Philippe and Geneviève, CAMPING-CAR PARK Ambassadors, share their road trip through Portugal. On the agenda: three motorhome areas from the network, mild weather, and the perfect blend of history, nature, and relaxation. An ideal getaway for travelers seeking authenticity, even in the off-season.
Perched at an altitude of 650 metres, Pinhel is a Portuguese town full of medieval charm, located in the Centro region. The Pinhel CAMPING-CAR PARK area offers 23 spacious pitches, all equipped with electricity, along with a well-designed waste disposal station and two taps for easy vehicle servicing.
Philippe and Geneviève particularly enjoyed the site's tranquility and the proximity of amenities. Just 600 meters away, an Intermarché allowed them to pick up local groceries. The town center is 1.5 km away—a pleasant walk or bike ride leading to the Pinhel Castle Tower, a medieval relic, and the parish church, reflecting the town's historical religious significance.
For those wishing to continue the ascent, Guarda, the highest city in Portugal, is only about thirty minutes away. There, the panoramic view of the Serra da Estrela is breathtaking. In winter, the air is crisp, but 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 nestled on the banks of the Mondego River, about thirty kilometres from Coimbra. This stop was a true favourite for our ambassadors. The motorhome area sits right by the river, in a natural setting perfect for unwinding and taking in the views.
With its 32 pitches, the Penacova area provides all the essentials for a comfortable stay: service points, a waste disposal station, and electrical hookups. Just 2 km from the town centre, visitors can stroll through picturesque streets, savour the local cuisine (including the famous chanfanas!), or head up to the Miradouro Emídio da Silva for a spectacular view over the valley.
But what sets Penacova apart is its towpath along the Mondego River: ideal for hiking or cycling. Philippe and Geneviève spent an entire morning there, accompanied by the sound of the water and birdsong. They also recommend a detour to the Mosteiro do Lorvão, a jewel of religious architecture, just a few kilometers away.
Go to the Penacova area
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To wrap up their Portuguese journey, our two travellers headed toward the Atlantic coast, stopping in Lavos, a peaceful seaside resort in the municipality of Figueira da Foz. The Lavos motorhome area is a well-equipped little haven, featuring 63 pitches, two waste disposal areas (including a latest-generation smart service point), and direct beach access just 100 metres away.
Philippe and Geneviève enjoyed long walks on the wooden boardwalks that run along the dunes to the beach. They recount having enjoyed 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 is the perfect place to recharge your batteries, read a good book facing the ocean, or simply savor a moment of tranquility to the sound of the waves.
View the Lavos site page
Discover other seaside sites in our special "seaside" selection
This journey through Portugal is a wonderful reminder of just how rewarding off-season motorhome travel can be—packed with discoveries, friendly encounters, and comfort. Thanks to the CAMPING-CAR PARK network, Philippe and Geneviève were able to travel effortlessly from one stop to the next, using a mobile app that lets you:
- site locations
- real-time booking
- managing your stay and access
🎒 Download the CAMPING-CAR PARK app
Through their story, Philippe and Geneviève remind us that Portugal is well worth visiting all year round, and that the CAMPING-CAR PARK network of areas offers incredible flexibility for any itinerary. Diverse landscapes, high-quality facilities, pleasant weather… all fantastic reasons to add these three stops to your next 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.
