Planning a motorhome or campervan journey to Portugal? Need to see a few of the most breathtaking locations in Europe? Right here’s every thing you have to know to go campervanning or motorhoming in Portugal, together with routes and locations to go to.
Don’t overlook to obtain your FREE Europe motorhome journey guidelines beneath that will help you plan your Portugal street journey.
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Motorhoming in Portugal- why you must go!
Portugal has a little bit little bit of everything- dramatic shoreline with sandy seashores, caves, mountains, unbelievable delicacies and historical past. Oh, and wine. Tons and many pretty wine. It’s splendidly conventional and lots of elements of it nonetheless really feel totally untouched by the fashionable world.
Among the finest issues about having the ability to discover Portugal on a motorhoming vacation is which you can see the variations between the areas, attempt the native delicacies (and wine!) and actually get a really feel for the nation in a brief area of time.
It’s additionally one of many most cost-effective nations in western Europe, so you possibly can journey on a small funds with out a lot concern.
On this information, I’m going to share with you every thing you have to know to go motorhoming or campervanning in Portugal, together with attending to Portugal and planning your route, the place to remain (motorhome campsites, aires or wild tenting together with your camper), some street journey concepts and locations to go to, driving suggestions and different sensible recommendation that will help you have an incredible Portuguese street journey.
I’m additionally going to share some issues NOT to do- like use your dash-cam! (Do you know dash-cams are unlawful in Portugal?!)
If that is your first campervanning journey to Portugal (or Europe!), don’t overlook to seize your free motorhome journey guidelines which is able to enable you to plan and organise every thing you want.
Campervanning in Portugal- The place to go
When planning a motorhome journey to Portugal, the very first thing you have to do is determine the place you’re going (and the way lengthy you might have on your journey!)
How lengthy to go for?
In case you’re driving from the UK to Portugal (we’ll cowl that shortly), you have to permit no less than 2 days from arriving in France (by both ferry or Eurotunnel) to get to Portugal. And that’s 2 days of just about stable driving (it’s about 15 and a half hours (1013 miles) from Calais to the north-eastern Portuguese border)
I don’t advocate visiting Portugal when you solely have per week on your street journey. It’s too far and all you’ll do is drive there and again. In fact, when you’re going to hire a motorhome and fly in, that’s completely doable in per week (extra on that shortly).
In case you have a few weeks, you possibly can actually discover chunk of Portugal, however you may be doing numerous driving except you stick to only the North of the nation.
Portugal isn’t an enormous country- it solely takes about 7 hours (470miles) to drive from North to South, so when you’re there it’s straightforward to see so much in a brief area of time.
Highlights of a Portugal Motorhoming Vacation
A number of the finest locations to go to when campervanning in Portugal embrace:
- The Algarve – the seashores there are a few of the finest in Europe
- Lisbon – certainly one of Europe’s most historic cities
- Sintra- it actually does appear like one thing from a fairytale
- Alentejo Nationwide Park- the most important protected coastal Pure Park in Europe
- Porto- one of many oldest ports on the planet
- Cape St Vincent- Europe’s most south-westerly level
- Serra Da Estrela- Portugal’s highest mountain vary
- Duoro Valley- when you like wine, right here’s the place to go
- Megaliths close to Évora- these are wonderful!
In case you take pleasure in studying books earlier than a visit, listed below are some we advocate:
See extra enjoyable and sensible motorhoming books we advocate studying
When to go motorhome touring in Portugal
Portugal has one of many warmest climates in Europe. As such, it’s a magnet for northern Europeans- particularly in winter.
Campervanning in Portugal in winter
Portugal is nice in winter. It’s one of many warmest locations in Europe in February with common temperatures of over 16°C.
The great factor about campervanning in Portugal through the winter is that almost all issues stay open, as so many vacationers nonetheless go to, so it doesn’t all shut down like many different nations in Europe. (In fact, some campsites do select to shut, however there are nonetheless loads open all yr.)
Nevertheless, not all over the place in Portugal is heat in winter. Count on snow and snowboarding within the mountains- particularly in Serra Da Estrela (the best mountain vary).
Touring Portugal in summer time
For me, summer time in Portugal is simply too sizzling. Common temperature within the Algarve in August is 29°C- that’s the AVERAGE. As I don’t have air-con in our motorhome, and since I journey with a canine, I attempt to keep away from sizzling locations like this and go motorhoming in Norway or different locations with mountains and cooler air.
Additionally, it will get crowded in summer time. Loopy loopy crowded. Seashores are packed and queues for vacationer points of interest are lengthy. Being crammed in, particularly in sizzling climate, doesn’t attraction to us in any respect.
Get extra suggestions for summer time van life and hold your camper cool
Motorhoming in Portugal in Spring and Autumn
As with most of Europe, Spring and Autumn are good instances to discover Portugal. The climate remains to be heat (common of 19.8°C in April and 22°C in October), however the crowds from summer time have gone and also you may even get stretches of seashore all to your self.
If you wish to go mountain climbing in Portugal, it is a nice time to go to, particularly in Spring when the flowers are blooming.
TOP TIP: In case you are travelling outdoors of peak season, positively get an ACSI CampingCard– you’ll save a fortune on campsites throughout Europe, together with Portugal
Driving from the UK to Portugal
Do you know that Portugal and England have the oldest alliance on the planet, relationship all the way in which again to 1373?! (Simply certainly one of many enjoyable info about Portugal.)
In case you’re planning a campervanning journey to Portugal, there are a few choices from the UK, assuming you’re bringing your individual automobile (when you’re flying in and hiring, we’ll cope with that shortly.)
There are two methods individuals get their motorhomes to Portugal- drive via France and Spain or take the ferry to Spain after which drive into Portugal. There are execs and cons to every.
Usually, taking a ferry from the UK is rather more costly than driving via France (relying on the time of yr and kind of cabin).
New to motorhome or camper journey in Europe? You may discover these posts useful:
See all our Europe motorhoming posts right here
NEED GEAR? In case you want any equipment or necessities for motorhoming in Europe, right here’s what we advocate and the place to search out it
Ferry from the UK to Portugal
There aren’t any direct ferries from the UK to Portugal. You may journey with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth or Plymouth and go to both Santander or Bilbao (each on the north coast of Spain)- these are the closest ports to Portugal. (Bilbao is a few 5-hour drive from the Portuguese border- 480km)
A one-way journey on both ferry from the UK takes about 24 hours and reserving a cabin is beneficial. Additionally they have canine kennels onboard however you CANNOT hold your canine within the ferry cabin with you (like you possibly can from Portsmouth to Caen).
The most important consideration to this ferry (aside from the price), is the climate. You’ll be crossing the infamous Bay of Biscay- and it may possibly get ROUGH. Even in the course of summer time.
As somebody who will get seasick (hilarious contemplating I’m ex-Navy and lived on boats for 15 years), I keep away from this crossing and like to drive from the UK via France to Spain after which Portugal, but it surely’s completely as much as you.
Driving routes via France to Portugal
In case you determine that you just need to drive your motorhome or camper via France all the way down to Portugal, you first must determine when you’re going to take the ferry or Eurotunnel from UK to France (there are execs and cons to each).
The quickest route from Calais is through Le Mans and Bordeaux, crossing into Spain at San Sebastian. Then head in direction of Valladolid and also you’re almost in Portugal. It takes about 18 hours from Calais and you’ll be part of this route simply when you determine to come back over on a ferry to Caen, Le Havre, Dieppe or Cherbourg.
That is my favorite route for a France street journey as you go some unimaginable locations (together with a few of the most historic locations in France!)
Can I drive to Portugal within the Winter?
Yep. I do know there are a number of large mountain ranges (particularly the Pyrenees), however usually the routes are all open, except you occur to be actually unfortunate and hit it in the course of a snowstorm (do test the climate forecast earlier than travelling.)
If this occurs, then I like to recommend stopping for the evening someplace secure (the fantastic thing about travelling in a motorhome) after which persevering with on when the snow has stopped and the roads have been cleared. Don’t overlook you will have snow chains and be sure to have fitted all-weather tyres- extra on that beneath.
Borders / Customs in Portugal
Border and customized necessities needs to be as per the Schengen Zone however do double test earlier than you journey nevertheless, since OCT 2025, Non-EU nationals (together with UK residents) should now register biometric information through the brand new Entry/Exit System (EES).
Nevertheless, there are restrictions on how a lot tobacco and alcohol you possibly can carry and it should all be for private use.
Additionally, now that the UK is a 3rd nation, you’re solely allowed to hold:
- Wine/ Spirits: 2 litres
- Perfumes: 50 grams of fragrance/ 250 ml EDT
- Espresso: 500 grams/ Espresso extracts and occasional essences – 200 grams
- Tea:100 grams/ Tea extracts and tea essences – 40 grams
You could find a full record of all present allowances right here
Hiring a motorhome or campervan to tour Portugal
In case you don’t have your individual automobile, or don’t have time to drive all the way in which to Portugal, you possibly can simply fly in and rent one. Simply be certain to ask learn how to get from the airport to the rental agency- not all of them are on the airport itself and also you may must e book a taxi.
To hire a automobile in Portugal you have to:
- be over 21 or 25 years previous, relying on the corporate’s rental coverage;
- present identification (identification card for EU residents or a legitimate passport for different nationalities)
- have had a driving licence for multiple yr
Be sure you have proof which you can take the automobile throughout a border into one other nation if that’s what you’re planning on doing. Learn the article beneath for different issues to test as properly earlier than you agree to rent.
Don’t overlook, it’s YOUR accountability to ensure the automobile has the required security tools. The on-the-spot fines apply to you as the driving force, not the corporate. Verify upfront with the corporate what equipment they’ll present with the automobile and what you will have to convey.
Take a listing of what’s legally required with you and test it off one after the other as you’re given the handover. Don’t drive till you’re pleased you adjust to the native legal guidelines.
You may anticipate to pay round £70/ day- remember to ask the suitable questions so you realize what to anticipate out of your motorhome or campervan rental
Motorhoming in Portugal- what gear do you have to carry?
Similar to motorhoming in Spain, there are particular stuff you MUST carry with you in your motorhome or campervan while touring in Portugal.
Additionally, remember to learn the secton beneath about dash-cams!
Don’t overlook, in case you are driving via France and/ or Spain to get to Portugal, you want all of the equipment required by these nations, in addition to the equipment wanted in Portugal. (Fortunately, when you’re used to motorhoming in France, you’ll have just about every thing you want already)
Issues you have to drive in Portugal- security gear
These are the stuff you MUST have with you once you’re motorhome or campervan touring in Portugal.
- Hello-vis reflective jackets – not as strict as in France, however you have to put on them on the facet of the street or laborious shoulder or danger being fined.
- Warning triangle
- Headlight beam converters– you probably have a UK automobile. These have to be fitted earlier than you drive in Europe. (In case you have a automobile which lets you alter the beam robotically for European driving, you received’t want these.)
- Automobile sticker connected to the again of car or on reg plates. (NOT the EU sticker anymore!)
- A spare wheel (and instruments to vary it!), or a tyre restore equipment.
- In case you put on glasses you MUST carry a spare pair
TOP TIP: Purchase these necessities for driving in Portugal upfront. In case you wait till you’re on the ferry/ tunnel, you would spend THREE instances as a lot! See the newest offers and finest costs right here
Utilizing a Sprint-cam in Portugal
This warrants its personal part, as a result of so many individuals don’t realise the regulation. Utilizing a dash-cam in Portugal is against the law. Not simply that, however OWNING a dash-cam is against the law in Portugal.
Now, I don’t suppose for one second that the police are going to cease and search you searching for a dash-cam, however I recommend you set it away safely earlier than you get to the border- simply in case.
Highway journey equipment you MIGHT want when campervanning in Portugal
The next equipment are stuff you may want to hold in your automobile, motorhome, caravan or campervan, relying on if you find yourself planning your street journey in Portugal.
You’ll most likely need an computerized toll tag- as most of the motorways insist on them earlier than you need to use the street. You may keep away from these, but it surely’s numerous additional driving. Extra on that within the ‘toll’ part.
- Winter tyres will not be obligatory however snow chains are obligatory the place signage signifies.
- Purple/ white warning board signal – for bike racks or something overhanging the tip of the motorhome or campervan. Strains should level into the center of the street. Once more, it is a authorized requirement in Spain, however value having in Portugal
- First help equipment – not obligatory in Portugal (in contrast to many nations in Europe) however value carrying. Discover out what we stock in our European first help equipment right here
- Spare bulbs for all lights within the automobile
- Torch
- Fireplace extinguisher
- Highway Journey snacks and water- simply in case!
Motorhomes or campers with a complete practice size of over 12m
In case you’re travelling in/ via Spain and your outfit exceeds 12m, you have to have marker boards fitted to the again of your automobile. You may both have two small boards or one massive board however they have to be positioned behind the outfit between 50cm and 150cm off the bottom.
Your marker board should:
- be yellow within the centre with a crimson define
- be made out of aluminium
- be manufactured to ECE70 commonplace
This isn’t regulation in Portugal, however I fail to notice the way you’re going to get your 12m automobile practice to Portugal with out driving via Spain…
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
What paperwork do you have to street journey in Portugal?
In case you’re driving in Portugal, you have to carry the next paperwork:
- Passport (or identification card)
- Driving licence (test it’s in date!)
- Motorhome Insurance coverage documents- test you’re coated for driving in Europe
- Breakdown cowl
- Automobile V5 logbook (which should present your appropriate handle)
- Automobile have to be legally taxed and MOT’d
- Trailer certification (may want a doc out of your insurer)
- Worldwide Driving Allow if required
- Private journey insurance coverage
Do I would like a inexperienced card to drive in Portugal?
Most UK license holders don’t want a inexperienced card to drive in Portugal. Chances are you’ll want one you probably have a trailer- please test together with your insurer. The UK is a part of the Inexperienced Card Free Circulation Space, that means your commonplace UK insurance coverage gives the minimal authorized cowl required for EU nations, together with Portugal.
Do I would like a global driving allow to drive in Portugal?
Most UK residents don’t want an IDP to drive in Portugal, so long as you might have a card driving licence issued within the UK (in date, after all!)
You may want one you probably have:
- a paper driving licence solely
- a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
(In case you do want an IDP, right here’s an in-depth information on learn how to get an Worldwide Driving Allow and which one(s) you want from a UK put up workplace.
Touring Portugal in a campervan- Different helpful stuff you may want
I’ve been touring Europe in our motorhome for a number of years. I’ve tried all types of kit- some helpful, some not a lot.
Here’s a record of issues I extremely advocate when motorhoming in Portugal, however that are NOT important:
Motorhome stopovers & in a single day parking in Portugal
In Portugal, there are a number of varieties of motorhome and campervan stopovers you need to use.
- Campsites
- Aires
- Free/ authorised motorhome parking schemes
- Wild tenting in Portugal for vans
Portugal Tenting websites for motorhomes, campervans and caravans
It’s straightforward to search out motorhome campsites in Portugal and so they’re very similar to campsites wherever else in Europe. Some are rustic and have very primary amenities, whereas others are designed for long-term guests and have leisure, golf equipment, swimming pools and bars!
Campsites in Portugal are sometimes so much cheaper than you may anticipate, particularly when you’re used to different nations in western Europe. Some are as little as 2€/pp/ night- however they’re very primary.
Many campsites have both long-term residents who stay of their motorhomes in Portugal, or have everlasting statics or caravans which the house owners go to once they can.
There’s usually one ‘primary’ or municipal campsite in every city, which is signposted utilizing blue and white indicators that will help you discover it. Count on to indicate your passport or identification on arrival and lots of locations require you to go away one passport behind the reception.
In case you’re travelling out of excessive season and are planning to make use of campsites, I extremely advocate shopping for an ACSI CampingCard membership, however remember that some campsites both shut through the winter or are booked up completely months upfront, so chances are you’ll want to e book one too.
Additionally, many campsites put ACSI customers on ‘lesser’ pitches (both dangerous view or no electrical or drainage). You may ask for a distinct pitch, however will normally must pay a complement which wipes out the ACSI {discount}! That is particularly widespread on the coast within the Algarve.
At some campsites, you will have to pay additional for bathe or electrical utilization. Be warned- the recent water within the bathe is on a timer- normally between 3-5 minutes per token.
In case you’re campervanning within the Algarve, this is a superb useful resource that will help you discover locations.
TOP TIP: In case you’re planning to remain in a single space for a very long time (30+ days), negotiate a particular price with the campsite immediately. Most of them have some kind of discount- some are as little as £10/ day, together with electrical.
Aires in Portugal
Aires are simply authorised motorhome in a single day parking places- usually offered and maintained by the native commune. Not like when you go motorhoming in Italy, aires in Portugal are normally simply known as aires, like in France or Spain (they’re known as Sostas in Italy)
There aren’t fairly as many aires in Portugal as in France and so they’re usually a little bit extra out of the way in which, however the community remains to be very helpful and straightforward to make use of.
READ MORE: Learn the way we discover and use aires and authorised free in a single day motorhome stopovers throughout Europe
There are a mix of personal and municipal motorhome aires in Portugal. Personal aires are similar to a campsite, and sometimes you possibly can keep for so long as you want (in contrast to when you go motorhoming in Germany, the place 48h is mostly the max).
Municipal aires are generally known as ASAs and are authorised in a single day motorhome stopovers, offered by the native council. At these, there’s a restriction of 2-3 nights most in a single place.
You can’t e book motorhome aires in advance- it’s first-come, first-served, so when you’re visiting at peak instances you may really feel happier reserving a campsite so that you’re assured of someplace to remain.
A very good tip is to attempt to arrive AT your vacation spot simply earlier than lunchtime. Many individuals transfer on after. a lazy morning, and cease en-route, so you might have the perfect likelihood of discovering a spot round this time, however that’s when the day is at its hottest, so watch out.
There are only a few amenities at an aire. You must have the ability to get water and empty waste, however don’t anticipate eating places, swimming pools or leisure areas. Additionally, don’t hang around washing, get your awning out or put chairs out- that is tenting and isn’t allowed- the police will cease and ask you to maneuver.
It’s all the time value investing in a e book of aires, in addition to an internet app- simply in case you end up with out web in your motorhome (or with out a wifi sign). In fact, the draw back with any e book is that it goes outdated, however don’t fear if it’s solely a yr or two out- most details about aires received’t change an excessive amount of.
Different authorised motorhome stopovers and parking in Portugal
Portugal EasyCamp is a scheme which connects native enterprise house owners to motorhomers and campervanners searching for secure locations to remain in a single day. In case you’d wish to keep away from busy campsites and aires, however don’t need to danger wild tenting, this may be the choice for you.
It really works very equally to France Ardour, with one large difference- it’s important to go browsing and purchase the product or expertise BEFORE you go to the placement. You may then head there and keep for as much as 24 hours.
READ MORE: Find out how to profit from Portugal EasyCamp
Wild tenting in Portugal for motorhomes and campervans
Often, I’m the primary particular person to advertise and encourage accountable motorhome wild tenting. I take pleasure in it immensely and have carried out it throughout most of Europe with any concern.
Portugal has lengthy been the vacation spot for campervanners and motorhomers seeking to keep off-grid, even though wild tenting in Portugal has ALWAYS been unlawful.
Nevertheless, the nation has been overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of vans in recent times (very similar to wild tenting with a motorhome in Scotland) and so they have needed to cope with years of abuse and mistreatment.
The issue with most of the campervans who go to Portugal is that they don’t have their very own amenities onboard- and other people have been leaving waste (of the human variety) everywhere. 🙁
On high of that, many wild tenting spots don’t have any amenities, so individuals have been leaving piles of garbage and even emptying their chemical bogs into bushes or over the countryside. Occasions this by hundreds upon hundreds of vanlifers and it’s no marvel the Portuguese authorities are attempting to guard their nation.
Is Motorhome campervan Wild tenting authorized in Portugal?
In January 2021, the Portuguese authorities handed a regulation which modified the freeway code so campervans, motorhomes and caravans needed to keep on an official website. It was prohibited to park and keep by seashores and locations marked as unauthorised and it’s also prohibited to remain in a single day in any automobile park not expressly designated for caravans, motorhomes or campervans.
Wild tenting was all the time unlawful in Portugal, however was tolerated or neglected if individuals had been discreet though the principles had been modified in Might 2020 to ban campervan parking close to seashores in Portugal.
Sadly, Portugal has been abused in recent times by vans wild parking. In early 2021, Portugal banned motorhomes and campervans from staying wherever aside from campsites or aires. Wild tenting was by no means authorized to start with, and was already banned fully close to the coast, however they purchased in fines.
I’ll be trustworthy, I’ve been appalled by the images of waste and vandalism left behind by so many inconsiderate and egocentric idiots and I can’t blame the Portuguese for making an attempt to cease it.
On the identical time, I’m unhappy that just a few idiots have ruined it for the various accountable and conscientious campervanners – we’re not all soiled horrible vandals.
Fortunately, in summer time 2021, they amended the regulation BACK to permit “in a single day stays in motorhomes authorised by the Institute of Mobility and Transport for a most interval of 48 hours”.
What this principally means is that motorhome/ campers with their very own amenities like a fitted bathroom are allowed to wild camp. In fact, PLEASE don’t depart waste (of any variety!) behind- we don’t need them to vary again once more!!
Wild tenting and in a single day parking are strictly banned in Natura 2000 websites, nationwide parks, and areas coated by Coastal Growth Plans.. Violations may end up in a nice between 120 to 600€.
Additionally, there most likely aren’t sufficient campsites or Aires to cope with the quantity of people that go to in vans every year. There’ll should be new amenities, extra waste and repair factors and a brand new infrastructure and I’m unsure who, when or the way it’s going to occur.
Motorhome and campervan service factors in Portugal
There are motorhome service areas unfold across the nation. Many are on municipal aires and amenities embrace consuming water provide factors and locations to dump soiled water(gray waste) and chemical bathroom (black) waste. These areas may even have electrical energy energy factors for charging the batteries of camper vans and motorhomes.
I discover them utilizing Park4night, however it’s also possible to use this web site (though it’s in Portuguese!)
Driving suggestions for Portugal
Portuguese drivers have a luke-warm reputation- primarily as a result of the nation has one of many highest accident charges in Europe, however actually they’re most likely higher than the Italians. Having stated that, they not often use indicators and can repeatedly minimize wildly throughout a number of lanes to succeed in an exit. So anticipate the surprising and also you’ll be nice.
Okay, let’s cope with the essential guidelines and a few suggestions for motorhoming and street tripping in Portugal:
- Portugal drives on the suitable
- Automobiles coming FROM the suitable have precedence at junctions
- On roundabouts, automobiles already on the roundabout have proper of means.
- Seatbelts are obligatory
- Speeds are in km/h, not mph (you may need to change the setting in your motorhome sat-nav)
- You don’t want to have driving lights on through the day
- Handsfree kits are allowed
- It’s forbidden to make use of a dashcam or radar detector for pace cameras
- Highway surfaces are usually fairly good in cities and cities, however will be dangerous within the countryside.
- Keep away from cities when you’re driving in a motorhome- a lot of them are too crowded and the streets are simply not minimize out for big automobiles. Park outdoors and use public transport to get in.
- Trams all the time have precedence everywhere- hold eyes behind your head when you’re driving close to a tram community.
- Emergency automobiles and navy automobiles have precedence over different street customers.
- Chances are you’ll carry a load, similar to bikes on a rack, extending by as much as 10% of the size of the automobile to the rear. The load have to be indicated by a board/ panel with diagonal crimson and white stripes- that is authorized for Spain, however value having in Portugal.
- Bikes or a load being carried should NOT be wider than the automobile
- Helmets are obligatory in case you are motorcycling in Portugal
- Winter tyres will not be obligatory however snow chains are obligatory the place signage signifies.
- As of early 2026, the Spain-Portugal border stays largely open for travellers, adhering to the Schengen Space settlement. Nevertheless, non-EU nationals (together with UK residents) should now register biometric information through the brand new Entry/Exit System (EES). Count on attainable, sporadic checks as each nations implement tighter, 2025-26 EU-wide safety measures.
Roads in Portugal
There was some huge cash spent in recent times to construct new roads (therefore all of the tolls!) A lot of the main roads have been resurfaced and are fairly good, however there are numerous older roads in additional rural areas that are in poorer situation. You’ll be nice to drive them with a motorhome or camper, however sluggish your pace and drive with care.
Site visitors Lights in Portugal
Site visitors lights use the three color system. There isn’t any amber sign after the crimson, and a flashing amber mild signifies “warning”. A flashing or fixed crimson mild signifies “cease” and is used close to stage crossings and to provide warning of an impediment.
Velocity Limits in Portugal (except in any other case signed!)
Breaking the pace restrict may lead to both an on-the-spot or an computerized nice being despatched to you.
Vehicles and automobiles below 3.5 tonnes:
- 120 km/h (74mph) on motorways and a few twin carriageways
- 100km/h (62mph) on main roads
- 90 km/h (55 mph) on minor roads (out of city)
- 50 km/h (31 mph) in built-up areas
- Usually 30 km/h (18 mph) in Residential Areas
Motorhomes and Campervans weighing over 3.5 tonnes:
- motorways 100km/h (62mph)
- main roads 90 km/h (55 mph)
- minor out-of-town roads 80 km/h (50 mph)
- city areas- 50 km/h (31 mph)
Motorhomes with trailers or caravans
- motorways 100km/h (62mph)
- main out-of-town roads 80 km/h (50 mph)
- minor out-of-town roads 70 km/h (44 mph)
- built-up areas- 50 km/h (31 mph)
Velocity Cameras in Portugal
Many roads have computerized pace cameras on in Portugal and so they’re fairly pleased to ship vacationers a nice via the mail.
You may also discover random visitors lights, which flip to crimson in the course of nowhere when you’re dashing and make you watch for a few minutes earlier than turning to inexperienced so you possibly can transfer off once more. These are surprisingly efficient!
Drink Drive regulation in Portugal
Alcohol legal guidelines are stricter in Portugal than the UK. The authorized restrict is 0.05% blood alcohol (the UK is 0.08%) and applies to the driving force of any motorised automobile. In case you’ve had your license for below 3 years, the restrict is 0.02%
– A blood alcohol stage between 0,5 g/l and 0,8 g/l is taken into account a critical offence, and it’s sanctioned with a driving inhibition between 1 month and a 1 yr and a charge cost of an quantity from 250 as much as 1.250 euros.
– A blood alcohol stage between 0,8g/l and 1,2g/l is a really critical offence, sanctioned with a interval of driving inhibition between 2 months and a couple of years and a charge cost of an quantity from 1.250 as much as 2.500 euros.
– A blood alcohol stage of 1,2g/l or extra is taken into account a criminal offense, that may be punished with imprisonment as much as 1 yr or charge penalty as much as 120 days, and driving inhibition between 3 months and three years.
Low Emission zones in Portugal
Portugal has a low emission zone (LEZ) in Lisbon. It’s cut up into 2 zones – Zone 1 and a couple of. About 33% of town is inside it, so watch out when you drive in. Discover out extra concerning the Lisbon Inexperienced air zone right here.
Click on right here for extra detailed data about learn how to discover zones throughout Europe.
Tolls in Portugal
There are two varieties of toll in Portugal- each on motorways:
- conventional motorways with toll cubicles, the place cost is made by money, financial institution card or digital tolls.
- Purely digital toll motorways. In an effort to use these roads, you MUST have an digital machine in your automobile.
Straightforward Toll
Straightforward Toll makes use of your financial institution card and quantity plate to take funds. You enter your card particulars at a enroll location on the border and get a photograph of your registration plates taken. The system will then deduct toll cost out of your financial institution card each time your automobile passes a toll gate.
Signing up prices 1 euro, plus a 0.32 euro administrative charge.
This methodology is legitimate for 30 days, and the tickets issued on the toll have to be stored as proof in case of an issue. You could find out extra on the Portugal tolls web site.
Through Verde
In case you repeatedly use toll roads, it might be value signing as much as the Through Verde scheme which takes you thru the quick lane with out having to cease and pay.
Through Verde is the one system which works on ALL the Portuguese motorways. It additionally covers a good part of Spanish toll roads too. You purchase a transponder after which get charged or what you utilize. The great factor about them is that upon getting one, it doesn’t expire, so it’s legitimate for everytime you return to Portugal.
e-Movis
Personally, I’ve used e-Movis for tolls throughout Europe and I’ve by no means had an issue. These assist you to use the VIA-T lanes in Portugal
It’s value noting that you just want a DIFFERENT e-Movis tag for Spain and Portugal (one does each nations), than you do for France. So when you’re driving from the UK to Portugal, you will have no less than 2 e-Movis toll tags in your motorhome and also you’ll want to recollect to modify them over.
Pre-paid Toll Card
This technique is comparatively simple and useful directions are written on every card.
You purchase a pre-loaded card with both 5, 10, 20 or 40 euros. You then activate the cardboard with an SMS message, utilizing the code printed on the cardboard and the licence plate of the automobile.
There’s a service value of 0.81€ for every card bought.
In case you head house with credit score nonetheless in your toll card you may get this refunded – simply return it to the principle put up workplace in Portugal, the CTT.
There’s additionally a Toll Service, which is a pre-loaded card with limitless use for 3 days or beforehand outlined journeys.
You should buy these on the CTT put up workplace, on-line at www.tollcard.pt or at numerous service areas.
This web site additionally reveals how a lot every toll street will value, so may be value a glance once you’re planning your route via Portugal.
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
Driving in Portugal- what to do within the occasion of a street visitors accident
You must have a European Declare Type offered by your insurer earlier than you permit. Within the occasion of an accident, all events full and signal the shape on the scene after which ship a replica to your insurer for evaluation.
What to do on the scene:
- Cease your automobile instantly however safely- out of the movement of visitors if attainable.
- If a automobile is obstructing the street, use hazard lights and put the crimson warning triangle 30 metres from the scene to warn approaching visitors
- Alternate your particulars with the opposite concerned events. Remember to get:
- Title and handle of all of the individuals concerned within the accident
- Automobile registration numbers of all events
- Insurance coverage firm particulars of all events
- Take photographs of injury utilizing a digicam, GoPro or telephone
For extra particulars, learn our step-by-step information on coping with a street visitors accident in Europe
Different important suggestions for campervanning in Portugal
Petrol and Diesel
Petrol and diesel are broadly out there. Many gasoline stations are 24h on the principle roads and are self-service with card machines.
Petrol is Sem chumbo (95 / 98) – Inexperienced handles on pump
Diesel is Gasóleo or Diesel. Black or yellow handles on pump
Carrying gasoline in cans is NOT allowed, even in small quantities, so watch out you probably have a motorhome generator.
Some locations are 24h pay on the pump, however might require you to enter the store and pay the cashier both upfront or after you’ve crammed up- there will likely be an indication to inform you what to do. (Go away your automobile in entrance of the pump and make an observation of the pump quantity.)
You may pay utilizing money or a bank card. Many locations do NOT take American Categorical. You may normally use your UK playing cards with out a drawback.
NOTE: It’s unlawful to expire of petrol when crossing Lisbon’s mile-long 25 de Abril bridge.
LPG Gasoline
LPG (GPL) will be discovered at many petrol stations. There are literally extra locations than in Spain. If shopping for from a petroleum station, chances are you’ll want to attend for an attendant to show the system on for you.
You could find locations which promote LPG utilizing MyLPG.eu
Bear in mind, when you don’t have refillable gasoline bottles, you may be unable to purchase a gasoline bottle which inserts straight onto a UK system- you want a brand new pigtail. Portugal primarily makes use of the euro connector.
READ MORE: How we discover motorhome LPG or bottles whereas touring Europe
Campervanning in Portugal- safety
Portugal has a decrease crime price than many different nations in Europe, however automobile break-ins do occur, as does petty theft and pickpocketing.
I extremely advocate paying additional consideration to your motorhome safety when travelling in Portugal. You may even want to match an additional camper habitation door lock and by no means depart your automobile unattended in an unsecure space.
READ MORE: Important suggestions for shielding your van at house and on the street
Extra helpful issues to learn about vanlife in Portugal
Some extra suggestions that will help you take pleasure in your time in Portugal.
Emergency Numbers: 112 will get you every thing
Language– The Portuguese are fairly good at languages. Portuguese is spoken, together with Spanish. Most of the youthful technology communicate English properly.
Foreign money– Euro
Playing cards– most main credit score and debit playing cards are accepted. American Categorical is simply taken in massive shops (not at tolls and sometimes not at gasoline stations)
Timezone– GMT (identical as UK- sure, Spain is in a distinct time zone!)
Cellular Telephone and Web – It’s normally attainable to make use of your UK telephone and information in Portugal, however there’ll possible be a cost to make use of your UK telephone information overseas. Please test together with your UK community supplier.
Tipping- Tipping isn’t anticipated however appreciated. 5% – 10% in eating places is commonplace in case you are pleased with the service.
Retailers– Meals costs are fairly cheap. Historically, retailers are open from Monday to Friday, from 9 or 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some shut for lunch from 1 to three p.m. On Saturdays, retailers usually shut at 1 p.m. although in metropolis centres some are open within the afternoon. Many retailers shut on Sundays. Larger supermarkets could also be open, however will shut at lunchtime.
Don’t confuse Portugal with Spain- the Portuguese are very pleased with their tradition and heritage. They take pleasure in life at a slower tempo and there are many queues.
Meals and Drink in Portugal
Markets are the hub of life in Portugal. You’ll discover one in each village, city and metropolis, with a variety of native produce on the market. Many individuals in Portugal solely ever eat seasonally, so native dishes will change relying on time of yr.
Be sure you have money (together with small change) and produce your individual baggage. Be warned- the markets are sometimes held within the largest automobile park in town- which is usually the place the motorhome parking is. Take note of the indicators in these automobile parks- they’ll say when the market is and in case you are unable to park on sure days.
Native dishes in Portugal to attempt embrace:
- pastel de Belém/ pastel de nata- DELICIOUS custard tart
- Francesinha – ham and cheese sandwich
- Caldeirada de Peixe -stewed fish
- Salt cod or bacalhau
Touring Portugal with a canine
Portugal is slowly turning into extra dog-friendly. Canine at the moment are welcome in cafes and eating places and are allowed on trains- be sure to have a muzzle and their paperwork.
Learn extra: adjustments affecting travelling to Europe with a canine after BREXIT
They don’t seem to be allowed on many seashores in summer time and will not be allowed into public locations like museums. Small canines in crates are allowed on buses and trams; massive canines are unwelcome on most of them.
Don’t overlook how sizzling it will get in summer time and to ensure your canine is snug. Do NOT depart them in your motorhome or camper on a sunny day- vans warmth up similar to vehicles do. Listed here are some tricks to hold your canine cool on a street journey.
To return into the UK you’ll want a vet on the continent to manage a worming therapy after which permit between 24 hours and 5 days earlier than re-entering the UK.
Be warned, there are MANY stray canines (and cats) in Portugal- greater than I’ve seen wherever else in Europe. Feeding them is a bit like feeding seagulls…
Utilizing a drone in Portugal
You might be allowed to take and fly your drone in Portugal, however they’re VERY sizzling on privateness legal guidelines and recording individuals with out their permission- particularly when you then add the footage to Youtube or one thing.
READ MORE: What’s the perfect journey drone (and the way to decide on)
Drones and comparable remote-controlled flying units have to be stored no less than a minimal 150m from individuals, automobiles and buildings that aren’t linked with the drone operator. Flying should occur in daylight solely and as much as a most peak of 120m. By no means fly nearer than 5km to airports. The drone should all the time stay inside the sight of the operator.
Please test for native rules and navy or different particular restricted areas the place all of the aforementioned actions are forbidden by regulation. Listed here are present guidelines.
Final replace on 2026-11-15 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Photographs from Amazon Product Promoting API