This post was most recently updated on January 6th, 2023
Is it safe to camp in Portugal?
Portugal is very popular for camping. Portugal has more 5-star campsites compared to other Western European countries. Portugal is rated one of the safest countries in the world for camping according to the Global Peace Index. You don’t have to worry much about wild animals or natural disasters while camping in Portugal.
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Hello everyone, welcome to the Europetutor community. Today in this article, we are going to learn about everything there is needed to know about camping in Portugal. Read the article till the end to have a better understanding of camping in Portugal.
Are you allowed to camp anywhere in Portugal?
You are allowed to camp anywhere in Portugal as long as you don’t disturb the local residents. It’s better and always suggested to camp in the registered campsites. Follow along with the article to learn more about authentic campsites in Portugal.
Can you wild camp in Portugal?
Yes, you can wild camp in Portugal but there are some exceptions. As per amendments to Portugal’s Highway Code articles 48 and 50-A approved in July 2021, “overnight stays in motorhomes approved by the IMT (Institute of Mobility and Transport) for a maximum period of 48 hours are allowed”.
Wild camping is still banned on lands belonging to the Natura 2000 network, protected areas, and areas covered by the Coastal Development Plans.
If you decide in favor of wild camping in Portugal, make sure not to leave anything behind and pay respect to nature as well as the locals.
Is free camping allowed in Portugal?
Yes, free camping is allowed in Portugal. There are a lot of places in Portugal where you can camp without paying any money. It could be either near beach or further inland.
Portugal provides official places for you to stay overnight or park your camper. Those places are usually referred to as Area de Servicio para Autocaravanas.
However, free camping is totally banned in the Algarve region in Portugal.
How can you find overnight parking in Portugal?
Camper stops are almost everywhere in mainland Portugal. The chances are, you’ll drive past a few camper stops on your route.
Best Free Camping Spots in Portugal
Here are some of the best free camping spots that you can find in Portugal:
- Vinhais
- Braganca
- Matosinhos
- Peso Da Regua
- Palmela
- Alcacer do Sal
- Albufeira
- Castro Marim
What is the best time to go camping in Portugal?
The best time of the year to go camping in Portugal is late April and early October. During that time, it’s warm and sunny in Portugal, which will make your camping in Portugal easy and memorable.
Can you tent camp in Portugal?
Yes, you can tent camp in Portugal. Even though most tourists use a camper van to camp, tent camping in Portugal is totally allowed. If you are thinking of tent camping, then you are suggested to practice how to set up your tent at home before arriving in Portugal. It will make things easier and you will not struggle setting it up.
Can you sleep in a tent in Portugal?
Yes, you can sleep in a tent in Portugal. As we already discussed above in the article that tent camping is totally allowed in Portugal.
As long as you feel comfortable and safe sleeping in a tent, nobody will say not to do that. Most people usually prefer a camper van to sleep in rather than sleeping in a tent.
How much do campsites cost in Portugal?
Campsites in Portugal cost somewhere between 20 Euro to 100 Euro per night.
The price varies on the location of the campsite, the number of people, the facilities you get and the number of days you want to spend at the campsite. Some of the campsites with 5-star reviews may cost more than that.
Can you sleep in a campervan in Portugal?
Yes, you can sleep in a campervan in Portugal. You can park your campervan at the registered campsites by paying the overnight fee. You can also park your campervan at free campsites in Portugal.
How to find campsites in Portugal?
In order to find campsites in Portugal, you can simply google “Campsites in Portugal” and you will be provided with a lot of options in the search result.
You can choose one which has better ranks and provide better facilities. You should also check if they provide bathrooms, pools, and wifi for comfortable camping.
Best Campsites in Portugal
Some of the best campsites in Portugal are as below. You can simply go to their websites and you can learn more about them and what sort of facilities they provide.
- Camping Ria Formosa
- Camping Albufeira
- Camping Orbitur Valado
- Camping Alvor
- Salema Eco Camp – Surf and Nature
- Parque de Campismo Orbitur Sagres
- Camping Lamego Douro Valley
- Lisboa Camping
- Vila Real Camping
- Camping Olhao
- Costa do Vizir Camping
- Camping Orbitur Caminha Park
Campsites in Portugal that are open all year
Here is the list of all campsites in Portugal that are open all year long:
- Parque Orbitur Gala
- Parque Orbitur Foz do Arelho
- Land’s Hause Bungalows
- Urban Art Camping
- Parque de Campismo de Luso
- Parque de Campismo de Valbom
- Camping Sao Pedro de Moel
- Camping Quinta das Cegonhas
- Camping Serro da Bica
- Parque Cerdeira
- Parque de Campismo Barragem do Vilar
- Bubulcus & Bolotas Camping
5-Star campsites in Portugal
- Camping Ria Formosa
- Camping Albufeira
- Camping Orbitur Valado
- Camping Alvor
- Salema Eco Camp – Surf and Nature
- Parque de Campismo Orbitur Sagres
- Camping Lamego Douro Valley
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