I flew out to Faro from the UK on the 23rd December and took a pre-paid transfer mini bus to the Tivoli Marina Hotel in Praia Da Rocha, Portimão. Mike had planned to stay on the aire at the marina and judging by my research using Google Maps he wouldn't be parked too far away from that hotel. The transfer took just over an hour and a half as we had stops in Quarteira and Albufeira old town along the way. Unlike the lady in the seat behind me I wasn't complaining about the length of time it took to get there. At just £11.00 it seemed like a reasonable price - she could have taken a taxi for about 4 times as much and saved time getting there. Mike was waiting for me at the Aire which turned out to be right next to the hotel. He had been parked for a couple of nights and had a chance to investigate what Praia da Rocha has to offer in the low season.
The aire has just been taken over by new management and costs 3 Euros a night (110 litres water 2 Euros, free dump) , 70 Euros for a month with free dump and water at 10 Euros if you pay in advance for the whole month. Wi-fi is extra. A reader from our Facebook page contacted us to say she had concerns about 'trouble' at the Aire. We were unaware of this and certainly didn't experience any. The folks running the site were pleasant and there was a barriered entrance with security. A bar opened the day I arrived. This is located in an old coach with a flip up side like you see at fairgrounds. This one served beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks at local prices (2 Euros a pint and 1.50 for a glass of wine) accompanied by a set of tunes enjoyed by jolly dancing Dutch and Germans. We were unconcerned by this as it was the festive season but if that would cause upset there was plenty of room to get away from the noise further along the aire towards the beach.
On arrival I threw my baggage down inside the van and we set off straight away for a beer and something to eat. The resort was pretty much deserted but we found a bar and then a delish, great value three course meal at Restaurante Três Palmeiras a glass encased restaurant overlooking the sea.
The sun shone bright on Christmas Eve and we sat outside a cliff top cafe for lunchtime beers. Most of the town shut early so we had a late lunch and back to the Aire for a quick drink and bed.
The aire has just been taken over by new management and costs 3 Euros a night (110 litres water 2 Euros, free dump) , 70 Euros for a month with free dump and water at 10 Euros if you pay in advance for the whole month. Wi-fi is extra. A reader from our Facebook page contacted us to say she had concerns about 'trouble' at the Aire. We were unaware of this and certainly didn't experience any. The folks running the site were pleasant and there was a barriered entrance with security. A bar opened the day I arrived. This is located in an old coach with a flip up side like you see at fairgrounds. This one served beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks at local prices (2 Euros a pint and 1.50 for a glass of wine) accompanied by a set of tunes enjoyed by jolly dancing Dutch and Germans. We were unconcerned by this as it was the festive season but if that would cause upset there was plenty of room to get away from the noise further along the aire towards the beach.
On arrival I threw my baggage down inside the van and we set off straight away for a beer and something to eat. The resort was pretty much deserted but we found a bar and then a delish, great value three course meal at Restaurante Três Palmeiras a glass encased restaurant overlooking the sea.
The sun shone bright on Christmas Eve and we sat outside a cliff top cafe for lunchtime beers. Most of the town shut early so we had a late lunch and back to the Aire for a quick drink and bed.
On Christmas Morning we had a slap up breakfast chez nous before heading up to meet friends for a meal in Silves at Casa Vela, a regular haunt for Mike. We went on the motorbike and I confess I was a little nervous to start with as I've never been on it before and wasn't sure if my bum would fit! Well, there was plenty of room for me, I was comfortable and Mike managed to get to 65 mph (bit fast) but it wasn't a bad journey. We met our friends at the new aire in Silves. This is located next to the cemetery and privately owned. (7 Euros a night including electric or 4.5 Euros without. Fresh water and dump included). The other private aire at Silves (beyond the Continente is now 8 Euros a night including electric). The new council aire next to the swimming pool isn't open officially yet. There are motorhomes parked there but the council are still looking for someone to run it on their behalf. Free camping on the car park at the pool is no longer tolerated.
Anyway, back to my meal - I think the main course was a traditional Portuguese dish. Braised pork chops (v garlicky) with mushrooms and chestnuts. I enjoyed mine but Mike had a fatty piece of meat. We ate, drank and made merry for 15 euros a head. Great value as they gave us extra wine, beer and fresh prawns. After such a feast I clung onto Mike for the journey back, we left just around dusk. Back home we watched 'Meet Dave' an Eddie Murphy film which gave us a good chuckle.
Anyway, back to my meal - I think the main course was a traditional Portuguese dish. Braised pork chops (v garlicky) with mushrooms and chestnuts. I enjoyed mine but Mike had a fatty piece of meat. We ate, drank and made merry for 15 euros a head. Great value as they gave us extra wine, beer and fresh prawns. After such a feast I clung onto Mike for the journey back, we left just around dusk. Back home we watched 'Meet Dave' an Eddie Murphy film which gave us a good chuckle.
Above, Christmas breakfast, top right at Casa Vela and the closest we get to decorating the van on the right.
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On Boxing Day we took a long walk along the waterside to Portimão. I thought I could remember the old town from a package holiday in 1991 and in amongst the urban sprawl we found it. From there we walked back to the river estuary and took pictures of the old bridge (constructed from left overs of the Eiffel Tower - it's the blue line in the far distance behind Mike in the first picture), a couple of flat bottomed boats which take trips up river to Silves on the tide. Unfortunately the operating company were on holiday - I would have really enjoyed that. Mike also took a picture of me in the old town wearing my new Christmas top. He just had to add that I'd cleared the square. Then we spotted a classic camper parked on the grassy end of the marina aire. Pictures below.
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The following day we left Portimão and headed for the aire at Albufeira - Parque de Palmeira. We've been there a few times now. It costs 8 euros a night including electricity, Wi-Fi, fresh water, dump and showers.
Before Mike left the UK for this trip he purchased the Aires book for Spain and Portugal, published by Vicarious books. It has recently been updated and at £17.99 seems expensive at first. However, it is very up to date, has lots of colour photos and has so far been well worth the money. The latest version is on the Vicarious Books website.
The map of where we have been on this post is shown below.
Happy travels and Happy New Year!
Ali and Mike
Before Mike left the UK for this trip he purchased the Aires book for Spain and Portugal, published by Vicarious books. It has recently been updated and at £17.99 seems expensive at first. However, it is very up to date, has lots of colour photos and has so far been well worth the money. The latest version is on the Vicarious Books website.
The map of where we have been on this post is shown below.
Happy travels and Happy New Year!
Ali and Mike
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