Adventure Bike Rider Forum

Seasons greetings to the few I know , who may still be floating about.
If there should be another Ireland meet next year ? it's on my list. Loved that place !
I'm thinking of hibernating down in Southern Portugal for the winter if any one has any advice campsite wise ? (Campervan & Bike)

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Howdy mate, glad your still kicking about being you...

Festive salutations....Portugal sounds a good idea for winter too me..

Happy Christmas one and all…

Merry Christmas everyone.
Today is the shortest day of the year so from now on the days get longer. Soon they'll get warmer too.
Portugal is awesome.

soho wrote: ↑Sat Dec 20, 2025 7:17 pm Seasons greetings to the few I know , who may still be floating about.
If there should be another Ireland meet next year ? it's on my list. Loved that place !
I'm thinking of hibernating down in Southern Portugal for the winter if any one has any advice campsite wise ? (Campervan & Bike)

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Yes,
it is a good place to hibernate.
Of course the days are short during winter. And some periods are rainy. But the peak of rain in Nov-Dec has passed.
But there will always come nice afternoons. Nice for cruising.


I don't have any advice of camping. Good ? Open ? Just check.
But if you have a campervan, you might not need much.
I have seen many parking in Silves. Both campsite and free space.
Very good located place. "in the middle of the best area"
And Silves is beatiful and typical Portugal.
* Roman bridge
* Castle from the arbabic period
* Catolic church
Three cultures and architecture at the same place
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silves,_Portugal




https://maps.app.goo.gl/wu5TRa1RB75A9KYh6


A lot of nice roads in the area. Close also to Spain. And the Ferry to Maroco, if the is interesting.
Everything north of A22 is very nice. => Green circle
Both twisty tarmac. And gravel/dirt for those who prefer that.

If you come to this area.
You can contact me or the Algarve Senior Riders

https://algarveseniorbikers.com


My BaseCamp for this area

Blimey, thanks Eric !

I'm not a generally not a planner, but this info you've posted has confirmed I'm heading in the right direction for winter (First time in Portugal).

Thanks mate,I'm sure I'll be in touch once I'm in the area. ( Just gotta decide which bike to load up ! )

What bike ? Do not make it complicated. Any bike that you like will be good.
I started with a Kawasaki GTR 1400. And many others have big bikes. My friend had a Honda Gold Wing.
But since I mainly ride on twisty tarmac roads with an average speed around 60 km/h. I had no use for that type of bike. I also do some gravel roads. I avoid highways and don't do hard core enduro trail riding. So a bike of the type Royal Himalayan and CF Moto 450 MT or similar is the best compromise for me. But everything from small scooter to large touring bike will work. As long as you like it.

To give you all a picture of how it can be. I will describe the tour that I did 22/12,
Weather at the cost was clear sky, 14 degrees, some wet roads. In the mountains it was around 10 degrees. And a light rain.


Route in Google Maps

https://maps.app.goo.gl/gYXSe7g1sQFbzQtT8

Data:
Distance: 193 km
Helmet time: 3:41 h
Average Speed: 52 km/h
Total climb: 3 456 m
Log from the GPS: Route

Log from the GPS: Altitude

Hills North of Silves.
I have done that hill a couple of time as a “hill climb” Before the surgery of my legs. The only tricky part is the top itself. You have to turn 45 degrees on the top. If you go to fast => Ops.. And getting down is more difficult than getting up.
There are small cafés “everywhere”. Where you can get a coffee in a real mug for 1 €.
Typical "large"road in this area.

A short detour from Alferce, on gravel
to Passadicos Barranco do Demo.
With it's suspension bridge.


https://wetravelportugal.com/barranco-d ... monchique/
View over barragen de Odelouca