Across the border to Portugal and The Algarve

We decided to give Sonny (the motorhome) a change of scenery for a few days and have popped across the border into Portugal, to Manta Rota on the Algarve (only 72kms /45 miles from Punta Umbría).  We are parked up right next to the sea on an aire - Praia de Manta Rota (N37°09’54”, W7°31’15”).  It takes 100 motorhomes and costs only €4.50 a night for the facilities.  We got here at 11:30 and it was nearly full, with motorhomes from Germany, France, Hungary, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium and the UK – a lot from the UK!!   A lot of motorhomers come here for the winter, to get away from the snow and cold weather and just to chill for a few months, and who can blame them.  Most have motorbikes, scooters and bicycles to get around whilst their motorhome is parked up, and the odd crazy ones have towed a car behind them, not sure why they don't have a caravan if they want a car!

Sonny, the motorhome parked up in his new overnight spot by the beach

After putting out our table and chairs and organising for the barbecue for later, it was a short walk over the wooden walkway and onto the beach. 

We were that busy admiring the views in the distance that we nearly tripped up over this jellyfish, that had been washed up by the tide.

Jellyfish, washed up on the beach at Manta Rota

After a brisk stroll along the beach we walked back into Manta Rota.  It’s a very small seaside town and apparently in summer you can’t move for tourists, but there’s not a lot in the town other than a few café/bars, restaurants and one supermarket.  So it was back to the aire to watch the French do what the French like to do – play boules!

The French playing boules

Then it was time to settle down for a nice glass of wine and a barbecue, and to ponder where we will be tomorrow!

Sally x