Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | For most of our time on the Algarve coast, we parked our campervan in a parking lot in Albufeira. The parking lot is called Parque de Palmeira and is within walking distance of the city center. The place is actually a former football field and according to the website, the income from the parking lot goes to travel and other expenses for several youth football teams.
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
Share
ShareTable of contents
Parque de Palmeira – motorhome parking in Albufeira
Parque de Palmeira is a classic camping site where campers are parked in long rows on hard ground. This site has everything you need:
- Possibility to empty greywater and blackwater
- Possibility to refill with fresh water
- Electricity (possibly only 6 amps)
- Toilets and showers
- Washing machines (at extra cost)
Our experiences with the campsite
Overall, we were very satisfied with our time at Parque de Palmeira in Albufeira. For a relatively low price you get good service.
The only thing that has been lacking is that the electricity has sometimes not been enough for all the campers parked here. In the winter, when it gets cold at night, there are probably many people who use electricity to get heat, and then the electricity has simply not been enough. Some tried to complain and were then told that "You don't pay for the electricity, but for the place. We provide the electricity."”
Apart from this we have been satisfied, and we have had nothing else to complain about. We also used the washing machines when needed, and this worked great.
Excellent location in Albufeira
The campsite in Albufeira is relatively well located with a very short walk to supermarkets and the Albufeira market that is held occasionally. Walking to the centre takes about 15 minutes, and then you have shopping centres, restaurants and lots of bars to choose from. Walking to the Old Town and the beach in Albufeira takes a little longer – around half an hour in total.
READ MORE: Things to do in Albufeira on the Algarve coast – 8 tips
Lots of Swedes - and sometimes parties
The Parque de Palmeira car park in Albufeira is popular with Swedes, and there are relatively many Swedish motorhomes here. During the time we have been here life at the site has been very social. There is always someone to talk to, and every now and then there is a party at the site!
Read more about Portugal
Want to see and experience more during your trip to Portugal? Here you will find tips, reports and more reading:
- Things to do in Tavira
- Things to do in Lagos
- Portuguese food to try
- Campsites and pitches in Portugal
English (UK) 
Svenska
Znogge says:
You don't need much more than that. Except for some better wifi but that's not even guaranteed in hotels!
07 January 2015 - 19:21
Ama de casa says:
The only problem with pitches is that it's so difficult to pitch your tent pegs there...
😉
07 January 2015 - 19:43
Ditte says:
Not so green surroundings right there, but everything is in place and nice to stay a few nights in one place. Maybe there is a café or restaurant nearby that has wifi?
If you have time, see what Monte Godo has to offer, located a little further south.
I'm really enjoying following your journey...
Stay well!
07 January 2015 - 20:23
Åsa says:
Do you all switch on the lights on the motorhome in the evening to make it a bit festive? (:
If you find a campsite on the Algarve coast where you can camp, please let us know! The children are keen to sleep in tents! But it will be when it gets warmer! Continue to enjoy Portugal! PS. Frida and Jonna thank Peter Pan for the gifts! There will be more monster dolls I think! / Åsa
07 January 2015 - 20:32
admin says:
Znogge, we have bought our own prepaid internet cards here. Not so expensive!
Ama de casa, haha it's true...!
Ditte, caravan sites are often simple, but you don't have to hang out there all day. We have bought our own Internet cards, not so expensive! Will check out Monte Godo!
Åsa, yes Peter lights the underlights every night!!! There is a campsite here in Albufeira but it is not directly on the water but a little higher up, and we have not been there. Will return when we visit a campsite! Great with more monster dolls!
🙂
07 January 2015 - 21:04
Var Dag ett Äventyr says:
But it's ok to stand like that, right?
07 January 2015 - 21:12
Matts Torebring says:
Wow, that was big and good to know. Hugs
07 January 2015 - 21:15
Steve says:
Without any motorhome experience, I can still think that it is a perfectly good site that offers most of what you need.
What's more, the proceeds go to a worthy cause.
07 January 2015 - 23:42
admin says:
Every day is an adventure, absolutely, it's great to stand here!
🙂
Matts, it's a practical and good place to park if you want to look around Albufeira!
Steve, sure, we have everything we need! If the money goes to a good cause, that's great!
08 January 2015 - 0:19
Rkuth i Virginia says:
Looks very crowded there in the car park. Nothing private there.
Hardly room to open the door, but maybe the
it goes inwards.
Don't you disturb each other when you are so close together?
Never been car camping, so don't know anything
08 January 2015 - 7:22
admin says:
Ruth in Virginia, it's just a caravan site and not a campsite. The idea is a simple place, often near a town or attraction, where you can stay legally, safely and cheaply. Motorhomes are welcome on campsites too. They are usually greener, but are also often further away from towns and cities, etc. and are usually more expensive. We think both ways of staying overnight are good, depending on what you are looking for. However, there is a little more space between the cars than it might look like, when I took a photo from the side...
08 January 2015 - 10:09
Anonymous says:
Inside the rather dull café, there is perfect wifi...
08 January 2015 - 11:37
Veiken says:
Now I've caught up on my reading and see what a wonderful stay you have in Portugal. It is probably not so bad with parking spaces. Safe and secure!
08 January 2015 - 17:11
Maggan och Ingemar says:
We also know that parking spot. If the Swedish light blue motorhome "Hugo" is there, you can say hello. Right now we have come to Patra. 🙂
Keep up the good work.
08 January 2015 - 17:17
admin says:
Anonymous, thanks for the tip!
🙂
We are having a great time in Portugal! And that's right, it's safe and sound on a site like this.
Maggan and Ingemar, the Hugo motorhome is here! We spoke to them a few days ago! Of course we will say hello when we talk to them again!
🙂
08 January 2015 - 21:07
Elisabeth says:
You seem to be having a good time too! Albufeira is a nice town with nice beaches. The marina is nice. Have a good time! Elisabeth
08 January 2015 - 22:46
admin says:
Elisabeth, we are fine! We looked at the marina yesterday. A neighbour in Sweden is interested in renting a mooring there.
😉
09 January 2015 - 0:16
Claes Linder says:
Does anyone know how much a mooring costs to rent?
09 January 2015 - 8:01
Katarina Wohlfart says:
Looks so sunny and lovely!
10 January 2015 - 22:35
Lena Dorch says:
Hi there!
Following your nice blog. We are currently camping in Lagos. And yesterday we stayed at the caravan park in Albufeira. Very good. We only paid 6 euros and then everything was included. Will probably go and look at the site here too. Then we will drive up the west coast. Neither my husband nor I have ever been to Portugal.
A bit sad when you have a small dog, they are not as welcome here as they are in France. But thanks for all the good tips. And have a nice summer. /Lena
07 July 2016 - 22:10