Welcome to an unforgettable journey through Portugal where you’ll encounter ancient castles, rolling vineyards, dramatic coastlines and vibrant cities. A country with no shortage of spectacular views and equally delicious food. In this Portugal road trip itinerary, you’ll explore the lively city streets of Lisbon and venture south to the breathtaking cliffs and golden beaches of the Algarve.
This adventure will immerse you in the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality that Portugal is renowned for. So buckle up and let’s hit the road to discover some of Portugal’s most mesmerizing destinations.
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Must see spots on a Portugal road trip
Lisbon
Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, offers a beautiful blend of experiences and culture within its diverse and distinct neighborhoods. After arriving in Lisbon, we began our exploration in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district. Here, narrow cobblestone streets wind their way past historic buildings and charming cafes. As you wander, listen to the traditional Fado music emerging from the locally owned restaurants as you pass by. Admire the intricate tiles that adorn the outside of the buildings and watch as the iconic yellow trams pass through the historic streets.
Nearby, the lively district of Bairro Alto ranks as the best neighborhood for nightlife, where cozy taverns and trendy bars line the streets. It is also here that you will find the famous Bica Funicular and Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcãntara viewpoint.
To experience Lisbon’s rich history, head to Baixa, the downtown district. Explore iconic landmarks like Praça do Comércio and Rossio Square before walking along the waters edge.
No visit to Lisbon would be complete without indulging in some of its delicious, traditional foods. I made sure to eat plenty pastéis de nata (custard tarts), grilled seafood and local specialties like bifana (pork sandwich).
Algarve
The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, is known for its dramatic coastline, surfing and seafood. It is a true paradise for beach lovers with golden sand beaches, hidden coves and incredibly clear water.
We began our coastal adventure in Lagos, at Praia Dona Ana, Ponta da Piedade and Praia do Camilo. These picturesque beaches are some of the most impressive in Portugal and should be included on your road trip itinerary.
Further east, you’ll want to explore the beaches of Praia dos Três Irmãos and Praia da Marinha each with their own distinct natural rock formations and mesmerizing views. Be sure to visit the quaint town of Ferragudo and the bustling street of Albufeira.
Along the coast, indulge in the region’s culinary delights at charming cafes and restaurants, serving up fresh seafood dishes like grilled sardines and cataplana (seafood stew), our favorite!
How to road trip in Portugal
Portugal is one of Europe’s best and easiest countries to go on a road trip. From stunning vineyards in the north to dramatic coastlines in the south, Portugal has some of the most diverse landscapes. And at the heart of it all is Lisbon, the eclectic capital city full of life, history and gastronomic delights!
Campervan rental in Portugal: Choosing the right van and company
Before you embark on your epic Portugal road trip, you’ll want to consider a few key factors when selecting a camper van rental company. These can include: number of people, pick up and drop off locations, vehicle transmission, whether the company offers unlimited mileage or not, and much more.
For our road trip in Portugal we chose to rent from Portugal by Van. They are a small company offering low cost rates with beautifully renovated and safe vans. Communication with the company was easy and they made the pick up and drop off process seamless.
Where to pick up your van for a Portugal road trip
The majority of camper van rental companies are conveniently located within the larger cities in Portugal. There are quite a few companies with pick up and drop off locations in Lisbon nearby the airport. Our camper van was available for pick up at the Portugal by Van office about a 10 minute Uber ride from the airport!
The hours of operations for most camper van companies are quite limited so keep that in mind when booking your flights. There are usually additional costs if you want to pick up or return the van outside of their normal hours and on weekends.
Uber is the fastest, easiest and most cost effective way to travel around Lisbon if you don’t have your own transportation. We used Uber quite a bit in the city and it was very inexpensive.
If you are arriving in Porto or Faro, they also offer pick up and drop off in those locations, for an additional fee and based off of availability. One of the main locations for camper van hire along the Algarve coast is Faro.
Cost of renting a campervan
There are multiple factors that go into the costs of a campervan rental in Portugal. The rates vary depending on the season and the size of the campervan. Portugal by Van offers 5 different camper van options, accommodating 2 people all the way up to a family of 5. We explored Portugal in the Graceful Trio camper which has a spacious and aesthetic interior, is full equipped with everything you need to cook your meals and even has a heated shower. The Graceful Trio camper is a manual transmission so keep that in mind if you aren’t familiar or comfortable driving stick shift.
Additionally, the Graceful Trio camper van uses diesel fuel and gets really good gas mileage so that will cut some costs during your Portugal road trip!
Extra add-ons for your campervan
Portugal by Van offers a wide variety of extras to make your road trip easy and fun! From adventurous items like surfboards to more practical items such as a portable toilet or a heater, they truly have everything you need. We ended up renting the portable chemical toilet and even though it was never put to use, it was peace of mind having it available.
Documents you’ll need to rent the campervan in Portugal
When renting a camper van in Portugal, several documents are typically required by most rental companies. These often include a valid driver’s license, along with a passport or national identity card for identification purposes. Additionally, an international driving permit (IDP) may be necessary, especially if the driver’s license is not in English or Portuguese. It was not required for us to rent the camper van but I would highly recommend confirming that before arriving at the pick up office.
You will also need a credit card in the primary driver’s name for security deposits and any additional charges. Rental companies might also request proof of insurance coverage otherwise you can inquire about insurance options offered by the rental agency. Many companies will also require a large deposit or hold on your credit card for the vehicle. This is to ensure that there is no damage, unpaid tolls or fines.
We did drive through toll roads in Portugal that added up to about €25 euro which we paid separately after our trip was complete. Portugal by Van promptly refunded the deposit after the return of our camper van once the toll bill was paid.
Driving in Portugal and toll roads
While mosts of your driving in Portugal will probably be done on non-toll roads it is important to be aware that toll roads are prevalent especially on major routes. The electronic toll system, known as “Via Verde,” makes the process easy by using an electronic number plate device (DEM). Portugal by Van ensured that we didn’t need to worry about acquiring pre-paid toll cards since the van was set up with the Via Verde identifier tag.
Driving in general is very easy in Portugal, however you should still familiarize yourself with some of the local traffic laws to guarantee a safe and stress free trip!
Where to camp in Portugal
Campsites in Portugal
In Lisbon and the Algarve, there are quite a few campsites with all the amenities you’ll need. For the majority of our time in Portugal we did stay at paid campsites. However, we parked one night in a lot with other camper vans along the Estrada da Praia in Algarve.
Most campgrounds will have toilets, showers, a small shop selling snacks and essentials and a reception. Some also have electricity hookup, fresh water refill and grey water waste dump stations. If you’re lucky, you might even park up at one with a swimming pool!
We used these websites to book our campsites in advance which I highly recommend, especially during peak season:
- Portugal Easy Camp – offers places where you can camp on farms & vineyards in exchange for purchasing their goods.
- Park4Night
- Homecamper
- Pitch Up
- Visit Portugal Website
Can you wild camp in Portugal?
As of 2024, wild camping, only in a van, is again permitted in certain areas of Portugal. However that does come with some very specific restrictions. It is illegal to park overnight along the coastline, in front of the beaches, in all natural protected areas, natural reserves and parks, as well as areas with signs posted saying camper vans are not allowed. With the exception of these places, you can stay overnight for up to a maximum of 48h.
If you are unsure that where you plan to wild camp is legal or not, it is best to just stay at a campsite. Please clean up after yourself and remove all trash if you do choose to wild camp.
Where to use toilet facilities and showers
Some camper vans, such as the Graceful Trio which we rented, have a hot water shower built in. We absolutely loved this feature as it was super convenient to be able to shower inside the van. The shower is quite small so if you’d prefer something a little more spacious I do recommend staying at a campsite with shower facilities.
Toilet facilities are a bit more available than showers. You’ll be able to have access to restrooms in most cafes, restaurants and even a few public areas. Although public bathrooms aren’t quite as common in Portugal as in other countries we’ve been to. Additionally, you can add on a chemical or dry porta potty to your rental to use in an emergency. We had one in the camper van but never ended up using it.
How to dispose of grey water waste and refill fresh water
In Portugal, camper van travelers can find facilities for disposing of grey water and refilling fresh water at various locations throughout the country. Many campsites and motorhome parks offer dedicated areas where camper vans can empty their grey water tanks and refill their fresh water tanks. These facilities are typically available for guests staying at the campsites or motorhome parks, but some may also offer services to non-guests for a fee.
Additionally, you can find service areas along major highways and motorways that often provide waste disposal and water refill stations for camper vans. You may also find water and waste disposal points at some petrol stations and rest areas. It’s recommended to plan ahead and inquire about available facilities at campsites, motorhome parks, and service areas along your route to ensure a convenient and comfortable camping experience in Portugal.
Best time to go on a Portugal road trip
The best time of year to take a road trip around Southern Portugal, particularly the Algarve region, is typically during the spring (April to June) and the early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is generally warm and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to low 30s Celsius (70s to 80s Fahrenheit).
Springtime brings blooming flowers, lush landscapes, and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. It’s an excellent time for outdoor activities such as hiking, exploring coastal towns, and enjoying the beautiful beaches without the intense heat and heavy tourist traffic.
Similarly, early autumn offers mild weather and warm sea temperatures, making it ideal for swimming, surfing, and other water activities along the Algarve coast. The summer crowds begin to dissipate in September, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable road trip experience.
While the summer months (July and August) can be hot and crowded, they still attract many visitors due to the sunny weather and lively atmosphere. However, if you prefer to avoid the peak tourist season and higher temperatures, sticking to the shoulder seasons of spring and early autumn is generally advisable for a more tranquil and pleasant road trip experience in Southern Portugal.
