Camping in Portugal

Portugal is a natural paradise in the south of Europe. The flowers bloom early in the year in the Algarve and the Mediterranean flair mixes with African influences. Most of the campsites are well sheltered and located away from the Atlantic coast. Thanks to the playgrounds, the sites are very suitable for camping with children. The campsites away from the beaches offer swimming opportunities by a lake in Portugal's picturesque hinterland or camping with a pool.

Special features of camping in Portugal

The Atlantic coast of Portugal impresses with endless sandy beaches and steep cliffs. Kitesurfers, windsurfers and surf surfers frolic in the waves. Beautiful campsites in Portugal are located away from the sometimes rugged beaches and offer shade under palm trees or pine trees. The atmosphere is lively and cheerful. The locals also like to spend their holidays and weekends at a campsite on their doorstep. Children quickly find playmates and there is a particularly wide range of activities for nature-loving active holidaymakers.

Those who don't want to plunge into the waves can explore shallow bays and lagoons in a kayak. The mountains are ideal for climbing, hiking and mountain biking and the old castles and fortresses are reminiscent of Portugal's golden age as a world and colonial power.

Types of campsites

Compared to the other major holiday nations in southern Europe, many campsites in Portugal have a more personal and affordable feel. The leisure facilities are manageable yet appealing: many campsites offer a kiosk or supermarket and children's pool or swimming pool. In summer, there is free music, dancing and good humour in the evenings.

Camping by the lake

Not all campsites in Portugal are located directly on the beach, some are located on a lake in the hinterland or at the gates of the holiday resorts. Private bathing bays on the lakeshore complement or replace an outdoor pool on the site and are ideal for cooling off or for a trip in an inflatable boat.

Camping with a dog

Dogs are allowed on most campsites in Portugal. The daily fees for bringing a pet are relatively low. However, there is no great additional programme for the animals. Dog food should always be brought from home.

Camping with children

If you are travelling to Portugal with your children, you are well advised to book a family-friendly campsite. A child-friendly site promises not only entertainment and childcare for different age groups, but also mobile homes or small bungalows for rent.

Travelling to Portugal

The camping trip to Portugal takes you through two of the most beautiful countries in southern Europe: France and Spain. Almost 3,000 kilometres and 30 hours of pure driving time lie between the capital cities of Berlin and Lisbon. However, many motorways in France and Spain are subject to tolls. It is quicker and cheaper for holidaymakers to travel by plane to the southern holiday paradise and rent a motorhome on the spot. For self-drivers, the holiday and adventure begin during the journey. This can be divided into convenient stages according to personal interests and preferences. Paris, Bilbao and Madrid are the best-known cities for a longer stopover on the A10 motorway, while the route via Strasbourg, past Switzerland via Lyon and Montpellier, through the foothills of the Pyrenees to the Costa Brava is only slightly longer. On the route through the Spanish interior, this route passes through the historic city of Zaragoza and the capital Madrid. Campers travelling with time on their hands will find beautiful pitches outside the cities worth seeing on their camping trip in Portugal.

Destinations in Portugal

The former seafaring and trading nation is home to some of Europe's most historic cities such as Lisbon, Porto and Lagos. From rugged Atlantic beaches to the Algarve and the flower island of Madeira, Portugal is the perfect destination for campers planning a beach holiday in the south early in the year.

Lisbon

The capital of Portugal offers a beautiful historic city centre. The hilly metropolis lies directly on the Atlantic Ocean. The historic centre with its cobbled streets can easily be explored on foot. Along the way, small street cafés and restaurants with sun terraces and sea views invite you to linger.

Algarve

The Algarve in the south of Portugal is characterised by Mediterranean and North African influences. The coastline is dotted with small white fishing villages, unspoilt sandy beaches and bizarre rock formations. Despite its idyllic setting, the region is particularly well developed. Campers who enjoy playing golf will be impressed by the Algarve's extensive golf courses. The coastal towns such as Lagos and Faro are romantic. The medieval harbour towns enchant with their narrow alleyways and market squares.

Madeira

The island of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean is a dream for camping in Portugal. The island spoils holidaymakers all year round with temperatures between 17 and 25 degrees Celsius. The interior of the island with its low and high mountain character is ideal for climbing and hiking. The beautiful coastal routes are perfect for exploring by motorhome.

Target groups

Regardless of whether campers in Portugal are staying in one place or planning a road trip, Portugal is suitable for anyone who likes beautiful landscapes, romantic coastlines and historic places.

Couples

Couples like travelling flexibly and independently. Camping in Portugal offers numerous opportunities for this. There are no fixed pitches on most sites, so you can choose the most beautiful or shadiest spot yourself. If you want company, you won't be alone for long. The Portuguese like to populate their campsites themselves and the atmosphere is open and welcoming.

Families

Children are very welcome at campsites in Portugal. There are play and swimming facilities everywhere. The family-friendly campsites in Portugal in particular cater to the different needs of the children travelling with them. For babies, there are changing tables in the sanitary facilities; for siblings a few years older, there are fun parks and entertainment programmes such as treasure hunts. Teenagers are offered film nights and sports activities.

Active holidaymakers

Surfing, climbing, hiking - sporty travellers get their money's worth when camping in Portugal. The right equipment for surfing or mountain biking can be hired at most campsites or nearby. Maps with hiking routes in the area are available at reception on arrival.

Best time to travel

The seasons of spring and autumn are particularly recommended for camping in Portugal. While it can get up to over 40 degrees Celsius in summer, especially in the south and inland areas of Portugal, temperatures in spring and late summer are between a pleasant 18 and 25 degrees Celsius. It does get a little cooler in the evenings, but campers can still sit outside. Thanks to the temperate maritime climate in Portugal, summers are relatively dry and there is no high humidity. These are more than ideal conditions for camping holidays, as laundry dries within a few hours and it is pleasant to sleep in the camper at night.