You’re a real traveler but prefer individual trips? Fixed check-in dates are pure stress for you? You set the tone on your holiday? Then get in your VW camper and off the track! But you need a destination: So where do you want to travel this time? How about Portugal?! Read about the best routes, destinations and campsites in Portugal here!
For simplicity’s sake, let’s take Frankfurt am Main as German starting point for your trip – Here you can comfortably rent a roadsurfer VW camper and it takes about 20 hours with the VW Camper to the north of Portugal. Take enough time for your trip – because after all, your holiday should be relaxed. Plan enough stops on the approximately 2,000 kilometers to Portugal. With a total duration of about 3 weeks you don’t do anything wrong: You will have enough time for breaks and don’t have to rush on your round trip to Portugal.
You can start your journey via the A6 and Kaiserslautern from where it goes via Saarbrücken to France. Chalons-en-Chamagne or further south Orléans could be the first stops on your route. But you will also find numerous smaller places that invite you to stay overnight on the A4, A26 and A19. Take the A10 to conquer the south of France. You will pass Tours and Saintes and finally reach Bordeaux. Now you cross the north of Spain to finally reach Chaves, Portugal.
If you prefer to travel to the south of Germany, take the route via Mannheim and Karlsruhe. From here you continuously drive along the German-French border until you finally cross the border at Freiburg im Breisgau. Now you take the A36 through France to Bordeaux. From here it is not far to Spain and Portugal. Now you can start your individual exploration tour through Portugal!
Wild camping is forbidden in Portugal, but luckily there is an excellent alternative for those who like to stay on individual pitches. With roadsurfer spots, you can find campsites and pitches in Portugal with lovely hosts, and you can book quickly and conveniently in advance or on the go!
Spots by the sea
All spots in Portugal
No matter how you design your trip, some places should not be missing. Porto and Lisbon are not only the largest cities in the country but also worth a stop. In Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, narrow medieval streets and magnificent tiled facades await you. The Torre de Belém and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos were declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1983 – And you should definitely have them on your sightseeing list. Porto is also known as a baroque city – numerous churches and other magnificent buildings date from that period. Even though Porto is worth a visit for its old town alone, you shouldn’t miss the city’s excellent port wine!
roadsurfer tip: You get the best city tour with tram line 28! Get on and enjoy the view without the VW bus.
Not only for the palate but also for the eyes, the vineyards of the Douro valley offer a real feast. Here you can stroll, relax and enjoy a drop or two of the vines. In Adega, you can even watch the vintners stomp their grapes during the harvest.
The university town of Coimbra is rich in education. It is the former capital of the country and the sixth-largest city of Portugal today. The sweet mountain town invites to numerous events. Listen to the traditional sounds of fado and let yourself be inspired by its magic. The UNESCO Capital of Culture 2012 is also located in Portugal: Guimaraes. Here you can visit the fort, the birthplace of the first Portuguese king, stroll through the historic city center and numerous avenues or watch the old men playing cards at Largo do Toural.
Besides the fantastic cities, Portugal also offers beautiful nature experiences. The country has more than 100 official beaches – each different. The characters range from steep rocky coasts to soft sandy beaches. Whether you are a lonely romantic or an extrovert surfer – you will find your favourite beach here.
Are you a real explorer? Then you should visit Praihna Alvor. At low tide, numerous caves, holes and crevices invite you to explore. Around the lighthouse of Lagos is one of the most visited beaches in the Algarve: Ponta da Piedade attracts a fantastic steep coast and numerous small bays.
About one kilometre away you can find another jewel of the country. The Praia do Camilo can only be reached by a steep wooden staircase – fantastic! You will get your money’s worth at Praia do Carvalho as a cliff diver. The beach of Benagil in Lagoa offers an authentic experience for stand-up paddlers and canoeists – especially the rock cathedral, which is visible at low tide and is an absolute crowd-puller.
The beach of Martinhal on the southwest tip of the Algarve is precisely the right thing for families! The coastline is flat, and a wooden jetty makes it even possible to travel by baby carriage. Nudists and surfers are in good hands at Praia Odeceixe north of the Algarve. Here, the freshwater of the river Seixe meets the seawater of the Atlantic.
If you want to stay close to the beach and take full advantage of Portugal’s magnificent coastline, we recommend our roadsurfer spots: here; you can stay (almost) alone and enjoy the lovingly equipped pitches.
You love nature? Then let’s get out of here! For example to the Peneda Gerês National Park in the far north of Portugal, where real hikers are in good hands. The ascent is rewarded by a fantastic view over Portugal’s only national park. In the centre of the small main village of the park is a healing spring where you can recover from your hike. For the less active ones, the “Path of Laziness” invites you to take a mini hike – It will only take you two hours.
There are also wild Garrano horses in the national park mountains – a great experience not only for the little ones. Trees with trunks up to two meters thick and numerous waterfalls round off this unique nature experience.
After your exciting experiences in Portugal, you should also sleep well. These are our top 10 roadsurfer campsites in Portugal:
1. Yelloh! Village Turiscampo
This campsite in Portugal is open all year round. It is located about five kilometres from Lagos and even has hot water showers for dogs – good to know! But more interesting for you: It offers swimming pools, a whirlpool, a restaurant, a bar as well as a fitness and wellness area!
2. Zmar Eco Campo
Those who don’t get their money’s worth here can’t be helped anymore. This campsite in Portugal’s northern centre has everything you could wish for: A playground, paddling pool, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis court, archery, bike hire, internet corner, fitness room, whirlpool, entertainment, and much more.
3. Camping Albufeira
This campsite in Portugal is located 1.5 kilometres from the city of Albufeira. It is open all year round, and from July to September you can use a swimming pool with a children’s pool, playground, tennis court, restaurant, bar, pizzeria and a disco.
4. Camping Olhão
A lot of shade and a relaxed atmosphere offers this campsite in Portugal. It is located in the very south of the country and provides wonderful nature and standards such as a playground, bar, restaurant and a swimming pool.
5. Camping Markádia
This campsite is located in the middle south of Portugal. They are open for special guest wishes, especially for winter campers. Next to a swimming pool, the campsite offers boat rentals and pony rides for the little ones.
6. Parque de Campismo de Armação de Pera
In the extreme south of Portugal, you will find this campsite. Dogs are allowed; you can swim in the sea and in a swimming pool. It also offers spa facilities and a golf course for relaxation.
7. Camping Quinta dos Carriços
This campsite is located at the southernmost tip of Portugal and is divided by a stream. Besides an internet corner and the possibility of swimming in the sea, you can also rent bicycles and use the golf course.
8. Camping Coimbrão
You will find this place on Portugal’s west coast, in the middle of the country. It is run by a German couple and offers a terrace with a barbecue, a library, and many standard facilities.
9. Orbitur-Camping Gala
Located on the Atlantic coast of Portugal, this campsite offers children’s entertainment, a wide range of sports and swimming in the sea.
10. Camping Idanha-a-Nova
Our last Portugal camping tip is located in the east of the country. Here you can visit historic villages in the surrounding area and take advantage of the recreation and spa facilities on the campsite. It is located south of a large lake.
Fall asleep to the sound of the sea, dream a little and then wake up perfectly rested and enjoy the day on what is probably Portugal’s most beautiful coast, the Algarve. It is the hotspot for surfers (and spectators) as it boasts breathtaking cliffs, rugged rock formations and endless standing beaches. As if that weren’t enough reasons to visit, you can also stroll through the beautiful towns, do some shopping and soak up the Portuguese mentality.
Airbnb was yesterday, but you will sleep in your cosy van by the sea today. So please pay attention, because we’re showing you our two favourite campsites on the gorgeous south coast.
Parque da Galé
A family atmosphere, a small number of pitches and great value for money – that’s Parque da Galé. And as the name suggests, you can reach the unspoilt beach of Galé within a 20-minute walk. The on-site pool is perfect for a refreshing dip if that’s a few kilometres too far.
Camping Serrão
A small, idyllic paradise away from the crowds and tourists, simply perfect for switching off and relaxing. A wild beach awaits you just 4 kilometres away, ready for you to discover. There is also a lot to experience at the camping spot, such as the massage room, the barbecue area and, of course, the restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese food.
You just can’t get enough of the beautiful nature of the Algarve. Thus, stopping and starting a wild camping adventure would be tempting. Unfortunately, as in most countries, this is forbidden and punishable by fines of up to €2000.
But you’re in luck because there are roadsurfer spots!
Short and sweet: with roadsurfer spots, you can stay with our lovely hosts on private property – completely legal. For little money, you get the whole package from friendly acquaintances, relaxing peace and delicious food for the perfect, wild camping feeling.
Browse the unique spots yourself – it’s easy with the roadsurfer spots app. With your smartphone, you can book your dream place to sleep for the night on the go or in advance. Our hosts are always looking forward to meeting you!
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