Camper Van Rental in Portugal

Highways in Portugal are toll roads. They are either equipped with booths to pay on-site or are electronic toll roads.

• Payment on-site: You can pay the toll conventionally at the exit of most roads. Please pay attention to the signs marked with a “V” (Via Verde) on green background, as those are reserved for people with transponders, and you should not drive on those roads if you don’t have one.
• Electronic toll roads:Our cars with Portuguese plates are already registered on the electronic toll system. You can check your outstanding payments on this website by inputting the number plate. Please keep in mind that it can take up to 48 hours until it appears in the system. Alternatively, payments can be made at a post office and shops marked with “Payshop” flags.
• If you are driving from outside of Portugal, it is important to register the car on the Easytoll system. As soon as you enter Portugal, you will pass through a toll booth. There is an entrance for non-Portuguese vehicles on the side where you will receive a receipt with an identification number and your plate numbers. When you drive through electronic toll roads, your plate will be scanned. From then onwards, the process is the same as for the Portuguese plates mentioned above. Alternatively, you can register digitally with Easytoll before you enter the country.
• The time you are allowed to spend on toll roads is limited, and spending a night at a rest stop is not advisable.
• There are also free roads, marked with “EN” but the travelling time might double if you choose them.

When you rent a camper van in Portugal, you’ll find a variety of campgrounds that cater to camper vans. Check ahead for availability during the high season, and make sure the campground is open in the low season. Here are some common types of campgrounds you can expect to find, as well as some info on wild or dispersed camping:

• Wild or Dispersed Camping:While not illegal in most areas, it is forbidden to stay in a camper overnight between 9 pm and 7 am, otherwise you might be fined. Dispersed camping is also generally not tolerated by locals in Portugal. The golden rule of Leave No Trace has been broken one too many times, leaving popular dispersed camping spots covered in trash, destroying wildlife, and angering local communities. Luckily, the country has plenty of beautiful campgrounds suiting all budgets, needs, and preferences.
• Full-Service Campgrounds: These campgrounds offer a range of amenities and facilities for camper van travelers. They typically provide designated camping spots with electrical and water hookups, and waste disposal facilities. Full-service campgrounds often have on-site amenities such as showers, toilets, laundry facilities, restaurants, swimming pools, and playgrounds.
• Basic Campgrounds: Basic campgrounds provide essential facilities for camper vans, including campsites with or without electrical hookups. They may have shared bathroom facilities, but their amenities are relatively limited compared to full-service campgrounds. Basic campgrounds are often situated in scenic locations, offering a more natural camping experience.
• Beachfront Campsites: Portugal’s extensive coastline offers beachfront campgrounds where you can park your camper van just steps away from the sand and sea. These campgrounds often provide beautiful ocean views and easy beach access.
• Rural and Nature Campsites: Portugal’s countryside and natural parks are dotted with campgrounds that allow you to immerse yourself in nature, offering opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor activities. They may have basic facilities and be a little more rustic, allowing you to better connect with nature.
• Independent and Local Campsites: If you are seeking the thrill of dispersed camping but want to respect nature and the local communities, find and reserve a unique camping experience through the roadsurfer spots App. Whether it’s a secluded camping spot nestled amidst vineyards accompanied by evening wine tastings, a stay at an organic farm trying the local produce, or surf campgrounds right on the beach, there’s a perfect option for everyone!

Portugal has plenty of fascinating events and festivals that embrace the diversity of Portuguese culture, so why not plan your road trip around one of these when you rent a camper van in Portugal?

Lisbon Carnival, February/March, Lisbon: Lisbon Carnival is a vibrant celebration featuring colorful parades, lively music, and festive costumes. Join the revelry as the city comes alive with street parties and performances, showcasing the energetic spirit of Portuguese culture. Other cities also celebrate carnival, so keep an eye out for celebrations wherever you are!

Festival Internacional de Chocolate de Óbidos (International Chocolate Festival), March, Óbidos: Chocoholics will delight in this annual event held in the charming town of Óbidos. The festival celebrates all things chocolate, featuring impressive chocolate sculptures, tastings, workshops, and a wide array of chocolate-infused treats to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Holy Week, Eastertide, whole country: Holy week, leading up to Easter, is a significant religious observance in Portugal. Cities like Braga, Óbidos, and Bragança, hold processions, biblical re-enactments, and religious ceremonies during this time, providing a unique cultural and spiritual experience.

Rock in Rio Lisboa, June (even-numbered years only), Lisbon: One of the biggest music festivals in Portugal, Rock in Rio Lisboa gathers renowned international artists for a multi-day extravaganza of live performances. Held every two years, this festival attracts music lovers from all over the world, providing an unforgettable experience with a diverse range of genres and incredible stages.

Feast of Saint Anthony, 12-13th June, Lisbon: Lisbon’s beloved patron saint, Saint Anthony, is celebrating with great enthusiasm on June 12^th and 13^th. The city transforms into a lively street party, with parades, traditional dances, and people eating grilled sardines while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Festa de São João (Saint John Festival), Porto, 23rd June: The Saint John Festival is a lively street festival honoring the city’s patron saint. Join the locals in the lively street parties, where participants exchange playful hits with plastic hammers, and enjoy firework displays, live music, and traditional food and drinks.

Porto Wine Festival, November, Porto: The Porto Wine Festival is a fantastic opportunity to indulge in Portugal’s world-renowned port wine. Enjoy tastings, vineyard tours, and cultural events in Porto, where you can savor a wide range of exquisite wines, and learn the art of winemaking.

It’s hard to narrow down the best spots to visit when you rent a camper van in Portugal, as there is such a range of incredible places to see! That said, read below for an overview of some of the very best:

Lisbon and Sintra – The vibrant capital city of Lisbon is a must-see, combining history, culture, and a bustling atmosphere. Explore the narrow streets of Alfama, visit iconic landmarks like Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and indulge in the city’s lively food and music scene. Sintra, a fairytale destination nestled in the hills, is only a 45-minute drive from Lisbon and is definitely worth the trip. Immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere and wander through lush gardens and extravagant palaces, such as the colorful Pena Palace and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira.

Porto and the Douro Valley – Known for its historic charm and the world-famous port wine, Porto is a captivating city with colorful buildings, stunning bridges, and winding streets. Explore the area and visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Douro Valley, famous for its terraced vineyards, where you can indulge in wine tastings and enjoy breathtaking views of the river.

The Algarve – Located in the southernmost region of Portugal, the Algarve is renowned for its golden beaches, picturesque coastal towns, and year-round pleasant weather. Relax on stunning beaches, explore charming towns like Lagos and Tavira, and enjoy outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking, and golfing.

Évora and the Alentejo – Stretching across the south-central part of Portugal, Alentejo is a region of vast plains, cork oak forests, olive groves, and charming villages. Savor the region’s renowned wines and traditional cuisine, and visit the likes of Monsaraz and Marvão where you can admire medieval castles and enjoy panoramic views. Step back in time in the historic walled city of Évora with its impressive Roman Temple and Gothic Cathedral.

Serra da Estrela – Explore the natural beauty of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Hike through valleys, discover charming villages like Manteigas and Belmonte, and enjoy winter sports in the colder months.
Peneda-Gerês National Park – Situated in the northwest, Peneda-Gerês is Portugal’s only national park. It offers stunning natural beauty with lush forests, sparkling rivers, and granite peaks. Discover cascading waterfalls, hike scenic trails, and encounter wildlife in this unspoiled rural paradise.

Portugal is home to some of the best surf breaks in Europe, and the world championship tour comes to Peniche each year. If you’re looking for a full surf experience, there are some amazing places to stay near these spots when you rent a camper van in Portugal.

• While not generally thought of as one of Portugal’s top surf spots, Aveiro has a gentle beach break at Praia da Barra, which is a wonderful place for beginners to learn to ride waves. Check out the roadsurfer spot ‘Secret private house garden by the beach’ which is ten steps from Praia da Barra!
• Located just north of Lisbon, Ericeira is a World Surfing Reserve and one of Europe’s top surf destinations. It offers a variety of breaks suitable for all skill levels.
• Peniche, a peninsula on the central coast of Portugal, is known for its consistent surf conditions. Supertubos, one of Europe’s best beach breaks, hosts the prestigious World Surf League Championship Tour event. Other popular spots in Peniche include Baleal and Praia da Consolação. Looking for the perfect place to park and enjoy this lively surf town, take surf lessons, and relax? Try the roadsurfer spot ‘Da Silva Surfcamp’ in Peniche.
• Nazaré is famous for its enormous waves, particularly during the winter months. Only suitable for experienced big-wave riders from around the world. While it’s not a place most of us can surf, it’s worth a visit just to see the monstrous waves coming in. The roadsurfer spot ‘Espaço Lirium Ricardo Ferreira’ is a twenty minute drive from Nazaré where you can camp surrounded by nature near an edible garden, with bicycles available for rent.
• Located in the southwestern tip of Portugal, Sagres offers a range of surf breaks with consistent waves. Try Praia do Tonel and Praia do Beliche. roadsurfer spot ‘Casa da Horta’ at Bordeira beach is the perfect place to stay just north of Sagres, where you can rent bikes and surfboards, as well as book horse rides.
• Situated in the Algarve region, Arrifana is a picturesque beach with consistent surf conditions and a relaxed atmosphere. Stay at the above-mentioned ‘Casa da Horta’, just a half-hour drive south of Arrifana.
• Close to Lisbon, Carcavelos is a popular surf spot with consistent waves and a vibrant surf culture. It is easily accessible and suitable for all skill levels, making it a great option for beginners and intermediate surfers.