Found on the west coast of Europe beside Spain, Portugal is the perfect destination for a memorable trip. Home to a rich history, absolutely stunning coastlines, and many charming little villages worth visiting as much as many of the bigger cities, you will have a fantastic holiday, especially when booking campervan hire in Portugal through our price comparison portal at CamperDays.
Sun, beaches, rolling countryside, and dramatic seafronts await. To save money when you rent a campervan in Portugal, book through us to find the best deals and best savings. We offer many great benefits for lower prices than many of our competitors. Whether you are interested in exploring the various peaks of the mountainous regions to the north or want to drive along the coast and visit many of the pristine and idyllic beaches, a campervan holiday in this diverse and stunning European country is a must.
Would you like to enquire about a motorhome or do you need further information before making a booking? You can contact us without obligation either from Mon - Fri 08:00-16:00 GMT by phone or at any time via our online contact form.
Helpful tips for your holiday in Portugal
August is the busiest and most popular time to visit Portugal, though you can avoid the crowds if you stay away from the most significant cities like Porto and Lisbon. Suppose you want an ideal combination of cultural and tourist activities, longer days, and moderate to good weather. In that case, you may hire a campervan in Portugal during spring or autumn.
HikingWhen you hire a campervan in Portugal, the best time of the year to take a hike is during spring and fall when the weather is cooler. Even during the summer, the hiking routes don’t get too busy, and we recommend heading to Peneda-Gerês National Park.
Beach holidayDuring the high season, between June and August, it is the best time for camper van hire in Portugal for a beach holiday in a campervan. June, in particular, is pleasant because you get the hot, blazing sun and there are lots of festivals and exciting events without it being the main tourist season.
SightseeingSeptember and October are the best months to rent a motorhome in Portugal and explore its key sights and landmarks. The weather is still warm but not too hot, making walking and driving more accessible. You will also find that the crowds from the summer spike in tourism has reduced significantly.
Best Campervan routes around Portugal
Costa Vicentina – From Lisbon to the Algarve
Start from Lisbon and drive south towards Vila Nova de Mil Fontes. Then, continue southward, passing pretty villages like Almograve, Odeceixe, and Zembujeiro do Mar. Continue along the route to Sagres to complete your journey in the western point of the Algarve. Along this route, there are lots of places to stop for swimming and hiking and its a great place for Motorhome rental in Portugal.
Central Portugal
One of the best routes to take for Motorhome hire in Portugal is the one that takes you through central Portugal. Drive through the schist villages, Aldeias do Xisto in Portuguese, of which there are 27 and cover many mountain ranges such as Acor and Lousa. While exploring the many lakes, rivers, small villages, and markets, you should also drive across the Serra de Estrela, which has the highest peaks in the country.
Peneda-Geres National Park
Situated in the north of the country, just on the border with Spain, it is the oldest national park in Portugal. Here, you can travel through the only protected area in the country with complete national park status and enjoy the various waterfalls, small villages, windy roads, and gentle hills. Wildlife to look out for include the majestic horned Barrosao and Cachena cows.
Traffic Rules in Portugal
Always drive on the right side and overtake on the left. Overtaking on the right could lead to a fine if caught doing it.
Children under 12 are not legally allowed to sit in the front passenger seat. Allowing a 12-year-old passenger to sit in the front seat will lead to a fine.
Safety camera warning devices and radars are illegal
It is essential to have a spare wheel, emergency warning triangle and reflective vest in your vehicle, and all the appropriate tools necessary to change the wheel.
The speed limit, unless otherwise signposted, in built-up areas is 50 km/h; on rural roads, 90 km/h; on expressways, 100 km/h; and on motorways, 120 km/h
You need a valid driver's licence, but check with the local authority before seeing if you need an international one.
It can also be helpful to have your passport to help identify yourself.
Things to see in Portugal with a motorhome
The Douro Valley: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this gem of the wine world features terraced vineyards along the banks of the Douro River, creating an enchanting landscape. Winding roads will take you through preserved medieval villages such as Pinhão and Peso da Régua, where you can visit Port wine cellars and discover the fascinating history of the area.
The Algarve Coast: Discover a succession of pristine beaches, secluded coves, and dramatic cliffs plunging into the turquoise waters of the Atlantic. Charming coastal towns like Lagos, Albufeira, and Tavira offer a relaxed atmosphere, bustling markets, and delicious cuisine to enjoy in local restaurants.
Lisbon: A cosmopolitan and charming city where history meets modernity. Wander through the cobblestone streets of the Alfama district, visit the famous Jerónimos Monastery, and ride the iconic tramway to enjoy panoramic views from the Alfama district. Also, don't miss trying local specialties, such as pastéis de nata, in traditional cafés.
Ria Formosa Natural Park: Located in the Algarve, this preserved coastal ecosystem consists of lagoons, marshlands, and barrier islands. Explore its hiking trails, observe migratory birds in their natural habitats, and relax on deserted beaches lined with golden sand dunes.
Campsites in Portugal and the surrounding area
Your stay for the first night
- Lisbon/Costa de CaparicaClube de Campismo do Concelho Almada
- Northern Portugal/NazaréTravelvan-Park Salgado
- Alentejo Region/Monte Naturista O Barão
- Lisbon/Salvaterra de Magos
- Lisbon/Sesimbra
- Beira/Tomar
Although the cost will vary from company to company and location to location, to rent a campervan in Portugal will generally be between 50 euros during the lower season and 175 euros a night during the summer. To save money and find the best deals, book through our price comparison tool here at CamperDays.
As wild camping is legal again in Portugal, you can park more or less anywhere, as long as you are careful not to make exceptions to the rule. According to Portugal's Highway Code articles 48 and 50 and the amendments made in July 2021, overnight stays are approved by the Institute of Mobility and Transport for a maximum of 48 hours at a time.
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Compare the prices for different campervans, locations, and dates in our price comparison tool and find the most affordable option for your trip.
- Expert adviceWe will help you find the perfect campervan for your trip
- Wide selectionOur partners are available across the globe at more than 700 locations
- No hidden costsWe guarantee clear pricing and 100% transparency