Portugal Rally 2026: Your Ultimate Winter Escape Guide with Portugal the Van Club
Winter in the UK can feel endless, can’t it? Grey skies, chilly mornings, and that constant drizzle that seems to follow you everywhere. If you’re anything like us at The Van Club, you’re probably dreaming of sunshine, warm weather, and the open road calling your name. Well, we’ve got something that’ll brighten up those winter blues – our Portugal Rally 2026, taking place from 19th January to 2nd February in the beautiful Algarve.
We’ve been planning this adventure for months, and honestly, we can’t contain our excitement. There’s something magical about escaping the British winter and heading south with a group of fellow van enthusiasts, all seeking that perfect blend of adventure, community, and Portuguese sunshine.
Why Portugal’s Algarve Is Perfect for Winter Van Travel
The Algarve region has captured our hearts for so many reasons. While the UK shivers through January and February, Portugal’s southern coast enjoys mild temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for motorhome travel. We’ve chosen these dates specifically because it’s when Portugal shows off its best winter weather – think 15-18°C days, clear skies, and those stunning Atlantic sunsets that make every evening feel like a celebration.
During our research trips, we’ve found that winter in the Algarve offers something special that the busy summer months simply can’t match. The crowds have gone home, local restaurants focus on welcoming the few visitors with genuine warmth, and you’ll have beaches and scenic viewpoints practically to yourselves. It’s Portugal at its most authentic.
Our Home Base: Camping Albufeira
We’ve selected Camping Albufeira as our base for these 14 nights, and we think you’ll love it as much as we do. Located right in the heart of the Algarve, this campsite gives you the perfect launching pad for both organised adventures and independent exploration.
What really sold us on this location is how well it caters to our community’s needs. Every pitch comes with 10amp electricity – essential for those longer stays when you want to run your heating or charge your devices. We can accommodate motorhomes up to 9 metres, which covers most of our members’ vehicles comfortably.
For those travelling with four-legged family members, here’s brilliant news: dogs are welcome at no extra cost. We know how important it is to bring your furry companions on these adventures, and we’ve made sure they’re as welcome as their humans.
The campsite fees and tourist tax are all included in your rally price, so there won’t be any surprise costs when you arrive. We believe in transparent pricing – you’ll know exactly what you’re paying from the moment you book.
The Journey: Making Getting There Half the Fun
One thing we’ve learned over the years is that the journey to a rally can be just as memorable as the destination itself. For our Portugal Rally, we’re organising optional group travel through France and Spain, with carefully chosen overnight stops that offer great facilities and plenty of charm.
These aren’t just random stops – we’ve researched each location to ensure they provide proper amenities, safe parking, and maybe a local market or restaurant worth visiting. Travelling in small groups means you’ll have company on the road, people to share meals with, and help if anything unexpected happens.
Of course, we completely understand that some of you prefer to travel independently, setting your own pace and perhaps taking detours to places that catch your eye. That’s absolutely fine with us – just meet us at Camping Albufeira when you’re ready to join the rally proper.
We can also arrange bespoke ferry quotes through our partnerships with Brittany Ferries, Le Shuttle, P&O Ferries, and Irish Ferries. These flexible options mean you can choose the route that works best for your schedule and budget.
What Makes This Rally Special
We’ve designed this Portugal Rally to offer the perfect balance between organised activities and personal freedom. Some of you love joining every group activity, while others prefer dipping in and out as the mood takes you. Both approaches are absolutely fine with us.
During your fortnight in Portugal, we’re organising group walks and bike rides through the stunning Algarve countryside. These aren’t gruelling hikes – they’re gentle explorations designed to help you see parts of Portugal that most tourists never experience. Think olive groves, traditional whitewashed villages, and viewpoints that’ll have you reaching for your camera constantly.
Our social evenings on site have become legendary among our members. Whether it’s friendly games, shared meals, or simply sitting around chatting about the day’s adventures, these gatherings are where lifelong friendships are formed. We’ve found that when you remove the distractions of everyday life, people really connect.
We’re also planning excursions to local towns and markets. Portuguese markets are fantastic – vibrant, colourful, and full of local produce that’ll inspire your van cooking for weeks afterwards. Plus, the prices are brilliant compared to what we’re used to back home.
Your Investment in Adventure
At £217 per person (based on two adults sharing a pitch in a motorhome), we believe this rally offers exceptional value for a two-week Portuguese adventure. This price includes your 14 nights of campsite fees, tourist tax, all our organised activities, and our hosting services throughout your stay.
We keep our group sizes deliberately intimate – minimum 15 units, maximum 25 units. This ensures everyone gets to know each other properly while keeping the group manageable for activities and restaurant bookings.
To secure your place, we need a completed booking form and a £150 deposit per unit. If you’re travelling by ferry, we’ll also need a ferry deposit, but we’ll discuss the exact amount when we provide your quote.
Planning Your Portuguese Adventure
We know that planning an overseas rally can feel daunting, especially if it’s your first time taking your motorhome abroad. That’s why we’re here to help every step of the way. From ferry bookings to route planning, insurance questions to what to pack, we’ve got years of experience helping our members prepare for these adventures.
The Portugal Rally represents our biggest overseas adventure yet, and we’re genuinely excited about sharing it with you. There’s something special about escaping the British winter with a group of like-minded people, all seeking sunshine, adventure, and good company.
Remember, attendance at overseas rallies is limited to fully paid-up and active members of The Van Club. Your membership needs to be valid both when you book and throughout the rally duration. This ensures everyone attending is covered under our membership policies and helps us maintain the quality and safety standards our members expect.
Ready for Some Portuguese Sunshine?
Spaces for this rally are limited and we honestly expect them to go quickly. When word gets out about 14 nights of Portuguese sunshine in the middle of winter, at this price, with this level of organisation, our members tend to book fast.
If you’ve been thinking about taking your motorhome abroad, or if you’re ready for your next big adventure, this could be perfect timing. Portugal in winter offers everything we love about van travel – stunning scenery, wonderful weather, friendly locals, and that sense of freedom that comes from having everything you need right there in your home on wheels.
Why not start your 2026 with some sunshine? Contact us today on 0121 6670444 or email hello@thevanclub.co.uk to secure your place on what we’re confident will be an unforgettable Portuguese adventure.