Thoughts on a new campsite in the Algarve

[Crazylegs]

A plot of land that might have room for 100 plus pitches is for sale in the Algarve Portugal. The site is next to a supermarket and enjoys views of the hills, it’s probably a 15-20 minute walk into town and beach, although there are pavements and buses. My brother who has a Motorhome and lives part of the year in the Algarve is considering the above, being reasonably close to the sea this land is not cheap so site fees are not going to be bargain basement. We continually read about “rip off” sites but if a quality secure campsite was built with all the facilities including perhaps a bistro bar, would that interest visitors in their motorhomes ?
In Alvor yesterday the big aire on waste ground was perhaps half full with paying customers whilst the surrounding area where we are not supposed to park was rammed with “FLT”s so is this idea a non starter ?
Any constructive thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Hymer Life]

If you build it, they will come!

 

[Mr porky]

We stayed on the beach site in alvor because it was close to everything and if memory serves me right it was only eight euros a night including waste and fresh water facilities,so depends how much is reasonable but for us it’s more the location than the price.

 

[JJ]

I would check out all the hoops he would have to jump through and all the pit falls he would have to jump over with the local council before even thinking about it...

I reckon the first thing needed would be to find a trusted, loyal, local lawyer.

After that it would be a case of location, location, location and, of course, being able to take the strain before any profits appear.

And take into account it would be fairly seasonal income... not many vans around in summer.

If I had the money to finance such a project I wouldn't bother... I would just slob around and spend it on myself slowly... rather like I am doing now...


JJ

 

[JJ]

If you build it, they will come!

They might come... but will they pay?

JJ

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[mfw]

They might come... but will they pay?

JJ

People will pay if the price is right - better little and often rather than few and far between

 

[Solwaybuggier]

I would check out all the hoops he would have to jump through and all the pit falls he would have to jump over with the local council before even thinking about it...

I reckon the first thing needed would be to find a trusted, loyal, local lawyer.

After that it would be a case of location, location, location and, of course, being able to take the strain before any profits appear.

JJ

Don’t know if it’s true, but I have heard it said that it can take several years to get the required permissions agreed for a campsite in Portugal. So, if this is true, it could be a very considerable time before getting any returns.

 

[olley]

For us its safety, location, price, in that order.

 

[Ivory55]

Don’t know if it’s true, but I have heard it said that it can take several years to get the required permissions agreed for a campsite in Portugal. So, if this is true, it could be a very considerable time before getting any returns.

You can understand why they restrict it if there is loads of unoccupied buildings not being used, they would want to steer people to them and get taxes etc from them.

 

[TerryL]

Have a friend who lives in Portugal, been there many years so knows the ropes. More than a couple of years ago he bought a plot of land that had lots of olive trees but was in a great spot for an accommodation centre for a proposed scientific research facility. He was assured "planning" would be forthcoming.

He now makes quite a lot selling his olives!

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[scotjimland]

would that interest visitors in their motorhomes ?

Including caravans or just a 'camper stop' ?

If also caravans, yes.

When looking for a site for us it's, pitch size, facilities, location and price in that order

Pitch ..
A small cramped pitch is no good, so good sized, and preferably with some shade, either trees or man made.

Facilities,
'All in price' no extra charges for showers or any other facility.. , which should be modern and well maintained.. ie kept clean , with good washing up basins, and laundry room.
Electric hook-up also desirable.

Location..
within walking or cycling distance of a reasonable sized town or village.. ideally on or near the coast.. but not essential

Price.
Difficult one, but if it's a really good site in an excellent location.. we pay whatever it costs.

 

[PhilG]

If you build it, they will come!

In my experience of this site, its more likely that they will come, and park on the road outside , and try and use stuff for free.

 

[Lenny HB]

Love Portugal but prefer Camper Stops or Aires, hate paying for anything we don't need, showers, EHU etc.

 

[Top Hat]

I would check out all the hoops he would have to jump through and all the pit falls he would have to jump over with the local council before even thinking about it...

I reckon the first thing needed would be to find a trusted, loyal, local lawyer.

After that it would be a case of location, location, location and, of course, being able to take the strain before any profits appear.

And take into account it would be fairly seasonal income... not many vans around in summer.

If I had the money to finance such a project I wouldn't bother... I would just slob around and spend it on myself slowly... rather like I am doing now...


JJ

" Not many vans around in summer" that supprised me, when would you say the businesses times are for Motorhome's in Portugal.
Thanks

Charlie

 

[JJ]

" Not many vans around in summer" that suprised me, when would you say the businesses times are for Motorhome's in Portugal.
Thanks

Charlie

Christmas time through to March/April.

The French, Germans, Dutch and Brits come down to the Algarve in their motorhomes at that time to escape the cold weather up north. They return home when it warms up up there.

The Algarve gets very hot in Summer especially if you are not right by the sea...


JJ

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[klaatu]

We’ll come, we’re on our way down there. Will it be open by Christmas?

 

[Madcaravanner]

Including caravans or just a 'camper stop' ?

If also caravans, yes.
When looking for a site for us it's, pitch size, facilities, location and price in that order
Pitch ..
A small cramped pitch is no good, so good sized, and preferably with some shade, either trees or man made.
Facilities,
'All in price' no extra charges for showers or any other facility.. , which should be modern and well maintained.. ie kept clean , with good washing up basins, and laundry room.
Electric hook-up also desirable.
Location..
within walking or cycling distance of a reasonable sized town or village.. ideally on or near the coast.. but not essential
Price.
Difficult one, but if it's a really good site in an excellent location.. we pay whatever it costs.

Agree with Jim on this

Keep pricing simple on some sites you find pricing that would confuse Aristotle

You will find some people who ONLY prefer sites especially secure ones and if there's a bar and pool you've cracked it

There will always be those who would rather not pay (Stephanie is one) but if there isn't many sites around then they will come and will pay

 

[Podney]

I love Portugal and it’s people,but I wouldn’t set up a business there for all the port in Oporto. Bureaucracy gone mad!

 

[pandas]

I love Portugal and it’s people,but I wouldn’t set up a business there for all the port in Oporto. Bureaucracy gone mad!

Agreed, unless you are Portuguese but even they have issues. Could hook up with a Portuguese bar owner and let them help sort the statutory relationships out but a solicitor early doors essential. Lots of pessimists about, don't let them put your friend off as we also love Portugal and the Portuguese.

 

[Mikey RV]

I think as time goes on there will be a need for more campsites because spanish and Portuguese are getting fed up with peaple just parking up anywhere they want. In certain areas they are already moving them on. When they have no where to go they will have to use the campsites.

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[Crazylegs]

Including caravans or just a 'camper stop' ?

If also caravans, yes.

Sorry my mistake, naturally all types of wobbly boxes would be catered for and welcome. Looking at Micki’s place I think you need to have some super large pitches for our friends in big RV’s as well.

 

[Crazylegs]

In my experience of this site, its more likely that they will come, and park on the road outside , and try and use stuff for free.

I hear you, but last winter we couldn’t get on a number of sites we had pre selected as they were full. So if you get the basics right I think this venture might work.

 

[Crazylegs]

We’ll come, we’re on our way down there. Will it be open by Christmas?

Definitely



But not necessarily this one.

 

[gus-lopez]

If I had the money to finance such a project I wouldn't bother... I would just slob around and spend it on myself slowly... rather like I am doing now...

What he said ^^^^^^^^^

 

[PhilG]

I hear you, but last winter we couldn’t get on a number of sites we had pre selected as they were full. So if you get the basics right I think this venture might work.

I would want more than a might..

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