Treasures of the South in 21 days
(Faro - Lagos - Sagres - Lisbon)
Being in the south of Spain, it's hard not to be tempted to go to neighboring Portugal, which charms with good food, beautiful views and even heavenly beaches.
Having 21 days to travel in a motorhome, we can not only get to know the rich Spanish culture and amazing landscapes, but also enjoy the Portuguese climate, sleep on a cliff or the ocean, ending in one of the most beautiful capitals of Europe - Lisbon. *
* You can read our full article in the Polski Caravaning Magazine
FARo
After Spanish Tarifa or Cadiz, our next first stop in Portugal should be Faro, the capital of the Algavre region. We will immediately notice the difference in the landscape, as the coast around the city is mostly backwaters, swamps and lagoons that make up the Ria Formosa nature reserve. The most interesting local district is Cidade Velha, which is almost cut off by medieval walls from the rest of the city,
in which there are white buildings, quiet streets, and in the central point the Cathedral from the 13th century with an amazing view of the entire city and its surroundings.
Where to park: The city center is mainly narrow streets, but there is no problem with finding a parking space for our motorhome. A large parking lot is available at the Parque de Estacionamento da Pontinha.
Where to stay: Camping-Parque de Campismo e Caravanismo de Ol- hão, Camping- Orbitur Ilha de Armona
Lagos
Before we get to the town of Lagos, we should stop at each of the fabulous beaches that are on the way. I especially recommend Playa de Marinha
(I wish everyone could wake up there to the sound of the ocean at least once and feel like in heaven), Praia do Carvoeiro, Praia Dona Ana or Ponta da Piedade.
The town of Lagos itself is mainly the ancient part of the city located along the river, next to the main street, and picturesque churches such as the medieval São João and São Sebastião from the 17th century.
Where to stay: Camping Turiscampo, Camping Orbitur Valverde
Sagres
Being in this part of Europe, you should go to its most advanced point, located on the south-western tip of the Algarve, Cape Ponta de Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente, where you can feel like you are at the end of the world.
The cliffs rise here about 60 m above the Atlantic waters and on the ruins of the monastery
in 1846 a lighthouse was built (port. Farol de São Vicente), which, due to important sea trade routes, is one of the strongest lighthouses in Europe - its radius is visible from a distance of approx. 60 km. Here you can admire the incredible power of nature and enjoy the space and endlessness of the ocean's waters.
Lisbon
There are two roads from Lagos to the capital of Portugal - either a toll motorway shortening the distance to approx. 3 hours or the longer one, stretching along the western wall of Europe. Choosing the latter - rich in beaches and small towns far away from civilization - I recommend that you stop for a moment at Praia da Meia Laranja, Praia dos Alteirinhos or Praia da Zambujeira. You can write endlessly about the capital of Portugal itself, undoubtedly you should remember about the Cathedral, Praça do Comércio, Torre de Belém, St. George's Castle, or take a walk through the streets of Alfama.
Where to park: It is best to leave the camper at the campground, but you will definitely find a stop at the port in the Belem district.
Where to stay: Camping Orbitur Guincho, Lisboa Camping
When with enough time and willingness, we can continue our journey towards Portuguese Porto, returning through the capital of Spain, Madrid, or return via the motorway and continue to enjoy the exquisitely beautiful beaches of Portugal or Spain.
The above-mentioned routes ( Pearls of Andlausia in 7 days, Closer to Nature in 14 days , Treasures of the South in 21 days ) are examples and can be combined depending on what we are interested in and how
we want to spend the holiday time. Nevertheless, a motorhome trip in the south of Spain and Portugal seems to be the perfect solution for a vacation that you can complete
there will be landscapes unparalleled anywhere else. I recommend everyone to experience such an adventure at least once and fall in love both with Andalusia and traveling with a motorhome around Spain :)