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Discover Portugal
Portugal is one of the best countries in Europe for motorhome travel. It’s relaxed, affordable, and packed with stunning views — from the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve to peaceful mountain villages in the north. Whether you’re a full-time traveller or just heading off for a few weeks, exploring Portugal by motorhome is a brilliant experience.
The roads are generally in good shape, there’s a growing network of motorhome stopovers (including plenty of free wild camping spots), and the friendly pace of life makes it easy to slow down and really enjoy the journey. We’ve spent time along the coast, in the hills, and everywhere in between — and we’ll be sharing our favourite motorhome stops in Portugal, practical tips for driving and staying off-grid, and a few surprises we learned along the way.
If you’re planning a road trip through Portugal in a motorhome, campervan, or caravan — you’re in the right place.
Lisbon 2024
Street in Lisbon
Language
The official language in Portugal is Portuguese — and while it might sound a little like Spanish at first, it’s definitely its own thing! In bigger towns and tourist areas, you’ll often find people who speak a bit of English, but once you’re off the beaten track (which we often are!), it’s handy to know a few basic phrases.
Some common phrases are:
Olá – Hello
Obrigado / Obrigada – Thank you (male/female speaker)
Área de serviço para autocaravanas – Motorhome service area
Água potável – Drinking water
Fala inglês? – Do you speak English?
People are generally friendly and patient, and even a few words go a long way — especially if you smile and give it a go. And yes, Google Translate made a few appearances on our trip too!
currency
Portugal uses the euro (€), just like many other European countries, which makes things nice and simple if you’re travelling through places like Spain or France beforehand.
Cards are widely accepted — in supermarkets, fuel stations, tolls, and even a lot of campsites — but we’d still recommend carrying a bit of cash, especially in smaller towns, local cafés, or for the occasional parking meter that only takes coins.
ATMs are easy to find, and if you use a travel-friendly card with low or no fees, it’s usually better than exchanging cash. We always keep some euro coins handy for service points at motorhome stopovers too — it’s surprising how many use coin machines for water or electric!
Weather
The weatOne of the big reasons motorhomers flock to Portugal — us included — is the weather. It’s one of the sunniest countries in Europe, with warm, dry summers and mild winters, especially down south.
Spring (March–May) is a lovely time to travel — not too hot, not too crowded, and everything’s green and blooming.
Summer (June–August) can get really hot, especially inland, but the Atlantic breeze along the coast helps. We stuck to shaded spots or higher ground when we could!
Autumn (September–November) is warm and quieter — ideal for slow travel.
Winter (December–February) is mild in the south, especially the Algarve, but northern Portugal and the mountain regions can be cold and wet.
We found coastal Portugal perfect for off-season travel — fewer crowds, cheaper spots, and plenty of sunshine to keep the van warm. Just be ready for a bit of wind here and there, and always check the local forecast before heading into the hills!
At a glance
Our experience in Portugal
Portugal was one of those countries we didn’t expect to fall in love with quite so quickly — but within days, we were hooked. There’s something about the laid-back pace, the dramatic coastline, and the kindness of the people that just makes it feel like home on the road.
Travelling Portugal in a motorhome is a dream most of the time. The roads are generally good (with a few pothole exceptions!), and there’s a growing network of motorhome stopovers across the country. We found a mix of free wild camping spots, low-cost aires with basic facilities, and the odd off-grid gem shared by other travellers. Here’s our guide to wild camping in Portugal, with tips on where to stay and how to stay respectful.
The Algarve is understandably popular — winter sun, sea views, and loads of parking options — but we also loved exploring quieter regions like Alentejo, with its rolling hills and sleepy villages, and the central mountains, where you can park up and not see another soul for miles.
That said, there are a few things to know before you go. Toll roads are common in Portugal, and while they’re usually quiet and smooth, the electronic toll system can be confusing at first. Check out our toll tips here to avoid any surprise fines. And while wild camping has become a bit more restricted in recent years, there are still plenty of legal, low-cost options if you know where to look.
We’ll be sharing:
- Our favourite motorhome stops in Portugal — from coastal gems to mountain hideaways
- Wild camping tips and how to find safe, legal spots
- What to know about driving and toll roads in Portugal
- Best times to visit by motorhome
- Our honest experiences — the good, the bad, and the unexpectedly brilliant
Portugal is one of those places that’s made for slow travel. Whether you’re here for a few weeks or a few months, there’s always something new to discover — and plenty of space to just breathe, explore, and enjoy the road ahead.
💡 Planning a motorhome trip through Portugal?
Don’t get caught out by confusing toll roads or tricky parking spots.
👉 Read our full guide to driving and tolls in Portugal here
Honest tips, real experiences, and everything we wish we knew before we went!
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