by Tom Walsh
A popular location for motorhomers in Portugal’s Algarve region has been cleared in a controversial move by the country’s environmental protection officers.
Hundreds of motorhomes had been set up in the “wild-camping” spot outside Portimao near the town of Silves, but the holidaymakers have failed to impress local residents.
A spokesman for the Portuguese GNR environmental protection staff told The Portugal News that locals had lodged numerous complaints, some of which even suggested the spot was being “used like a public bathroom”.
He also emphasised that the riverfront around Silves is not actually licensed and authorised to host campers, many of whom flock to the scenic spot during low seasons.
One local who is not impressed with the move is Rosa Palma, the town’s mayor, who says the council was neither informed nor consulted about the the decision to clear the site.
She added that the council had launched a number of education initiatives to encourage motorhomers to use appropriate parks nearby, but to allow them to stay at the “wild-camping” spot if they chose to abide by certain rules.
Since the tourists offer a much-needed boost to the local economy outside of peak season, she told the news source, authorities should have thought more carefully before taking the “drastic” step.
