Exploring the world and going on adventures is a dream of many of us. The feeling of being free and uninhibited surrounded by nature is something that cannot be beat. And what better way to experience it than in a campervan?

My love of van life began years ago when I traveled with a campervan.

Exploring the world and going on adventures is a dream of many of us. The feeling of being free and uninhibited surrounded by nature is something that cannot be beat. And what better way to experience it than in a campervan?

My love of van life started years ago when I first traveled with a campervan in Australia in 2013. The freedom and lightness I felt while on the road was incredible.

But after returning to Germany I got busy with life and forgot the joy of traveling with vans. Only a decade later, on a road trip through Spain and Portugal, I rediscovered it with a VW California.

Why do I love the VW California so much? First, the smart design is impressive. Volkswagen has designed a vehicle that transforms from a car into a living room, kitchen and finally two bedrooms on two levels.

On the first day of our trip, we picked up the VW California from the IndyCampers pickup center in Lisbon and headed south to Vilamoura. The camper van has a great driving experience and with rear sensors it is very safe and easy to park.

The VW California easily stored our luggage and had enough drawers and cupboards to liven up the structure on the road. We also got a kitchen kit with all necessary cooking utensils and a cleaning kit. On top of that, we booked the bed set and the table and chairs.

Our first night was spent watching the sunset in Fuseta, a small and charming fishing village surrounded by the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa.

Then we had delicious seafood at a traditional restaurant near the port. We slept in a “homestay”, which is a private property that has been converted into a campsite.

Pitching the tent on the roof was easy, and the space inside was surprisingly large. The dark interior of the tent blocked out the morning sunlight, allowing us to sleep inside.

The Next Day with Campervan

The next morning we woke up to olive trees and horses. We prepared breakfast using the sink, a two-hob gas cooker, and a second battery-operated refrigerator. Even if you’re not moving the campervan for a while, you’ll have fresh food and drinks.

After breakfast, we quickly changed the campervan from the kitchen/bedroom into a car and took a boat to one of the islands near Focita. We spent the day in a pretty secluded spot with few people around.

Shared Experience with Campervan

Our experience with the VW California was incredible. It was comfortable to sleep in, the temperature was easy to regulate, and we had a large 30 liter water tank to keep us and the campervan clean.

We were able to freshen up with this water supply, and it was easy to find a public shower along the way. The rain was great on the beach and at the campsite. We also brought dry shampoo and wet wipes, which I can definitely recommend.

We had an amazing time on the road, which made me fall in love with this compact camper van. So much so, that now I want to buy one!

The VW California is equipped with a fully equipped kitchen, a comfortable driving experience, a cozy and dark roof tent, and a second battery that powers the fridge, water pump, and heater/AC for hours without needing electricity. Provides.

The freedom and flexibility Van Life offers is unbeatable. This is an experience that everyone must try at least once in their lifetime. With a campervan, you can go wherever you want, sleep under the stars, and wake up to spectacular views.

The VW California is the perfect campervan to explore the world in, and I can’t wait to have one of my own!