Book Review: All The Aires Spain And Portugal

Back in the dim mists of time (well, in 2009), we spent four weeks touring around Spain and Portugal in our van conversion. One of the most useful things we took with us was the 1st edition of All the Aires Spain and Portugal.

This kind of guide tends to get out of date after a few years, so when I learned that Vicarious Books had just published an updated 2nd edition of All the Aires Spain and Portugal, I was keen to have a look and see what had changed.

Double the fun

The new edition contains details of 231 aires that were photographed and inspected in 2011/12, more than double the 110 that were included in the original guide, which was published in 2008.

There are other changes, too. A few of the places I remember staying have now been shut, and according to the new book, restrictions on beach-side overnight parking outside of designated aires have been tightened up — no doubt due to the legendary and continuous abuse of these areas by northern European motorhomers.

Clear and informative

Vicarious hasn’t changed its tried-and-tested format; each aire is listed with three colour photos, driving directions, GPS coordinates and full details of all facilities, as well as general comments about the site.

The aires are also shown on maps, plus a guide to LPG filling stations in Spain and Portugal — handy if you have refillable gas tanks. There’s also Vicarious’ illustrated and very useful ‘how to’ guide to motorhome service points, as well as details of ferry crossings from the UK to Spain, and other useful general information.

Final thoughts

All the Aires Spain and Portugal 2nd edition is a worthwhile and timely update to the original guide. As far as I know, it remains the only English-language guide of its kind, and is more useful than ever.

If you own the original 2008 edition, it is probably worth buying the 2nd edition, as it includes double the number of aires. Recommended.

Available: Direct from Vicarious books – click here.

Title: All The Aires Spain And Portugal (2nd edition)
Price: £14.50
ISBN: 978-0956678126
Format: A5 paperback, 176 pages
Publisher: Vicarious Books