Thursday 24 January 2013

The weather forecast was for rain all day, so decided to stay "at home" and chill out. In the end the sun did make an appearance so we had a little wander and had coffee in the bar whilst reading emails.

Camping Orbitur Quarteira is part of a chain of campsites throughout Portugal. This particular site is quite large, about half of it given over to holiday chalets/ mobile homes in their own areas. The main camping area is in two parts - the prettiest is nearer the reception, bar etc but is mainly under trees which does, of course, provide welcome shade in the summer. It is, however built on the sides of a hill so levelling becomes a problem. The second area, where we are pitched, is laid out in regular rows, each divide by short hedges and has less cover. This is better at this time of year as the sun can get to you more easily - and when it rains you don't get the trees dripping on you for hours afterwards!

There are toilet blocks all over the site, kept very clean, if a little tired (but no toilet seats!). Only the showers have hot water but that isn't much of a problem. There are also dishwashing areas as well as washing machines and (only one working) tumble dryers.

At this time of the year the restaurant, swimming pool and outdoor disco (!) are closed and the bar/cafe is only open until 7.00. There is a small shop with basics, but a comprehensive "supermercado" is only 2 mins walk down the road towards town.

The camping/caravanning area is about quarter full with many Dutch, quite a few English and a few French, German and Portuguese. Quite a few are obviously staying for an extended period although while here we have seen a steady turnover of short-stay motorhomes. There are quite a number of "permanent" caravans dotted about, a few of which also bear For Sale signs.

Overall it is a very pleasant site that, apart from the ACSI scheme, also offers long-term discounts. It is quite easy to see why it is popular, especially as it is only a gentle 10 mins stroll either to the beach or into town. We would come here again.