Portugal By Campervan - Everything You Need To Know | Family Travel And Worldschooling

When we were first plotting out our travel plans and bucket list items, campervanning was one of my top things.

We started our travels with two weeks in a campervan through Italy, the Dolomites and it was amazing.

On our way back to the UK for Christmas, after 18months of travel, we decided to spend a month travelling around Portugal by campervan.

Why?

Stunning nature and coastline

Warm weather

An amazing off season deal for camper van for a month.

So, we our 2x 40l backpacks, we headed to tackle Portugal by campervan.

Starting in Lisbon, we travelled inland and then down the coast to the Algarve.

Faro coastline, cliffs and blue ocean — With the campervan in Portugal we could wake up with views like this!

Dreaming of a campervan adventure in Portugal? This stunning country boasts breathtaking beaches, dramatic cliffs, charming vineyards, rolling mountains, and lively cities—making it the perfect destination for a road trip. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know for exploring Portugal by campervan, including rental tips, must-see routes, essential gear, and more.

We took Portugal by campervan trip in November, spending one month travelling and exploring the country.

We pinned a few stops on the map but were pretty free and easy, ready to go with the flow of travelling in Portugal.

two kids in campervan in Portugal — Did the kids enjoy? Yes, they loved campervanning in Portugal!

Why you should travel Portugal by Campervan

Table of Contents

Portugal is packed with wild beaches, dramatic cliffs, quiet vineyards, and charming cities with just enough history to fill a book. The access to nature was a major appeal for us and whether you want to surf, hike, or just stare out to sea for hours, travelling Portugal by campervan means you can go whenever, wherever, and stay as long as you like.

It also seems to be a little off the well travelled tourist path (except the Algarve which we’ll talk about later!)

Just remember to respect the rules and regulations around camping. Many areas are making campervanning easier and more sustainable, but it’s up to us to keep it that way.

Read about some of our other epic road trips here

Indie campervan family travel — The trip that started it all, campervanning through Italy

Map of a driving route around Morocco — Check out our Morocco Road Trip

Best time to go to Portugal

With 300 days of sunshine, the weather is mild pretty much all year round making camping in Portugal ideal.

Portugal by campervan in Spring

March to May welcomes the pink blossons of the almond trees and temperatures are starting to warm up. Another good time to get in before the crowds.

Portugal by campervan in Summer

July and August are hectic months with prices at their highest and the crowds everywhere. It’s packed with festivals and activities and….people so if you are wanting to escape, this isn’t the time to visit.

Portugal by campervan IN Autumn

September and October are perfect for visiting as the crowds begin to disappear but the weather stays warm. It’s also grape picking season so a good time to pick up a workaway experience if travelling on a budget.

Portugal by Campervan in Winter

Head South to find the warmest weather but be aware, this is almost every other long term campervanners plan too. The Algarve becomes and small retirement village and campsites fill up fast.

We headed to Portugal in November. We had just finished a 8 month stint in South East Asia and were trying to gently transition back to European weather, ready to spend Christmas in the UK.

Our plan did not work!

We had temperatures from 24-28 degrees and it was glorious (except December 2nd, that was a cold night) but a little uexpected.

Our plan was to head south and stay as warm as possible and if you are looking to avoid the rainy north, that should be your plan too.

The Algarve in particular is a super popular holiday destination in the winter months, and not just for campers. The campsites are more expensive (still significantly cheaper than the summer), busier and definitely have a much higher average age.

The Algarve in Winter

Honestly, this wasn’t the place for us but if you want to stay warm, this might be a good call. Visiting in the winter means much cheaper prices, fewer people (although it was the busiest place we visited…and the main reason- the weather!

two kids standing on a rock looking over countryside — A fleece jacket with shorts was the morning wear

Portugal by campervan – why you should go

Campervanning in Portugal is all about the space, the wildness, and the connection to nature. From windswept beaches to peaceful mountain trails, the country offers endless opportunities to roam without the restrictions of schedules or crowds.

It’s perfect for kids too—wide-open spaces to explore, quiet spots to play, and a sense of freedom that no hotel can match. From stopping in a vineyard for a lazy afternoon or watching the stars from a remote coastal cliff, Portugal by campervan is the perfect adventure.

Save Money: No hotels or rental cars needed. You’re doubling up on savings.
Flexibility: Hate a spot? Leave. Love it? Stay longer. Your trip, your rules.
Closer to Nature: Open your back doors to a sunrise over the Atlantic or the sound of waves crashing below.
Portable Kitchen: Snack attack? Sorted.
Fewer Logistics: No packing, unpacking, or worrying about check-out times.
Get Closer to the Outdoors and Off the Beaten Path – We love being outside and the campervan made it much easier. With a smaller van too, any chance we had to get out, we took it!

Portugal by Campervan…with kids??

Exploring Portugal by campervan with kids is all about embracing the outdoors. The van may be small, but that’s the point—it nudges everyone outside.

Mornings start with a seaside breakfast as waves crash in the background, followed by hikes through rugged cliffs or splashing in clear river pools.

By evening, you’re watching the sunset together from a windswept beach or a forest clearing.

It’s a pretty simple life, no one showers as much as they should and we all have a really lovely time!

Campervan Hire in Portugal

We rented our campervan through IndieCampers, we had a great experince with them in Italy so decided to use them again. They offer flexible pick-up and drop-off locations and cater to a range of needs, from compact vans for couples to larger models perfect for families.

Indie campervan and family leaning out of the door. — We tried a smaller van than our last campervan trip to Dolomites.

Other Campervan Companies to Consider

Soul Campers
Based in Faro, Soul Campers offers eco-friendly vans designed for comfort and sustainability. Their vehicles feature cork insulation and solar panels, allowing you to go completely off-grid. With well-equipped kitchens and cozy sleeping setups, they cater to travelers who want to explore Portugal with minimal environmental impact. Pick-up is available in Faro, Lisbon, Porto, or even Seville for an additional fee.
Portugal by Van
This small, family-run business prides itself on excellent customer service and attention to detail. Their solar-powered vans come equipped with all the essentials, including a mini-fridge, cooking gear, and even a BBQ. Based on our experience, their team is friendly, knowledgeable, and ready to help with route suggestions or extra add-ons.
Campilider
Offering a range of campervans from compact models to fully equipped motorhomes, Campilider has options for every type of traveler. Their flexible rental packages and competitive pricing make them a popular choice for road trippers.

Campervan Rental Costs

Rental costs for campervans in Portugal vary by season.

Peak summer rates range from €150–€200 per night (around £130–£175),
Off-season rentals can drop to €50–€80 per night (approximately £45–£70).

Some companies offer long-term discounts, making extended trips more affordable. Be mindful of extras like pick-up fees, equipment add-ons, and insurance when budgeting. Booking early and traveling off-peak are the best ways to save.

We scored a month-long rental for €1000, or just €33 per night.

What’s Included?

Bedding, kitchen supplies, and a portable shower were part of the package.
We made a quick Decathlon stop to grab chairs and extra blankets—not essential in 26°C sunshine, but better safe than sorry.

How long to go for?

Seeing Portugal by campervan depends on how much of the country you want to explore, how leisurely you want your trip to.

However, I’d say a 7 to 10-day trip gives you enough time to hit the highlights without feeling rushed.

The other thing to consider is how long you can spend living in very small living quarters with all your family!

Where to go campervanning in Portugal?

North Portugal

Northern Portugal is a lush and historic haven perfect for families seeking a mix of nature and culture. Porto’s riverside, trams, and family-friendly boat tours along the Douro River are a great stop off. The Douro Valley is beautiful, with terraced vineyards and picnic-perfect viewpoints. Gerês National Park offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and opportunities to spot wildlife.

Route: Porto → Douro Valley → Braga → Gerês National Park

Best Time to Visit: Late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October). The weather is warm and mild, ideal for being outdoors.

The Coastal Route

The western coast of Portugal is perfect for beach-loving families and surfers. Starting in Aveiro, the “Venice of Portugal,” with its colourful boats and canals, the route continues to Nazaré, home to dramatic big waves. Lisbon is a great city to spend time in with the kids with its iconic tram rides, aquariums, and castles, while Cascais and Setúbal boast sandy beaches and coastal trails.

Route: Aveiro → Nazaré → Peniche → Lisbon → Cascais → Setúbal

Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) for beach fun, or September for fewer crowds and warm sea temperatures.

Inland Portugal

Inland Portugal is the place to go to escape the crowds and visit rural, wild Portugal. Staring in Coimbra before moving to Tomar’s Convento de Cristo to introduce the kids to the mysteries of the Knights Templar. Monsaraz, a quiet hilltop village, and Évora, with its Roman ruins and quirky Bone Chapel, offer unique cultural experiences.

Route: Coimbra → Tomar → Castelo de Vide → Monsaraz → Évora

Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) or autumn (September-October), when temperatures are cooler, and the countryside blooms or glows golden.

The Algarve

The Algarve is Portugal’s sun-soaked, extra popular southern gem. Lagos dazzles with its dramatic cliffs and grotto tours, while Albufeira offers water parks and beaches. Tavira provides a quiet escape with ferry rides to its pristine island beaches, and Sagres is a windswept wonder, ideal for sunset views and exploration.

Route: Lagos → Albufeira → Faro → Tavira → Sagres

Best Time to Visit: Early summer (June) or September-October for warm weather and fewer crowds.

What do you need to hire a campervan in portugal

To hire a campervan in Portugal, you’ll typically need the following:

Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license that you’ve held for at least one or two years (depending on the rental company). An International Driving Permit (IDP) might be required if your license is not in English or another widely recognised language.
Age Requirements: Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 or 23 years old, with a minimum age for certain vehicles being 25. Drivers under 25 may face a young driver surcharge.
Credit Card: A credit card in the name of the primary driver is usually needed for the security deposit. This is a standard procedure for most vehicle rentals.
Insurance: You’ll need basic insurance, and you may want to upgrade to a more comprehensive coverage option (like collision damage waiver) for peace of mind. Some rental companies include this in the price, while others offer it as an optional extra.
Passport or ID: A valid passport (for non-EU travelers) or national ID card (for EU travelers) will be needed to verify your identity.
Reservation Details: It’s helpful to have your booking confirmation and any additional documents provided by the rental company.
A Good Driving Record: Some rental companies may check your driving history for any past accidents, so it’s a good idea to make sure your record is clean before booking.

The view into the countryside in Portugal — Portugal by campervan means you can stop at a view like this in Monchique.

Campsites in Portugal for motorhomes

Campervan sites in Portugal are generally well-equipped and offer a range of facilities. We preferred the slightly rough around the edges places with space rather than the neatly manicured car parks offered by some of the larger parks.

Here’s what you can expect:

Campsites: Many campsites in Portugal have dedicated areas for campervans. These usually offer:
- Electricity hook-ups: For power, to charge devices or run appliances.
- Water and waste disposal: Fresh water refill stations and waste disposal points for grey water and toilets.
- Amenities: Shared showers, toilets, and sometimes laundry facilities. Some more upscale sites might have swimming pools, restaurants, and Wi-Fi.
Motorhome Parks: These are specific areas for motorhomes or campervans, and they may not be as full-service as campsites but can still offer essential services:
- Water and waste disposal: Often available, but not always included in the price.
- Peaceful spots: They tend to be quieter and offer less social activity compared to traditional campsites.
Free Parking: While it’s technically illegal to camp overnight outside of designated areas, there are many places where you can park your campervan overnight for free (often near beaches or in smaller towns). Just be sure to check local regulations, as some municipalities have strict rules.
Glamping/Chic Camper Sites: Some spots cater to a more luxury experience, offering glamping-like accommodations with extras such as private bathrooms, hot tubs, and even on-site activities like yoga or wine tastings.
Farm and Rural Sites: Some farmers or rural areas allow campers to park and stay overnight, providing a more authentic, peaceful experience, often with a chance to enjoy local produce or engage with the environment.

Wild camping in Portugal

On average, campsites around Europe can cost up to EUR 25 per night.

Our cheapest campsite was £13 a night and most expensive EUR 30.

There are free campsites scattered throughout the country. Check out VWFurgo and iOverlander for more information.

Wild camping used to be popular, but regulations now strictly prohibit it in most areas. Use apps like iOverlander to find free, legal alternatives.

Car Seats for Children in a Campervan in Portugal

If you’re traveling with little ones, you’ll need to bring or rent appropriate car seats. Portuguese law requires:

Children under 12 years old or under 135 cm (4’5″) to use a car seat or booster.
Car seats to meet EU standards (look for the ECE R44 or R129 labels).

Most campervan rental companies offer car seats for an extra fee, but confirm availability in advance. If you’re bringing your own car seat, double-check compatibility with the van’s seatbelt system.

Driving A Camprvan in Portugal

Driving in Portugal is generally straightforward, but a few quirks stand out:

Portuguese drivers can be… enthusiastic. Defensive driving is your friend.
Roads in rural areas can be narrow and winding. Take it slow.
Parking in cities like Lisbon and Porto can be tricky. Use park-and-ride facilities when possible.
Don’t forget your valid driver’s license and International Driving Permit if needed.

Portugal Toll Roads

Toll roads in Portugal are notoriously expensive. For instance, we accidentally took a toll road coming back to Lisbon from the Algarve and got slapped with a €12 fee which then turned into a 45 Euro fee because we didn’t find out about it until a YEAR later. To avoid these costs, set Google Maps to “Avoid Tolls” and you’re good to go. Here’s a quick breakdown:

“A” roads are highways and have tolls.
“N” roads are toll-free and often more scenic, albeit slower.

If you’re using toll roads, many campervans come with a Via Verde transponder, making payment automatic. Just make sure to settle up with the rental company afterward.

Family walking past tiled buildings in Faro — Exploring Faro – campervanning in Portugal

Portugal by Campervan- The Basics

Food and Water

Stock up at Lidl or Pingo Doce—affordable supermarkets with everything you need. For water, refill at campsites, petrol stations, or dedicated water points (listed on apps like Park4Night).

Charging

Most campervans have a leisure battery that charges while you drive. For extended stays, campsites often have electricity hook-ups. Bring a USB battery pack for phones and small devices as a backup.

Toilets and Showers

Yes, some campervans have showers and chemical toilets, but they’re more of an emergency backup than a daily go-to. Campsites offer proper facilities that are way less hassle. If you do use the van’s shower, plan for a private spot or shower in your bathing suit. And always pack flip-flops for shared facilities.

Laundry

Laundry places are plentiful and cheap in Portugal. Many campsites also have washing machines and drying racks.

Emptying Grey Water

Most campsites and motorhome parks have designated disposal areas. Check apps like Park4Night for nearby options if you’re wild camping.

Internet

Portable Wi-Fi devices are easy to rent and offer reliable coverage across most of the country. Alternatively, get a local SIM card with data for your phone or an esim.

Campervan Extra Equipment

Must-Have Apps

Park4Night: Essential for finding campsites, parking spots, and facilities.
Google Maps: Great for navigating, but double-check for toll roads.
Campercontact: Another excellent resource for campervan-friendly spots.

Handy Extras

Portable solar panels (if you’re off-grid for long).
Foldable chairs and a table for outdoor meals.
A refillable water jug or collapsible container.
Basic toolkit and first aid kit.

Our Route through Portugal by campervan

Lisbon arrival

We arrived late afternoon via a cheap flight from Athens. We picked up the van at 4:30pm, headed to Lidl to stock up on groceries and headed out of the city.

Quinta da Almiara

Located near Torres Vedras, about 40 minutes north of Lisbon
After picking up the van and stocking up at Lidl, we headed to this peaceful winery for our first night. Staying at Quinta da Almiara is a unique experience—you get to park among the vines and wake up to serene vineyard views. PortugalEasyCamp.com connects travelers with wineries like this for overnight stays, you just buy some of their produce. We did the same in Italy too.