The road stretched before us, a ribbon of asphalt weaving through the heart of Portugal. Our trusty campervan, a home on wheels, hummed contentedly as it swallowed miles of picturesque countryside. Fields of vibrant spring flowers danced in the warm breeze, while majestic cork trees stood sentinel, their bark a testament to the region’s history. Our children, usually prone to incessant “are we there yet?” queries, were lost in a world of music, their happy hums blending with the gentle rhythm of the journey.
We had chosen a campervan for this Portuguese adventure, a decision that had initially sparked some trepidation. The sheer size of the vehicle, navigating on the “wrong” side of the road, and the unfamiliar workings of its kitchen, bathroom, and electrical system all seemed daunting. But any apprehension quickly dissipated thanks to the welcoming CamperDays team in Porto. Our “home on wheels” came fully equipped, from comfy camping chairs to a bike rack, ready to embrace the open road.
The beauty of campervan life unfolded with each passing day. Waking up to a new vista, the scent of pine and wildflowers filling the air, was a daily ritual. The compact kitchen became a haven for quiet evenings, allowing us to prepare home-cooked meals, saving money and giving the kids a chance to recharge. The onboard shower offered a refreshing respite after a day spent exploring sun-kissed beaches, washing away the sand and salt.
The legendary Algarve beckoned, promising a blissful escape. We arrived to a haven of warm waters and pristine beaches, the air thick with the intoxicating aroma of fresh seafood. Days were spent exploring vibrant markets and strolling along the coastline, the children’s laughter echoing against the backdrop of crashing waves. The children took a surf lesson and spent a morning happily riding waves, while afternoons were spent exploring the local markets and trying local delicacies.
Portugal unfolded before us, a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds. Inland, we marvelled at historic towns and forts, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Elvas, a testament to the country’s rich past. The coastline was a treasure trove of hidden coves and idyllic beaches, each offering a unique glimpse into Portugal’s captivating beauty.
With the spirit of “slow travel” guiding our steps, we meandered along the coast, stopping at charming caravan parks. The Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) sites offered the perfect haven for recharging batteries and refilling water tanks. We soaked in the friendly atmosphere, the children making the most of the playgrounds, swimming pools, and the irresistible allure of fresh pastries each morning. Turiscampo, in the Algarve, became a particular favourite, with its heated pool and an enchanting evening magic show that left the children spellbound. However the others were not to be outdone, with the shop at Vaguiera providing delicious pastel de nata’s for breakfast, Guincho’s pool and playground receiving plenty of attention, and Sao Pedro de Moel showing off with a spectacular sunset.
Our campervan journey took us to Nazare, home to the world’s largest surfing waves, where we watched in awe as surfers battled the colossal swells. We paid a visit to Lisbon, its vibrant energy palpable in every street corner. Our final stop was Sintra, a magical realm of palaces and gardens, a reminder of Portugal’s royal heritage. We took our time, soaking up the atmosphere, losing ourselves in the intricate details of these historical gems.
As our campervan adventure drew to a close, we returned the vehicle, filled with a sense of contentment and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of slow travel. We embarked on a leisurely road trip back home, stopping at charming local hotels and Airbnb’s, savouring the flavours of northern Portugal and Spain. Our journey was courtesy of Brittany Ferries, on the modern and comfortable Salamanca, as we were whisked across the sea to Portsmouth. The vibrant play areas, diverse restaurants, engaging talks, and children’s entertainment ensured that even the 28-hour journey was an adventure in itself.
Slow travel may take more time, but it offers a richness of experience that no rushed itinerary can match. Returning home, we felt relaxed, rejuvenated, and deeply grateful for the memories we had made. Our Portuguese adventure, driven by the freedom of our campervan, had shown us that the true joy of travel lies not in the destinations, but in the journey itself.
Know before you go:
CamperDays provide campervans for your perfect holiday in many European countries. Friendly staff, modern campervans and all the support you could need make it a great option for a family holiday.
Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) are home to a multitude of campsites all across Europe, all clean, friendly on the pocket and with plenty of facilities to keep children entertained.
Brittany Ferries is the best way to reach Europe for your holiday, complete with vehicle and all your luggage. The onboard food, facilities and entertainment made it feel like part of the adventure.
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