MOTORHOME AND CAMPERVAN

 Campervan (Converted Van) 

Size: Compact. Based on commercial vans (such as the VW Transporter, VW California, Ford Transit Custom).

Amenities: Bed, basic kitchen (stove, small fridge), and storage. Internal toilet/shower is rare.

Advantages: Easy to drive and park (fits in standard car spots, making circulation in narrow Algarve towns easier). More economical on fuel.

Disadvantages: Limited living space and less self-sufficiency (requires more frequent visits to parks for restrooms and showers).

Ideal For: Couples, short road trips, and those who prioritize ease of movement and a low-profile lifestyle.

Low Profile Motorhome (Perfilada) 

Size: Medium. Built on larger van chassis (like the Fiat Ducato or Ford Transit), but without the space over the cab.

Amenities: Usually includes a bathroom/shower, full kitchen, and separate living areas. Often features a drop-down bed.

Advantages: Motorhome comfort with better aerodynamics (consumes less fuel than the Cab-Over). Easier to maneuver than Integrated types.

Disadvantages: More parking restrictions than a Campervan; still considered a large vehicle.

Ideal For: Couples or small families (3 to 4 people) seeking comfort and self-sufficiency without being overly bulky.

Cab-Over Motorhome (Capuchinha / Alkoven)

Size: Large. Built on a light truck chassis.

Amenities. Full kitchen and bathroom, plus a fixed overhead bed (Cab-Over) that can accommodate up to 5 or 7 people. Large storage space.

Advantages. Maximum comfort and space. Allows you to bring the whole family and all your camping gear. Greater self-sufficiency.

Disadvantages: Higher fuel consumption. Difficult to maneuver and park in urban areas and small coastal towns in the Algarve.

Ideal For: Large families or groups of friends traveling together who prioritize internal space and self-sufficiency.

 Integrated Motorhome (Integral) 

Size: Large/Luxury. The body is built from scratch as a single unit.

Amenities: Same as the Cab-Over, but with a more premium design and better insulation.

Advantages. Superior comfort and luxury. Excellent visibility and thermal/acoustic insulation.

Disadvantages. High price point, challenging maneuverability, and parking restrictions in many areas of the Algarve.

Ideal For: Those seeking a luxury travel experience and planning to spend most of their time at high-quality campsites.

🛑 Legal and Parking Regulations (Crucial Information)

The rules regarding where you can park and stay overnight in a motorhome in Portugal are strictly enforced.

1. Wild Camping / Overnight Stays (Perneita e Pernoita)

Rule: Overnight stays (pernoita) are forbidden outside of licensed locations.

This includes staying in a motorhome or campervan on public roads, parking lots, and undesignated scenic spots.

Fines for non-compliance can be high (e.g., up to €600).

Action: You must use official campsites (Parques de Campismo) or designated service areas (Áreas de Serviço para Autocaravanas - ASA) for overnight stays.

2. Parking (Estacionamento)

Rule: Standard daytime parking is generally permitted in public spaces, provided your vehicle occupies only the space designated for its size.

You are only considered to be "parking" (estacionamento) if your vehicle does not extend beyond its footprint and you are not displaying any camping paraphernalia (e.g., tables, chairs, awnings, leveling ramps, or opening windows/hatches that extend beyond the vehicle's perimeter).

Action: If you deploy anything outside the vehicle, it's considered "camping" (campismo), which is illegal outside of official sites.

🅿️ Where to Stay (Designated Locations)

Motorhome users have three main options for a safe and legal stay in the Algarve:

1. Official Campsites (Parques de Campismo)

Best For: Long stays, access to high-quality facilities (laundry, pools, entertainment), guaranteed security, and electric hook-ups (EHU).

Facilities: Most sites are well-equipped with services for motorhomes, including designated gray water disposal (águas cinzentas), chemical toilet emptying (cassete sanitária), and fresh water supply (água potável).

2. Service Areas for Motorhomes (Áreas de Serviço para Autocaravanas - ASA)

Best For: Shorter, transit-focused stays (usually limited to 48-72 hours). They are cheaper than campsites.

Facilities: These areas provide the essential services for emptying and filling: fresh water, gray water drainage, and chemical waste disposal. They often offer basic hard-standing pitches but sometimes lack showers or other campsite luxuries.

Locations: ASAs are commonly found near towns and tourist spots, or run privately by businesses.

3. Private Rural Stays (e.g., Portugal Easycamp, Quinta Stays)

Best For: Unique, authentic experiences, often on farms, vineyards, or rural properties. Usually requires self-sufficiency (no EHU or facilities provided).

Requirements: Often require an advanced booking or membership (e.g., using specific apps/platforms).

Fresh Water Refill: Keeping your fresh water tank full is vital for cooking, drinking, and hygiene. Fresh water is readily available at all official campsites (Parques de Campismo) and dedicated Motorhome Service Areas (Áreas de Serviço para Autocaravanas - ASA).

Pro Tip: Always carry a variety of hose adapters as connection types can vary. A food-grade hose specifically for drinking water is highly recommended to prevent contamination. Check the water pressure at the tap before connecting to avoid damage to your system.

Gray Water Disposal: Gray water is the wastewater from your sinks and shower. Proper disposal is essential for environmental protection. You will find designated drive-over grids at all service points within campsites and ASAs.

Crucial Rule: Never dispose of gray water in public drains, on roads, or into nature. This is illegal in Portugal and harmful to the environment. Ensure your gray water tank is easily accessible for emptying. Some service points may require a specific type of connection or a gravity drain.

Chemical Toilet Descarga de Cassete Sanitária: The chemical toilet (black water) requires careful and hygienic disposal. Always use the specific black water disposal point, clearly marked at all official campsites and ASAs. These points are designed to handle the chemicals and waste safely.

LPG/Gas Refill: Gas is typically used for cooking, heating, and sometimes the fridge. Important: Portugal uses a different gas bottle connection system compared to many other European countries. Portuguese gas bottles (e.g., from Repsol, Galp) are usually rented/swapped rather than refilled.

🔌 Electrical Hook-Up (EHU)

Plugs: Standard European two-pin plug.

Cable: A long (25m), good-quality European extension cable is highly recommended, as pitch hook-ups can be far away.

Adaptors: You may need a CEE 17 blue connector if your motorhome does not already have one fitted.

🌅 Top Algarve Motorhome Locations

Lagos: Excellent municipal campsite with good facilities and close proximity to the historic town.

Sagres/West Coast: Fewer campsites, but the designated areas here offer stunning views of the wild Atlantic coastline (perfect for sunset views).

Albufeira/Portimão: Many large, privately-run holiday parks that cater extensively to motorhomes, often offering pool complexes and amenities.

1. 📋 Planning & Design: Measure Twice, Cut Once

Vehicle Selection

Size Matters: In the Algarve, smaller vans (e.g., VW Transporter, Fiat Ducato SWB/MWB) are easier to navigate through narrow town streets and find parking. Consider your travel style: a bigger van offers comfort, but a smaller one offers freedom.

Vehicle History: Choose a reliable base vehicle with low mileage and a good service history. Unexpected breakdowns in a foreign country can ruin your trip.

Layout and Space

Prioritize: Decide on your must-haves (e.g., permanent bed, indoor shower, big fridge). The layout should maximize function over aesthetics.

Weight Distribution: Keep heavy items (water tanks, batteries, fridge) centered and low to maintain safe driving stability, especially on winding coastal roads.

Ventilation: The Algarve sun is intense. Good ventilation is crucial. Plan for roof vents (a MaxxAir fan is highly recommended) and opening windows to manage heat and condensation.

2. ⚡️ Systems Installation: Powering Your Adventure

Electrical System (The Heart of the Build)

Solar Power: Essential for independence. Calculate your total daily energy consumption (fridge, lights, charging devices) and choose solar panels and battery banks accordingly.

Battery Type: Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries are the modern standard: lighter, smaller, and offering more usable power than traditional lead-acid batteries, though they are more expensive.

Inverter: If you plan to run standard household appliances (laptops, hairdryer), you will need a pure sine wave inverter to convert DC (battery) to AC (mains) power.

Shore Power: Include an external inlet for "shore power" (230V) hook-up at official Algarve campsites.

Water System Fresh Water: Plan for easy access to your water filler, and ensure your tank is food-grade.

Grey Water: You must have a designated grey water tank for sink/shower drainage. Disposing of grey water on public land is illegal in Portugal. Design the tank for easy, legal disposal at ASAs (Motorhome Service Areas).

3. 🏡 Insulation & Comfort (Battling the Algarve Heat)

Insulation is Key: Don't skimp here. Good insulation works both ways: keeping the heat out during the summer and keeping the interior warm during the cool winter nights.

Recommended Materials: PIR Boards (Polyisocyanurate) for walls/ceilings or XPS boards (Extruded Polystyrene) combined with flexible materials like Thinsulate or Sheeps Wool for awkward cavities.

Vapor Barrier: Apply a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over the insulation before the wall cladding to prevent condensation from soaking the insulation and causing mold (a risk in humid coastal areas).

4. 🇵🇹 Legalization & Registration in Portugal

This is the most complex step, especially if the van is registered in Portugal.

Vehicle Classification: To be recognized as a motorhome, your van must pass an inspection to ensure it meets safety standards and contains permanent living essentials (sleeping area, kitchen, storage).

IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes): You must notify the IMT and complete a technical inspection to change the vehicle classification on your registration documents (from Mercadorias - Goods - to Autocaravana - Motorhome). This is necessary for insurance and legal peace of mind.

Gas Safety: Any permanent gas installation (LPG/Propane) usually requires certification from a qualified technician. Safety is paramount.

5. ✨ Finishing Touches & Budgeting

Budget Buffer: Always set aside at least 20% more than your initial budget. Conversion costs almost always exceed the original estimate.

Woodwork: Use lightweight, durable wood (e.g., lightweight plywood) to keep the vehicle under its maximum permissible weight (GVWR - Gross Vehicle Weight Rating).