6x free motorhome stopovers in the Algarve!

The Algarve is a paradise for young and old alike! Situated along the entire southern coast of Portugal, this southernmost region  is very popular among tourists. Whether you want to relax on the beach, wander through beautiful nature or experience Portuguese (night)life, you'll find it all in the Algarve. It is not without good reason that this region used to be called 'the end of the world'! Would you like to make your motorhome-trip to the Algarve a bit cheaper? In this article, you can read where you can stay for free with your motorhome in this beautiful region!

The Algarve is a very popular destination among motorhome owners. This is partly due to its pleasant Mediterranean maritime climate. With warm summers, where the average temperature is around 25°C, and mild winters with an average temperature of 15°C, this region is the ideal holiday destination for both sun worshippers and winter travellers.

The nickname 'the end of the world' owes the Algarve not only to its magnificence, but also to its location. Portugal's southernmost region is quite a long way away. From Utrecht, it is approximately 2,400 kilometres to the regional capital Faro. A stopover in France, Spain or elsewhere in Portugal is therefore definitely recommended!

The town of Carvoeiro should be on every motorhome owner's bucket list when visiting the Algarve! The village is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the region, and with its location on a huge steep cliff, this is not so surprising. Apart from there being plenty to do in the cosy village, where the town square directly borders the beach, there is also a lot to see in the surrounding area. For example, from the free rural Carvoeiro motorhome stopover, you can overlook the Farol de Alfanzina, a lighthouse with a striking red cupola, and walk along the cliffs to some beautiful praias. Do you want to see the cliffs and beaches from the other side? Several boat trips are organised from Carvoeiro to the domed cave of Benagil and the famous Praia da Marinha. In good weather, you can take a refreshing dive into the water.

- From your motorhome, you can see the lighthouse with its distinctive red dome!

Faro is the capital of the Algarve, but a visit to this cosy authentic city is often passed over. A real pity! Faro is definitely worth a visit if you want to alternate your beach holiday with some history and culture. Stroll through the picturesque streets past the colourful facades of historical buildings or settle down on a cosy terrace in the harbour. Learn more about the history of the city and the Algarve at the Museu Municipal de Faro. Do you prefer to explore the surroundings? Then you can take a trip to one of the deserted and uninhabited Ilhas Desertas. Or opt for a unique day trip on a catamaran and sail past the four islands of the Ria Formosa nature park! Spend the night for free in Faro at the Parque Ribeirinho de Faro motorhome stopover.

- Take time to see Faro's historic buildings!

Whoever thinks of fish in the Algarve thinks of Olhão. Located close to Faro, this fishing village has a rich history in fishing. With its narrow alleys surrounded by cube-shaped white houses and beautiful painted walls, the old centre of this village is definitely worth a visit. In the central market hall Mercados de Peixe you will find the tastiest fresh products from the region. From free motorhome stopover Olhão, stroll along the boulevard, or find a seat on a terrace to unwind. Just outside the village is the visitor centre of the Parque Naturel de Ria Formosa, from where several walking and cycling routes through the nature reserve start. A gift for the eye!

- Be sure to stroll through Olhão's narrow alleys!

Located inland is the village of Loulé, which locals have identified as one of the Algarve's most beautiful villages. The white buildings surrounding the narrow streets stand out against a bright blue sky in summer, showing that Moorish influences are still very much in evidence here. Visit the Mercado Municipal de Loulé, a market hall offering all the local delicacies. If you are in Loulé on a Saturday, the connecting gypsy market is also a must! End the day at vineyard Quinta da Tôr, where you can take a guided tour and taste the most delicious Portuguese wines. At motorhome stopover Lidl Loulé, you'll stay for free close to the old town centre!

- The streets of Loulé are full of canvases providing shade!

At the south-eastern tip of Portugal, Vila Real de Santo António is located on the border with Spain. This village was destroyed by the sea in the 18th century. However, it was very important to be able to resist and control trade on the river Guadiana during the war with Spain. To keep a good overview, the village is built in squared blocks. Stroll through the streets and squares to experience the history of Vila Real de Santo António. On the eastern boulevard you can settle down on a terrace, with views over the Guadiana and Spain across the water. At motorhome stopover Lidl, you'll spend the night for free just on the edge of the centre.

- The square of Vila Real de Santo António is a must-see!

As one of the Algarve's oldest cities, Lagos was an important starting point for Portuguese explorers in the Golden Age. The city's history is still recognisable in the old centre, although modernity has also made its appearance. The cobbled narrow streets represent history, the defiant street art the development towards more modern times. Simply wandering around the city will get you through a day. From the centre you can walk in half an hour to the iconic Ponte da Piedade, the famous cliffs in the Atlantic Ocean for which the Algarve is famous. Don't forget to bring your swimming equipment too, as there are plenty of beautiful beaches around Lagos! Just outside the city centre is the Pingo Doce Lagos - Marina motorhome stopover, where you can stay for free!

- Don't forget to visit the famous rocks, Ponte da Piedade!

Would you like to discover more places in the beautiful Algarve? Then check out the outlined motorhome itinerary through the Algarve! You can also combine your motorhome trip to southern Portugal with other places in the country, or visit its eastern neighbours in Spain. Discover more here! 

Did you stay at one or more of the free motorhome stopovers in this article? Don't forget to share your experience with your fellow motorhome owners by writing a review via the Camperstop-App!