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Portugal by motorhome or camper van is always a good plan. If this is what you are looking for, stay in this article that I will tell you everything or almost everything!

Hello friend @ adventurer @! Today I am going to share with you my experience and tips on how to travel to Portugal by motorhome. As a mother of two children and a lover of motorhome travel, I have traveled all over Europe with my family and I can tell you that Portugal is one of the most incredible destinations to enjoy this way of traveling. So, prepare your van, your camper or your motorhome and let's go touring Portugal together!

TIP: If you don't have a motorhome or campervan but want to rent one and try this type of travel, remember that the cheapest option with the best experiences is to rent from private individuals through a platform like Airbnb, but for motorhomes and campers.

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Circulating and driving in Portugal in a motorhome

The first thing you need to know when traveling by motorhome to Portugal is what it is like to drive in Portugal with your "mobile home". Here is a summary of the traffic law in Portugal so that you are aware of the speed limits and some useful tips:

Summary of Portugal traffic law:

In general, we can say that the Portuguese traffic law is very similar to the Spanish one in all aspects, so you won't have many problems driving and respecting its rules as they are identical to those in Spain in most cases. Here's a little summary:

Driving license:

Spanish, European or international is valid if you are from outside the European Union.

Speed ​​limits:

On national roads, the maximum speed is 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h, while on highways you can reach 120 km/h, that is if you do not have a vehicle with a trailer or a caravan or you are a motorhome of more than 3500 kg which then becomes less. But, even if you have a motorhome of less than 3500 kg and you are like a car, be careful! There are sections with speed limits, so pay attention to the signs, just like in Spain.

Child safety:

If you take children under 12 years old, they must always go in the rear seats and with booster seats, they can only go in the front if it is more than 150 cm.

Fluorescent vests and mandatory triangles:

Do not forget to take the mandatory vests and triangles in your vehicle to put on the road in case you have a breakdown.

Extra tip for driving in Portugal in a motorhome:

Some roads can be narrow and winding, especially in rural, coastal, and mountainous areas. Keep calm and enjoy the scenery. In addition, it is important that you are aware of local traffic regulations to avoid fines.

Tolls on the highways you will pass through on your trip to Portugal with a motorhome

Portugal has toll highways, and to travel through them in your motorhome, you can use two systems depending on the highway where you are:

• toll roads conventional. It is like the one in Spain and other European countries, you take the ticket and pay later based on the distance travelled.
• Electronic toll roads with cameras who read the license plate and where you pay with electronic systems Easytoll, Tollservice, Tollcard, ViaT or temporary Vía Verde device. On this type of highway, which you can see in the image below, it is where we can have problems if we have not previously registered with one of the payment systems.

How to sign up for one of the electronic toll motorway payment systems

The most effective thing to do is to take your Spanish ViaT if you have one, or otherwise register with the Easytoll system, designed for tourists to pay their tolls electronically.

To register with the Easytoll system, you can do so at the terminals located at the start of some (not all) motorway sections, or to save time and avoid errors, register online here: https://www.portugaltolls.com/

It is very simple, you link your license plate to a credit card where the tolls will be charged when you pass. And the good thing about this link is that it only lasts 30 days.

What you should know that as a tourist with Easytoll they always charge us a few cents more per toll, but for the use that we are going to give it, do not get involved in other more complicated systems and do it with Easytoll, nor am I talking about the rest of the systems for not hook up.

Camping in Portugal in a motorhome: general regulations and fines

An exciting part of traveling by motorhome is the opportunity to camp in beautiful locations and enjoy nature. However, in Portugal, as in Spain and practically all of Europe, wild camping is strictly prohibited , and you must be aware of the regulations to avoid unnecessary fines.

IMPORTANT: Remember that camping means extending beyond the perimeter specified in your motorhome's registration document . Setting up a table, chairs, awning, cooking outside... all of that is prohibited except in a designated campsite or private motorhome area.

Therefore, if you want to camp and avoid hefty fines from the authorities, go to a private campsite or RV park. In public areas, you'll blend in, avoiding fines and making mobile tourism more acceptable and sustainable in these wonderful destinations.

Staying overnight in Portugal in a motorhome or camper

Banned free overnight stays in Portugal with camper vans since 2021

Since 2021, free overnight stays in camper vans have been prohibited throughout Portugal.

With the Covid, Portugal suffered a boom in motorhomes and campers that, apart from parking, continually violated the camping law on its coasts, leaving devastating patterns of garbage and illegal campsites. The way to limit these camps was by prohibiting free overnight stays for camper vans, not motorhomes, since they considered that they are the ones that mostly violate the camping law due to lack of interior space and many of them without bathrooms inside.

SUMMARIZING: If you plan to go to Portugal from now on be clear that after 21:XNUMX p.m. if you are a van or caravan you must go to spend the night in a place allowed for it: an area or parking lot for motorhomes or a campsite.
If you are a motorhome, you can spend the night with a maximum of 48 hoursYou pray as long as it is not forbidden in that municipality or it is a protected natural area It honestly hurts our soul, especially for all those housing vehicles, which like motorhomes, have their bathroom and never camp being exemplary in their behavior in this world. We always end up paying the righteous for sinners.

However, even if you're traveling in a motorhome, especially along the Portuguese coast, you'll find many no-parking and no-overnight-stay zones that apply to motorhomes as well as campervans. It's important to check the specific restrictions for each town and location before planning your stops on your motorhome trip through Portugal.

Places to spend the night in camper or motorhome in Portugal

But don't worry, there are legal alternatives to spend the night in a camper and they are also always advisable in a motorhome in Portugal. Here I mention some options that are the most legal and above all comfortable so that you can spend the night and camp in most of them:

Campsites

Portugal has a large number of well-equipped campsites where you can enjoy services and amenities, being able to camp in the most comfortable way sheltered from swimming pools that will help you get through the summer heat and next to good beaches.

Motorhome areas to sleep in a safe and quiet motorhome or camper

Many cities and towns have areas dedicated especially for motorhomes, where you can safely stay overnight. These areas are public and often free and have the minimum services for motorhomes. You will also find paid private motorhome areas where you can also camp comfortably.

On the other hand, there are supermarket chains that have also set up motorhome areas in their parking lots where you can go shopping and spend the night. The best-known supermarket chain in the country with overnight areas for campers and motorhomes is the Intermarché supermarkets.

Car parks enabled for housing vehicles

Some municipalities have enabled parking lots without services for motorhomes but that allow motorhomes and campers to stay overnight, as long as you respect the rules, not camping as a general rule.

Services for motorhomes in Portugal

To make your motorhome trip in Portugal more comfortable, it is essential to know where you can find specific services for motorhomes.

motorhome areas

Throughout Portugal, you will find areas dedicated to motorhomes, where you can replenish water, empty your tanks and in some cases, even find electricity.

Service areas on highways or gas stations with services for motorhomes

On motorways and some gas stations, you will also find service areas that have facilities for motorhomes. Take advantage of these points to make your technical stops.

Tips and things to know before your trip to Portugal by motorhome or camper

Traveling by motorhome in Portugal is an incredible and unique experience! Here are some tips and curiosities about this beautiful country so that you can enjoy it even more:

Speak a little Portuguese: basic words in the language

Although many Portuguese speak English, learning a few basic Portuguese words will help you further connect with the local culture. Try it!

European health card or a good travel insurance to avoid co-payments

In Portugal you can be treated in any public hospital with the European health card. Of course, you should know that there are co-payments, which may, depending on the case and intervention, be returned to you by Spanish social security or not after two years. That's why I recommend travel insurance. For the price it has, which is little, it is worth it.

A TIP : For health coverage while traveling, we used Iati Escapadas, which is the best travel insurance for motorhome trips around Europe . Besides medical coverage, it includes extras for the motorhome that other insurance policies don't, such as theft from inside the motorhome, which even the vehicle's own insurance doesn't cover. It even includes coverage for accidents involving your pet if you have a dog in your motorhome, like we did.

In this case, if you want to hire it, I leave you a 5% discount on the Iati Getaways that will be applied to you at the end by accessing the link below.

Mobile roaming and Euro as in Spain

Both for what it does to the use of your mobile and for what it does to the currency in Portugal you will be at home and you should not worry. Of course, first check with your mobile company if it reduces data roaming in Portugal, they do not make you pay more but sometimes, it depends on the company reduces data at high speed.

Try its gastronomy: typical dishes of Portuguese cuisine

Portuguese gastronomy is delicious and varied. You cannot stop trying the cod, the grilled sardines, the pasteis de nata and the delicious local cheeses and sausages.

listen fado

Fado is a typical Portuguese music that transmits deep emotions. Enjoy an evening in a bar or restaurant where fado is played and let yourself be carried away by its magic.

Portugal originating from customs of other countries

Portugal is the origin of Japanese tempura and English tea time.

Visit the longest bridge in Europe on your trip to Portugal by motorhome

The Vasco da Gama Bridge is the longest bridge in Europe, spanning the Tagus north of Lisbon at over 12 km.

Sustainable energy self-sufficiency in Portugal

Portugal is one of the most sustainable countries in Europe, meeting 70% of its needs with renewable energy.

Visit the oldest bookstore in the world

The oldest bookstore in the world is in Portugal, in Lisbon, founded in 1732, the Livraria Bertrand.

Get to know a bit of Portuguese history

Portugal has a rich history and full of curiosities:

• In the fifteenth century, Portugal controlled half of the "new world."
• Although Spain and Portugal share a past, they have different and not always mixed histories.
• The longest dictatorship in Europe was in Portugal, thanks to Antonio de Oliveira Salazar and the subsequent Carnation Revolution.
• Portugal has the world's oldest existing diplomatic agreement with England, dating back to 1373.

Route through Portugal in a motorhome: the 10 essential things to see on your trip through Portugal in a camper or motorhome

Now that you know some details about driving, camping and staying overnight in Portugal, I can't stop sharing with you the essential places you must visit on your route through this beautiful country. So get ready because here is a top 10 essentials to visit on your trip to Portugal by motorhome or van.

1. Lisbon by motorhome

Portugal's capital is a city full of charm, history, and hidden gems. Don't miss the Alfama district, the Belém Tower, and the famous Tram 28. To save on entrance fees, I recommend buying the Lisboa Card , a pass with unlimited travel on public transport and access to over 30 Lisbon attractions.

To visit Lisbon by motorhome, the safest thing is to go to one of the campsites near Lisbon or to a private motorhome area that is in an old munitions factory and from there use public transport.

In Lisbon, don't miss a boat trip with a tour of Belém and the guided tour they offer: Free Tour of Lisbon

2. Aveiro on your trip to Portugal by motorhome

Known as the "Portuguese Venice" for its canals and colorful houses, Aveiro is a picturesque city that will transport you to another world. Take a ride on a moliceiro boat , tour Costa Nova and the salt marshes , and try the famous ovos moles, delicious traditional sweets.

3. Porto by motorhome

Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, is famous for its port wine cellars and cobbled streets. Walk along the Ribeira, cross the Dom Luis I bridge and enjoy the panoramic views.

If you're only going to Porto for one day, I recommend taking a tour that covers all of Porto , including a boat trip under the six bridges , seeing a Fado show , and visiting and tasting wines.

4. The Algarve by motorhome

The Algarve is the beach destination par excellence in Portugal. Its beaches with crystal clear waters and golden sand are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sun.

Be careful on this beautiful coast, do not park or spend the night where you should not, the entire coastal perimeter here is closely monitored for illegal camping and overnight stays.

5. Sintra by motorhome

Sintra is a magical place full of mystery, with fairytale palaces and impressive natural landscapes. Do not miss the Palacio da Pena and the Castelo dos Mouros.

A tip for visiting Sintra, its Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, and Cascais: don't go in a campervan. There's no campervan area or nearby place to park and stay overnight. The parking lots are always packed. The best option for us was to take a tour from Lisbon that includes transfers and all entrance fees and visits to Sintra, Cascais, Pena Palace, and Quinta da Regaleira . It's a great deal, so you don't have to worry about it yourself.

6. Guimaraes on your trip to Portugal in a motorhome

Considered the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães is a city steeped in history and medieval charm. Visit Guimarães Castle and explore its old town with a free walking tour that will reveal the history of this beautiful Portuguese town.

7. Óbidos by motorhome

Óbidos is a walled medieval town that will transport you back in time. Stroll along its cobbled streets and try the famous "ginjinha," a typical regional drink. You can do all of this with a guided tour where they'll tell you everything.

8. Évora by motorhome

Évora is a city full of history and culture. Visit its impressive cathedral, the Roman temple and the famous aqueduct.

9. Coimbra by motorhome

Coimbra is famous for being the oldest university city in Portugal. Tour the University of Coimbra and its gardens, and enjoy the views from the Miradouro da Universidade.

But what we liked most about Coimbra was the visit and wine tasting at one of its wineries and kayaking on the Mondego River - a super experience!

10. The Sierra de la Estrella Natural Park by motorhome

If you like nature, you cannot miss the Sierra de la Estrella Natural Park. Here you will find breathtaking mountain scenery and the opportunity for hiking and winter sports in winter.

And get ready to live an unforgettable adventure in Portugal in a motorhome!

Portugal is a country full of charm, history, delicious cuisine and spectacular landscapes. Traveling by motorhome will allow you to discover every corner at your own pace and enjoy a unique experience with your family. Of course, always remember to respect local regulations, take care of the environment and enjoy this beautiful country to the fullest.

I hope this guide has been useful and motivates you to plan your trip to Portugal by motorhome. You will not regret living this incredible adventure full of unforgettable moments!

Have a good trip, friend @ motorhome! See you on the road!

Oh, and lastly, here's a post about a route from south to north of Portugal from some good friends of Kucavaneros that might also help you plan your next trip.