Campervan hire in Portugal

Why is it worth booking a campervan in Portugal early?

Much of Portugal's population lives in the large cities of Lisbon and Porto. Pick up your RV rental in Portugal and once you're away from these cities you can cruise on empty but well-maintained roads. These take you along stunning coastlines, through impressive mountain ranges, and national parks packed with flora and fauna. At the start or end of your camper rental in Portugal holiday, spend a few days enjoying the history, culture, and nightlife of Lisbon or Porto. With a campervan hire in Portugal, you can set your own vacation itinerary whether it's lazing on empty beaches, hiking through forests, or spending the night listening to traditional fado in small but buzzing bars. The country's culinary culture is very strong and with your own campervan rental in Portugal, you can either dip into this or purchase fresh local produce and cook in your camper's well-equipped kitchen. The peak season for camper rent in Portugal is spring and summer (from April through to September). During this period, we recommend that you book well in advance to be sure of getting the best combination of price and vacation dates. You might think that booking a camper in Portugal is expensive. However, if you compare it with the cost of hotel accommodation, car hire, and dining out, you'll see that it is well within your budget. Your booking comes with transparent cancellation policies and there are no further charges should you need to change your vacation dates. The knowledgeable and friendly CamperDays customer service team is always on hand should you have any concerns or questions about booking an RV rental in Portugal.

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.

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  Hiking
  When 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.
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  Beach holiday
  During 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.
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  Sightseeing
  September 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.