Touring round Spain and Portugal in October.

[Widge]

Hi.
October we are planning a trip round Spain and possibly Portugal in the van. Here in France there are loads of free places to park up for the night, also basic cheap camping places like campingcarparks with water dump point 6A electricity supply and WiFi. But occasionally will want to stop somewhere a bit more luxurious to get a decent shower etc.

I was wondering what is available in Spain and Portugal, within reason you can park up anywhere in France, but I know some countries are very hot on free camping.

Any hints on good apps to use etc welcome.

We were also told about the ACSI discount card, but not sure how much benifit we might get from it as we will try to avoid the bigger campsites if we can.

Dave

 

[Widge]

Hi.
October we are planning a trip round Spain and possibly Portugal in the van. Here in France there are loads of free places to park up for the night, also basic cheap camping places like campingcarparks with water dump point 6A electricity supply and WiFi. But occasionally will want to stop somewhere a bit more luxurious to get a decent shower etc.

I was wondering what is available in Spain and Portugal, within reason you can park up anywhere in France, but I know some countries are very hot on free camping.

Any hints on good apps to use etc welcome.

We were also told about the ACSI discount card, but not sure how much benifit we might get from it as we will try to avoid the bigger campsites if we can.

Dave

Oops sorry this should have gone in continental not uk touring. Is there anyway of moving it?

 

[gpat]

Oops sorry this should have gone in continental not uk touring. Is there anyway of moving it?

I wouldn't worry about that.

Spain is quite relaxed about free camping and there are lots of aires. Not sure about Portugal.

Are you looking for sunshine or just exploration?

 

[Widge]

I wouldn't worry about that.

Spain is quite relaxed about free camping and there are lots of aires. Not sure about Portugal.

Are you looking for sunshine or just exploration?

A bit of both, plan is to head clockwise around the coast, maybe cut across country back from portugal.

 

[gpat]

How long will your trip be?

PS We used to go to France every year. We tried Spain. We have never been back to France. Not that we don't like France but we find that Spain is

1. Cheaper
2. Just as beautiful
3. Warmer and sunnier (especially in the shoulder months)
4. Better roads
5. Friendlier
6. More English Spoken
7. More tolerant

We don't go to the 'costas'

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[Widge]

Probably 4 weeks, as far as France vs Spain, having lived in France the last 16 years I am a bit biased.

Spain is certainly cheaper, the countryside is different as is the climate.

As far as roads, I haven't done a lot of driving off the main roads in Spain, but French roads are very good, lets face it compaired with the condition of uk roads even the current state of the roads in Eastern Ukraine are probably an improvement.

As far as the last three, yes the french can come over as arrogant and less tolerant, but the reality can be quite different when you understand them a bit better, speak english to them and even a good english speaking french person will shrug and look blank, even blanker if you do what a lot of English tourists do and repeat what they have just said in english but louder.

Our experience is that if you make an effort to speak the language however bad, you usualy get a favourable response, often in restaurants and shops we end up persisting in our french and they are responding in english.

Having said that sadly, the shoe will be on the other foot in Spain, although of course we will try to speak spanish where we can.

 

[gpat]

Probably 4 weeks, as far as France vs Spain, having lived in France the last 16 years I am a bit biased.

Spain is certainly cheaper, the countryside is different as is the climate.

As far as roads, I haven't done a lot of driving off the main roads in Spain, but French roads are very good, lets face it compaired with the condition of uk roads even the current state of the roads in Eastern Ukraine are probably an improvement.

As far as the last three, yes the french can come over as arrogant and less tolerant, but the reality can be quite different when you understand them a bit better, speak english to them and even a good english speaking french person will shrug and look blank, even blanker if you do what a lot of English tourists do and repeat what they have just said in english but louder.

Our experience is that if you make an effort to speak the language however bad, you usualy get a favourable response, often in restaurants and shops we end up persisting in our french and they are responding in english.

Having said that sadly, the shoe will be on the other foot in Spain, although of course we will try to speak spanish where we can.

To be fair I didn't say the French were unfriendly or arrogant. I just thought that on average the Spanish were more tolerant and friendlier. We found that Spanish people in bars and restaurants would make an effort to talk to us (almost as much as the Dutch do) . We try and speak Spanish but like you we are much better at French. Of course we have met some very friendly French people.

Strangely - I have never known a French motorhomer make any effort to speak to us and when I have they always seem to just mumble grumpily and then move on. Maybe I have just been unlucky.

 

[Widge]

To be fair I didn't say the French were unfriendly or arrogant. I just thought that on average the Spanish were more tolerant and friendlier. We found that Spanish people in bars and restaurants would make an effort to talk to us (almost as much as the Dutch do) . We try and speak Spanish but like you we are much better at French. Of course we have met some very friendly French people.

Strangely - I have never known a French motorhomer make any effort to speak to us and when I have they always seem to just mumble grumpily and then move on. Maybe I have just been unlucky.

No it was me that said that they can come over as arrogant, as far as speaking to french campers, we have had a better experience, but probably due to two reasons, firstly our camper is french registered secondly our old camper was a 1981 transit which was a bit of a talking point.

 

[jumar]

No it was me that said that they can come over as arrogant, as far as speaking to french campers, we have had a better experience, but probably due to two reasons, firstly our camper is french registered secondly our old camper was a 1981 transit which was a bit of a talking point.

Some basic points...Parking up for the night in Spain...acceptable in most regions...some restrictions in Portugal...Plenty of Aire type stopovers in both countries..ACSI good option....October is off season in the north...
There is no off season on the Med Costas...
French useful in Portugal as is English...Spanish useful in Spain....both countryfolk are helpful and friendly...
You would have a good time with what you have planned....the weather would be on the change....where we live is still warm, sunny and nice...the north could be or there again couldn't be changeable..
Without doubt the north of Spain is fantastic, we do our summer there....food is good as are the locals...cannot think of a reason not to go...

 

[BreweryDave]

I know some countries are very hot on free camping.

Portugal is. It’s actually illegal, apart from ‘authorised places’ and then only 24 hrs. However, there are plenty of Aires and sites, and I don’t think the rule is so strictly enforced inland and away from the Algarve. However, don’t do it any any ‘national park’ areas, of which there’s a lot in the south west, you’ll almost certainly come a cropper.

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[Billylou]

I thought Portugal allowed up to 48hrs per district per X number of days (sorry but I can’t remember the number of day). Didn't change from no parking to 48hrs? Happy to learn if above is wrong.

 

[varaizian]

Probably 4 weeks, as far as France vs Spain, having lived in France the last 16 years I am a bit biased.

Spain is certainly cheaper, the countryside is different as is the climate.

As far as roads, I haven't done a lot of driving off the main roads in Spain, but French roads are very good, lets face it compaired with the condition of uk roads even the current state of the roads in Eastern Ukraine are probably an improvement.

As far as the last three, yes the french can come over as arrogant and less tolerant, but the reality can be quite different when you understand them a bit better, speak english to them and even a good english speaking french person will shrug and look blank, even blanker if you do what a lot of English tourists do and repeat what they have just said in english but louder.

Our experience is that if you make an effort to speak the language however bad, you usualy get a favourable response, often in restaurants and shops we end up persisting in our french and they are responding in english.

Having said that sadly, the shoe will be on the other foot in Spain, although of course we will try to speak spanish where we can.

We too are French resident since 2006 and have toured Spain and Portugal but for us it has been the Jan, Feb & March period. Usually nearer 6 weeks but only 4 this last time. They are really big countries to get round! English works in busy bits of Spain but rurally not much chance. Surprisingly we found a lot of ppl inPortugal speak French; which is just as well because Portugal is difficult. We prefer Portugal over Spain but to each their own.
We use the Vicarious Media book All The Aires Spain & Portugal, a new edition is about to be published, but they won’t post to France any more because of the customs shamble but if you have any summer visitors they could bring it for you. It is A5 size, durable and informative. Just be careful of the GPS format they use which is different from French ones.

 

[Orion]

There’s also the Portugal Easy Camp scheme. Not used it myself as yet but it looks interesting and I fully intend on trying it out as I’ve visited some of the areas covered already and can’t wait to get back.

 

[Reallyretired]

Lots of Spanish sites seem to be open in the autumn unlike in France where most close at the end of September. Aires still open of course.

 

[philann]

We have used ACSI extensively in southern Spain and Portugal in September and October.

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[varaizian]

Portugal is. It’s actually illegal, apart from ‘authorised places’ and then only 24 hrs. However, there are plenty of Aires and sites, and I don’t think the rule is so strictly enforced inland and away from the Algarve. However, don’t do it any any ‘national park’ areas, of which there’s a lot in the south west, you’ll almost certainly come a cropper.

We were there in February &March this year and noticed that quite a few of our more alternative and younger motor homers that you would normally expect to find at the coast were on campsites and aires.

There’s also the Portugal Easy Camp scheme. Not used it myself as yet but it looks interesting and I fully intend on trying it out as I’ve visited some of the areas covered already and can’t wait to get back.

Don’t know about that. Must look it up. Thanks.

 

[Widge]

We have used ACSI extensively in southern Spain and Portugal in September and October.

Hi
I am trying to get an idea of how useful it is, what sort of discounts do you get, and is it mainly on the bigger sites? Also i understand that there are different levels you can get what would you suggest?

 

[philann]

Hi
I am trying to get an idea of how useful it is, what sort of discounts do you get, and is it mainly on the bigger sites? Also i understand that there are different levels you can get what would you suggest?

This is what we have, <Broken link removed>
Use of the card saves a lot of cash, it also gives acces to the “cc” app which gives details of all the sites in the books with descriptions, directions and reviews. There are all sorts of sites from small no frill ones to full all sing, all dancing sites (eg Turistcampo on the algarve). Prices are fixed at 12,14,16,18,20 or 22 euros per night including electricity.
You may find that if you want to stay somewhere for a long period (30 days +) the campsites may have better rates.
As an example, A site we use regularly near Cadiz is 22 euro per night with Acsi, 29 without or 450 (+electric) per month. So staying for just 3 nights covers the cost of the Acsi card! Low season from 10th September.

 

[Gaston aires]

We have done this many times. Search for sites app Is invaluable to us, the pay version, it works offline. Aires, stopovers, campsites, it’s all on there.
Saved us a fortune. ACSI very good as well.
Phil

 

[ericonabike]

Just got back from three weeks in Portugal,north to South and back. Used ACSI, Search for Sites and Portugal Easycamp. You must try the latter - we used two, both vineyards, very different places but hugely welcoming and excellent value. We saw vans parked up on car parks and roads by beaches, but also heard tales of them being moved on by police. Your choice I guess.

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[NoName]

Hi.
October we are planning a trip round Spain and possibly Portugal in the van. Here in France there are loads of free places to park up for the night, also basic cheap camping places like campingcarparks with water dump point 6A electricity supply and WiFi. But occasionally will want to stop somewhere a bit more luxurious to get a decent shower etc.

I was wondering what is available in Spain and Portugal, within reason you can park up anywhere in France, but I know some countries are very hot on free camping.

Any hints on good apps to use etc welcome.

We were also told about the ACSI discount card, but not sure how much benifit we might get from it as we will try to avoid the bigger campsites if we can.

Dave

In Portugal there are signs directing Moho’s to commercial sites everywhere. I used Park4night app which shows both commercial sites and off grid. If you read previous users comments on each location you soon find good sites or avoid the not so good.
In Tavira on the Algarve there is a large recently completed site which costs €10 and €4 ehu close to shopping centre and town centre.
In Spain I stayed off grid and had no problems.

 

[Emmit]

Hi.
October we are planning a trip round Spain and possibly Portugal in the van. Here in France there are loads of free places to park up for the night, also basic cheap camping places like campingcarparks with water dump point 6A electricity supply and WiFi. But occasionally will want to stop somewhere a bit more luxurious to get a decent shower etc.

I was wondering what is available in Spain and Portugal, within reason you can park up anywhere in France, but I know some countries are very hot on free camping.

Any hints on good apps to use etc welcome.

We were also told about the ACSI discount card, but not sure how much benifit we might get from it as we will try to avoid the bigger campsites if we can.

Dave

Hi.
October we are planning a trip round Spain and possibly Portugal in the van. Here in France there are loads of free places to park up for the night, also basic cheap camping places like campingcarparks with water dump point 6A electricity supply and WiFi. But occasionally will want to stop somewhere a bit more luxurious to get a decent shower etc.

I was wondering what is available in Spain and Portugal, within reason you can park up anywhere in France, but I know some countries are very hot on free camping.

Any hints on good apps to use etc welcome.

We were also told about the ACSI discount card, but not sure how much benifit we might get from it as we will try to avoid the bigger campsites if we can.

Dave

I'll send you a message on here because just posting on the thread requires you to be aware.
There is a Co. in Portugal that runs three immaculate camperstops.

The facilities include washing machines, dryers, full grey and black disposal and numerous taps for fresh.
They also have showers.
The sites are at Tavira, Falesia and Silves.
A search with those three words in a group should bring up the sites.
Enjoy.

Correction. Put into Google; Algarve Motorhome Park, followed by one of the three sites.

 

[The Wino]

To be fair I didn't say the French were unfriendly or arrogant. I just thought that on average the Spanish were more tolerant and friendlier. We found that Spanish people in bars and restaurants would make an effort to talk to us (almost as much as the Dutch do) . We try and speak Spanish but like you we are much better at French. Of course we have met some very friendly French people.

Strangely - I have never known a French motorhomer make any effort to speak to us and when I have they always seem to just mumble grumpily and then move on. Maybe I have just been unlucky.

We've found just the opposite with French motorhomers we were even invited to join the takeover of the local sports centre car park when the travelling community took over the aire we were all on !

 

[scotzsue]

Just back from Spain and Portugal, not all ACSI sites are big, on one site we had paid 16 euro including electric our neighbours had paid almost 30 and electric was extra. So worth the money for the book and card even if you only use it for a few nights.
We came back along northern spain and found English speaking was not so common as in the south, we managed though, with a bit of help from translation apps.
Have a lovely time.

 

[mubob]

Hi.
October we are planning a trip round Spain and possibly Portugal in the van. Here in France there are loads of free places to park up for the night, also basic cheap camping places like campingcarparks with water dump point 6A electricity supply and WiFi. But occasionally will want to stop somewhere a bit more luxurious to get a decent shower etc.

I was wondering what is available in Spain and Portugal, within reason you can park up anywhere in France, but I know some countries are very hot on free camping.

Any hints on good apps to use etc welcome.

We were also told about the ACSI discount card, but not sure how much benifit we might get from it as we will try to avoid the bigger campsites if we can.

Dave

Definitely worth getting Acsi card

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[Widge]

Definitely worth getting Acsi card

Thanks for everyones advice, ACSI card is ordered and in the post.