Algarve Camping There's a table of Algarve camping sites further down this page, to help you choose. But first, let me draw your attention to some safety information that I discovered recently. At the bottom of this page, I've included some updated news about certain Algarve campings that you might like to consider before booking. Even in the winter months, camping in the Algarve is an increasingly popular way to vacation on a budget. Official campsites are dotted throughout the region. I'm no expert (OK, so I'm chicken) but I'm assured that camping sites in the Algarve are quite well appointed, and most are reasonably priced. As you can see from this picture, (editor’s note: picture can be viewed at: ) if you choose chalet accommodation (these were at Alvor), Algarve camping need not be too basic! The Campings operated by Orbitur seem to be slightly more expensive than the average. Even though some sites are quite large, they are often full to capacity during peak summer months. Some sites allow caravans as well as camper-vans, and some even rent stationary 'trailers' or bungalows, should you have a hankering for more creature comforts than are offered by basic Algarve camping. At 2004 prices, you should not expect to pay more than 4 Euros per head per night, unless you opt for a bungalow deal. But, showers and parking tend to be charged separately (on top of what it costs you to stay). I mentioned the word 'official' at the top of this page, because the law does strictly require Algarve camping activities to take place within an official site. It is the case, however, that some places attract the attention of happy-go-lucky campers, while avoiding the scrutiny of the local constabulary... Those 'free' Algarve camping spots that I've learned about are included at the bottom of this page. It is true, however, that many other places I see have lots of campervans huddled behind some dunes, and they don't look to have moved in quite a while... In order to employ some sort of system, I've listed the official Algarve camping sites starting at the top of the west coast and finishing at Vila Real, near the border with Spain. And, I've put the list in tabular form which, while it might look more booooring (yawn), does make things easier to compare... Some Warnings: A few sites are restricted and you will need to produce some specific paperwork in order to qualify for a stay there. Details are as up to date as I could make them, but it's always best to contact a site before you arrive, just to avoid disappointment! Things are slowly improving, with Algarve camping site administration approaching late 20th Century standards, so I've included e-mail details where these could be discovered. On a security note (and experienced campers will excuse me stating the obvious) camping sites are known to attract thieves, so you should take steps to protect your valuables during your stay. Unless otherwise stated, dogs are forbidden and campsites are open all year round.   Algarve Camping Sites AreaSite NameSpacesBeachFacilities AljezurSerrão*** info@parque-campismo-serrao.com Tel. +351 2829902202000Praia da AmoreiraPlayground, restaurant, bar, snackbar, pool, mini-market, tennis AljezurVale da Telha *** vale.telha@clix.pt Tel. +351 2829984441500Praia do Monte ClérigoPlayground, restaurant, bar, snackbar, pool, mini-market SagresCampismo de Sagres** (Orbitur) Tel. +351 624371 / 6244411130Praia de MaretaPlayground, mini-market, bar, restaurant, salon, BBQ, tennis, adventure sports Vila do BispoCampismo da Ingrina*** Tel. +351 282639242100Praia do ZavialPlayground, mini-market, bar, restaurant, BBQ BudensCampismo da Quinta dos Carriços ** Tel. +351 282695201600Praia da SalemaHandicap facilities, playground, mini-market, bar, restaurant, salon LagosCampismo de Espiche ** Tel. +351 2827894311000Praia da LuzRestaurant, bar, snackbar, mini-market LagosCampismo de Valverde*** (Orbitur) Tel. +351 2827892111500Praia da LuzHandicap Facilities, mini-market, bar, restaurant, salon, pools, tennis, handball, bike rental LagosCampo da Trindade * Tel. +351 282763893250Praia da AnaPlayground, restaurant, bar, snackbar, pool, mini-market. AlvorCampismo da Dourada** Tel. +351 282459178800Praia do AlvorHandicap facilities, restaurant, snackbar, pool, playground, bike rental, mini-market, room and bungalow rental FerragudoCampismo do Ferragudo** Tel. +351 2824611211440Praia da CaneirosC.C.L., C.C.N. or F.I.C.C. cardholders only  Armação de PeraCampismo de Canelas *** Tel +351 282312612900Armação de PeraHandicap facilities, playground, restaurant, bar, snackbar, pool, mini-market, tennis  Armação de PeraCampismo de Armação de Pêra ** Tel. +351 2823122601760Armação de Perarestaurant, bar, snackbar, , pool, supermarket, tennis, bike rental AlbufeiraCampismo de Albufeira**** Tel. +351 2895876293000Praia da BaleeiraHandicap facilities, playground, restaurants, snackbar, bar, pools, tennis, shop, bike rental, mobile home and caravan rental. QuarteiraCampismo de Orbitur *** Tel. +351 2893028212350Praia de QuarteiraHandicap facilities, playground, mini-market, bar, restaurant, salon, pool, tennis, bike rental FaroCampismo da Praia de Faro Tel. +351 289817876§Praia de FaroOpen 1/5 - 31/12 Playground, mini-market, bar, restaurant OlhãoCampismo do Sindicato dos Bancários *** sbsicamping@mail.telepac.pt +351 289705402/3/42000Praia da ArmonaHandicap facilities, caravans OK, playground, supermarket, bar, restaurant, salon, ATM, pools, disco, tennis, handball, riding, bike rental FuzetaCampismo da Fuzeta** Tel. +351 289793459450Praia da BarrilPlayground, mini-market, bar, restaurant TaviraCampismo da Ilha de Tavira** camping@campingtavira.com Tel. +351 2813217091550Praia da Ilha de TaviraOpen: 2/5-30/9 Open 6/4 - 14/10 Playground, restaurant, bar, snacks, mini-market Vila Nova de CacelaCampismo do Caliço * Tel. +351 281951195500Manta RotaPlayground, restaurant, bar, snacks, pool, mini-market, bike rental, bungalow rental. Vila RealCampismo de Monte Gordo * Tel. +351 2815109702060Praia de Monte GordoHandicap facilities, bar, playground, restaurant, tennis   §  I couldn't find out the number of spaces at the Praia do Faro campsite. But I did read somewhere that the local authority is trying to close it down, or prevent new users from going there (which seems a bit odd, given the increasing popularity of Algarve camping). So, if you have any knowledge or up-to-date news about the Faro campsite, please let me know, via the Your Algarve Best - http://www.algarve-beach-life.com/information-on-algarve.html - page, and I'll credit you with helping me complete my Algarve Camping page!   Free Algarve Camping Spots The increasing popularity, among campers, of wintering in Portugal has upped the pressure on those unofficial 'free' locations known to seasoned campers. On the southern coast, things tend to be quieter west of Lagos and, while the west coast is generally quieter still, you may need some effective wind-proofing! Some of the best (as defined by my informants) Algarve camping locations are near the inland reservoirs (barragems). These offer peace and tranquillity and also more protection from prevailing winds, since they tend to be wooded areas within natural valleys. Some such spots are popular even with native Portuguese (or Algarveans). But, those folk tend to appear only after Easter, since what is clement weather to those of us from more northern climes is pretty chilly to locals!   Here are a few free Algarve camping spots that came highly recommended... Praia de Odeceixe Off the N 120, the village itself offers poor parking. Best try across the estuary, following an unmade road north of the bridge on N 120. There's even clean spring water to enjoy there.   Aljezur Off the N 120 Praia de Amoreirois signed north of the town, or Monte Clerigo south of town. There's a municipal riverside market in the town. Toilets and water (separate facilities, honest!) are available behind the market, where there is also parking.   Vila do Bispo Unless you drive a tiny car, or love narrow streets, avoid the town centre. Take the main exit from the N 125 and find the supermarket and local water. Then look for signs to Praia do Castelejo then Praia da Cordoama. (Cordoama is isolated (probably because of the unmade access road, but is fine for long stays. Limited parking only at Casetlejo. Expect crowds at both during the surfing season.   After all that, it only remains for me to wish you 'happy Algarve camping' if you're going to give it a go. Safety Information Update - (New!) I learned recently that the consumer group DECO, after undertaking some cloak-and-dagger visits to various Algarve camping sites (as well as others throughout Portugal), has issued a general warning and some pointed recommendations. It seems that DECO was unhappy with the safety features at a number of sites and is even calling for the closure of some! (At least while they're repaired). Those Algarve camping facilities named in this regard were: Orbitur Valverde, Monte Gordo and Camping Albufeira. DECO's concerns centred around such matters as Fire Risks, Evacuation Facilities, proximity to highways, nearby high-tension cables and general risk of injury. While there's no such thing as 100% safe, you should probably make some enquiries of whatever Algarve camping places take your fancy BEFORE you book. Ask specifically whether there is a published evacuation plan, whether staff are trained to act as wardens in an emergency and whether there have been any major accidents or serious injuries at the facility within the last 5 years. You might also inquire whether staff are trained in resuscitation techniques - and whether the roads inside the facility are all wide enough to accommodate emergency vehicles, should the need arise. I am sure if you put your mind to it, you can come up with some other relevant questions. If you think of any, let me know via the form on the 'Your Algarve Best' page (see the link below), and I'll include them here. Let's all do what we can to make Algarve camping as hazard-free as possible. I hope the information here is of use. And if you could help me update this page, or want to pass on some tips, or even describe a stay at a particular site or an adventure while you were there... Please visit the Your Algarve Best - http://www.algarve-beach-life.com/information-on-algarve.html - page, where you can share what you know with others. They'll thank you for it! In the meantime, subscribe to my monthly newsletter, Algarve Beach Life News, by clicking on the link below ("For Lovers of Algarve Beach Life") or on the button at top left ("Subscribe to ABLN") -- I'll keep you updated, every month, about what's new on the site, as it's added. For Lovers of Algarve Beach Life Return from Algarve Camping http://www.algarve-beach-life.com/index.html to Algarve Beach Life http://www.algarve-beach-life.com/index.html home