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Discover a motorhome route through Portugal from South to North in the Complete Guide to Traveling to Portugal by Motorhome . A route to enjoy traveling by motorhome or campervan that will captivate you through the travel stories of these great motorhome adventurers.
Without a doubt, this Canarian family who loves the motorhome world are one of those Instagram profiles that hook us. They are one of our favorite instagramers in the world of motorhome travel.
Their posts inspire us and make us dream of beautiful destinations . For me, they're one of those Instagrammers who definitely add value with their posts, so don't hesitate to follow them! What are you waiting for?
Jacky and Edu are a couple whose passion is traveling in a campervan to explore countries, cities, and people from different cultures. They've visited more than 20 countries and over 65 cities. But it wasn't until a few months ago that they decided to share their travels on Instagram and Facebook—trips that inspire us all to dream about our own.
Follow them and don't wait any longer for the adventure of seeing the world from your motorhome!
In December 2020, the additions of article 50a and 149a to the circulation code of Decree Law number 114/94 of Portugal were approved, which in July 2021 has been updated specifying said articles, excepting motorhomes in the prohibitions of free overnight stays but with nuances as well.
Article 50a includes the prohibition of overnight stays and parking by taking more space from the perimeter (what we here call camping) of vans or caravans outside the places expressly authorized for this purpose for vans and caravans. Motorhomes are exempt from this prohibition but with the following nuances: the prohibition of overnight stays and parking in protected natural areas is maintained (except for places expressly allowed), but overnight stays are allowed in other places for a maximum period of 48 hours in the same municipality, with the exception of places where there is municipal regulation that prohibits it.
Thus, the law also refers to the fact that overnight stay will be considered the permanence of the vehicle in the same parking space with occupants between 21 pm and 7 am the following day.
The fines that are filed as sanctions for non-compliance range from € 60 to € 300 or if it is within natural parks or protected natural areas from € 120 to € 600.
If you are a motorhome, you can spend the night with a maximum of 48 hoursYou pray as long as it is not prohibited in that municipality or it is a protected natural area. It honestly hurts our soul, especially for all those home vehicles, which, like motorhomes, have their own bathroom and never camp being exemplary in their conduct in this world. We always end up paying the righteous for sinners.
Other things to keep in mind when traveling to Portugal by motorhome or camper
About tolls
You have to be careful with tolls in Portugal because in some you must register in an electronic system beforehand and in others they are normal payment.
In Portugal, therefore, there are two types of toll roads, those of conventional toll, which are paid in the cabin or with a card, and those of electronic toll through cameras that read your license plate and make automatic electronic payment. The latter can be paid with the following forms of payment:
- Easytoll, the option for tourists since it links a card with your registration for 30 days and you can do it in a machine at the beginning of the motorways there or better online and not worry just before crossing the border in https://www.portugaltolls.com/web/portal-de-portagens/home?anchor=column-5 )
- Tollservice, a prepayment of the predefined tolls that you acquire. But for motorhomes who vary the route and improvise, it is a system that does not work very well for us.
- Tollcard, prepaid card that can be purchased at service stations and post offices. In addition we also have the option to buy it online. But it implies spending the money before without knowing if you will spend it all later.
- Via-T, if you have the one from Spain, it works for you.
- Temporary device Vía Verde, it is designed for those who live there not for tourists, so forget it.
Also keep in mind that sometimes the cards do not work at many points. So two tips: when you cross the border sign up for the Portuguese tolls (by Easytroll and online the best option to forget and relax) and bring cash.
About motorhome areas and motorhome services in Portugal
Portugal has many motorhome areas, reasonably priced or free campsites, and designated motorhome zones, so you won't have any problem parking and spending the night. There are protected coastal areas where both parking and overnight stays are prohibited; it's important to respect the signs. Ignoring them has led to changes in Portuguese law that are detrimental to us.
Most Intermarché supermarkets have a motorhome area, often with free services and everything, so only with them you have many options. There are more areas than in Spain surely.
Gastronomy
Portugal has a gastronomy as rich and varied as its landscape.
The sea lends its character to the excellent Portuguese cuisine. Savoring fresh grilled fish and tasting the delicious seafood that abounds along the coast is a sure bet.
For meat dishes , a suggestion: the Portuguese stew, a mixture of meats, vegetables, and various sausages. From north to south of Portugal, we find excellent PDO meats, whether beef, pork, or goat. And also fruits and vegetables that retain their traditional flavor. In addition, there are plenty of options for organic food lovers.
The high-quality Portuguese olive oil is always present and is an ingredient in every dish, including cod recipes. A must-try.
And to pair with each dish, there's a suitable wine . While Port is famous, the table reds from the Douro, the Alentejo, and so many others are also excellent.
There's more: cheeses, sweets... Don't miss out on trying the pastries from Belén.
Stage 1: South of Portugal by motorhome. The Algarve: Tavira, Faro, Portimao and Lagos on our route through Portugal by motorhome
Our journey begins in the Algarve , of course, visiting its beautiful beaches, its international appeal.
Tavira
On the route through the Portuguese Algarve we can start with Tavira.
As visits to Tavira we recommend visiting the Castelo, the Ponte de Roma, its municipal market and of course the island of Tavira and its beaches. You can take the Ilha de Tavira Ferry which is very cheap (about € 2) that shows you the estuaries and takes you to the beach.
In Tavira, you have the Tavira motorhome area for €11, with all services, close to the town center . GPS coordinates: N 37°7'57.5688” W -7°37'53.9256” / 37.132658,-7.631646
Faro, Portimao and Lagos, wonderful cave beaches
Next, continue your route to Faro, Portimão, and Lagos. In all these towns, you'll find several beaches close together, accessed through small caves among the spectacular rocks. In Lagos, you'll find Platja dos Estudiens (Students' Beach), Platja de Dona Ana (Dona Ana Beach), and many more, all beautiful.
Stage 2.Central Portugal by motorhome: Setubal, Lisbon, Fátima and Aveiro on our route through Portugal by motorhome from South to North
Setúbal
In the second stage of our motorhome trip through Portugal, we can go up to Setúbal and enjoy the beaches of Galapos, Galapinhos and many more.
Lisbon
Next, we suggest exploring Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Travelling to Lisbon in a motorhome can be tricky. It's best to plan your parking location in advance, otherwise you might find yourself driving around aimlessly. The best option is to park at coordinates N 38° 42'8.8271999″ W-9°10'5196″ (38.702452,-9.168110). It's a paid parking area, but well-lit and close to the city center, costing around €5 per day. This is a great way to visit Lisbon by motorhome, keeping you within easy reach of the main tourist routes.
What to see in Lisbon
In Lisbon you can visit the Alfama neighborhood, unique with its cobbled slopes full of its beautiful and famous old trams. Then you can go to visit the Plaza Martim Moniz and see the National Pantheon, stroll to the viewpoint of Santa Lucía or the Portas do Sol. And from there you can go to visit the Castle of San Jorge and the Sé, Lisbon Cathedral . Stroll along the Tagus, visit the Plaza del Comercio, take photos of the Arc de Triomphe and eat a good typical Portuguese dish. And with a full belly, don't forget to visit the Chiado neighborhood to see the ruins of the Carmo Convent and see the views from the Santa Justa Elevator. And from there go to the Barrio Alto to have a good dinner and have something to finish with a good taste in your mouth. Although you can also take advantage and see some of its most famous museums.
Fátima
If you are Catholic or not, seeing Fatima is worth it. A place full of emotion, history and heritage.
To park there will be no problems and to spend the night you can do it in the free motorhome area of Sao Mamede, very close. GPS coordinates: N 39 ° 37'21.3636 ”W -8 ° 42'54.756” /39.622601,-8.715210
Aveiro
And finally at this stage we suggest you see Aveiro. A very nice town with parking nearby. Seeing its canals and getting on its typical boats is worth it. You can also visit the cathedral and its university. You will love it.
Stage 3.Northern Portugal by motorhome: Águeda, Oporto and Ponte Lima on our route through Portugal by motorhome from South to North
Águeda
Our 3rd stage of the route through Portugal by motorhome from South to North, begins in Águeda. The most colorful town in all of Portugal. Full of street art that is worth spending a few hours.
Porto
The next stop is Porto by motorhome. I love Porto. Sit by the river on one of its terraces, drink some of its famous wines, while you watch the boats strolling along the river, cross the river on the Don Luis bridge and contemplate the views of the city ... Everything is wonderful. There is also a funicular that has spectacular views, and we can see how young people pass the basket so that visitors can give them a coin for jumping from the top of the bridge.
To spend the night there is the motorhome area of Porto. GPS coordinates: N 41 ° 10'31.44 ″ -8 ° 32 »29.472 ″ 41.175400, -8.541520.
Ponte de Lima
Along the way, you can also stop in Ponte de Lima. It's a very pretty town. It has a convenient parking area by the river with a loading and unloading zone for motorhomes.
Ourense, a final climax in Spain
And as the final culmination of this last stage, we suggest you get to Ourense in Galicia to enjoy its relaxing and beautiful hot springs.
