What do you think of when you hear Portugal?
Of course, the white beaches of the Algarve immediately spring to mind. It is known worldwide for its beautiful beaches, plenty of sunshine, good food and drink and, last but not least, a culture that is second to none. Nobody thinks of the Vespa at first. But why should this vacation paradise be associated with the Vespa? We’ll help you find out:
The 24th Ibero Vespa 2024 in the small town of Serpa
This is the largest event in the country to focus on our Vespa. The venue for the three-day event was the small town of Serpa in the heart of the Alentejo region, on the southern border with the Algarve.
This town of Serpa is better known for its Cante Alentejo cultural heritage. This is traditional choral singing by men, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2014. It is not uncommon for the sounds of the men’s choir, which are still cultivated today, to cause a pleasant tingling sensation that creeps over the spine like a caress.
And last but not least, the impressive castle towers over the otherwise tranquil little town. Although this imposing and historic building contributes to Serpa’s fame, the small town of around 7,000 inhabitants is not overcrowded with tourists. Cozy alleyways and street cafés, which serve excellent Portuguese espresso, offer plenty of space and opportunity to linger and enjoy. Small stores invite you to stroll and browse. Time seems to have stood still here, at least for the Vespa-free period, such as when the Iberio Vespa 2024 is over and Serpa takes a deep breath until the next Vespa event.
Serpa – a town with a lot of history
It is hard to imagine that numerous bloody battles have taken place here over the centuries around the proud castle on the Serpa hill. Only the dragon in the town’s coat of arms is a reminder of these wild, adventurous times.
Today, however, everything is peaceful and leisurely quiet, at least when hundreds of engines are not humming. The city looks like it was painted by an artist. Nowadays, however, instead of wild horses with their daring riders, it is rattling Vespas with their Vespisti pilots that – let off the leash – roar through the area.
The host and organizer of the Ibero Vespa 2024 is the Vespa Clube de Lisboa. The aim of this event is to take Vespa rides together and exchange opinions and experiences. The Vespa Club de Lisboa has a proud 1000 members. As members come and go, their number is updated monthly.
Here in Serpa – as everywhere else in the world – Vespisti feel the need to get together in a relaxed and informal atmosphere, chat and celebrate their traditional two-wheelers. After such rides across dusty landscapes, it is also hunger and thirst that unite the two-wheeled riders to wash down the dust and eat hearty Portuguese cuisine together.
Strong support from SIP Scootershop
Our SIP Scootershop from Landsberg/Bavaria has generously and actively supported this event financially for many years. So don’t be surprised if familiar faces from SIP appear in the middle of the event, involved in one of the activities.
But we Vespisti can’t just party, we also need to sleep and recover from the exertions of the rides. A Vespisti and a hotel somehow don’t go together at all. We are a freedom-loving bunch who feel much more at home on a campsite than in a hotel.
There’s the perfect central spot right in Serpa:
Camping Municipal de Serpa
This site is perfect for people like us. It offers everything a Vespa pilot needs.
Either directly on the site or in the immediate vicinity:
- a petrol station with supermarket, Lidl is also nearby
- the indispensable sanitary facilities, well-maintained and clean
- washing machines and dryers
- everything illuminated, secured, very well maintained, good facilities
- Top location, the town of Serpa can be easily reached and explored on foot
- our “Knatter boxes” can also be left here and we pilots can hang out in comfort
- reasonable price-performance ratio
Vespa Clube de Lisboa
This club was officially founded on August 14, 1954 and has had the privilege of being the oldest existing Vespa club in Portugal ever since – without any significant interruptions. It will soon be 70 years old, and the dedicated members are still as in love with their Vespa as ever.
As the Ibero Vespa 2024 is unfortunately already history, we are already looking forward to 2025. If you don’t yet have any concrete plans for your vacation in 2025, you should make a note of a trip to Serpa. The best way to get there is by Vespa, via France/Spain/Portugal.
We can look forward to seeing what the club board members and their members come up with for a possible anniversary celebration for 70 years of club existence. Perhaps our SIP Scootershop will also have a few bright ideas to contribute.
For all those who want to upgrade or convert for the next big tour, it is always important to use high-quality spare parts and accessories!
With this in mind: Have a good trip at all times!
