Philippe and Geneviève, CAMPING-CAR PARK Ambassadors, are sharing their journey through Portugal with us. On the agenda: three campsites in the network, mild weather, and a mix of history, nature and relaxation. It's the perfect getaway for travellers looking for an authentic experience, even out of season.
Nestled at 650 metres high, Pinhel is a Portuguese city with medieval charm, located in the Centro region. The CAMPING-CAR PARK site in Pinhel offers 23 spacious pitches, all equipped with electricity, with a well-designed service area and two taps for easy vehicle maintenance.
Philippe and Geneviève particularly enjoyed the peacefulness of the site, as well as its proximity to amenities. An Intermarché is just 600 metres away, which was perfect for doing some local shopping. The town centre is 1.5 km away. It's a pleasant walk or bike ride to the Pinhel Castle Tower, a relic from the medieval era, and the parish church, a testament to the town's religious importance over the centuries.
And for those wanting to climb even higher, Guarda, the highest city in Portugal, is only thirty minutes away. There, the view of the Serra da Estrela is breath-taking. In winter, the air is invigorating, but the temperatures remain mild for the season: around 15°C during the day.
Go to the Pinhel site
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Second stop: Penacova, a charming town located on the banks of the Mondego River, about thirty kilometres from Coimbra. This stop was a real favourite for our ambassadors. The campsite is located on the riverbank, in a natural setting that's perfect for switching off and enjoying the view.
With its 32 pitches, the Penacova site offers everything you need for a comfortable stay: service points, a service area, and electric hook-ups. Just 2 km from the town centre, holidaymakers can stroll through the picturesque streets, enjoy the local cuisine (the famous chanfanas!) or climb up to the Miradouro Emídio da Silva for a spectacular view of the valley.
But what sets Penacova apart is its towpath, which runs along the Mondego River: ideal for hiking, walking or cycling. Philippe and Geneviève spent a whole morning there, enjoying the sound of the water and the birds singing. They also recommend a detour to the Mosteiro do Lorvão, a jewel of religious architecture, just a few kilometres away.
Go to the Penacova site
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To conclude their Portuguese stay, our two travellers headed for the Atlantic coast, stopping at Lavos, a peaceful seaside resort in the municipality of Figueira da Foz. The Lavos campsite is a small, well-equipped haven, with 63 pitches, two service areas (including a latest-generation connected service point) and direct access to the beach, just 100 metres away.
Philippe and Geneviève enjoyed long walks on the wooden walkways that run along the dunes to the beach. They said they enjoyed a seafood meal in the beach restaurant, with their feet almost in the sand, a rare experience in January.
Lavos perfectly embodies the out-of-season spirit: calm, friendly, but vibrant. With an average temperature of 15°C even in winter, it's the perfect place to recharge your batteries, read a good book facing the ocean or simply enjoy a moment of peace and quiet to the sound of the waves.
See the Lavos site details
Discover other seaside sites in our special "seaside" selection
This trip to Portugal reminds us how much travelling out of season in a motorhome can be synonymous with discovery, encounters and comfort. Thanks to the CAMPING-CAR PARK network, Philippe and Geneviève were able to complete the stages completely independently, with a mobile app allowing:
- site location
- real-time booking
- management of your stay and access
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Thanks to their testimonial, Philippe and Geneviève remind us that Portugal can be discovered all year round, and that the CAMPING-CAR PARK site network allows great flexibility in the itinerary. Varied landscapes, quality infrastructure, pleasant weather... so many reasons to add these three sites to your road trip.
So, ready to follow in their footsteps?
🚐 Download the app, book your first stop, and set off to discover an authentic Portugal, at your own pace.
