SPAIN AND PORTUGAL - CamperStop Europe
Transcription
SPAIN AND PORTUGAL - CamperStop Europe
Aires ALL THE SPAIN AND PORTUGAL Go Motorhoming I I N T RO D U C T I O N Many thanks to the following Aire Heads, who provided information and pictures of the Aires they visited: Mr B Smith, Andy and Sue Glasgow, Brin & Mel from www.jormaxwindbreaks.co.uk Special thanks to: Chris Gladman, Andy and Sue Glasgow, Michelle Allen, Freda Gladman, Alf Anderson of www.alfanderson.co.uk First published in Great Britain by Vicarious Books LLP, 2009. This edition published 2009. © Vicarious Books LLP 2009. Copyright © text Vicarious Books LLP. All rights reserved. Copyright © photographs Vicarious Books LLP unless otherwise stated. Front Cover main image: Jacinto ISBN: 978-0-9552808-4-9 Except as otherwise permitted under Copyright, Design and Patents Act, 1998, this publication may only be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form, or by any means, with the prior permission in writing of the publisher. Copyright law protects the GPS co-ordinates published in this guide. Publishing them in any format will not be tolerated. Although the authors and Vicarious Books have taken all reasonable care in preparing this book, we make no warranty about the accuracy or completeness of its content and, to the maximum extent permitted, disclaim all liability arising from its use. Vicarious Books LLP, 62 Tontine Street, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 1JP. Tel:0131 2083333 www.VicariousBooks.co.uk Editors: Meli George and Chris Doree Design and artwork by: Chris Gladman Design Tel: 07745 856652 Welcome to the first edition of All The Aires Spain & Portugal. 110 Aires have been inspected and photographed during 2008, making this the most up-to-date, comprehensive and accurate guide of its kind. Using Aires Aires symbolise the freedom of motorhoming. You are welcomed into local communities, where you can stay overnight at unique locations unavailable to other What are Aires: Aire is the French word for area, for lack of an established name in English for the special motorhome parking and service areas found across Europe we have adopted the French name, Aires de Service or Aires for short. These motorhome Aires provide some or all of the following; overnight parking, a service point for water collection and disposal of waste fluids. In Spain and Portugal these Aires are called ‘Area de Servicios para Autocaravanas’ area of service for motorhomes, these are located in towns and villages across Spain and Portugal. park sympathetically to your neighbours and use the service point and facilities responsibly Who can use Aires? Motorhomes only, in general the law forbids caravans and tents from using these Aires. The law permits motorhomes to be parked responsibly and their users to cook and sleep in them. But the law does not allow for camping, for example winding out awnings, in general the law forbids caravans and tents from using these Aires and putting out tables and chairs. If you want to camp, use one of the 1200 campsites in Spain and Portugal. 2 travellers. These are a luxury not a right, so park sympathetically to your neighbours and use the service point and facilities responsibly and always abide by the RESPECT rules: Respect the Environment Elect to use un-crowded Aires Shop Locally Park responsibly Exercise courteous behaviour Communicate with others Totally abide by these rules Responsible use of Aires is vital so that local communities keep them open, use them but don’t abuse them. Many Aires are paid for by the local community, so repay this service by spending freely in the local shops, restaurants or garages. Remember you represent the motorhome community, bad behaviour leads to resentment and Aires closing. www.VicariousBooks.co.uk 3 M A P O F S PA I N A N D P O RT U GA L 1 A B C D E F G 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Cabo Ortegal CONTENTS Page A20 Sabres Cabo de Alès Mimizan AGEN Rodez Ortigueira Viveiro D 29 Peñas Millau Introduction 3 Nérac Nérac MontMontPlymouth MONTAUBAN MONTAUBAN 27 Ferrol de-Marsan de-Marsan Luarca Avilés NÎMES NÎM How to use NÎMES A75 Condom Castets Gijón LA CORUÑA 25 24 Ribadeo Ribadeo Bay of Biscay A the Guide 28 Albi 6 A62 Llanes SANTANDER Mondoñedo Mondoñedo E Carbalio A55 Carbalio 26 F R A N C TOULOUSE E F R A N C E Auch Dax TOULOUSE Bayonne Laredo Explanation of OVIEDO 23 Meira DONOSTIA Corcubion Ordenes AP9 A6 MONTPELLIER MONTPELLIER 21 22 O 83 Mirande Castres an entry 6 SAN SEBATIÁN Melide Muret 1 A8 A64 TARBES 30 Lugo A66 Mieres Cabo Fisterra 33 34 Potes 3 79 78TARBES 2 Explanation of A8 Carcassonne Padron BILBAO BILBAO PAU Villablino Tolosa TolosaPAU an LPG entry 7 84 Chantada 35 Lalin 80 Reinosa Riaño 5 4 Reinosa Lourdes Riaño A61 A6 32 31 Aires in Spain St-Gaudens Foix T Oran, Pontevedra 81 VitoriaMiranda 20 Vitoria- Miranda St-Girons & Portugal LEÓN PAMPLONA de Ebru ORENSE 38 Ponferrada ORENSE LEÓN Gasteiz de Ebru Gasteiz VIGO C Andorra the Facts 9 Osorno 82 PERPIGNAN B 19 37 LOGROÑO LOGROÑO Bielsa la Vella A71 A15 36 A1 6 BURGOS 9 Updates 9 Sanguesa Valenca do Minho 8 7 Verin A3 Cabo de Further Salas de Calahorra Viana do Castelo Creus Information 10 los Infantes Palencia 10 Huesca Braga Chaves Benavente B 74 Tudela Lerma A Olot Olot AP7 Bragance Directions 10 Tarazona Tarazona Guimarães Vic Solsona Palafrugell VALLADOLID 1 Zamora Monzon Balaguer Zuera Monzon BalaguerGirona 76 A 17 GPS navigation 10 Girona 11 A68 Manresa Soria Manresa Soria Palamos Vila Real Vila Real Matosinhos 12 Tàrrega Signs 10 SARAGOZA Blanes Tordesillas Sabadell Tàrrega Terrasa Sabadell 73 LLEIDA LLEIDA Iscar 14 Tordesillas AP2 Terrasa 3 PORTO Almazan PORTO Mataró 16 Fraga 18 75 Parking 11 Ayllon 77 Espinho N Igualada 39 Calatayud C Motorway 15 Cantalejo Bujaraloz 4 Bujaraloz 72 Ébra D Sitges Lumbrales 2 5 13 Salamanca Caspe BARCELONA M 71 A1 parking 11 Hijar 68 20 Medinacelli Medinacelli Daroca Viseu Aveiro C 38 Segovie Genova, Ibiza, Tarragone Alcañiz Alcañiz Large B Molina I Mallorca Guarda Guarda 6 69 70 Ávila motorhomes 11 Vila Guadalajara Guadalajara Monroyo COIMBRA Béjar COIMBRA A6 Formosa Montalban 40 Service points 12 67 66 Covilhã El Barco A1 MADRID Alcala de MADRID Amposta Morella Using service Pombal de Avila 8 E Cañaveras Henares Vinaròs P O RPlasencia T UG AL PO RTU GAL Teruel Leganes Leganes points 12 Peñíscola AP7 Getafe Getafe Castelo 13 Leiria Tarancón D Service points 13 Coria Cuenca L 24 25 Nazaré K Branco Gardete 63 64 A5 Ciutadalla Ademuz Abrantes Abrantes 33 42 65 Benicasim 7 F 9 Drinking water 14 Tage Cañete Cañete Peniche Alcantara TOLEDO G Mora Segorbe Cáceres Vilareal Alpalhão Mallorca Alpalhão Alcudia 32 Grey water 14 31 41 s Santarém Santarém Guadalupe Llira Sagunto A4 Belmonte S PA I N nd M 21 26 10 11 12 A8 Toilet disposal 15 PALMA Portalegre sla Madridejos I Utiel Herrera Herrera Manacor 15 A5 ic Requena A66 Electricity 15 r K 22 23 Amadora Amadora a VALENCIA A31 del Duque del Duque le Tomelloso Tomelloso Torrent Estremoz LISBOA A6 34 MERIDA Barcelona, Ibiza, Alborea Cascais Ba Euro Relais 16 Daimiel 62 Alginet Daimiel J LISBOA 16 Cullera Valencia 35 14 Elvas Badajoz La Roda 45 Elvas Badajoz Ciudad RealLa Roda Ciudad Real 61 Service points Manzanares Manzanares ALBACETE ALBACETE Gandia Funchal 37 Almendralejo Setubal E open all year 60 16 Almaden Castuera Valdepeñas Valdepeñas Castuera H 17 Évora 36 39 Ibiza 19 Denia Almansa A7 Alcazaz Service points Zafra Portel 58 Cabo de la Nao 18 Grándola Pozoblanco Puertollano A4 43 59 on motorways 16 Xabia Hellin Jumilla Beja Moura La Carolina Sines Benidorm Getting There 17 I Elda Elda Monesterio Caravaca Cercal Linares ALICANTE Ferries 18 Serpa Rosal de Aracena Montoro Andujar de la Cruz Elche Oran CORDOBA Constantina la Frontera Odemira By Road 19 A4 Constantina J Cazorla Mértola Torrevieja P 28 Guadaiçuivir Ferry Ports 21 48 52 A7 44 MURCIA MURCIA Aljezur 27 A2 A45 Huéscar Jaen Lorca SEVILLA SEVILLA H F A49 San Javier Portugal 23 N 49 G Aguilar Aguilar Sagres O Huercal Huercal Lucena Lucena Lagos 29 Surfing 38 54 Overa 30 Ayamonte HUELVA Overa 57 Guadix Guadix Cartagena Cabo de 46 47 Barragems 44 Faro Tavira Osuna L Utrera Aguilas Albox São Vincente GRANADA 51 53 A92 55 56 Gulf Vera AP4 Spain 51 85 Antequera of Cadix A7 Wine Route 72 Berja Jeréz de la Frontera F Nijar Ronda Adra 50 Nerja Nerja Olive Route 80 Medina AP7 CÁDIZ ALMERIA ALMERIA MÁLAGA Motril Sidonia Cabo de Gata LPG Portugal 103 San Fernando Marbella G LPG Spain Canary Islands Estepona 112 Melilla Melilla Algeciras Gibraltar Index 122 Strait of Gilbralta Tarifa Aire\LPG Tanger Submission Form 125 1 4 2 M A P O F S PA I N A N D P O RT U GA L 2 3 www.VicariousBooks.co.uk 4 5 6 7 8 www.VicariousBooks.co.uk 9 5 H OW TO U S E T H I S G U I D E H OW TO U S E T H I S G U I D E Explanation of an entry 1 SANTUARIO (FATIMA) Explanation of an LPG entry 2 3 4 * I D2 5 9 6 7 N39°38.003’W008°40.217’ 1 MEALHADA SERVICE STATION 2495 2 3 4 BP C2 B Directions: Rue de Sao Vicente de Paulo. Located 200m North East of the Santuario. Follow sp ‘Santuario Parques’ from roundabout on main route through. In car park sp ‘Ligeiros’ adj to car park 2 (Parque No.2). 5 6 N40°19.971'W008°29.531' 3050 Directions: A1/IP1. Located on A1/IP1 toll motorway between Junc 13 & 14. Identical BP services stations on both sides (GPS taken travelling North). Sanitation: b ; x { w Q 8 ] _ Aire Details: M z , ; | ) 8 ] _ , 10; caravans = Custom; lift drain also permitted. in each bay. 8 Excellent access ! Large un-level bays, each with picnic benches and a drain. Only 200m from the very impressive church, this is a religious town of significance, well worth a visit. Leisure Information: V G 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 Town name. Very nice Aire. Ambience (type of area), see key opposite. Grid reference. Map reference. GPS co-ordinates. Postcode. Colour photos of Aire. Directions to Aire starting with road name or number. 10 At a glance sanitation symbols, see key opposite. 10 11 F y 2 7 9: ` 5 12 13 14 15 11 At a glance Aire symbols, see key opposite. 12 Number of places; time limitations; cost per night. 13 Type of service point; cost; payment type. 14 Additional information including; distance to town. 15 At a glance Information symbols, see key opposite. 8 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Town name. Brand. Grid reference. Map reference. GPS co-ordinates. Postcode. Large motorhome access. Colour photos of LPG Station. Directions to Aire starting with road name or number. KEY TO SYMBOLS Ambience (type of area) a [ b 9 Coastal Residential Urban h ) , Rural Village Riverside or lakeside w Q ] _ Toilets y Children’s play area Boules Tennis j I * ! Farm Park Day parking Warning Sanitation and Aire b ; x { Water Grey water disposal Toilet disposal Electric hook up Disabled toilet Free of charge Open all year , ; | ) Hard surface Sloping Illuminated Noisy M z Overnight parking poss. 8 Large motorhomes Designated motorhome parking Leisure Information V G F Shaded parking Green space suitable for dogs/children Picnic tables/benches 2 7 9 : ` Walking - path or trail Marked cycle route Fishing 5 Boating (unmotorised) Note: Facility only available when symbol highlighted. 6 www.VicariousBooks.co.uk www.VicariousBooks.co.uk 7 H OW TO U S E T H I S G U I D E H OW TO U S E T H I S G U I D E Aires in Spain & Portugal – the facts. Updates With the release in 2007 of the sister publication to this guide All the Aires France most people are now aware how common Aires are in France. Unfortunately Aires are not as common in Spain or Portugal, the first being built around 2003 and until this publication, were a very well kept secret. In general the Spanish and Portuguese Aires are unpublicised and underused. This has had two effects, some are in brand new never been touched condition, whilst others have fallen into disrepair with local communities seeing little increase in tourism. In the main they are pleasant, fully serviced, motorhome only areas that are perfectly safe to stop overnight at. Aires are constantly developing, new ones appear and old ones deteriorate, whilst others improve or move. Your information is vital to keep this guide up to date. It is just as important to tell us the information is correct, as when things change or an error is found. If you find a new Aire we really want to know all about it. Please fill in the forms from the back of this guide. Vicarious Books champions responsible tourism. Please take your responsibility seriously. Spanish and Portuguese Aires networks are still in their fragile early stages, so it is even more important that you abide by the rules, do not overstay your welcome and try to spend locally what you are saving in campsite fees. Users of this guide are going to have the biggest impact on the future of the Aires networks in Spain and Portugal. Therefore your behaviour must be impeccable – absolutely no camping, no irresponsible waste disposal and exercise water conservation at all times. We would all like to see the Aires networks grow; this will only happen if motorhomes are seen as positive visitors. In Spain and Portugal, more than any other country in Europe, it really is a case of: Use it, don’t abuse it, or lose it! 8 www.VicariousBooks.co.uk Good pictures are needed, sunny shots that show as much as possible. We know you love your camper but the best pictures are taken further back. Take pictures in several directions and one of the service point. This way we might see something you have missed. Please name photos with the town name, region and the name you want credited if they are published. We make every effort to ensure the information is accurate; however we do have both gremlins and humans in the office so errors can occur. Vicarious Books LLP cannot be held accountable for the quality, safety or operation of the area concerned, or for the fact that conditions, facilities, management or prices may have changed. If something is wrong, the directions or information incorrect or changed, please tell us so we can then update it. Make a difference and keep this guide the best. www.VicariousBooks.co.uk 9 F U RT H E R I N F O R M AT I O N F U RT H E R I N F O R M AT I O N Directions Parking Every effort is made to ensure directions are correct, however Spain, and to a lesser extent Portugal, have engaged in a monumental road building programme. Spain now has the best road network in Europe, new roads are everywhere, most old roads have been improved and resurfaced and in the main there is little traffic. As a result of this road building all mapping is out of date. 2008 Michelin Spain and Portugal map was used when inspecting the Aires and for the direction writing of this guide. Local road numbers where recorded to help eliminate errors. Before visiting Spain or Portugal buy the most up-to-date mapping you can and update your GPS navigator. Aires operate on a first come first served basis, it is not possible to reserve a space. Always park in designated bays if provided and never obstruct roadways or service points. If the Aire is full find another one. Always park in the allotted spaces at the Aire, not in another place that you prefer the look of. Never put out camping equipment or awnings. Most of the inland Aires are quiet, however those nearer the sea attract more visitors. GPS navigation: When using GPS/Navigation aids, remember that your system may choose an unsuitable unnavigable route, due to width, height, or weight restrictions. Postcodes in Spain and Portugal cover a 10km radius; therefore you will also need to input a town name and street. We would advise that you Portuguese toll motorways are restricted to 12 hours access and are recorded on the ticket. Exceeding this time could result in a fine. Large motorhomes: Very few European people own motorhomes over 7 metres. Most Aires are designed to accommodate 6 metre motorhomes. A symbol is provided on those listings where it should be possible for larger motorhomes (over 7 metres) to use the Aire or Service Point. During busy periods access may not be possible, then there is the moral question, should large motorhomes take more than a space? The following signs are commonly used: always read the directions provided and check the route against a printed map. Signs: When provided it is advisable to follow the motorhome symbols to the location of an Aire. Signs and symbols take several forms so you need to look carefully for them. There are some examples on this page. Symbols may identify parking area. Left: No parking except motorhomes. Right: Sometimes in Portugal a caravan symbol is used. Parking may be marked on the tarmac. Motorway parking: Some service points are located at motorway service stations and these often have what appears to be suitable parking. Never park overnight at motorway service stations. Use the service points only in an emergency and be vigilant at all times. Local traffic police on the AP7 confirmed that motorhomes and trucks were being broken into on that motorway, they believed it was a national problem on the motorway network. 10 www.VicariousBooks.co.uk The signs can be subtle as shown in the two examples above. www.VicariousBooks.co.uk 11 S E RV I C E P O I N T S S E RV I C E P O I N T S Using service points Service points Service points provide three main functions: replenish fresh water, dispose of used (grey) water and toilet (black) waste. Service points should always be kept clear so park on the service point only as long as is necessary to carry out exchange of fluids. Most service points in Spain are “custombuilt” by local craftsmen with inevitable differences in design and construction, most are simple but durable and electricity is rarely provided. This has several benefits, they are rarely broken, they normally incorporate a lift or flip up ground level drain cover, they don’t require tokens and are normally free to use all year round. Sometimes the layout of a service point is confusing or a facility is a little way from where you expect it to be. Aires in Portugal also mainly have custom-built service points; occasionally the French brand, Euro Relais service points have been installed. Left: Be responsible. If the service point is out of order, don’t make the situation worse. Right: Free electricity is becoming less common. On Aires with free electricity it is common to see a multitude of cables connected to motorhomes. Generally service points are well signed. Never use the fresh water tap for anything other that fresh water collection. Most custom service points are well designed. Drains provided for grey water are often poorly located and designed. It may take some time to manoeuvre directly over the drain. Left: Sometimes the toilet emptying point is covered by a grid. Right: Having donned tough rubber gloves you should lift the grid before emptying thus preventing solids and paper being left high and dry. 12 Left: The motorhome symbol can change but usually looks similar. Right: This sign indicates a service point. In Spain and Portugal it is common for there to be a lift up cover for toilet waste emptying. Left: Having emptied the toilet, flush the drain with your grey water or use the flushing system. Right: Once the area is clean, replace the grid. www.VicariousBooks.co.uk Occasionally in Portugal Euro Relais Minis are used. www.VicariousBooks.co.uk 13 S E RV I C E P O I N T S S E RV I C E P O I N T S Drinking water: Spanish and Portuguese tap water is palatable although occasionally it can be heavily chlorinated. We drank unfiltered tap water throughout our research trips with no ill effects. Often there are two water taps at a service point side by side, if the intention is for them to be used for different functions this has not been made obvious. Using disinfectant wipes or spray before drawing water will improve hygiene. Tap fittings vary widely in type and size, generally they are push button. The diameter of the tap outlet may make hose filling impossible. Left: Some taps are so wide that a common hose will not fit. Right: This sign reads 'drinking water' in Portuguese but in general taps are not marked. Toilet disposal: Only use the designated facility, lifting or flipping up grids before emptying. This is sometimes marked with ‘WC’. Marine tanks can be emptied at most service points; this has been highlighted in the listings with the large vehicle symbol. A flexible pipe will often be required to reach the drain but should be used to ensure accurate waste disposal. Do not rush toilet emptying, as spillage will occur. Ensure that any mess is cleaned up and NEVER use the fresh water tap to rinse cassettes. This is a common push button tap. Grey water: Generally a ground level drain is provided, often with a lift up section. These are normally well made and in good condition but every care should be taken when driving onto these points not to cause any damage, especially with heavy motorhomes. Take a length of flexible pipe to direct water accurately. Lift up covers are common for toilet waste disposal. Left: Covers are marked WC but can be some way from the water tap. Right: Sometimes water taps are clearly marked like this one saying 'cassette washing' in Portugese. Electricity: Electricity is rarely available on Aires in Spain and Portugal. If it is available, expect to share. Above: Two pin plugs may be required. This is a very common style of drain. Left: In most cases the best way to get electric is to pay for it. This is the electric point at Barcelona Park and Ride. Occasionally there is a lift up flap in the grid. 14 Often the grey drain has a removable cover ideal for tanks that empty via a pipe. www.VicariousBooks.co.uk Right: When electricity is provided there may not be enough plug sockets to go round at Caceres there are 3 sockets for all the motorhomes. www.VicariousBooks.co.uk 15 S E RV I C E P O I N T S Euro Relais Portugal has installed a handful of Euro Relais Mini service points. These are easy to use and often have two water taps, one for toilet rinsing and one for drinking water. A lift up cover at the base enables access to the toilet emptying chamber. None of these service points require tokens, if you find one that does try it first as a few originally took tokens but this has now been abandoned and the service points are free. Toilet emptying point. Service points open all year: Inspections were carried out in late autumn, working service points have been identified. Spain and Portugal are warm countries however during cold periods or in mountainous areas water could be turned off to prevent frost damage. It is likely that this will change year to year so expect to visit several Aires before water is available. vigilance should be taken, due to the high risk of crime reported on motorway services. Stop no longer than is absolutely necessary. Service points on motorways: These should be used in emergencies only and extra 16 www.VicariousBooks.co.uk