Portugal Nomads

An adventurous 8-day road trip through Portugal and the Algarve

8 days

Minivan

With 2 people

More information

Explore the Portuguese west coast and the Algarve in 8 days, spot dolphins, and stay at unique campgrounds.

From €559
may-oct

Highlights

Explore the coastline from your own minivan.
Stay at small-scale and unique campsites.
Wake up at a vineyard
Spot dolphins off the coast of Lagos.
Learn to surf in Ericeira
Kayak along the cliffs at Sesimbra
Discover the golden beaches of the Algarve.

Kayak along the cliffs at Sesimbra

Discover the golden beaches of the Algarve.

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Dates & prices Discover the 8-day trip

The ultimate road trip through Portugal

Embark on an 8-day adventure through the Algarve and along the west coast of Portugal. Discover spectacular cliffs, hidden coves, and golden sandy beaches along one of Europe's most beautiful coastlines in your own minivan.

Your route starts in the surfer's paradise of Ericeira and takes you along the wild west coast to Arrifana and the quaint fishing village of Salema. In Lagos, you'll search for dolphins playing in the bay before heading inland to the historic Silves.

You’ll spend the night among the vineyards of Fornalhas Novas and explore the stunning nature around Sesimbra before wrapping up your adventure near Santa Cruz. Along the way, you'll taste traditional dishes, discover charming towns, and enjoy various beautiful hikes.

Check the availabilities

Your itinerary through Portugal

This is the overview of your 8-day road trip through Portugal. Our route takes you to the most beautiful spots in the southwest. The overnight locations are already set, but during the day you choose which attractions you want to visit and how much time you spend there.

Do you want to learn to surf during your road trip? Check out the options.

Your minivan and accommodation in Portugal

Your minivan

You’ll be crossing Portugal in a Fiat Doblo (or similar), a compact minivan that makes it easy to conquer all the roads.

The car is manual and comes equipped with a double bed, cooking gear, and camping equipment. Choosing the surf package? There’s plenty of space for your wetsuit and surfboard under the bed in the minivan. Everything you need for an adventurous road trip!

The minivan also features a solar panel for electricity, cooking utensils, and you have your own table and chairs. You can optionally book an outdoor shower.

Your accommodations

You’ll spend each night in a different spot, alternating between campgrounds and camper sites. Most of the overnight locations are close to the beach, so you can surf or start and end your day with a hike along the coast.

The Algarve can be quite touristy. For the ultimate road trip experience, we’ve chosen unique overnight spots in nature. These sleeping places are often small-scale, so there might be a few fewer facilities. Of course, everything you need is available.

Availabilities

2025

The season for Portugal nomads runs from May to October. You can check the current availability via the calendar at the bottom of the website.

2026

Pre-register now for the new season in 2026.

What’s included?

The base price for this trip is €549 per person (excluding flights). This price is based on 2 people per minivan.

The base price includes the following:

A fully equipped minivan with a solar panel
7 nights at unique campgrounds or camper locations
Round-trip transfer to and from the airport (LIS)
A detailed roadbook with the full itinerary and lots of tips and advice for the trip
Access to an exclusive app with useful information and an interactive map
Sleeping gear: a double mattress, duvets, bedding, and pillows
Camping gear: a camping table with two chairs, a 12-volt cooler, and a jerrycan for water
Cooking gear: camping stove, pots, plates, cutlery, and cups
Support in advance and in case of on-site issues.

Additional options

You can add the following options to your trip:

Outdoor shower with your minivan €20
Surf package A or B (more info at surfing options)
Damage waiver: €240 per minivan
Travel and assistance insurance: €49 per person
Cancellation insurance: €89 per personn
Reduce the CO2 impact of your trip: €14 per person
Extra activities (more info at activities)

Insurances

Damage Waiver

Accidents can happen quickly. That's why we give you the option to add a damage waiver to your registration. This waiver costs you €30 per day and covers the car regardless of which travel companion is driving it. If you choose to take this damage waiver, you won’t be required to pay a deposit.

If you do not take out a damage waiver, you will need to pay a deposit of €1000, and the excess will be a maximum of €3000 in case of damage.

Travel and Assistance Insurance

Want to travel without worries? Then take out a personal travel and assistance insurance.

Cancellation Insurance

Worried that your trip might not go ahead due to unforeseen circumstances? Then get a cancellation insurance.

Food and drinks

During your road trip, you have two culinary options:

In your minivan, you'll find equipment to cook. If you feel like experimenting with local ingredients, you can shop at various places along the way. The supermarkets we recommend can be found in the app.

Want to get to know the local cuisine? In the roadbook, you'll find all sorts of cool restaurants where you can try traditional dishes.

FAQs

Want to learn more about this road trip? Then take a look at the frequently asked questions.

Four unforgettable activities in Portugal

Are you looking for some extra experiences during your road trip? Complete your adventure with one or more activities tailored to your itinerary!

(Learning) to surf during your road trip?

Portugal is known as a true surfing destination. On top of your Portugal Nomads road trip, book one of the surfing options to make it a real surf road trip.

Surf Package A: Free surfing

Do you have some surfing experience or want to practice along the way? Rent a board and wetsuit for the entire duration of your road trip.

This way, you can dive into the water at any moment and discover the best surf spots in Portugal. We provide you with detailed tips in our roadbook on where to surf best.

With surf package A, you can rent a wetsuit and a board for the entire period. There is a space built into the van to transport the surfboards. This package costs €99 per person.

Surf package B: Free surfing + surf lessons

Do you want to learn to surf or brush up on your skills?

Then choose a surf package with 2 surf lessons, where you'll learn to surf at two iconic surf spots: Ericeira and Arrifana. The lessons are for all levels and last between 1.5 and 2 hours.

With surf package B, you'll rent a wetsuit and a board for the entire duration. You'll also get 2 surf lessons lasting 1.5 to 2 hours at two different locations. The lessons are available for all levels, and the cost is €189 per person, including the rental.

Where are you expected and how do you get there?

Your journey begins in Lisbon.

We expect you to be ready on the first day at 2 PM at Lisbon airport.

A transfer will take you to the Ericeira area, where the minivan will be waiting for you and where you'll be staying.

Which flights can you book?

We don't offer flights to Portugal ourselves and recommend comparing different flight options through Google Flights. This way, you have the flexibility to choose where you're departing from and whether you want to explore Lisbon for a few extra days.

Make sure you arrive at Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado Airport) and keep the weekly schedule in mind when booking your flights. Ensure you arrive on time and be ready at the agreed time. If you're bringing checked baggage, definitely allow for an extra hour.

Don't hesitate to contact us via email if you have any questions.

Where and when can you pick up the minivan?

On the first day of your road trip (Saturday), we expect you at 2 PM at Lisbon airport. We recommend landing by 1 PM at the latest, so you have enough time to be ready for the transfer.

Transfer
Your minivan will be ready just ten minutes away from Ericeira. A transfer will take you there, and you will receive detailed instructions on how to use the minivan from our partner.

Returning the car
On the last day (Saturday), you need to return the car near Ericeira. We will then take you back to Lisbon airport, where you will arrive by 1 PM at the latest. From there, you can easily and affordably get to the city center by metro or taxi.

If you have any doubts or questions, feel free to contact us via email.

Portugal Nomads Magazine

Discover our brand new magazine and learn more about the route, the must-sees, and the extra activities.

Road trip tips

Highlights

Why choose Portugal Nomads?

Well organized

We take care of everything behind the scenes and on-site in Portugal: practical matters, navigation, camping gear, accommodations, and optional extras like activities and a surf package. This way, you don’t have to worry about any of that during your trip.

About Travelbase

Affordable

Adventure is for everyone! We keep the costs low by completely developing our trips ourselves, from start to finish. This way, we guarantee an authentic experience, with no hidden fees.

Affordable travel

On-site team

We'll arrange a carefree and unforgettable road trip for you. Our local team is always ready to help and provide tips, ensuring your adventure goes smoothly. Travel independently, with support just a reach away.

Aware

Traveling with Travelbase Nomads also means traveling consciously. We are committed to sustainability and work together with local communities.

Discover how we do this

Plan your trip to Portugal

Bookings are open for Portugal Nomads from mid-May to the end of October.

Book your road trip now!

Jan Feb Mar Apr May

Example trip

Monday 20 Jan 2025

Sunday 26 Jan 2025

Available

€ 1450

Available

More info Less info
Example trip

Monday 20 Jan 2025

Sunday 26 Jan 2025

Available

€ 1450

Available

More info Less info
Example trip

Monday 20 Jan 2025

Sunday 26 Jan 2025

Available

€ 1450

Available

More info Less info
Example trip

Monday 20 Jan 2025

Sunday 26 Jan 2025

Available

€ 1450

Available

More info Less info
Example trip

Monday 20 Jan 2025

Sunday 26 Jan 2025

Available

€ 1450

Available

More info Less info
Example trip

Monday 20 Jan 2025

Sunday 26 Jan 2025

Available

€ 1450

Available

More info Less info

Gift an adventure

Looking for a unique gift?

With the Travelbase voucher, you can give someone an unforgettable experience and lifelong memories!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here you can find some frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions, don't hesitate to contact us via email.

Is it a self-guided trip?

Portugal Nomads is a self-guided adventure. With our roadbook, you can complete the journey entirely on your own.

However, you have the option to connect with other travelers who have started at the same time. At the beginning of the trip, you can join a WhatsApp group to share photos and tips or to arrange to meet up, for example, to grab a drink at one of the overnight stops along the route.

So, the choice is entirely yours to travel completely independently or to team up with other travelers.

What does the minivan look like?

The minivans are manual converted vans (Fiat Doblo or similar). The vans are simply furnished, featuring a spacious bed of 140 cm (big enough for two people – bedding and pillows are included), storage under the bed, and a wooden finish.

The vans come equipped with a cooler and a solar panel with a power bank to charge your phone, even off-the-grid. There’s no air conditioning, but of course, the windows can be opened for natural cooling. A cooking stove with all the necessary cooking and tableware is included, as well as an outdoor table with two chairs.

What's in the roadbook?

Our roadbook contains all the information you need for a successful road trip in the south of Portugal.

On one hand, it includes the complete route, featuring all the hotspots and hidden gems that you won't find in big travel guides. The places we recommend are merely suggestions: you can choose which sights to visit and how much time to spend at each.

Additionally, our roadbook also includes various nice spots where you can grab a bite to eat or have a drink.

Where will you be staying?

The overnight locations have been chosen for their unique settings, often in the middle of nature and close to the beach. We avoid large tourist camps and generally opt for smaller campsites and camper spots, where you’re not stuck on a cramped little plot.

Every now and then, you’ll go truly off-the-grid, where the facilities are simpler, featuring an eco toilet and a limited number of showers. Want to shower whenever you like? Consider booking an outdoor shower.

What documents do I need for the road trip in Portugal?

To be allowed to drive the minivan in Portugal, you need the following documents:

An international passport or ID card that is valid for the entire duration of your stay in Portugal
A category B driver's license

How old do I need to be to drive in Portugal?

For the road trip in Portugal, you must be at least 18 years old and have a category B driver's license to drive the minivan.

What are the extra costs?

The extra costs during the road trip in Portugal are as follows:

Fuel: ± €200 for the entire road trip
Bucket list activities, available to book upon registration
Food & drinks

Can I also do this trip alone?

At the moment, our trips are based on two people. You'll share the minivan and the camping costs together. If you want to travel alone, the price will therefore double.

Can I customize the trip to my liking?

We offer a fully planned road trip in Portugal, so it's not possible to adjust the duration and schedule of the trip. Of course, you're free to extend your journey on your own by staying a few more days in Lisbon or traveling north afterward.

How many people can join this trip?

The minivans themselves are suitable for up to 2 people.

Would you prefer to go with 3 people? Send us an email.

If you want to go with more people, that's absolutely no problem! You can book an extra minivan. In that case, please also get in touch with us.

How does the payment process work?

Within 5 days of your registration, you will need to pay a deposit of 35% to confirm your road trip. After that, you have until 45 days before departure to change your options and pay the remaining amount. If you make changes, the deposit will be automatically recalculated.

Additionally, shortly before departure, you will also need to pay a security deposit. The amount of the security deposit depends on the car insurance you have chosen (more info under the car insurance section).

There are various payment options. Did your payment fail? Then there is likely an error in entering the reference number or you may have exceeded your account limit.

Can I still cancel my trip?

You can always cancel your road trip in Portugal. Here you can find the terms and conditions.

Is there support on site?

Upon your arrival in Ericeira, you'll be warmly welcomed by our local partners. They will greet you and provide you with some information before you start your road trip.

During your road trip through Portugal, you can find all sorts of useful information in our app. Additionally, just before you depart, you'll receive an invitation to join a WhatsApp group with all participants leaving on the same date. In that group, you can communicate with each other, and there will always be someone from the team available in case of emergency.

Do you want to do your part for nature?

Through our partnership with Greentripper, you can offset the CO2 emissions from your trip. Your contribution goes to the certified Wildlife Cambodia project, which protects various forests and the wildlife that lives there. Additionally, Travelbase contributes to every donation made.

Discover everything about the efforts Travelbase is making.

Is the surf package also suitable for beginner surfers?

Absolutely, we also offer surf lessons and go to spots that are suitable for both beginner and advanced surfers. The surf lessons are held in Arrifana and Ericeira, on the west coast of Portugal, and in the Algarve.

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