We always dream of ultimate freedom, not being bound to a space or land. Vanlife gives us exactly that. We always wanted to immerse ourself in that feeling of freedom, and we found our dream in Algarve, Portugal. Not just found, but rather exceeded what we ever dreamt of. Not sure that's possible? Let us walk you though it and I bet you a penny that you will be convinced.
Our journey starts in the humble town of Faro, Algarve where our flight first landed. We jumped out of our seats and took the bus to where we can take the vintage van we had booked. Siesta campers was a mere 2 bus stops away. When we first lay eyes on our van, we were mesmerised by its aesthetic mood and couldn't wait to start driving away to the nearest beach with it.
A quick spree to the supermarket stocking up on the essentials for next few days of meals, we were enroute to Albufeira to find our sleeping spot for the night. I rummaged through maps looking for the best spot next to the beach and after much searching for the perfect spot we found "Playa de São Rafael". We never thought driving this van would be any trouble, but making a turn seemed like a herculean task, the van resisted with all its might and our arms protested in duress. But we made it to the most incredible view of the cliffs catching the last bit of sun over the beach. A dinner afterwards made our day complete, ready to begin the adventures that follow.
The next day rose with a simmering sun playing hide and seek with the clouds, while we stomped endlessly on the beach, only to find the most clearest of waters, feasting our eyes and soul on the underwater world.
We couldn't have enough of it but alas we have much more to explore and we pressed onwards towards another spot for the night. Finding this spot was incredible, not only we had the perfect view over the sea, but it was almost entirely to ourselves. We could shower in the van, enjoy watching the incredible sunset and then feasting on bountiful dinner as the sun fell into Venus' loving arms.
Next day we rode onwards to Sagres where we found the most incredible local sea bass to satiate ourselves, followed by another plunge into the waves. Afterwards the weather turned sour, and we stopped short of camping on a cliff amongst the lightning bolts, to take refuge in the campsite of Selma Eco Camp.
The next day we set out to the west coast, to be greeted by grinning sun over the cliffs, mesmerized by the view. We had a quick breakfast feasting our eyes over the amazing landscape until the meandering cows and cattle broke our gaze.
Reluctantly, we moved onwards towards the village of "Carrapeitera" , where we found the seemingly endless beach, which stretched on towards the horizon, with surfers dotting where the beach greeted the sea.
We walked for full 30 minutes and we still hadn't covered 1/3rd of it. Such bountiful nature is an amazing thing to behold. Our growling stomach reminded us of the joys village might behold, pulling us back to civilisation. A quick and delicious meal later, we were ready to camp under the stars and the milky way itself, what a bountiful moment.
The sun rose over the beach, waking us with it, and we continued to explore the beach and dip in the beautiful sea, while admiring the incredible vistas it beheld.
The days of freedom slipped past us so quickly, and we started the van one final time to drive back to Faro to return the van and carry with us the memories that would last a lifetime.
The end !
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