Cities-Towns

Alvor & Oh dear

So landed yesterday (Sunday 12/5) at Camping Alvor, in Alvor, Western Algarve, after a really enjoyable 65-mile drive on non-toll roads seeing some of the countryside behind the Algarve coastline. Set up to watch the Race for the Title matches, at the back of the van despite the heat etc, to try and mitigate the noise and the irritation it caused, of the strimming being carried out on pitches around mine. Was achieving this reasonably successfully until all of a sudden there was a sound as if a whole load of earth had been chucked at the bonnet of the van. The strimmer stopped ominously. Basically a stone had been thrown up at my passenger door window, resulting in its complete shattering.

What was originally intended as a 2-night stay, I could see turning into more than that, and my sister had literally just booked a flight out on Sun 19/5 to join me in Lisbon and up to Porto for a week.

Long story short, the campsite have organised through their insurance to get a new window which will have to be sent to whichever service centre in Portimao. It will apparently arrive by tomorrow evening, meaning they’ll fit it Wednesday (hopefully!)

The good is that this is a very nice place to stay – spent 4 hours cycling around and about – to Portimao, and back along coast past Praia da Rocha, and these iconic beaches. There’s lots more to explore/do etc, and the campsite is well set up, given that it has a static caravan ‘permie’ presence. Have a very nice pitch under the trees, and have put the awning out for the first time this season. 🙂

Posted by Jackie Barnes in Cities-Towns, Portugal, The Bad

Tavira

Cycled to town of Tavira today – about 4 miles away; absolutely loved it – reminded me of St Martin de Re on Ile de Re in France, but alot less understated. The buildings are beautiful. Also am realising that it’s great to be enjoying this weather now in May – around 25 – 27deg today, without the holiday crowds which people have indicated there are in late July/August.

Posted by Jackie Barnes in Cities-Towns, Portugal

Seville; Camping Villsom

Well – indeed a fabulous city to visit – nice campsite to stay at at town called Dos Hermanos; half-hourly air-conditioned (very welcome, even at mid to late 20’s) bus within 50 metres of the site for the sum of 1.70eu.

There was a feria day on Wednesday and the obviously proud citizens were already parading about in their traditional finery.

Just an example; fantastic to see all the colours of the dresses
Posted by Jackie Barnes in Cities-Towns, Spain, The Good

Cadiz; Camping Playa Las Dunas

Wanted to see this city, so stayed at the above campsite across the bay at Puerta de Santa Maria and got the water ferry from there – about 30 min crossing for 2.75 euro. Enjoyed doing a 2-hour walking tour around the centre. Can see the naval influences, some of the buildings reminded me somewhat of Plymouth. Worth the visit, and campsite reflecting the european campsite dwelling diversity which is really fun.

Posted by Jackie Barnes in Cities-Towns, Spain

Bottom of Spain; Tarifa – Camping Rio Jara

Lovely setting for this site, and only 3 – 4 km cycling from Tarifa. These beaches are very much kite-surfing destinations. Tarifa – very pleasant small historic port and walled streets, and town plus area has a more ‘young’ vibe, due to the kite-surfing. Possible to get a ferry across the 15 or so kms to Tangiers. Good accessible motorhome service area/garage including LPG on edge of town with supermarkets, and also motorhome service/repair centre.

Posted by Jackie Barnes in Cities-Towns, Places, Spain, The Good