Table of Contents
- The binomial Portugal and motorhomes takes a turn of the screw. Since the beginning of 2021, the neighboring country prohibits the free overnight stay of motorhomes and campers between 21pm and 07am. In July 2021 it changes and the ban is only for vans and caravans.
- The government justifies the measure arguing that it wants to lead sustainable tourism but motorhome sector associations suspect dark interests of the campground lobby. The controversy is served.
A less friendly destination for some but ... more responsible for others
Destinations like the Algarve, Alentejo, Lisbon, and Sintra are a paradise for those who love the combination of Portugal and motorhomes. The numbers speak for themselves. With just over 10 million inhabitants, Portugal receives 27 million tourists annually . The third largest source of visitors is Spain, after the UK and Germany.
Thousands of Spanish motorhomes and campers cross the border with Portugal to enjoy the enigmatic Atlantic, the astonishing interior, its fascinating villages and other Portuguese charms.
And the phenomenon does not stop.
According to data recorded by the Spanish Association of the Caravanning Industry and Trade (ASEICAR), 26.731 caravanning vehicles were registered in Spain in 2020, comprising 10.547 newly registered motorhomes, campervans, and caravans, and 16.184 used vehicles. The sector, far from contracting, is "experiencing a period of stability," according to the association.
Less friendly or more responsible?
Traveling with the house in tow to the neighboring country has become, since the beginning of 2021, a less friendly destination for some, more sustainable for others. Depending on how you look at it.
The alluring combination of Portugal and motorhomes has taken a turn. The Portuguese government has decreed a ban on overnight stays for motorhomes and campervans in the country. This regulatory change aims to improve sustainability. Those who violate it face fines of 60 to 600 euros. In July 2021, the articles of the new decree were amended to exempt caravans, and now only prohibit overnight stays for campervans and caravans.
The new state decree aims to control the overcrowding and sustainability of this type of tourism because, although the majority of users show respect and care for the environment, some have reprehensible behaviors.
The coast is one of the main attractions. Some of the areas that receive the most motorhomes and campervans are undoubtedly the beaches, which attract surfers from all over Spain, Portugal and the world.
Fines of 60 to 600 euros, if you camp or if you do not spend the night in the authorized places if you are a van or caravan (parking during the day is allowed)
The Portuguese Government approved Decree Law 102-B/2020 on December 9, 2020, with modifications in July 2021, which prohibits "overnight stays and parking of camper vans and caravans, outside of places expressly authorized for this purpose."
The Portuguese Ministry of Tourism thus puts an end to the free overnight stay of campers and caravans throughout the country. The new decree modifies the Highway Code and its article 50-A appears worded as follows:
1. (…) overnight stays and camping in vans or caravans outside the places expressly authorized for that purpose are prohibited.
2. For the purposes of the provisions of the previous number, the following are considered:
a) 'Camping', the parking of the vehicle with occupation of space greater than its perimeter;
c) 'Overnight', the stay of a motorhome or similar in the parking place, with occupants, between 21:00 p.m. one day and 7:00 a.m. the next day.
3 - Whoever violates the provisions of No. 1 will be sanctioned with fines of (euro) 60 to (euro) 300, except in the case of overnight stays or parking in areas of the Natura 2000 Network and protected areas, in which case the fine will be from (euro) 120 to (euro) 600 (euro) ”.
This Decree, mandatory since January 2021, is the transposition of the European Directive 2020/612.
So there is the binomial Portugal and motorhomes from now on.
Remember that parking during the day is not prohibited; the only thing prohibited is overnight parking between 21 pm and 07 am if you're in a van or caravan. However, if you're not in the vehicle and you park to go out for dinner, that's not prohibited either. It's not considered overnight parking.
The country of fado bets on a responsible caravanism
Behind the new ban on campers is the Action Programme for Responsible Caravanning of Tourism of Portugal, presented in July 2020.
The goal is to harmonize the practice of motorhoming with environmental, public health, land use, and road traffic requirements. One of the central objectives is the creation of a national network of Motorhome Service Areas (ASA). These areas operate 24 hours a day and provide parking spaces and overnight stays for motorhomes, ensuring the supply of electricity, water, and solid waste disposal. The first one to open is located in Ponte de Sor, Alentejo.
The Action Programme also includes a digital platform , through which it is possible to monitor ASA occupancy in the network and make online reservations.
The «life campers»
Within the same program, Turismo de Portugal has created the concept “Life Campers” for future awareness-raising actions aimed at motorhome users, calling for the need to respect the territory, the environment and local populations, the use of suitable places for parking and overnight stays and the adoption of good practices in sports, promoting responsible and sustainable motorhomes.
The Portuguese government has launched its Action Program for Responsible Tourism Caravanism in Portugal at a time of growth in tourists who choose this modality to visit the country.
Motorhomes in Portugal, a rapidly growing segment also in the rest of Europe, are mainly used by foreigners (80%), mostly Germans, French and Spanish, retirees and lovers of the culture and gastronomy of the destinations they visit.
It is known to all that on the subject of Portugal and motorhomes, trips increase in mid and low season, which makes a positive contribution to reducing seasonality in destinations, and they have a greater appetite for coastal locations, that is the Alentejo and the Algarve.
Portugal and motorhomes: the Government joins forces with social networks
You tempos are difficult and of expectation, but we still think not love.
- Rita Marques (@ritabmarques) January 13, 2021
Let's launch or challenge our partners.
We want to be pioneers and leaders not on the road to Tourism + Sustentável. #XXIIGovernment #tourism #visitportugal #Portugal #sustainable https://t.co/UVab5g8cUM
The tweet of Rita Marques, Secretary of State for Tourism of Portugal
Rita Marques, Secretary of State for Tourism of Portugal, comments on her Twitter account that the Action Program for Responsible Tourism Caravanism in Portugal is making its way. Portugal leader in sustainable tourism!
The tweet of Rita Marques, Secretary of State for Tourism of Portugal
Controversy: associations of the motorhome sector oppose the prohibition of overnight stays
The Portuguese Motorhome Association (CPA) strongly rejected the new measure from the Portuguese government. In an official statement , it "strongly repudiated the attack on the practice of motorhoming based on the concept of overnight stays introduced by Decree-Law No. 102-B/2020." Thanks to this decree, motorhomes were exempted from the ban after six months, although parking and overnight stays are now limited to a maximum of 48 hours and only in places where it is not prohibited and which are not protected areas.
According to this group, “under the guise of Covid-19 containment measures, when everyone internationally was arguing that motorhomes were the safest and least contagious way to take a family vacation, the Government approved the unjustified and discriminatory measure that motorhomes cannot stay overnight in parking areas near beaches.” Furthermore, the statement adds that “this is a clear violation of motorhomes’ right to access public places. ”
From his point of view, public opinion has been manipulated to create “a false image” that motorhomes and campers or caravans do not respect the environment, nature, populations and the places where they pass.
The CPA argues that the decree is unconstitutional and denounces that it creates citizens who own light vehicles with first and second category rights.
The CPA stresses that it will do everything in its power to reverse what it considers "a decision by the Government conditioned by well-placed lobbies that serve the interests of campsites without having listened to those concerned."
Furthermore, the CPA has joined forces with the Portuguese Federation of Motorhomes (FPA) to combat what it calls "harmful actions" by motorhome and campervan operators that have been announced for months, complaining to the members of the Assembly of the Republic and "requesting assistance and, above all, institutional and political intervention."
From the Spanish motorhome association, the messages are also clear.
An example of this is the video by Javi Nores, a member of the Board of the motorhome association La Peka, on the subject:
Infographic "Portugal and motorhomes: goodbye to free nights to lead responsible tourism."
Elaboration: Kucavana
A German study shows that traveling by motorhome is more sustainable
Is it sustainable, environmentally speaking, traveling by motorhome?
I recently read an article in AutoC magazine about a study by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research in Heidelberg, Germany, which concludes that traveling by motorhome is more sustainable than traveling by hotel, plane, bus, or even train if you then stay in hotels.
A bet on slow travel
The German study argues that caravan travel is advantageous compared to other forms of travel, if it is understood as slow travel. This means taking fewer long trips and covering the shortest possible distances.
Furthermore, the report states that caravanning has a good environmental impact compared to forms of travel that flourished before the COVID-19 pandemic. In short, motorhomes are better than cruises and long-haul flights.
Therefore, motorhomes are the most environmentally responsible mode of tourism, according to the German study. See the study translated into Spanish here .
One more point in favor for our way of free travel to be defended.
Attention! to the official website always updated on COVID-19
We continue to clarify the latest news regarding Portugal and motorhomes. If you're traveling to Portugal in any way—with children, in a rental motorhome, or to destinations like the north or south—we recommend checking the constantly updated COVID-19 measures.
Don't forget to check this official link . That way, you'll always have up-to-date and official information about restrictions, curfews, and lockdowns.
As general rules, remember that the following basic rules apply in the Portuguese country:
- Social distancing
- Frequent hand washing
- Mandatory use of a mask
Turismo de Portugal has implemented the “ Clean & Safe ” seal, which allows for greater safety and confidence in the use of accommodations, various tourist services and tourist attractions.
In the case of the archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores, the respective regional governments decree specific measures.
Taking into account the general concern for the economic and social recovery as soon as the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic allows it, Turismo de Portugal has created a “Clean and Safe” seal to distinguish tourist activities that ensure compliance with hygiene and cleanliness requirements for the prevention and control of the virus.
For months, accommodation, tourism companies and travel agencies (companies that have an official registration with the National Tourism Authority), have been requesting the declaration of establishment "Clean and Safe". After submitting the Declaration of Commitment, companies can use the symbol, either physically on their premises or on their digital platforms.
With this measure, Turismo de Portugal aims to provide businesses with information on the necessary hygiene and cleaning measures for establishments, in accordance with the recommendations of the Directorate-General for Health, as well as to promote Portugal as a safe destination in terms of preventing the spread of the virus, reinforcing visitor confidence in the country.
Other tips on traveling to beautiful Portugal by motorhome
About tolls
You have to be careful with tolls in Portugal because in some you have to register in an electronic system beforehand. Others are of normal payment.
In Portugal, there are two types of highways: conventional toll highways (paid at a booth or by card) and electronic toll highways (using cameras that read your license plate and process the payment electronically). The latter can be paid for using the following methods:
- 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 highways there or better online and not worry just before crossing the border.
- 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.
About motorhome areas in Portugal
In Portugal there are many areas for motorhomes, campsites at a reasonable price and areas enabled for motorhomes so you will have no problem parking and spending the night. There are places on the coast, which is protected, it is forbidden both to park and stay overnight, it is important to respect the signs.
Failure to respect them has precisely made the law of Portugal change to our detriment.
Most Intermarché supermarkets have a motorhome area, many times with free services and all, so only with them you have many options. There are more areas than in Spain surely.
About its 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.
And what do you think of the new decree of Portugal that prohibits the overnight stay of motorhomes and campers?
Are you for or against?
Or Verão is to check ea sr. Rita Marques will try or cozinhado that I prepared, I will be more flies !!!
I fully agree my friend, I hope that you will be able to allow 72 hours to comply with the mude legislation 🙂
On ira ailleurs…. deception… blah blah… more par against ça construit partout… bizarre….
totalement d'accord Thomas, on ira ailleurs
Très déçu du Portugal … beaucoup de blabla ba… Nous partons ailleurs ….fuyons ..
Incroyable entre l interdiction de stationner .. arrêt interdit .et Même interdiction de circuler…ils sont tombés sur la tête….+ Merci inter marche ..ldl .. pour les nuits sur leurs parkings…
Le tourisme en camping car… .c est mort au Portugal…
totalement d'accord Thomas, on ira ailleurs
Who are they kidding? To offer sustainable tourism, you first have to create the infrastructures for this purpose, such a harsh law is not created without being able to offer a real alternative based on an infrastructure that does not exist in Portugal, we are not talking about France. So what it sounds like is the usual corrupt mafia, the one from the campsites. It's okay to be naive, but not silly. Sustainable tourism is not only big for Portugal, it is impossible for it. This is what has to be sold to European funds, let's start calling things by their name, that the coconut does not exist.
Those people who go with their cars for areas of pinhais to make picnics and deixam or lixo all back. Só os motorcaravanistas é que são os malandros, or rest é paisagem.
I totally agree my friend. It's a shame to see us collective assim
Campsites cramped and full. Want to be at a place where we can enjoy walking to local amenities and shops. Not miles from anywhere. We are retired and have restricted mobility. We put money into the local economy. Please don't exclude us.
Bravo!