Monte Carvalhal da Rocha - Campground

We chose a lovely pitch under the big trees, away from the other campers, with a great view of the beach. Sleeping to the sound of wind in the leaves and waking up to that scenery was worth five stars on its own. We were there at the end of September, so the campsite was quiet and we could pitch our tent wherever we liked. The large pool is beautiful, though swimming costs €5. The beach is also beautiful and just a two-minute drive downhill. The staff were friendly and accommodating. The sanitary block was spacious and clean, with lots of toilets, space to wash dishes and clothes, and somewhere to rinse sandy feet. The showers had hot water, and the roomy cabins kept clothes and belongings dry. The restaurant was open, but the pizzeria and supermarket were closed, probably because it was off season. We thought the restaurant was pretty pricey, so we ate dinner outside the site instead. A really good stay, with quiet nights and lovely surroundings.

The outdoor space was a lovely bonus, a great place to wind down at the end of the day. We stayed three nights in the ocean-view apartment and loved it. It was spacious, very clean, and had everything we needed. Seeing the ocean as soon as we stepped outside each morning was amazing. Couldn't have asked for a better stay, highly recommend.

I found a spot on the lowest terrace to have dinner and watch the sunset. The campsite was peaceful, with birds singing and friendly people around. It’s a small place and wasn’t crowded at all. I spent four nights there and really enjoyed it. The pitches under the trees were roomy enough, and the toilets and showers were large and clean. Nearby beaches are within walking distance, and the one you reach by climbing down the cliff was almost empty. I’d recommend the place and will be back!

The bar staff were lovely, the pool was good, and everything was clean. Still, the constant checks left me feeling watched and uneasy, so we left the next morning. When we arrived, there were no wristbands and we were told to use our day tickets. Later that afternoon someone asked whether I was staying on site. I showed my ticket, but they said I needed a wristband. I explained there weren't any, then said I’d go to reception to get one. I was escorted there to make sure I got it, and something similar happened to my daughter. I didn’t need an escort, and it made me feel as though I’d done something wrong, while other people without wristbands walked around unchallenged. The rules also seemed inconsistent. Some people were told not to take beer to the pool, while others were allowed to paddle in the children's pool with glass beer bottles. When I mentioned to reception that they seemed very security conscious, I was snapped at with, “No, I don’t think we are.” It was only an observation, not a criticism. The atmosphere made us feel like we’d done something wrong when we hadn’t, and the apparent need for security just felt uneasy. It wasn't relaxing.