Traveling through Portugal in a camper van
“Is this really our minivan for the next few days?” That thought crossed my mind when we first saw our Fiat Doblo. A cozy little hut on wheels, which turned out to be perfect for our adventure. Because you know what’s so great about traveling in this minivan? It’s not too big, so you can easily cruise through all the streets. During the day, you have all the freedom to explore the Portuguese coast, and in the evenings, a lovely campsite awaits you with all the facilities you need.
Renting a camper in Portugal with Portugal Nomads is a bit different. The minivan is your mobile base – compact but thoughtfully equipped with a bed and the essentials for the road. And to be honest: in Portugal, you mostly live outdoors anyway. You have breakfast with an ocean view, stop for a fresh espresso in that cute little village, and end your day at one of our carefully selected campsites.
Top tips from our team
A road trip through Portugal means driving at your own pace. The roads are excellent, and with a compact minivan like the Fiat Doblo, you easily cruise through the streets. In the city, along winding coastal routes or searching for that hidden cove – the minivan will get you there effortlessly.
A few handy things to know:
- The maximum speed is 120 km/h on highways
- In villages and cities, you usually drive 50 km/h
- Toll roads are well marked but expensive, try to avoid them
- Be careful with street parking in big cities – it is not everywhere allowed
Refueling in Portugal is straightforward and usually cheaper than in the Netherlands. You'll find gas stations everywhere, both along the highway and in villages. Good to know: at some gas stations, you need to go inside to pay before you can refuel. A credit card is accepted almost everywhere.
Driving in Portugal: here's how it works
A road trip through Portugal means driving at your own pace. The roads are excellent, and with a compact minivan like the Fiat Doblo, you easily cruise through the streets. In the city, along winding coastal routes or searching for that hidden cove – the minivan will get you there effortlessly.
A few handy things to know:
- The maximum speed is 120 km/h on highways
- In villages and cities, you usually drive 50 km/h
- Toll roads are well marked but expensive, try to avoid them
- Be careful with street parking in big cities – it is not everywhere allowed
Refueling in Portugal is straightforward and usually cheaper than in the Netherlands. You'll find gas stations everywhere, both along the highway and in villages. Good to know: at some gas stations, you need to go inside to pay before you can refuel. A credit card is accepted almost everywhere.
From coast to coast
During your Camper trip through Portugal, you'll discover the most beautiful spots on the west coast and in the Algarve. Wake up in the morning at a cozy surf campsite in Ericeira, stop by hidden beaches during the day, and arrive in the evening at an idyllic campsite in Arrifana.
With the minivan, you're flexible. Want to stop for that perfect photo? Looking for a local restaurant? Or spontaneously take a surf lesson along the way? Anything is possible. And the best part is: at the end of the day, you don't have to search for a campsite – we've already taken care of that for you.
Living in a minivan: here's how to do it.
Here are a few tips to make your trip even more enjoyable:
- Use the camping kitchens for elaborate meals
- Less is more: too much stuff makes it cramped
- The solar panel in the car ensures you have power for your phone
- A sarong is perfect as a curtain and a beach towel
- Pack-and-go is the motto: keep your stuff organized
Did you choose the surf package? There's space under your bed for your wetsuit and surfboards.
The perfect van life routine with your camper in Portugal
The days have their own rhythm during your road trip in Portugal. You wake up with the sun at one of our lovely campsites, enjoy breakfast outdoors, and calmly plan your route for the day. We've already chosen the routes for you, but of course, you’re free to decide how you want to drive. Around 10 AM, you set off for new adventures. Maybe you'll spot a charming village along the way for a coffee with pastel de nata, or find that perfect little beach for an afternoon dip.
Many travelers make the mistake of wanting to drive too many miles in a day. But we've learned: it's the spontaneous stops that make your trip special. A local market in Sesimbra, a hidden viewpoint in Arrifana, or a fresh seafood meal in a small harbor – it’s often the unplanned moments that stick with you the longest. We’ll share all kinds of tips in our roadbook. And since your campsites for the night are already booked, you have all the freedom to improvise during the day. Have you booked excursions? Those are set, but we’ve planned them in such a way that you still have plenty of time to arrange the rest of your day as you wish.
Feeling adventurous with a minivan? Check out Portugal Nomads for more information.
