Uncategorized - Ocean Camper https://oceancamper.com Campervan Rental in Faro, Portugal Mon, 03 Feb 2025 10:00:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://oceancamper.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/cropped-favicon-ocean-camper-32x32.png Uncategorized - Ocean Camper https://oceancamper.com 32 32 Map: Portugal Best Places https://oceancamper.com/portugal-best-places/ Wed, 14 Jun 2023 08:39:13 +0000 https://oceancamper.com/?p=66660 A map with all the best places to visit in Portugal: Surf beaches, SUP & snorkel sports and campsites.

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Map: Portugal Best Places

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Nina

Ocean Camper CEO

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Locations
Locations

All best places in Portugal in one map

On the top you find a map with all the best places to visit in Portugal in order to make the best out of your holidays. We show you the best beaches for water sports and camping.

Choose in the map the categories that are more relevant for your holidays: best beaches for surf, stand-up paddle (sup) and snorkel, and also campsites.

See here more detailed information about:

caming rules in portugal

Feel free to write us some suggestions if you have any.

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]]> Electric Campervan Roadtrip https://oceancamper.com/electric-campervan-roadtrip/ Wed, 16 Mar 2022 07:43:31 +0000 https://oceancamper.com/?p=7074 Tips for travelling with our e-Nomad 100% electric Camper: where to charge it, charging points map and history of the eCamper.

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Electric Campervan Roadtrip

Picture of Nina

Nina

Ocean Camper CEO

Index

  1. Where to charge your electric campervan?
  2. Tips for e-camping
  3. Charging points with convenient location
  4. Why e-camper?

eNomad: The first 100% electric campervan for rent in Portugal

In March 2022, we took the step of becoming the first campervan rental company in Portugal to offer a 100% electric camper. It was a great pleasure to open a new chapter in camping history with this truly eco-friendly product. Since then, we’ve gained valuable experience in offering the electric camper, with our first guests sharing tips and suggestions to help us make the experience even better and easier.

eNomad camper has effective autonomy of 250km. The interior is optimally designed with a kitchen drawer, big 31L electric fridge, USB charger and shower connected to an extra battery. In addition, the e-Nomad has a water deposit, camping table, chairs and a bed fitting two persons. This car has many extras, such as automatic transmission, parking aid, USB, Bluetooth, extra battery, cruise control and much more.

Read below for essential information for an electric camper road trip.

Electric Camper Van Ocean camper

1. Where to charge your electric campervan?

  • Campsites – Charge your camper using a regular electrical plug while you sleep at the campsite. Some campsites also offer fast chargers in the parking area or near the reception (~2.5€/100km)
  • Shopping centre – Most shopping center and supermarket parking lots have charging stations (Lidl, Pingo Doce) (~8€/100km)
  • Tank stops – Fast charging on the road (~10€/100km)
  • City centre – Charge while discovering a city (~8€/100km)

Download the Miio app to view a map of charging stations in Portugal and plan your camping trip more easily.

Electric eNomad Ocean Camper

2. Tips for e-camping

Have a charging points map: Download an app that can show you charging stations in Portugal. We use and recommend the Miio app for easy access to nearby EV charging locations.

Relaxed Roadtrip: This camper is designed for relaxing, low-kilometer road trips. If your holiday involves fast and long drives, we recommend renting a conventional combustion camper. It’s not possible to drive nonstop from Faro to Lisbon without charging.

Campsite charge: We recommend charging the van in the campsite during the night. When you arrive to the campsite, first thing to do after parking the van is to plug the van to electric grid to maximise the charging time. During 12h charging time you will be able to recharge around >50% of the battery. This is usually enough for a day trip until you return to the campsite at night.

Alternatively, you can charge on highways using the fast charger within 30 min (at 100kW) or 60 min (at 50kW). Other chargers that are often in public spaces (e.g., parking lots of shopping or city centres) mostly allow you to charge the car with 11kW, which will take 5 h for a full charge. You can find all existent charging stations in Portugal using the Miio app.

Range: The camper’s total range is 270 km. This can increase if you’re driving on downhill roads, as the vehicle charges while in motion. However, it is more common for the range to be lower due to factors such as AC working or heating, headwinds, high speeds, or the vehicle’s load.

3. Charging points with convenient location

  • Zambujeira do mar: near the beach and a small village with places for a meal or coffee, plus a local fish and fruit market (mornings only).
  • Sagres centre: Marreta beach 2 min walk distance, and village centre for a meal or coffee.
  • Lidl supermarket in Vila do Bispo while shopping.
  • Intermarche supermarket in Sagres while shopping.
  • Lagos centre: village centre for a meal and beach 10 min walk distance.
  • Portimão: near marina and beach.
  • Olhão centre: visit the local fruit & fish market, for lunch or breakfast.
  • Tavira centre: visit the city, for or lunch or breakfast.
eNomad map-min

4. Why e-camper?

In times of ever rising CO2 emission, and the European Goal of reducing greenhouse gas emission in 2030 by 55%, we try to do our share by offering a zero-emission electric camping solution.What makes our eNomad so special is not only its low carbon footprint, but also the smooth, silent driving experience and automatic transmission, allowing you to arrive elegant and relaxing to your destination. You’ll be amazed by the technical advancements an electric vehicle offers, and you’ll quickly realize that with a range of approximately 250 km, it’s more than enough to reach your next campsite or charging station.
A little thought: Portugal has one of the highest renewable energy shares, contributing up to 78.4% of all energy sources, and rising. E-mobility is worth-it because the costs for combustion fuels rise year by year, while electric energy is one of the cheapest in Europe. At our Ocean Camper shop, we also charge our electric campervans with electricity from 100% renewable energies.

electric Campervan charging Ocean Camper

If you have any question about e-camping, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Ocean Camper wishes a safe and pleasant camping holiday in Portugal.

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e-nomad1 campervan

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]]> Marvellous beaches https://oceancamper.com/marvellous-beaches/ Fri, 22 Oct 2021 20:23:32 +0000 https://oceancamper.com/?p=3278 When choosing a beach to hang out, consider the next aspects: The tide of the ocean.

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Marvellous beaches

Picture of Nina

Nina

Ocean Camper CEO

Index

  1. Aspects to consider when choosing a beach to hang out
  2. Cacelha Velha
  3. Praia de Faro
  4. Albufeira: From Praia dos Arrifes to Praia da Galé
  5. Praia da Albandeira
  6. Benagil: beach and cave
  7. Praia do Carvalho
  8. Praia do Alemão
  9. Ponta de Piedade – Lagos
  10. Praia da Boca do Rio
  11. Praia do Amado
  12. Praia da Amoreira
  13. Praia do Vale de Mil Homens
  14. Praia das Adegas (Naturism)
  15. Praia da Amália

Best Beaches of Algarve & Alentejo - Portugal

(This post is still in development.)

The south coast of Portugal is rich in beautiful beaches, with cliffs and rocks, or long sandy beaches, located in isolated nature or near cities with cafes, bars, and water fun rentals. Some of our beaches were considered the most beautiful beaches in Europe and the world. We will show you the best beaches in the south of Portugal and tell you the highlights of each.

When choosing a beach to hang out, consider:

  1. The tide of the ocean. Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels. Some beaches are so small, that when is high tide there is no remaining sandy space to lay (e.g. Praia do Camilo, Lagos)
  2. The weather. When it is windy and cold, it is warmer and more comfortable in the beaches that are protected by cliffs from the sides (e.g. Praia do Barranquinho or Praia da Albandeira).
  3. The surrounding area. Consider how you want to pass the time at the beach. Some beaches have facilities such as restaurants, WC and SUP/surf rentals. Other beaches are in wild nature with no facilities.
algarve & alentejo beaches map
cacela velha beach 2
cacela velha beach

1. Cacela Velha

It is a pretty sandy beach, that forms the end of the lagoon of Ria Formosa. In the village you will find few restaurants with local sea products. It is only possible to have access to the beach during middle or low tide.

Location: Map here

faro beach
Praia-de-Faro-Copia-min

2. Praia de Faro

It is a 5km sandy beach located on an island with access by car, on one side is the ocean and on the other side is the lagoon of Ria Formosa. On the island, there is a campsite with a view to the lagoon, plenty of restaurants and several public WCs. It is a good surfing spot from autumn to Spring, but not during summertime.

Location: Map here

Captura de ecrã 2023-05-26 084352-min

3. Albufeira caves: From Praia dos Arrifes to Praia da Galé

This is an area of 5 beautiful rocky beaches with cliffs and caves. It is a perfect area for hiking and for making Stand-up-paddle tours to see the caves of Albufeira. Rent with us a SUP and know more about SUP here. Almost all of those beaches have coffees working all year round and Kayak & SUP rental during summertime.

Location:

praia da albandeira sup
praia-da-albandeira-Copia-min

4. Praia da Albandeira

It is a beautiful beach with cliffs, famous for its stunning arch in the water. Good area for hiking and for making SUP and snorkel. Nearby there are other small unknown beaches, such as Praia do Barranquinho.

Location: Map here

Best Beaches of Algarve & Alentejo

5. Benagil: beach and cave

Benagil Cave is the most well–known cave in Portugal, and perhaps in Europe. You can only reach the interior of the cave by swimming, SUPing, or kayaking. It is easier to swim/paddle to the cave at low tide.

Location: Map here

Praia-do-Carvalho
Carvalho-min

6. Praia do Carvalho

This is small quiet beach protected by cliffs, with access by a tunnel through the cliffs and has a big rock in the water. It is known place for cliff jumping. See here a video. Also perfect for snorkelling and SUP.

Location: Map here

praia do alemão

7. Praia do Alemão

This is a beautiful beach with cliffs and a perfect starting point for a SUP tour. Paddle to the right side to see all the caves and cliffs of Alvor. Also, it is a famous area for hiking, with a hidden unknown beach Praia do Submarino, also accessible by walk.

Location: Map here

ponta da piedade sup
ponta da piedade beach map

8. Ponta de Piedade - Lagos

This is area with group of rock formation near the coastline of Lagos, famous for SUP and snorkelling. Start your SUP tour in Praia do Camilo and paddle to your right side to see inaccessible beaches. You can also book a boat tour in Lagos to see all those cliffs and caves.

Location: Map here

9. Praia da Boca do Rio

This is medium-sized beach surrounded by nature, nothing is around. In both sides there are high cliffs and beautiful trails for hiking. A long time ago it was a small Roman village where rice was cultivated.

Location: Map here

amado beach map

10. Praia do Amado

This is large beach is very famous for surfing with good waves all year around. On the beach you can find a snack bar, WC, and several surf school/rentals. The highlight: Everyone is learning to surf and having fun, making a good ambient among surf beginners.

Location: Map here

11. Praia da Amoreira

It is a beautiful beach with big sand dunes and a shallow lagoon on the left side. It is well known for surfing and the lagoon is perfect for a bath when the ocean is too cold or wild.

Location: Map here

praia vale de mil homens map

12. Praia do Vale de Mil Homens

It is large beach, typical from the west-coast, with access by huge wooden staircase, usually with few visitors.

Location: Map here

13. Praia das Adegas (Naturism)

Adegas beach is one of the few official nude beaches in Portugal. It is located in in a small cave right next to the bigger beach of Odeceixe. It is a quiet and small beach surrounded by high cliffs, thus protected from the wind. Best to visit during the low-tide.

Location: Map here

praia-da-amalia-min
praia-da-amalia-2-min
Amalia-min

14. Praia da Amália

The access to the beach goes via a relaxed but not easy hiking path. The beach is very quiet, surrounded by wild nature, and it has a small waterfall on the beach. This beach was named after the best well-known Portuguese Fado singer – Amália Rodrigues – who was passing holidays in a house right in front of the beach.

Location: Map here

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]]> Camping rules in Portugal https://oceancamper.com/camping-rules-in-portugal/ Thu, 24 Dec 2020 20:10:08 +0000 https://oceancamper.com/?p=3265 Tips for a successful road trip. Best camping Apps. Wild camping, fire, mosquitos, health insurance.

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Camping rules in Portugal

Picture of Nina

Nina

Ocean Camper CEO

Index

  1. Wild camping in Portugal
  2. Where to stay overnight
  3. Other camping rules

Is wild camping allowed? Can I camp overnight wherever I want? What are the rules for camping in Portugal? We answer all these questions!

Camping provides your all the freedom of choosing every day a new place to pass a night, new beaches, cities, villages, rivers and landscapes, and it is the best way to discover Portugal. In order to keep camping activity as sustainable as possible and to preserve nature, there are some rules to follow. Next, we will tell you about these rules and other tips to consider when camping in Portugal.
caming rules in portugal

Wild camping in Portugal

As of now, sleeping overnight in a van is permitted, with some restrictions. It is forbidden to stay overnight in the coastline (in front of the beach), in all natural protected areas, natural reserves and parks (marked with dark green in google maps, e.g. Costa Vicentina Natural Park), and also places that have specific signs saying campervans are not allowed. Except for these places, you can stay overnight for up to a maximum of 48h.

Moreover, out of common ethics, you must respect private houses, gardens, coffees and other businesses, by not camping or making meals in front of those. Also, during the summer, in busy parking lots, you must not occupy more than one parking place with camping equipment.

 

Where to stay overnight

We advise staying overnight in places purposely prepared for this matter. Here are some suggestions where you can camp for an overnight:

  1. Campsites. Check here our list of recommended campsites in Algarve and West Coast with photos and tips. To find campsites around, you can use this website https://www.camping.info/en and the mobile App Park4night where you can find campsites (icon is the back tent) with photos and comments of the camping community (for android and apple).
  2. Farms. At the platform EasyCamp you can stay overnight at a farm for 10-30€/night. In addition, you always will get a welcome basket with the farm´s products, such as wine, cheese, olives, fruits or vegetables. Know more at https://portugaleasycamp.com/en/.
  3. Parks, small campsites, gardens or private land. At the platform Homecamper you have a wide choice of private places and small campsites for a low price, usually 5-15€/night. See more in https://www.homecamper.com.
  4. Some towns have parkings for free for campervans. These are parking lots that a municipality or city reserves for campervans, usually with no facilities (no wc or shower), only with garbage bins.
other camping rules in portugal

Other camping rules

Respecting the parking lot: during the day at crowded parking lots, do not occupy the parking next to you with the camping table and chairs, especially near crowded beaches.

Managing the trash: Throw the garbage bags in the big garbage bin, and close with the lid in order that curious animals such as foxes and birds will not be able to access the trash. Do not put your big garbage bag in small garbage bins, as these small bins are meant for small amounts of trash. If you don’t mind, collect the trash in nature near to you, even if it is not yours, help us to make nature cleaner than it was.

Please, never leave any toilet paper in nature, it takes very long to disappear and it is the main reason for strict camping rules in Portugal.

1591515780604-e1609174690599

It is forbidden to make a fire during the dry season in Portugal. We recommend using in the campsites the small bbq that we provide for free with a campervan or tent. For this, you only have to buy coal, which makes minimal smoke, and you will be able, not only to grill fish, meat and vegetables but also warm up feet while drinking a glass of wine and appreciating the stars during the night.

For a safe bbq, be sure that it is not too windy, never leave a fire unattended, keep some water supply nearby and when leaving your fire, turn it off with water (e.g. with the shower in our vans), making it fully extinguished. In case of fire call emergency number 112.

These are shortly the main rules of camping in Portugal. If you have any suggestions to add to this list please do not hesitate to contact us.

Ocean Camper wishes a safe and pleasant camping holiday in Portugal.

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]]> Faro https://oceancamper.com/faro/ Thu, 24 Dec 2020 18:59:36 +0000 https://oceancamper.com/?p=3204 How to go from the airport to Faro city center or Praia de Faro? Bus time schedule. Best restaurants in Faro.

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Faro

Picture of Nina

Nina

Ocean Camper CEO

Index

  1. How to Get out of Faro airport
  2. Restaurants in walking distance from the Airport
  3. Restaurants in walking distance from the bus- or traintation
  4. What to do in Faro? Some suggestions

Your start from the airport

Faro airport is located outside of the town, 3km away from Faro beach and 6km away from the Faro city center.

Get out of Faro airport: transports

Restaurants in walking distance from the Airport:

  • A Tapita: Portuguese tapas and usual dishes of the day, 1.2km distance from the airport; Map here
  • Os Manos: Grilled fresh fish, mid-price, 1.2km distance from the airport; Map here
  • Sr. Frango: Very good grilled chicken, cheap, 1.9km distance from the airport; Map here

Restaurants in walking distance from the bus- or trainstation:

  • O Chalavar: Grilled fresh fish, shellfish, and meat; traditional-style restaurant; low price; Map here
  • A Tasca do João: premium Portuguese tapas; normal price; Map here
  • Portas de São Pedro: Amazing Portuguese tapas & food; normal price; Map here
  • A Venda: Portuguese tapas, unusual style restaurant; Map here
  • O Cruzeiro: Traditional fish and meat dishes; open only for dinner; Map here
  • These are our personal recommendations of places that are special, provide amazing food, and are affordable. However in Faro often many other amazing restaurants are emerging, you can find them by walking in the center and looking at  the menu.

What to do in Faro? Some suggestions:

  • Bird watching tour by boat
  • Boat tour in Ria Formosa
  • Visit Islands near to Faro (Ilha deserta, Ilha do Farol, Culatra)
  • Touristic city train: A train that goes through Faro
  • Visit Ilha Deserta by boat starting here
  • Local fish & fruit market, open every day from 7am to 1am, located here
  • Get more ideas on what to do on the KAYAK FaroTravel Guide

Check Our Other Posts:

Finding Toilet when camping

When camping in Portugal with a small campervan without a toilet, arises a question about the management of the need of using the bathroom. Here are some suggestions for WC

Read More »
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]]> Portuguese Food https://oceancamper.com/portuguese-food/ Tue, 22 Dec 2020 19:22:49 +0000 https://oceancamper.com/?p=3218 Must try food in Portugal. Recommendations for typical dishes: fish, meat, olive oil and wine are the tastiest.

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Portuguese Food

Picture of Nina

Nina

Ocean Camper CEO

Index

  1. Local fish – the essence of Portuguese food
  2. Shellfish of Portugal
  3. Typical meat dishes
  4. Local fruits and vegetables
  5. Other local specialities
camarao grelhado
robalo grelhado
polvo à lagareiro

Local fish - the essence of Portuguese food

The best local grilled fishes are:

  • Sardines (PT: Sardinhas)
  • Seabream (Dourada)
  • Seabass (Robalo)
  • Squids (Lulas)
  • Shrimps (Camarão)
  • Octopus (Polvo), e.g. Polvo á Lagareiro – baked octopus with oil and garlic
  • Other good fish dishes are Cataplana and Fish stew.
conquilhas-rent-a-tent
lingueirao-rent-a-tent
Ostra-rent-a-tent-in-portugal-low-cost-1024x576

Shellfish of Portugal

  • Amêijoa (Clams)
  • Lingueirão (Razor clams)
  • Conquilhas (Wedge clams)
  • Berbigão (Cockle) – Cheapest clams
  • Ostras (Oysters) – Best raw or opened in BBQ with lemon
  • Usually, shellfish is served as a starter, in a sauce made of white wine+garlic+olive oil and coriander (pt: à bulhão de pato) and eaten with a piece of bread.
  • Also, shellfish can be found in dishes like rice, cataplana, and stews.
chouriço assado
carne à portuguesa
port wine meat

Typical meat dishes

  • Chouriço assado (Portuguese Roasted Sausage) – starter, served with a piece of bread.
  • Carne à Alentejana (Alentejo´s style meat) – is a very tasty recipe of meat in small cubes with white wine & garlic sauce, pickles, and some clams.
  • Carne à Portuguesa (Portuguese style meat) – is the recipe above but without clams.
  • Any meat in Port wine sauce: is one of the traditional recipes to prepare meat in Portugal, very tasteful.
  • In Portugal are plenty of restaurant with very good grilled chicken, as well as good grilled meat.
mangas mercado
vegetables mercado
mercado vegetables

Local fruits and vegetables

Most of the local fruits are seasonal, meaning that you can buy them only in a specific time of the year. You can buy it matured in local markets usually on Saturdays or Sundays or every morning in Mercado Municipal of each town.

Portuguese local fruits & vegetables:

  • Avocado: autumn & winter
  • All citrus fruits
  • Mango: summer & autumn
  • Papaya: summer & autumn
  • Peaches: summer & autumn
  • Pomegranates: autumn
  • Custard apple
  • Maracuja: summer & autumn
  • Figs: August & September
  • Bananas from Madeira Island
  • Pineapple from Azores Islands
  • And all the common tasty vegetables

Other local specialities

[Wine] You barely do things wrong when buying wine in Portugal. The cheap wines are often as good as the expensive ones. Get a bottle of wine from Alentejo and you can´t be wrong. Often the younger wines are the better choice.

[Olive oil] How to choose a good one:
– Extra-virgin olive oil is the one extracted from cold pressing of the olives
– Virgin olive oil comes from the 2nd pressing;
– Just olive oil comes from the 3rd pressing.

Good olive oil has very low acidity (0.80% or less)

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