. Where to park and / or spend the night in Sanlucar de Barrameda * Private motorhome area (36.761799-6.39573) quite advisable, before reaching the town, on the way from Chipiona. With independent plots such as camping, near the beach and the greenway, for hiking or cycling. The price is € 10 per day. * Free parking area (36.778599-6.36889) where you can also spend the night at the end of the promenade. I hope you enjoyed the trip as much as I did. See you at the next getaway!
ROUTE BY THE NATURAL PARK OF CABO DE GATA After touring the Andalusian Tropical Coast, or driving directly to the southeast coast of the peninsula, the landscape makes us believe that we enter another country, thanks to the diverse geological richness that we enjoy in Andalucía.The Natural Park of Cabo de Gata-Nijar, has a completely virgin cliff coast of about 50km in length. In it we find both cliffs with wonderful views, such as paradisiacal beaches and dream coves, the latter of difficult access, but that we can visit on board some type of boat. And behind us, a unique landscape throughout Europe, due to the semi-arid climate and the result of volcanism. In fact, in Almeria we also find the Tabernas desert, an idyllic place that we will visit on our return and in which, as well as on the beaches of the Park of Cabo de Gata, many films have been shot for its incredible landscape. de Gata is a neighborhood belonging to the municipality of Níjar. The town itself does not have a special interest, but its beach and the visit to the lighthouse, are mandatory destinations on this route along this Mediterranean coast of unique landscapes.
Where to park and spend the night in Cabo de Gata * Camping Cabo de Gata (36.801998, -2.2444) * Parking area by the sea with overnight allowed (36.778801, -2.24288) * Esplanade at the entrance of the Fabriquilla with overnight allowed and next to the sea (36.738998, -2.20821) * Parking of the Lighthouse of Cabo de Gata. Only parking to visit the lighthouse and admire the incredible views of the cliffs of the cape (36.722198, -2.19214) SAN JOSE Considered the capital of Cabo de Gata for being the largest population, with less than 1000 inhabitants during the low season but tripling this figure in the summer time. Having been a town dedicated to fishing, now its main activity is the tourism sector, which is why we find many restaurants and other services dedicated to tourists, with a lively square and a playground that delight children. From San Jose, we access the most spectacular virgin beaches of the Mediterranean, that of Los Genoveses and El Mónsul, where a multitude of films such as Indiana Jones and the last crusade, or Talk to Her, of Pedro Almodóvar have been filmed.
Where to park and / or spend the night in San José * Motorhome area Cabo de Gata Camper Park www.cabogatacamper.com (36.815843, -2.149454) New, with all services, including free wifi, showers, restaurant and good atmosphere. For € 10 the overnight with services and € 13 if you also want electricity. * Camping Tau www.campingtau.com (36.767601, -2.10558) Close to the beach and the city center. * Municipal parking (36.764198, -2.10982) In the center of the city and very wide. There is a sign that prohibits the overnight, but with discretion it is possible to spend the night without problems. * Day parking area at El Mónsul beach (36.733299, -2.14821) In summer you can cut off motorhome access :( * Day parking area at Los Genoveses beach (36.7453, -2.12471) As in El Mónsul, you can restrict access during high season LA ISLETA DEL MORO Small fishing center located near the Escullos next to two rocks, one of them a little further away as if it were an islet It is said that it was formerly frequented by pirates in search of treasures and from Arabs, hence the name of the place, La Isleta del Moro. Peace, that is the word that accompanies this place, and wonderful views from above overlooking the rocks and the beach. Personally, I can't go through here without allow me to wake up in this dream place Where to park and / or spend the night in La Isleta del Moro * Parking area high above the Peñón Blanco beach (36.816799, -2.05073) There is a sign prohibiting the overnight, although we have never had p oak trees, as long as we are discreet and do not camp. No awnings or shims, despite having a little unevenness. * Camping Los Escullos www.losesculloscabodegata.com (36.802898, -2.07753) LAS NEGRAS Small town of small white houses of about 300 inhabitants, half of them foreigners seeking calm, share the tourist activity with fishing that continues to be managed in their waters With a special charm and good atmosphere, it is a place you will want to return to. The name comes from Cerro Negro, a rock formation of volcanic material that scatters black stones on the beach. In fact, Las Negras beach is not comfortable due to this, but to enjoy other beaches around we are there. Here we can take the opportunity to make a route by boat or kayak, and visit the coves of the area, the best known being the Cala San Pedro, which has long been host to hippie communities, or the Playazo, one of the best coves in the park.
Where to park and / or spend the night in Las Negras * Camping La Caleta www.campinglacaleta.com (36.872398, -2.00695) The only place we recommend to spend the night in Las Negras, 15 minutes walk from the town, much less if you have rented a scooter electric in A HAPPY VAN, but with direct access to the Cala del Cuervo, protected from the winds of the west. To take into account that they do not accept card. AMARGA WATER Its name comes from the Arabic Al-hawan, which means location of water. It is perhaps for this reason that in contrast to the rest of the area, Agua Amarga stands out for its vegetation within the town, with its flowery gardens and balconies and trees near the beach. Like the rest of the towns in the park having dedicated themselves to fishing, now he lives on tourism, although combining the charm of simplicity and the new chic air that we like so much. The most virgin beach in the area is Playa de los Muertos, with difficult access on a dirt road, but worth visiting. Where to park and / or spend the night in Agua Amarga * Motorhome area Agua Amarga Camper Park www.campercontact.com (36.940813, -1.936875) Close to the beach and the town center, new and with all services, including showers and Wi-Fi. * Parking of the Playa de los Muertos (36.953899, -1.90431) Allowed to spend the night, the price is € 4 per 24h. THE DESERT OF TABERNAS And on our way back, we will make a stop at the Natural Site of the Tabernas Desert, where the legend of the Western American is still alive. Being the only desert area in Europe, in addition to admiring the landscape that leaves some astonished and certainly bewildered by that feeling of desolation when we travel along a path between slopes and gullies, we can visit one of the parks where they have been shot and still rolling hundreds of Western movies, not only American, but also Spanish, as well as commercials, video clips, etc.
There are two theme parks to choose from: Mini Hollywood Oasis (Cleopatra; The Good, the Ugly and the Bad; Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade ...) In this park, which will delight children, you will find the restored movie sets , in addition to watching the western show, where fighters take out their weapons and fight in the street, or the girls in the room dancing the can-can. You can also visit the Museum of Cinema or the Museum of Cars, and the Cactus Garden. And if this is not enough, the park has a zoological reserve with more than 200 species. And you will say ... but how hot it should be there ... That is not a problem, since it also has swimming pools to refresh you in the summer, which is only when you open this space. Fort Bravo & Texas Hollywood This park, similar and yet so different, has the peculiarity that it is preserved in the original state of its best years. Here we don't have the feeling of being in a theme park, but in the true west, and this, let's face it, some of us love it and others disappoint. You can also see cowboy shows, with a bank robbery and its outcome in several countries and different stages, and of course the can-can dance in the salon. Activities such as car rides or horse riding are available, as well as you can portray the western in the photo studio. And in summer, pool to cool off. Detail in favor: You can enter with your pet, although yes, the shots may make her a little nervous and you have to end up taking her back to the motorhome;) Fort Bravo & Texas Hollywood Where to park and / or spend the night in the Desert of Taverns * Parking area at the entrance of the Hollywood Mini Oasis (37.020599, -2.43422). You can spend the night without problems. * Parking area within Fort Bravo (37.0317, -2.446). Important to arrive before closing the doors, and keep in mind that you will not be able to leave until the next morning. You pay the entrance and spend the night in peace, in the middle of the desert but with the security of being in a closed and guarded place, and believe in another time walking through a ghost town under its starry sky. And with the memory of the desert and volcanic landscapes of Almeria, we continue our way, either back home, or taking a new route through the Alpujarras of Granada, which if this time cannot be due to lack of time, perhaps In the next getaway be our new destination.
SHORT ROUTE THROUGH THE TROPICAL COAST Very close to the headquarters of A HAPPY VAN and not very well known if we compare it with other Andalusian coasts, we find the Costa Tropical, which follows the Costa del Sol and extends from Malaga along the entire coast Granada finishing in the province of Almeria. Characterized by its tropical microclimate and temperatures around 20º, we will enjoy beautiful cliffs and coves, extensive beaches and endless water sports highlighting scuba diving thanks to the richness of its seabed. NERJA A charming town in the province of Malaga for our first stop, and with many memories for those of us who lived in the 90s and spent the summer afternoons watching the Summer Blue series. In homage to this series, we can visit the park called Verano Azul where we find a replica of Chanquete's ship, “La Dorada 1”, in case you want to remember that time. In addition to wandering around the town, of typical white houses in the area, a must-visit place in Nerja is the Balcón de Europa, a square with a viewpoint where you can enjoy stunning views of the beaches of Nerja to the coves of Maro , well known and fabulous for kayaking, although the descent to any of them is not accessible to everyone due to the steepness of the road. And of course, we cannot leave without visiting the Nerja Caves, declared a Historic Artistic Monument, where in addition to marveling at this underground paradise, see ruspest paintings and the largest stalactite in the world with a height of 33m, you can attend one of the concerts that are offered in its auditorium, or even inside, during the summer season. For more information, visit www.cuevadenerja.es Where to park and / or spend the night in Nerja Parking el Playazo (36.743698, -3.89544). At 40 from the beach that gives it its name. It is possible to spend the night and not too far from the town, which can be reached by taking a good walk on the beach (those who like to walk). Another option for these cases is to rent an electric scooter, available in A HAPPY VAN, which transports you quickly and without fatigue to all corners. Another option is the Nerja Free Parking (36.749802, -3.87916). Near the center and with a Mercadona next door for possible purchases, but keep in mind that due to the dirt floor is quite dusty. And the private parking option is found in the Carabeo Parking (36.747501, -3.8728). 5 min from the beach and 5 min from the Balcony of Europe, in the center, although at night it is quiet to sleep. € 18 / 24h, without services. Service area for motorhomes in Nerja Area de la Axarquía (36.761799, -3.88788). Cepsa gas station with all the services of filling and emptying of water, laundry, and even pressure washing with high walkway for large vehicles. LA HERRADURA La Herradura, known mainly for its bay with the natural shape of a horseshoe that gives it its name, is the first town on the Costa Tropical that we are going to visit. Its beach is considered one of the most beautiful in Spain and is the perfect place for diving or other water sports such as sailing. And to accompany the beach atmosphere, a multitude of bars and restaurants overlooking the bay and where in addition to enjoying the day, the nightlife is guaranteed with many bars where we find live music. Where to park and / or spend the night in La Herradura Overnight in high season is prohibited in the beach area of La Herradura, so my advice is to go directly to the New Camping La Herradura (36.740101, -3.7528) www.nuevocamping.es. It is located at the end of the beach and we take a walk back to the center of the town (unless we carry the electric scooters), but we must recognize that it is worth it even if it is only for the environment in which it is located. There is another more central campsite, Camping La Herradura, but it is almost impossible to find a place there, since most of the plots are occupied by caravans installed permanently. ALMUÑECAR Very close to La Herradura, we arrive in Almuñecar, a town with a lot of history and interesting points of tourist interest for those who like to visit remains from other times, such as the Castillo de San Miguel, which is believed to be from the Phoenician era , the Roman Aqueduct built to provide water to the Salting Fish Factory, the Termas de la Carrera or the Palace of the Najarra. And without being so historical but worthy of photos, the facades of the Barrio del Castillo, decorated competing to take the annual prize for the best facade of the year granted by the town hall. Where to park and / or spend the night in Almuñecar Parking area where you can spend the night without problems on the same promenade (36.73, -3.6785). From May to October it is a blue zone, therefore it is necessary to pay for time zones. Camping Tropical (36.738333, -3.678056) www.campingtropical.es Located in the middle of nature, another walk from the center of Almuñecar. Definitely, we will give a lot of use to the electric scooter in this getaway ... :) SALOBREÑA Beautiful town of narrow streets and many of them steep, with facades decorated to follow the tradition of the area, crowned by the Castle of Salobreña, fortress sX Arabic Here we return to enjoy a coast with unrivaled crystalline beaches to practice water sports, and without the massification that happens in other Andalusian coasts. Where to park and / or spend the night in Salobreña Parking area with possibility to spend the night, next to the local police station (36.739749-3.589607). Near the beach and the town. On the outskirts of Salobreña, in the municipality of Motril, another parking area on the beach, surrounded by palm trees and grass of the Los Moriscos golf club (36.71782, -3.559949). As you will have seen, the Costa Tropical is not an area where motorhome is something usual, therefore it is difficult to find service areas, although we can always go to a campsite only to make use of the services without having to spend the night there and paying for they. The advantage, that we have that not being so overcrowded by this type of tourism, we do not get so many problems when we spend the night, and we will enjoy a wonderful coast and charming villages, where eating well is guaranteed and where the Weather will be one of our greatest allies for a good holiday. And our next route, if we have days and we want to continue towards the southeast coast of the peninsula, will be the fabulous Natural Park of Cabo de Gata.
ROUTE BY ALGARVE DE PORTUGAL On this occasion, A HAPPY VAN takes us to explore the fabulous beaches of the Portuguese Algarve, to enjoy its fine sand and sea caves, and marvel at its incredible views over the cliffs. By renting a motorhome in A HAPPY VAN, you will have everything you need to ensure a spectacular, safe and comfortable trip, so we also provide you with some recommendations and useful information to travel by motorhome to the Algarve and thus clear any doubts you may have. I can ask you before starting the march. PICNIC STOP IN HUELVA My first proposal on this route, taking into account that from our headquarters it can take 4 hours to reach Tavira and that our purpose is to relax and enjoy, is to make the first stop before crossing the border, That way we will go more calmly (and with a full stomach) to take care of the tolls and find the ideal place to park our little house. Starting the holidays with a stop in nature and start enjoying the advantages of traveling with the house on your back, is a good plan. There is a picnic area heavily shaded by pine trees, the Las Palomas recreational area (37.350201, -7.15782), just outside Cartaya in Huelva, perfect for eating (barbecue can be done outside the summer season) or even overnight if you enter inside of your plan. On the other side of the highway, it is also interesting to note that there is a gas station (37.302601-7.14925) with water replenishment services and a good fuel price, to be taken into account for the return or even for the departure if we need to refuel or if For any reason, we already need the water service. ALGARVE - PORTUGAL Crossing the border, the first thing we must do is register our registration with our credit card for the collection of tolls. It is important that you do not give up, as we can quickly pass by without realizing it and it is necessary to present the receipt when you return. There are other ways to guarantee the payment of the toll that you can take resolved from home if you prefer. For more detailed information, you can read the article on Tolls for motor homes in the Algarve, Portugal. TAVIRA Our first town to visit. The peculiarity of Tavira is that its immense and beautiful beach is not at the foot of town, but we have to take a ferry to cross and head to its island, which has 11km of extension, white sand and a nudist area. As you can imagine, the AC we have to leave it in the village and although there is a campsite on this island, it cannot be accessed with it. Likewise, it is worth carrying a towel and walking along that shore, from which we see the town or the open sea, depending on where we look, and where we can visit Praia do Barril, which has the Anchor Cemetery peculiar, a tribute to the old fishing fleet formed by the anchors used to fish tuna, stranded in the sand dunes near the beach. The town is visited in an afternoon. You can visit the Castle and the old town, in addition to crossing on your walk, by the seven-arch Roman bridge of the Gilao River. Where to park and / or spend the night in Tavira A place to park to visit the town can be in an esplanade behind the market (37.123267, -7.642646). To spend the night, we can go to the area of Santa Luzia, where we can spend the night in the parking lot at the entrance (37.099551, -7.664582) or in the parking lot located next to the access where the boat is taken to Praia do Barril (37.092499, - 7.67664). If you prefer a campsite, I recommend one just outside before reaching Tavira, Camping Ria Formosa www.campingriaformosa.com. OLHAO Overnight and / or services in Olhao On our route to Faro, if the need may or may not come into our plans to stop in this city, we find a motorhome area in Olhao (37.029598, -7.85508) for water replacement for € 3 and next to the Lidl and Continente supermarkets, in case we also need to replenish the pantry ... FARO Capital del Algarve. Here we can make a stop to get to know the city wandering from the Arab Gate (the oldest lock arch in Portugal) and crossing the network of streets of the old town. We can also visit the Fado Museum, with live performances of this style of popular music (check schedules). Another option to delight in this music and at the same time allow us to go out to dinner outside, is the Centenario restaurant. Where to spend the night in Faro And to spend the night with the necessary services, we can spend the night in the area of campervan Faro Campervan Park www.farocampervanpark.com, where for € 10 / day you will have electricity and wifi, in addition to the water replenishment. They also have laundry, and other services such as hot shower. It is a beautiful, clean area with friendly staff that facilitates the itineraries to get from there to the city, since it is on the outskirts, although you can go by bike or take a bus. ALBUFEIRA The municipality with more beaches awarded with the blue flag of the Algarve. In addition, all along the coast from here to Portimao, we will find cliffs and beaches where access can be an adventure, but where on arrival we will be delighted to have ventured. Beaches such as Falesia, Santa Eulalia or Oura before reaching Albufeira will not leave you indifferent. After the town, you can also find kayak companies to make excursions through the marine caves of the area, and following the route, we can visit the famous beaches of Marinha, da Benagil or da Rocha. My advice is to let you go to one of them. To spend the day there should be no problem if you find where to park, and enjoy the views while you cook your favorite dish, it will have no price :) Where to park and / or spend the night on the beaches of Albufeira To spend the night, in some of them it is strictly prohibited, and in others where it seems a priori that nobody will come to bother you, you can have the visit of the civil guard (it is a matter of luck) at any time of the night, telling you that you can not spend the night in the natural park and that you must leave, or worse, sanctioning yourself. Even so, and under your responsibility, I leave you some coordinates of places where in principle they should not bother you, and if not, at least you can spend the day and enjoy those wonderful views from morning to night. Arrifes Beach (37.075699, -8.27817). Very close to the canoe tour companies, past the city of Albufeira. There are two parking areas, the closest to the cliff is dusty although with spectacular views to spend the day and dusk, and the one above, although it does not have the same views, is paved, therefore you should not have problem to spend the night Near the beaches of Marinha and da Benagil, next to the beach of Albandeira (37.0914, -8.40036), we find a picnic area with picnic tables and a beach bar. And very close to the beach of Rocha, I leave the coordinates of a parking area to park and visit this wonder, another of the must-see places (37.119476, -8.533135), however, to spend the night, a little more ahead there is an area with beautiful views of the beach, as always, at your own risk and at your own risk (37.121146, -8.563693). Motorhome area in Albufeira Anyway, for those who prefer to spend a quiet night knowing that you are not breaking any rules, I leave the data of some motorhome areas in the area. Falésia motorhome area (37.09036, -8.16044). € 10 / day with water and electricity services. Very clean, among pine trees and 500m from Falesia beach. Acoteais motorhome area (37.08911, -8.15900) right next to the other area mentioned. € 8 / day. Palmeira motorhome area (37.0984, -8.24346) 15 minutes north of downtown Albufeira, with WC and showers. Wifi, electricity, and laundry service, as well as water replacement. At 300 m from supermarkets and buses that take you downtown 6 € / day. LAGOS Our next visit, in the city of LAGOS, is one of the places not to be missed for anything in the world. The rock formations of the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, carved naturally forming tunnels and grottos. We can cross them from the top or down the 182 steps that take us to the beach to see them from their base or take an excursion and visit them in small boats or kayaking. Where to park and / or spend the night on the beaches of Lagos In Playa das Cabanas Velhas you find a parking area with a beach bar where to spend the day it can be perfect, but if you want to spend the night, a little before reaching that area, there are an esplanade where it is possible to spend the night without being disturbed (37.0686, -8.79825). Another place is a picnic area with picnic tables and barbecue (outside the summer season) 1km from the beach of Boca do Rio (37.073898, -8.81329), where in principle you can not spend the night, but if you are lucky, no one comes to annoy you ... Motorhome and camping area in Lagos I recommend Camping Orbitur Valverde (37.099899, -8.71765) www.orbitur.pt just 6 km from Lagos and 1.5 km from Playa de la Luz beach. Another option would be Camping Salema Ecocamp (37.073101, -8.82957). Pretty big and virgin, in which you get to forget that you are in a campsite. You settle where you want, in the middle of nature and enjoy, yes, the further you go, the more you have then to walk to get to the showers or the toilets. It has a naturist area and is quite economical. To keep in mind that due to the terrain and the somewhat narrow and steep roads at times, it can be a bit difficult to access for large motorhomes. You also have a motorhome area in Figueira (37.073299, -8.84546) halfway between Lagos and Sagres, for only € 7 / day, with very clean showers, WIFI, laundry and 1.4kms from the beach. The reception opens from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but if you arrive outside these hours, you just have to park and in the morning you register. SAGRES Here we will spend our last day in southern Portugal, visiting the Beliche fortress built in the 16th century on a cliff, or the San Vicente lighthouse and the cliffs that give the lighthouse its name. In spite of its attractive landscape, it is a place little frequented by tourists, probably because the road from Lagos, where the highway ends, is deficient and poorly paved in some sections. Even so, we do not want to stop visiting it, since besides being the western end of the Algarve and the beginning of the Vincentian Coast, it is a quiet place to rest just before returning home. Where to spend the night and park in Sagres Here we will not have many problems to spend the night, so we will take the opportunity and spend the night in the same parking lot of the lighthouse (37.023701, -8.99495), where we will have spectacular views and an unforgettable sunset. Of course, do not forget to wear some coat even summer, since the night breeze lowers the temperature quite a bit. Another fabulous place is next to the Praia do Tonel, the best known of Sagres (37.009203, -8.949009) Important to take into account the prohibition of not parking less than 50m from the cliffs. During the day, if you want to get closer to the center, you can park in the Sagres car park (37.006901, -8.93951) And if you need a service area, leaving Sagres you find the Intermarche supermarket area (37.015061, -8.940587), where you can benefit from water services by making a minimum purchase at the supermarket, or by paying € 2 for these. ________________________________________________ And from here, the return depends on your plans. You can go the same way, or take the highway directly stopping only what is necessary. We like to intersperse the villages, and do some on the way and others on the way back, depending on the day of the week, the days we have, and of course what the heart tells us, which is what directs our Trip when we go out by motorhome. We hope you enjoyed the route plan, and I remind you that we are not responsible for any possible penalties for overnight park suggestions, as municipal regulations may change at any time, and we do not have to be informed of them. Our recommendation, ask other motorhomes that you see in the area, and even nearby establishments, and for safety, try to be accompanied by other vehicles in isolated areas. GOOD TRIP
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