Portugal is a dream destination for travelers who seek natural beauty, a laid-back lifestyle, and diverse landscapes. Whether you’re cruising along dramatic cliffs, exploring historic towns, or finding the best surfing spots, you might have thought of choosing to travel in a campervan. However, it might not be a perfect idea (and here is why!). Let’s dive into everything you need to know to plan the best possible Portugal campervan road trip.
Is Portugal Campervan Friendly?
Portugal was increasingly becoming a campervan-friendly destination, with its welcoming attitude, scenic routes, and well-equipped campsites. However, because of over-tourism and tourists not respecting safety regulations (and leaving trash everywhere!), it introduced a lot of restrictions and it’s attitude towards campervans is now way more negative. Portugal offers a network of roads that make it easy to access the country’s many beaches, national parks, and remote villages. But not for campers! Many roads are strict no-campervans zones. It’s essential to understand the rules and regulations to ensure your trip goes smoothly. While wild camping has been popular among van-lifers in the past, recent rules have tightened, and fines are now imposed for illegal overnight stays in undesignated areas.
Campervan parking is available in several locations, including both free spots and paid sites, depending on your location and needs. The country encourages responsible and sustainable camping, making sure the stunning natural landscapes remain preserved for future travelers.
Renting a Campervan in Portugal
If you’re not starting your trip in Portugal with your own van, the good news is that Portugal campervan rentals are widely available. Big cities have a range of rental companies that offer various types of campervans. You can rent from small, budget-friendly models to fully equipped luxury vehicles. Whether you’re a solo traveler or on a romantic getaway, you’ll find a campervan suited to your needs.
Bad news, many rental companies have a strict no-less-than-7-days rule. We wanted to rent a van for 5 days (then chill in Lisbon) and it was problematic. Fortunately, we were able to find Roadsurfer company (operating in many countries, also in Portugal) – more about them later!
The cost of renting a campervan in Portugal varies depending on the size of the van, the season, and the amenities provided. Generally, rental prices start at around €60-80 per day for basic models and can go up to €150-200 for more luxurious, self-contained vans.
Pro tip: Booking your rental early, especially during peak tourist months (June to September), is essential, as demand increases. And if you want to make sure you get the best deals, you can use a few of the apps I’ve mentioned in this blog post!
Campervan rentals I know of 😉
Roadsurfer, Indie Campers and Siesta Campers – these are probably the three most popular ones in the country. Of course, when you google “campervan rental Portugal”, you’ll see more companies that are smaller and local – which has both advantages and disadvantages.
We went for the Roadsurfer – their day limit matched our plan and the van they offered was perfect for our needs. The car was super new (I think we were it’s second “inhabitants”!), however it had a few flaws and one thing that wasn’t working. As Roadsurfer is a huge multinational company, there’s no phone number you can call with a question or if something is wrong. You can raise a ticket (?!?!) which I did and received an answer… A week after we gave the van back. Not the support you expect – which is why it might be a better idea to explore other options.
Crafting the perfect itinerary
Portugal’s compact size makes it perfect for a campervan itinerary. There you can cover a lot of ground while still having the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Here’s a sample Portugal campervan route that hits some of the country’s best highlights:
1. Lisbon to Sintra (40km)
Rent your car in Lisbon, then take a short drive to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore fairytale castles and lush gardens before camping in one of the nearby campsites.
2. Sintra to Nazaré (120km)
Drive along the coast to Nazaré, home to some of the world’s biggest waves, attracting surfers from all over. It’s a fantastic spot for a Portugal campervan surf trip, and you’ll find plenty of camper-friendly campsites nearby.
3. Nazaré to Porto (200km)
Continue north to Portugal’s second-largest city, Porto, famous for its wine and charming riverfront. Explore the city before venturing into the nearby Douro Valley wine region.
4. Porto to Peneda-Gerês National Park (100km)
For nature lovers, Peneda-Gerês National Park is a must-visit, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning vistas. The park allows campervan parking in designated areas, so you can immerse yourself in nature without worry.
5. South to Algarve (500km)
Finally, make your way down to the Algarve region, where endless beaches, warm weather, and dramatic cliffs await. The Algarve is a popular area for wild camping in Portugal with a campervan, but always check local regulations.
Campervan Parking and Sites in Portugal
Finding appropriate campervan parking is essential for a smooth trip. Portugal offers a mix of options, including:
- Paid campsites: These come with all the amenities, such as electricity, water refill stations, and even Wi-Fi. They range from simple, rustic setups to full-service parks.
- Motorhome service areas: Located in both rural and urban areas. These are designated spots for campervans to park overnight, sometimes with basic facilities like waste disposal.
- Wild camping: It used to be common, new regulations now make it illegal to camp outside of designated areas. There are hefty fines for parking in protected areas, particularly in the Algarve and national parks. It’s always safer to stay at a legal camping ground. We only dared to do it once, far from popular sites. We also made sure to leave the place without a trace!
Some of the best-rated campervan sites in Portugal include:
- Orbitur campsites,
- Camping Albufeira in the Algarve,
- Parque de Campismo do Vale do Rossim in Serra da Estrela.
Portugal Campervan Rules
Before hitting the road, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the Portugal campervan rules. As mentioned, wild camping is generally forbidden unless in designated areas. Apart from that, other regulations to keep in mind include:
- Driving license: Ensure you have a valid driver’s license. For most European visitors, a standard license is sufficient for campervans under 3.5 tons.
- Insurance: Rental companies usually include insurance, but check what is covered. You might want additional coverage for peace of mind.
- Speed limits: Stick to the speed limits: 120km/h on motorways, 90km/h on secondary roads, and 50km/h in urban areas.
- Toll roads: Many of Portugal’s motorways are tolled. Most rental companies (not Roadsurfer!) will provide a transponder so you can pay electronically.
Why Choose a Campervan for Your Portugal Surf Trip?
Portugal’s incredible coastline is a dream come true for surfers, and traveling by campervan allows you to chase the waves and set your own schedule. Popular surfing hotspots like Ericeira, Peniche, and the Algarve provide a mix of challenging breaks for experienced surfers and gentler swells for beginners. Campervan surf trips in Portugal offer the flexibility to spend the entire day surfing before heading back to your van.
Many surf spots have campervan-friendly sites, but not the beaches. If you dream about waking up by the ocean, it’s not the country to do it.
Wild Camping in Portugal: What You Need to Know
I know the idea of wild camping in Portugal sounds enticing. This was my dream too but you must follow the rules to avoid fines and protect the environment. The government has been cracking down on unauthorized camping, especially in the Algarve and the more popular tourist areas. Stick to designated campervan areas, and remember that sustainability is key—leave no trace and respect the natural surroundings.
Some of the best spots for wild camping (within the rules) include:
- Alentejo region: Less crowded than the Algarve, Alentejo offers beautiful, remote landscapes where you’re more likely to find quieter, less regulated camping spots.
- Northern Portugal: With lush forests and rolling hills, the north provides a peaceful alternative for wild campers. However, always check for local rules.
To sum up:
Traveling in Portugal in a campervan is a unique way to explore the country. Whether you’re planning a Portugal campervan holiday for surfing, sightseeing, or relaxing in nature, this mode of travel offers flexibility, freedom, and adventure. Just remember to follow the Portugal campervan rules, plan your campervan itinerary ahead of time, and most importantly, enjoy the ride!