Philippe and Geneviève, CAMPING-CAR PARK Ambassadors, share their journey through Portugal with us. On the agenda: three RV parks from the network, mild weather, and a blend of history, nature, and relaxation. A perfect getaway for travelers seeking authenticity, even in the off-season.
Perched at an elevation of 650 meters, Pinhel is a charming medieval town in Portugal’s Centro region. The CAMPING-CAR PARK in Pinhel offers 23 spacious sites, all equipped with electricity, along with a well-designed waste disposal area and two water taps to make vehicle maintenance easier.
Philippe and Geneviève particularly appreciated the tranquility of the location, as well as its proximity to amenities. Just 600 meters away, an Intermarché allowed them to do some local shopping. The town center is 1.5 km away. It’s a pleasant walk or bike ride that leads to the Pinhel Castle Tower, a remnant of the medieval era, and the parish church, a testament to the town’s religious significance over the centuries.
And for those who want to continue their ascent, Guarda—Portugal’s highest city—is only about 30 minutes away. From there, the view of the Serra da Estrela is breathtaking. In winter, the air is invigorating, but temperatures remain mild for the season: around 15°C during the day.
Go to the Pinhel site
Instant booking possible via the CAMPING-CAR PARK app
Second stop: Penacova, a charming little town situated on the banks of the Mondego River, about thirty kilometers from Coimbra. Our ambassadors absolutely loved this stop. The RV park is located along the river, in a natural setting perfect for unwinding and contemplation.
With its 32 campsites, the Penacova campground offers everything you need for a comfortable stay: service stations, a waste disposal area, and electrical outlets. Just 2 km from downtown, visitors can stroll through the picturesque streets, savor the local cuisine (the famous chanfanas!), or hike up to the Miradouro Emídio da Silva for a spectacular view of the valley.
But what sets Penacova apart is its towpath along the Mondego River: perfect for hiking or biking. Philippe and Geneviève spent an entire morning there, accompanied by the sound of flowing water and birdsong. They also recommend a detour to the Mosteiro do Lorvão, a gem of religious architecture just a few kilometers away.
Visit the Penacova rest area
Download the CAMPING-CAR PARK app to view practical information and reviews, and book your stops with a single click.
To wrap up their trip to Portugal, our two travelers headed for the Atlantic coast, setting up camp in Lavos, a peaceful seaside resort in the municipality of Figueira da Foz. The Lavos RV park is a small, well-equipped haven with 63 sites, two waste disposal areas (including a state-of-the-art connected station), and direct access to the beach, just 100 meters away.
Philippe and Geneviève enjoyed long walks along the wooden boardwalks that run along the dunes down to the beach. They say they had a seafood meal at the beach restaurant, with their feet almost in the sand—a rare experience in January.
Lavos perfectly embodies the off-season spirit: calm, friendly, yet lively. With an average temperature of 15°C even in winter, it’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries, read a good book overlooking the ocean, or simply enjoy a moment of tranquility 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 just how much traveling in a motorhome during the off-season can be all about new discoveries, meeting people, and comfort. Thanks to the CAMPING-CAR PARK, Philippe and Geneviève were able to move from one stop to the next in complete autonomy, using a mobile app that allows them to:
- Locations of the sites
- Real-time reservations
- Managing your stay and access
🎒 Download the CAMPING-CAR PARK app
Through their story, Philippe and Geneviève remind us that Portugal is a destination worth exploring all year round, and that the CAMPING-CAR PARK network allows for great flexibility in planning your itinerary. Diverse landscapes, high-quality facilities, pleasant weather… all good 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.
