Since its introduction in 2020, the Alicanto Grande range has sat at the top of Bailey’s caravan portfolio.

There are three models in the line-up: one single-axle, end-bedroom van, and a pair of twin-axle, fixed-bed caravan layouts. One of the latter has an end washroom and transverse bed; the other is the end-bedroom, central-washroom model which I’m reviewing here, the Bailey Alicanto Grande Porto.

The Alicanto Grandes are 8ft-wide, all-singing, all-dancing vans, and they look like excellent value, given the level of spec.

If you’re seeking the best luxury caravan, should this model be on your shortlist? I went to take a look at the 2024 Bailey Alicanto Grande Porto to see how it shaped up.

Pitch and set-up

Over the years, Bailey has developed its Alu-Tech caravan bodies into something very attractive, and the Alicanto Grande is no exception, with the Porto arguably the best looking of the trio.

There’s no front locker. Instead, the gas locker is placed just in front of the axles on the offside. I thought this should help in getting the noseweight right. Any other paraphernalia that you’d normally keep in the front locker can be placed under the rear fixed bed from outside, thanks to hatches on both sides.

I’d expect this type of caravan with this much quality to come with a stabiliser and Al-Ko’s ATC stability system as standard and it does. You also get a gas barbecue point and mains socket on the nearside. In addition, I thought it was good to see a stable door fitted at the entrance, held open by a positive catch.

Lounge in the Bailey Alicanto Grande Porto 2024

With fixed-bed caravans, the length of the settees in the lounge is often compromised, I’ve found. The Porto scores well on that count, with both being almost 6ft long. Granted, during the day, the thickly upholstered corner bolsters (with attached headrests) pinch some of that space, but there’s still plenty of room to stretch out, and four people could be seated here in comfort.

The lounge in the Porto, with the huge windows letting light flood in
Enormous windows and rooflight allow daylight to flood in

The area is flooded with natural light, thanks to the huge ‘infinity’ front window and a Heki rooflight overhead.

When it’s dark outside, you can select the colour of the ambient LED lighting. Owners of the best caravan television will be pleased to hear the TV socket is on the unit by the door, where you’ll also find a wireless charging point for your mobile phone.

Kitchen in the Bailey Alicanto Grande Porto 2024

The kitchen is well equipped in the 8ft-wide caravan. With Bailey’s clever fold-down wooden cover over the cooker, there’s plenty of work surface. Even with it open, thanks to the unit’s ‘L’ shape, space here should still be ample.

The draining area by the sink is built in, so you won’t have to find somewhere to store a removable drainer. A glass guard should help prevent unintentional spills.

On the smart splashback, you’ll find controls for the Alde heating system and a pair of sensibly placed mains sockets.

The fridge in the Porto
Just opposite the kitchen is a 153-litre Dometic fridge with a separate freezer

A slight negative is the location of the microwave: it’s high above the cooker.

Opposite the kitchen is a 153-litre Dometic fridge with a separate freezer. Add the built-in wine rack and this kitchen should be everything a touring chef could want.

Sleeping in the Bailey Alicanto Grande Porto

The settees in the Porto are just about long enough for adults to use as single beds, or they can be converted into a double. But if you go for the latter, only one person gets an overhead spotlight. At this price band, you’d probably expect four spotlights, but there are only a couple in the front corners. They do come with USB sockets, however.

The fixed double bed at the rear is a good size when extended (it retracts for daytime use), but I found there’s only a very narrow 12cm gap to squeeze through at the end of the bed for the occupant on the offside.

The rear fixed double bed
Fixed double bed at the rear is a good size, with a wide wardrobe on either side

Each person does get their own spotlight (with another USB) and there is a pair of branded radio speakers over the bedhead.

There’s a TV point on the nearside, and a mirror with a mains socket on the offside.

Washroom in the 2024 Bailey Alicanto Grande Porto

The fully lined shower is on the nearside, with the washroom/toilet opposite, so access to the cassette is away from any awning.

The shower isn’t the largest but it does have a shelf, an opening mini-Heki rooflight, a heated towel rail and a clear window. The whole area can be closed off from the rest of the caravan.

Storage in the 2024 Bailey Alicanto Grande Porto

The Porto is most likely to be used by caravanning couples, so there’ll be more than enough storage space for all of your luxury caravan accessories. There are a couple of small compromises, though. The gas locker is behind the kitchen, which eats into the storage.

The large freestanding table (brilliant for an 8ft-wide van) is stored under the fixed bed, restricting access to the ample area underneath.

The wardrobes on each side of the bed are wide, but not that deep. The third one, with a longer drop, is next to the fridge.

Alternatives to consider

The Swift Challenger Exclusive 580 provides caravanners with a comfortable base, providing plenty of storage and a great spec. Then there’s the Coachman VIP 575, a luxurious tourer which has quality throughout and offers excellent build quality.

Interested in a pre-owned version of the Porto instead? Then see what we made of the 2022 Bailey Alicanto Grande Porto.

Technical spec of the 2024 Bailey Alicanto Grande Porto

  • Price: £38,999
  • Berths: 4
  • MiRO: 1687kg
  • Payload: 160kg
  • MTPLM: 1847kg
  • Interior length: 6.33m
  • Shipping length: 7.86m
  • Overall width: 2.45m

Spec list:

  • ATC
  • Alloy wheels
  • Al-Ko Secure wheel lock
  • Status 570 TV aerial
  • Exterior BBQ point and mains socket
  • Nearside awning light
  • Offside services light
  • Alde heating
  • Omnivent
  • Avtex mobile Wi-Fi
  • Truma 100W solar panel

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