Campervan and Motorhome Travel in Portugal

Touring Portugal by campervan is a dream trip: wild Atlantic beaches, vineyard valleys and mountain villages, all with your bed behind you. But Portugal has strict rules on where you can park overnight. Here’s how to plan a campervan trip, and stay on the right side of the law.

Quick answer: overnight stays in a campervan or motorhome are only allowed in authorised places: campsites and official motorhome service areas (áreas de serviço para autocaravanas). Overnight parking elsewhere, especially in natural parks and on the coast, can bring fines. Popular routes include the Costa Vicentina, the Algarve, the Douro and Peneda-Gerês.

The rules

• Where to sleep: campsites and official motorhome areas.
• Protected areas: the Costa Vicentina and other natural parks are strictly enforced.
• Parking by day: generally fine where parking is allowed, but don’t set up camp (awnings, chairs).
• Check local signs and apps for current restrictions.

Great routes

• The Costa Vicentina and western Algarve: surf beaches and clifftops. See Costa Vicentina.
• The Douro Valley: the N222 and quintas. See the best road trips.
• The Alentejo: quiet roads and walled villages. See the most beautiful small towns.
• The north: Peneda-Gerês and the Minho. See Peneda-Gerês.

Tips

• Tolls: some motorways have electronic tolls. See Portugal tolls explained.
• Narrow streets: avoid driving into old town centres.
• Season: spring and autumn are ideal, and summer is busy.
• Prefer a car? See car rental.

More: camping in Portugal and driving in Portugal.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.