Camper Van Hire Europe Travel Advice
Europe Attractions, what to see in Europe, Europe must do's!
Europe truly offers some of the most beautiful natural sights with a variety of landscapes from rolling hills, stunning alps to flat plains throughout the continent, this coupled with amazing history and culture that changes from country to country you can see why Europe continues to attract millions of visitors every year. So why not take your Spaceships campervan to the very heart of it all with the complete freedom of planning your own adventure.
With so many countries to visit, you could literally spend months travelling in your Spaceship and still see new sights, activities, and cultures everyday!
The Region – Southern Europe
Southern Europe, sunny Mediterranean beaches and all the tanned locals, beautiful food, rich history and crowds of tourists both local and from abroad who flock to the sun kissed places every year. You could easily spend weeks on the beach, sipping sangria, gorging on a pizza at authentic restuarants, visiting museums, stunning architecture and art while dancing the night away at a party at a great spot near a beach for weeks on end...Southern Europe is made up of Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Croatia. It is a safe bet that if it is nice weather, beaches, history and a good party that you are after then you will be heading to any of these four southerly countries.
Portugal
Portugal is located in the South West corner of Europe and home to some of the finest beaches in Europe, richest history and 10 million people. Portugal is very popular for tourists but if you venture beyond Lisbon you will find it much less hectic than a Spain or Italy. The Portuguese are one of Europe’s oldest nations and one of the world’s first global empires, heavily influencing the world from the 15th century colonising parts of South America, Africa and Asia.
Lisbon
First we start in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital and Europe’s 2nd most visited city! In Lisbon you shall discover some rich history and learn about how this nation was formed, the famous Earthquake of 1755 which flattened the city and the rebuild to what it stands today, to many explorers who left these shores destined to discover the world. A couple of interesting places in Lisbon we recommend to visit are:
- 1)St Georges Castle – Perched on top and peering onto Lisbon is this great castle. Climb around the castle for some great views of the city
- 2)Belem Tower – Located a short tram ride from the centre. UNESCO listed and build 600 years ago as the beginning of many an explorers journey into the wide open sea! While you are there you must try the ‘Pasteis de Belem’ , some say you haven’t been to Portugal until you have tried one of these..you may have to wait they are pretty popular.
- 3)Jeronimos Monestary – resting place of one of the great Portuguese explorers, Vasco De Gama. It was built 600 years ago and has some wonderful architure.
- 4)Praca do Comercio – The big plaza in Lisbon and the entrance to the city. You will find a big statue of King Jose 1 – treading on snakes! He was reigning over Portugal during the big Earthquake when this plaza was built after.
A recommended great day trip outside Lisbon
Sintra –
Sintra is located about 1 hour from the centre of Lisbon. On top of tree lined mountains you will see some very historic castles built around the 11th century. Take the time to catch a bus directly from Sintra station (run regularly) to these castles and walk around the walls with unbelievable views as far as you can see around the Portugal countryside...a must see!!
The Algarve Peninsula
The Algarve is very popular tourist destination and you will find a lot of people searching for the sun, warm temperatures and sand on the peninsula’s vast array of beaches, stretching 200 kms.
Some great beaches to visit are:
West Algarve – Some of the most beautiful beaches are said to be located on the Western part of the Algarve, Carvoeiro, Praia do Carvoeiro or Ferragudo have some very good Algarve beaches. You also have Lagos which can be very touristy but a must do if you want to party the night away on all the beach bars and lounge around during the day. It still has great beaches but just more crowded.
Central Algarve – Can be the busiest of all the beaches on the Algarve try some of these: Armação de Pêra Praia Grande and as described in our must see below - Albufeira. Check out some good little bays like Praia da Oura and Olhos d'Água,
Eastern Algarve – Monte Gordo is the most popular and well developed (hotels, apartments, and shops) and like Lagos has a fair stretch of beach bars, sand and party! If you were after something a little more secluded then try anywhere between River Guadiana at Vila Real de Santo António to Manta Rota
MUST SEE - Albufeira, a traditional old town in the Western Algarve. Check out the old town with cobbled streets, restaurants and cafes. The beach is about a 15 minute walk from the centre of Albufeira too!
Porto
Second largest in Portugal and where Port Wine originated (for you wine buffs). Porto is located on the River Douro with the centre of town recognised as a UNESCO site. Take a river tour, walk the old town, drink some Port wine or if you are into football, Porto is arguably the best team in Portugal...we didn’t say that though!
Wherever you go in Portugal you no doubt will have an abundance of beaches and nice weather so we encourage hitting the coast and finding your own little places...that’s what the Spaceships for!
If anyone has anything to add about Portugal, any tips, places they have visited or any suggestions for the Portugal page please contact us and we will endeavour to add to this.
We encourage this as it is your fellow Spaceship travellers it will help and leaves your own special advice!
