Wild Camping in Alvor (1 Viewer)

[Hayleylulu]

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately a few spoil it for the majority. The situation in Alvor came to a head as they were not parked in a proper car park but had just taken over and dominated an area of land by the Alvor Pool. 64 motor homes 2 weeks ago was a bit over the top and thats the reason for the posts. All anyone asks if for due consideration to be given to the local environment and residents, thats all.
Thanks again for some of your advice.

so what your saying that its all us british vans then all 64 of us

 

[alvorcomments]

hi again . the point is eu law allows 50 to60 vans to be parked there. so long as they abide by the rules . taking water from fountains taps etc isnt a crime . tipping sewage into storm drains is . i sugest if you see one doing it then report them . there are strict guidelines that the police can use. i ca assure you i live in the most tourist area of the uk and in summer its out turn . but the same rules apply . i have played a part in the spanish changing of their supposed rules to align with the eu . it did take time . i also know of several signs put up in portugal a few years ago that were illegal by the authorities thses have been removed .
its unfortunate that the press in these countries dont read or understand the eu rules they load the gun for locals to fire . but in fact the campers may be totally legal.
sorry if its what you dont want to hear .but it could be true . not being there i ,m only sumising .

Thanks once again. It looks like some confusion over the actual rules and laws. I think that if these campers in Alvor could be more organized and facilities provided for them then the whole issue would be more settled. Its an issue that raises its head each year and the situation becomes worse each year as the number of van parked has increased considerably while the number of vans in the camp site have decreased. I also take issue with the Alvor authorities who have also been contacted in the hope that they will resolve the whole matter.
Thanks again.

 

[Hayleylulu]

Id love to say what i really think put wont as iv got a lot of respected for Jim hue runs this forum

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[vwalan]

i can say that to my knowledge 26,000vans enter morocco in the winter months .possible double that are in the southern eu . it is a problem that keeps coming up. most of these areas at one time wanted campers in the winter . the campsite are very oftn too expensive . cant say about your local one .
certainly in tavira the mayor used to come round and welcome campers .i have been to several events in tavira . tickets given to us by the mayor . it as changed there now as a different mayor is elected . shame went to some good accordian playing shows there very entertaining . maybe that things can be sorted if aminaties were found for the campers .we use the french aires as a guide . free or a small fee for over night. water a charge . toilet dump .a small charge . isnt this what your local council should be thinking about . not too expensive a euro or two covers alot of water and sewage costs . but would then encourage users into the town. to spend a little more . too much and it defeats the point.
i have been in peniche and have neighbours of 40 portugese vans turn up. its a growing trend in many countries . certainly a few years ago portugese vanners were hardly ever seen. i do see many towns thrive on the campers certainly in portugal. local bread and fruit and veg vans come round . gas trucks all have a shilling to be made. could it not turn into a profitable area for your comunity . it as in other places . thats why lots head for the algarve and portugal. no hard feelings and i hope some ideas have come your way .cheers alan.
in cornwall its reckoned that the population grows twenty fold in summer .
i do know what living in a tourist area is like. i also drove sewage tankers emptying campsites public toilets etc . most beaches in cornwall arent on main sewage . i do understand the problems . i worked for one of the biggest waste management companies in the south west.

 

[wivvy's dad]

I'm sure the OP won't reply to this, but it strikes me that he/she may well have moved into this area. It's a common complaint from people who move into an area, having seen it only in the Summer, and expect it to be paradise all year round.

Like the "townies" who move into the countryside, and complain to the local farmers about the noise from the cows mooing, or the ordure in the road - that actually happened in Devon.

As other posters have said, if you see someone doing something illegal, either talk to them directly, or report them. Personally, I find your initial rant rather cowardly and offensive.

For me, there are many far nicer places in Portugal - wild or not - and not on the Algarve.

Live and let live.

 

[smudger]

Thinking of Wild Camping in Alvor? - Forget It

On behalf of the many residents of Alvor and Portimao may I suggest that parking your Motorhome near the Alvor swimming pool and at the back of the Dunes should be the further most thought from your mind.

Alvor is a beautiful location and we do not want it spoilt by Selfish Wild Campers who are too mean to pay for a proper site. It is illegal to Wild Camp in Portugal but you do like to slip under the radar. Well the radar has spotted you, yes you, parking for free, using local water for free and dumping waste water down storm drains.

You look like a bunch of modern day Irish Tinkers that would be soon moved on in countries like the UK. You add little to the local economy, some of you even steal toilet paper from communal Toilets at local beach restaurants. You are a blight on the local landscape, an eyesore for all to see. You park close to villas and apartments that good people have paid a lot of money for and who pay their taxes that now partially subsidises your life style.

Our message to you is simply this - put your hands in your pockets and pay to park at the local camp site. This way you will pay fairly for what facilities you use, you will keep the campsite in business and you will contribute properly to the local economy.

Alvor Welcomes Campers But Not Wild Campers

Broken Link Removed

pull yer knickers up and give yer mouth a chance.:Angry:

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[Jim]

I was there a couple of weeks ago, didn't see a single Brit. Maybe you should learn to speak Dutch and go and pester them on their forums.

Such a shame that the home you moved to has been blighted, had you the foresight to buy a motorhome then you could have just rolled out of there. except now your stuck in your property, in a tourist hell hole and the way Portugal is headed, your house is now worth a quarter what you paid for it, if you are lucky! No wonder you hate the motorhomer

 

[breeks]

Thanks once again. It looks like some confusion over the actual rules and laws. I think that if these campers in Alvor could be more organized and facilities provided for them then the whole issue would be more settled. Its an issue that raises its head each year and the situation becomes worse each year as the number of van parked has increased considerably while the number of vans in the camp site have decreased. I also take issue with the Alvor authorities who have also been contacted in the hope that they will resolve the whole matter.
Thanks again.

welcome to the fun.now that you have calmed down a wee bit.keep in touch let us know of any new developments regarding this isue.:Cool:

 

[Chris]

Never heard of Alvor.

Will have to give that a try. Parking by the swimming pool.

Perfect:thumb:

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[Jim]

Had a lovely sardine lunch in Alvor a few weeks ago. I remember it well, it was the saturday that a few uncapped English rugby players almost upset the Mighty Welsh on their way to a grand slam

 

[Chris]

Had a lovely sardine lunch in Alvor a few weeks ago. I remember it well, it was the saturday that a few uncapped English rugby players almost upset the Mighty Welsh on their way to a grand slam

Surprised you could enjoy the views with those rose tinted specs on, or was it beer goggles

 

[haganap]

I Must be the only person that has some sympathy with the OP.

Nothing worse than the sight of 40-50 Irish tinker looking type people tipping shit down drains and splashing up toilet walls.

Probably he wouldn't mind if one or two turned up, but, in typical motorhoming herding instinct 2 or 3 soon become 10 then 20. Why anyone would want to go and wild camp in an area where so many others are beats me.

I do think though for the amusement of this forum and just for the novelty factor that we should club in an get this guy a membership, in fact I will offer half, as long as he promise's to come on at least once a month with a post like that.


It's quite nice knowing what the non-motorhoming population think of us. :thumb:

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[Chris]

I do think though for the amusement of this forum and just for the novelty factor that we should club in an get this guy a membership, in fact I will offer half, as long as he promise's to come on at least once a month with a post like that.


/QUOTE]

I will go the other half but only if he changes his name to NIMBY.:thumb:

 

[Jim]

[

I will go the other half but only if he changes his name to NIMBY.:thumb:

I'll pay the other half if he buys a motorhome

 

[scotjimland]

I Must be the only person that has some sympathy with the OP.

not quite, .. there are six others who also liked the OP's post

me, Griffs, matamoros, billkce, stcyr, meakwooders

I've been shot down before for voicing opinions on[STRIKE] freeloading .[/STRIKE]...sorry, wild camping ..
the true wild camper should be just as angry as the OP.. it does nothing to further their way of camping..

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[johnp10]

Don't get me wrong as [HI]I am not pointing the finger at any particular person, group or country or any particular Forum Group. [/HI]The purpose of these posts was to get it across to those who have motor-homes and wish to travel to Alvor to respect it, use it and have a good time but to do it in the right way and not to take advantage. To date many of the motor-homes that are seen in Alvor have not been doing it the right way.
QUOTE]


[HI]REALLY????
[/HI]

Never been, but this sounds like a place I'd rather NOT spend my hard earned money.
You obviously dont want us, I for one am prepared to repay that compliment.
Tell me....is this anti motorhome rant the only reason you came on this forum?
If that is the case, (personal comment) I want you here as much as you want me there.

Do the local tourist board know what an asset they have in you?

 

[spannermanwigan]

Hang on while I google where Alvor is for my next trip
to Portugal.

Steve:thumb:

 

[Jim]

not quite, .. there are six others who also liked the OP's post

me, Griffs, matamoros, billkce, stcyr, meakwooders

I've been shot down before for voicing opinions on[STRIKE] freeloading .[/STRIKE]...sorry, wild camping ..
the true wild camper should be just as angry as the OP.. it does nothing to further their way of camping..

The freeloaders at Alvor are not wildcamping, yes the beach is very near, but its a dusty, lumpy bit of old ground, they are free parking. They have been there for years and I'm told the local shops and traders miss them when they are not there. A little further along the coast there is another popular gathering. The police moved them on on Jan 1st and the traders/shops/restaurants moaned to the mayor and they were all back on the 3rd.

Back to Alvor, a bit of digging and Ive found that the OP has a domain or two linked to Algarve properties

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[Chris]

Back to Alvor, a bit of digging and Ive found that the OP has a domain or two linked to Algarve properties

Ah. What a surprise.

A property speculator.

Priceless

 

[Jim]

You have to be a big freeloader to park at Alvor when less than two miles away is the Chicken Run, Your own orange tree for shade, plenty of well water, great hosts and the legendary Friday club

 

[spannermanwigan]

AH ! now I understand , natural harbour for small yachts,
probably only want the Mariner types with plenty of cash
to spend ashore.

:Angry:

Been going to Portugal for last twenty five years,
never heard one complaint from Portugeuse. Only
Brits who think they own the place.


Regards
Steve

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[scotjimland]

[HI]The freeloaders at Alvor are not wildcamping, yes the beach is very near, but its a dusty, lumpy bit of old ground, they are free parking. [/HI] They have been there for years and I'm told the local shops and traders miss them when they are not there. A little further along the coast there is another popular gathering. The police moved them on on Jan 1st and the traders/shops/restaurants moaned to the mayor and they were all back on the 3rd.

Back to Alvor, a bit of digging and Ive found that the OP has a domain or two linked to Algarve properties

what's in a name.. ?

whether we are sympathetic or not, the OP has a right to voice his grievance.. not often we hear it from the horses mouth, so to speak.

Most of us would be just as vocal if it were in our back yard...

 

[Jim]

whether we are sympathetic or not, the OP has a right to voice his grievance..
..

to voice anymore he'll have to pay a tenner, and join a motorhome enthusiasts site Jim

 

[scotjimland]

Only if he pays a tenner Jim

well.. yes, if he wants to answer some of the points :thumb:

very much doubt you'll see his tenner though

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[andley]

chickenrun campsite

You have to be a big freeloader to park at Alvor when less than two miles away is the Chicken Run, Your own orange tree for shade, plenty of well water, great hosts and the legendary Friday club

Thank you Jim

 

[andley]

New campsite Alvor

Now you guys, hope I dont offend any one here, not wishng to blow my own trumpet, just trying to solve this situation,and of course its business !!!!! why not come and visit Lesley Land, its a Rural Rustic Campsite just out side of Alvor. AKA Chickenrun

Your all more than welcome.
Happy safe travelling

chickenrun.vpweb.co.uk
xx

 

[normanandsue]

I Must be the only person that has some sympathy with the OP.

Nothing worse than the sight of 40-50 Irish tinker looking type people tipping shit down drains and splashing up toilet walls.

Probably he wouldn't mind if one or two turned up, but, in typical motorhoming herding instinct 2 or 3 soon become 10 then 20. Why anyone would want to go and wild camp in an area where so many others are beats me.

I do think though for the amusement of this forum and just for the novelty factor that we should club in an get this guy a membership, in fact I will offer half, as long as he promise's to come on at least once a month with a post like that.


It's quite nice knowing what the non-motorhoming population think of [HI]us. [/HI]:thumb:

I am sure you don't mean quite what is written, I am not sure I want to be included in the [HI]us[/HI] who park irresponsibly. I know a few people who do rarely use camp sites, but would never abuse anywhere like these guys appear to be doing.
The objection to this guy is not the jist of what he is saying but the implication all people who do not make use of camp sites are included in his comments and observations.
At the risk of sticking my neck out I don't think any of the Brits whom he saw parked are Funsters, so why should he come on our site and accuse us of despicable behaviour.
If he thinks he has hit a raw nerve he is quite right - I object to be accused of something I have never done and would never do. The motto of all non site users on this forum seems to be "do nothing that would offend, leave nothing but your tyre tracks and enjoy the memory of a pleasnt stay and the beauty of freedom."

Norman

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[bigmillie]

Found This

[HI][/HI]Motor homing booms in the Algarve
17/3/2012

Recent winters have seen a boom in the number of alternative tourists in the Algarve, with hundreds of foreigners preferring to spend their holidays or the entire winter living in a motorhome in a public car park than at a dedicated campsite or hotel.



One place that has seen a significant increase in this form of tourism in recent years is the historic town of Silves. The city’s relatively new car park near the waterfront during the winter months can host between 120 and 200 motor homes on any given day, which have travelled from the UK, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, among other countries.

Motorhomers David and Anita Allen who travelled from Derbyshire in the UK told The Portugal News: “It’s the third time we have stayed in Silves. We normally stay for around three days then move on as we stop throughout Portugal, it’s a circuit many regular motor homers do and we feel very welcome here.”

“Silves is our number one spot. For us, the castle and cathedral are breathtaking, it can’t be beaten on beauty,” they added.

Hans Adeest, a Dutch tourist who bought his first motor home only six months ago said that many people who have motor homes network with others and learn of the best places to stay through websites and talking to one another.

“We bring money and spend our money here,” he added, defending that, although they do not pay to stay in hotels or at camp sites, everyone spends money on the local economy where they stay.

A Belgian couple said: “The people in Silves are very nice and we haven’t had any problems with the police or officials. We spend money at the local laundrette, we eat in local restaurants, buy fresh fruit from the market, we do contribute.”

Although no fee is charged to stay at the Silves municipal car park, all of the tourists who spoke to The Portugal News said they would be happy to pay a small daily fee for access to clean water and a chemical toilet disposal unit.

“It could be improved with the addition of European Services, which supplies motor homers with clean water and somewhere to empty the

toilet,” said Anita Allen, adding that in other parts of Portugal where they stop, there are such facilities.

Many of the motor homers who stay in Silves say they come prepared for a short stay; others buy water from local supermarkets or take it from a local petrol station where they buy fuel or from the fountain at the children’s park near the river front.

The rise in the number of tourists staying in Silves has also increased in part due to a crack down on people staying at beaches and coastal areas around the region.

“We enjoy staying on the west coast and were staying in Odiáxere prior to Silves, but now rangers from the national park move us on and inform us we can be fined around €250,” said one British motorhomer.

The gradual increase in the number of motorhomes in the city’s main free public car park has sparked a mixed reaction from local residents and

businesses.

Richard Coombe wrote to The Portugal News this month to say: “These people will not use a proper campsite and are really just freeloaders and they know it. Water for free, parking for free, no rates to pay. For some, even a beach view that no one else has. They are getting a free ride on the backs of residents who actually contribute towards their stay.” (Full letter see The Portugal News edition 1154, 3 March)

Another reader, Fred Limber wrote in January that he had witnessed motor homers “emptying their toilet into a little drainage channel that ran directly to the beach less than 50 yards away” as well as “water being stolen – yes stolen from a restaurant on the beach” where the owner had left the tap on over the winter. (Full letter see The Portugal News edition 1149, 28 January).

Despite letters of complaint to this newspaper, the mayor of Silves, Isabel Soares said the town hall has not received any complaints.

“The town hall has never received any complaints regarding this matter. On the contrary, we know that there are a group of business people who aim to carry out a petition for these people to be allowed to stay,” the mayor told The Portugal News.

According to the mayor, local business people have said that the motorhomers are “an asset to the local economy as by staying in the city they spend money, which bring some movement to commerce.”

The mayor also said that she sees no disadvantages in the tourists staying in the riverside car park, which has “during the lengthy stays of these motor homers led to less vandalism at the riverside park.”

Meanwhile, Lagos town hall has already adapted to this branch of tourism with a dedicated service area for motorhomes.

To encourage these winter tourists to stay, Silves Town Hall is “studying the installation of a fresh water distribution point and facilities for the collection of caravan waste at the riverside park,” said Mayor Soares, adding: “This service station will be paid for by all of the motorhomers who use it.”

Meanwhile, last October, in response to the needs of the thousands of national and foreign motorhomers who visit Lagos council each year, the town hall inaugurated a service area for motorhomers.

“Near the municipal stadium there is a service area that allows users access to clean water, to dispose of waste water and the use of public toilets,” said a town hall spokesman.

Motor homes are entitled to stay in the service area for up to three days, although they are not supposed to occupy any space around them with tents, tables, or chairs for example.

“Without aiming to substitute camp sites, Lagos town hall considers this investment to be important to bring more quality to Lagos as a tourist destination and provide motorhomers with conditions of hygiene and comfort that they need while visiting the council,” said a spokesman, adding that it is hoped the measure will dissuade the parking of motor homes in illegal locations such as beaches and cliffs.

“Although not all motor homers need water and so not all need to pay to have access to this facility, we have counted 264 registrations for water access between 8 October 2011 and 18 January 2012,” added the spokesman.

While Silves and Lagos town halls say they do not want these initiatives to affect business at licensed campsites, Fernando Inácio manager of the Armação de Pêra campsite disagrees.

“It is a disgrace. Nowhere else would you see this illegal camping going on. In Spain, if a motor homer decided to pitch up at the beach or a public car park, the authorities would move them on straight away,” he told The Portugal News.

“Along the riverside car park in Silves for example they have a piece of string on the drain lid so they can lift it up and dispose of the toilet waste and at night they just dump their waste into the river,” he said, adding that near the beach in Armação de Pêra motorhomers and the authorities ignore the sign that states it is illegal to stay there.

“They don’t stay at dedicated camping sites because they don’t want to. We have very cheap rates and huge discounts for those who stay three or more days, with access to clean water, proper toilet disposal facilities, electricity and more,” said Mr. Inácio, adding that at this time of year, a motor home can stay at his campsite for a fee of around two euros per night.

Eloise Walton

Edition: 1156
http://www.theportugalnews.com/

 

[wivvy's dad]

So it looks like it's campsite owners and foreign residents who do the complaining...


Bit like Scarborough then.....

see previous posts

 

[andley]

Lesley Land

no not us, each to their own, just giving campers their options on whats available in this beautiful part of the Algarve. Enjoy xx

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