This
is the first in a planned series of books by James Gamgee. Each book will
describe free places for overnight parking for motorhomes and campervans.
This issue covers Portugal and lists 77 places.
Actually, the book is more that just a list of free camping places, there
is an extremely useful introduction section full of general information about
the practicalities of using a motorhome. Subjects such as electrical power
are covered in some detail and there is additional advice on supplies and
equipment, money & banking, internet access, telephones, and much more.
Especially useful is a long list of handy phrases, with plenty of motorhome
specific questions included that you will not find in the usual tourist phrase
book.
Virtually all the locations listed have been visited personally by the author
and this shows in the detailed information, with a description of each site,
directions on how to get there, and details of local amenities such as: Toilets,
water, shops, tourist information, internet cafes, and often the location
of handy places to empty toilets such as liftable sewer covers. Each entry
is accompanied by at least one colour photo, and the GPS coordinates of the
site.
All of the sites are marked on a four page full colour map at the front of
the book.
A very few of the sites are described as 'day only', these are places where
overnight parking is not permitted, or not recommended by the author, but
which provide useful daytime parking and/or facilities.
The book is aimed mainly at motorhome travellers who prefer to use free locations
to stay rather than campsites, however it would be a very useful (we would
go so far as to say essential) addition to the library of anyone travelling
in Portugal by motorhome, the location of the nearest paid campsite to each
free camping spot is a welcome inclusion.
