Planning a motorhome or campervan journey to Portugal? Wish to see among the most breathtaking locations in Europe? Right here’s every thing you’ll want to know to go campervanning or motorhoming in Portugal, together with routes and locations to go to.
Don’t neglect to obtain your FREE Europe motorhome journey guidelines beneath that can assist you plan your Portugal highway journey.
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Motorhoming in Portugal- why you need to go!
Portugal has a bit of little bit of everything- dramatic shoreline with sandy seashores, caves, mountains, implausible delicacies and historical past. Oh, and wine. Heaps and many pretty wine. It’s splendidly conventional and plenty of components of it nonetheless really feel totally untouched by the trendy world.
Probably the greatest issues about with the ability to discover Portugal on a motorhoming vacation is that you would be able to see the variations between the areas, attempt the native delicacies (and wine!) and actually get a really feel for the nation in a brief area of time.
It’s additionally one of many most cost-effective international locations in western Europe, so you possibly can journey on a small finances with out a lot problem.
On this information, we’re going to share with you every thing you’ll want to know to go motorhoming or campervanning in Portugal, together with attending to Portugal and planning your route, the place to remain (motorhome campsites, aires or wild tenting together with your camper), some highway journey concepts and locations to go to, driving ideas and different sensible recommendation that can assist you have a tremendous Portuguese highway journey.
We’re additionally going to share some issues NOT to do- like use your dash-cam! (Do you know dash-cams are unlawful in Portugal?!)
If that is your first campervanning journey to Portugal (or Europe!), don’t neglect to seize your free motorhome journey guidelines which is able to aid you plan and organise every thing you want.
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
Campervanning in Portugal- The place to go
When planning a motorhome journey to Portugal, the very first thing you’ll want to do is determine the place you’re going (and the way lengthy you’ve in your journey!)
How lengthy to go for?
For those who’re driving from the UK to Portugal (we’ll cowl that shortly), you’ll want to permit no less than 2 days from arriving in France (by both ferry or Eurotunnel) to get to Portugal. And that’s 2 days of just about stable driving (it’s about 15 and a half hours (1013 miles) from Calais to the north-eastern Portuguese border)
We don’t suggest visiting Portugal in case you solely have every week in your highway journey. It’s too far and all you’ll do is drive there and again. After all, in case you’re going to lease a motorhome and fly in, that’s completely doable in every week (extra on that shortly).
In case you have a few weeks, you possibly can definitely discover a superb chunk of Portugal, however you may be doing numerous driving until you stick to simply the North of the nation.
Portugal isn’t an enormous country- it solely takes about 7 hours (470miles) to drive from North to South, so when you’re there it’s simple to see loads in a brief area of time.
Highlights of a Portugal Motorhoming Vacation
A few of the finest locations to go to when campervanning in Portugal embrace:
- The Algarve – the seashores there are among the finest in Europe
- Lisbon – one in every of Europe’s most historic cities
- Sintra- it actually does seem like one thing from a fairytale
- Alentejo Nationwide Park- the biggest protected coastal Pure Park in Europe
- Porto- one of many oldest ports on the earth
- Cape St Vincent- Europe’s most south-westerly level
- Serra Da Estrela- Portugal’s highest mountain vary
- Duoro Valley- in case you like wine, right here’s the place to go
- Megaliths close to Évora- these are wonderful!
For those who get pleasure from studying books earlier than a visit, listed below are some we suggest:
See extra enjoyable and sensible motorhoming books we suggest studying
When to go motorhome touring in Portugal
Portugal has one of many warmest climates in Europe. As such, it’s a magnet for northern Europeans- particularly in winter.
Campervanning in Portugal in winter
Portugal is nice in winter. It’s one of many warmest locations in Europe in February with common temperatures of over 16°C.
The great factor about campervanning in Portugal in the course of the winter is that the majority issues stay open, as so many vacationers nonetheless go to, so it doesn’t all shut down like many different international locations in Europe. (After all, some campsites do select to shut, however there are nonetheless a lot open all yr.)
Nonetheless, not all over the place in Portugal is heat in winter. Anticipate snow and snowboarding within the mountains- particularly in Serra Da Estrela (the best mountain vary).
Touring Portugal in summer time
For us, summer time in Portugal is simply too sizzling. Common temperature within the Algarve in August is 29°C- that’s the AVERAGE. As we don’t have air-con in our motorhome, and since we journey with a canine, we attempt to keep away from sizzling locations like this and go motorhoming in Norway or different locations with mountains and cooler air.
Additionally, it will get crowded in summer time. Loopy loopy crowded. Seashores are packed and queues for vacationer sights are lengthy. Being crammed in, particularly in sizzling climate, doesn’t attraction to us in any respect.
Get extra ideas for summer time van life and maintain your camper cool
Motorhoming in Portugal in Spring and Autumn
As with most of Europe, Spring and Autumn are excellent occasions to discover Portugal. The climate remains to be heat (common of 19.8°C in April and 22°C in October), however the crowds from summer time have gone and also you would possibly even get stretches of seaside all to your self.
If you wish to go mountain climbing in Portugal, it is a nice time to go to, particularly in Spring when the flowers are blooming.
TOP TIP: If you’re travelling outdoors of peak season, positively get an ACSI CampingCard– you’ll save a fortune on campsites throughout Europe, together with Portugal
Driving from the UK to Portugal
Do you know that Portugal and England have the oldest alliance on the earth, courting all the way in which again to 1373?! (Simply one in every of many enjoyable details about Portugal.)
For those who’re planning a campervanning journey to Portugal, there are a few choices from the UK, assuming you’re bringing your individual automobile (in case you’re flying in and hiring, we’ll take care of that shortly.)
There are two methods individuals get their motorhomes to Portugal- drive by way of France and Spain or take the ferry to Spain after which drive into Portugal. There are professionals and cons to every.
Typically, taking a ferry from the UK is far more costly than driving by way of France (relying on the time of yr and kind of cabin).
New to motorhome or camper journey in Europe? You would possibly discover these posts useful:
See all our Europe motorhoming posts right here
NEED GEAR? For those who want any package or necessities for motorhoming in Europe, right here’s what we suggest and the place to seek out it
Ferry from the UK to Portugal
There aren’t any direct ferries from the UK to Portugal. You possibly can journey with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth or Plymouth and go to both Santander or Bilbao (each on the north coast of Spain)- these are the closest ports to Portugal. (Bilbao is a few 5-hour drive from the Portuguese border- 480km)
A one-way journey on both ferry from the UK takes about 24 hours and reserving a cabin is beneficial. In addition they have canine kennels onboard however you CANNOT maintain your canine within the ferry cabin with you (like you possibly can from Portsmouth to Caen).
The largest consideration to this ferry (other than the associated fee), is the climate. You may be crossing the infamous Bay of Biscay- and it could actually get ROUGH. Even in the course of summer time.
As somebody who will get seasick (hilarious contemplating I’m ex-Navy and lived on boats for 15 years), I keep away from this crossing and like to drive from the UK by way of France to Spain after which Portugal, however it’s fully as much as you.
Driving routes by way of France to Portugal
For those who determine that you simply need to drive your motorhome or camper by way of France all the way down to Portugal, you first have to determine in case you’re going to take the ferry or Eurotunnel from UK to France (there are professionals and cons to each).
The quickest route from Calais is through Le Mans and Bordeaux, crossing into Spain at San Sebastian. Then head in the direction of Valladolid and also you’re almost in Portugal. It takes about 18 hours from Calais and you’ll be part of this route simply in case you determine to return over on a ferry to Caen, Le Havre, Dieppe or Cherbourg.
That is our favorite route for a France highway journey as you move some unimaginable locations (together with among the most historic locations in France!)
Can I drive to Portugal within the Winter?
Yep. I do know there are a number of enormous mountain ranges (particularly the Pyrenees), however typically the routes are all open, until you occur to be actually unfortunate and hit it in the course of a snowstorm (do examine the climate forecast earlier than travelling.)
If this occurs, then we suggest stopping for the evening someplace secure (the great thing about travelling in a motorhome) after which persevering with on when the snow has stopped and the roads have been cleared. Don’t neglect you will want snow chains and be sure to have fitted all-weather tyres- extra on that beneath.
Borders / Customs in Portugal
There isn’t any border management in case you’re driving between Spain and Portugal. Nonetheless, there are restrictions on how a lot tobacco and alcohol you possibly can carry and it should all be for private use.
Additionally, now that the UK is a 3rd nation, you’re solely allowed to hold:
- Wine/ Spirits: 2 litres
- Perfumes: 50 grams of fragrance/ 250 ml EDT
- Espresso: 500 grams/ Espresso extracts and low essences – 200 grams
- Tea:100 grams/ Tea extracts and tea essences – 40 grams
You’ll find a full listing of all present allowances right here
Hiring a motorhome or campervan to tour Portugal
For those who don’t have your individual automobile, or don’t have time to drive all the way in which to Portugal, you possibly can simply fly in and rent one. Simply ensure to ask how one can get from the airport to the rental agency- not all of them are on the airport itself and also you would possibly have to guide a taxi.
To lease a automobile in Portugal you could:
- be over 21 or 25 years previous, relying on the corporate’s rental coverage;
- present identification (identification card for EU residents or a legitimate passport for different nationalities)
- have had a driving licence for multiple yr
Be sure you have proof that you would be able to take the automobile throughout a border into one other nation if that’s what you’re planning on doing. Learn the article beneath for different issues to examine as effectively earlier than you agree to rent.
Don’t neglect, it’s YOUR accountability to verify the automobile has the required security tools. The on-the-spot fines apply to you as the driving force, not the corporate. Verify upfront with the corporate what package they’ll present with the automobile and what you will want to convey.
Take an inventory of what’s legally required with you and examine it off one after the other as you’re given the handover. Don’t drive till you’re glad you adjust to the native legal guidelines.
You possibly can anticipate to pay round £70/ day- be sure you ask the fitting questions so what to anticipate out of your motorhome or campervan rental
Motorhoming in Portugal- what gear do you’ll want to carry?
Similar to motorhoming in Spain, there are particular belongings you MUST carry with you in your motorhome or campervan while touring in Portugal.
Additionally, be sure you learn the secton beneath about dash-cams!
Don’t neglect, if you’re driving by way of France and/ or Spain to get to Portugal, you want all of the package required by these international locations, in addition to the package wanted in Portugal. (Fortunately, in case you’re used to motorhoming in France, you’ll have just about every thing you want already)
Issues you’ll want to drive in Portugal- security gear
These are the belongings you MUST have with you while you’re motorhome or campervan touring in Portugal.
- Hello-vis reflective jackets – not as strict as in France, however you could put on them on the facet of the highway or exhausting shoulder or threat being fined.
- Warning triangle
- Headlight beam converters– in case you have a UK automobile. These have to be fitted earlier than you drive in Europe. (In case you have a automobile which lets you alter the beam robotically for European driving, you received’t want these.)
- Automobile sticker hooked up to the again of car or on reg plates. (NOT the EU sticker anymore!)
- A spare wheel (and instruments to alter it!), or a tyre restore package.
- For those who put on glasses you MUST carry a spare pair
TOP TIP: Purchase these necessities for driving in Portugal upfront. For those who wait till you’re on the ferry/ tunnel, you may spend THREE occasions as a lot! See the most recent offers and finest costs right here
Utilizing a Sprint-cam in Portugal
This warrants its personal part, as a result of so many individuals don’t realise the regulation. Utilizing a dash-cam in Portugal is prohibited. Not simply that, however OWNING a dash-cam is prohibited in Portugal.
Now, I don’t assume for one second that the police are going to cease and search you searching for a dash-cam, however I counsel you place it away safely earlier than you get to the border- simply in case.
Street journey equipment you MIGHT want when campervanning in Portugal
The next package are belongings you would possibly want to hold in your automotive, motorhome, caravan or campervan, relying on if you find yourself planning your highway journey in Portugal.
You’ll in all probability need an computerized toll tag- as lots of the motorways insist on them earlier than you need to use the highway. You possibly can keep away from these, however it’s numerous additional driving. Extra on that within the ‘toll’ part.
- Winter tyres are usually not obligatory however snow chains are necessary the place signage signifies.
- Pink/ white warning board signal – for bike racks or something overhanging the tip of the motorhome or campervan. Traces should level into the center of the highway. Once more, it is a authorized requirement in Spain, however value having in Portugal
- First support package – not obligatory in Portugal (not like many international locations in Europe) however value carrying. Discover out what we supply in our European first support package right here
- Spare bulbs for all lights within the automobile
- Torch
- Fireplace extinguisher
- Street Journey snacks and water- simply in case!
Motorhomes or campers with a complete practice size of over 12m
For those who’re travelling in/ by way of Spain and your outfit exceeds 12m, you’ll want to have marker boards fitted to the again of your automobile. You possibly can both have two small boards or one giant board however they have to be positioned in the back of the outfit between 50cm and 150cm off the bottom.
Your marker board should:
- be yellow within the centre with a purple define
- be made out of aluminium
- be manufactured to ECE70 commonplace
This isn’t regulation in Portugal, however I fail to spot the way you’re going to get your 12m automobile practice to Portugal with out driving by way of Spain…
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
What paperwork do you’ll want to highway journey in Portugal?
For those who’re driving in Portugal, you’ll want to carry the next paperwork:
- Passport (or identification card)
- Driving licence (examine it’s in date!)
- Motorhome Insurance coverage documents- examine you’re lined for driving in Europe
- Breakdown cowl
- Car V5 logbook (which should present your appropriate tackle)
- Car have to be legally taxed and MOT’d
- Trailer certification (may want a doc out of your insurer)
- Worldwide Driving Allow if required
- Private journey insurance coverage
Do I want a inexperienced card to drive in Portugal?
Most UK license holders don’t want a inexperienced card to drive in Portugal. It’s possible you’ll want one in case you have a trailer- please examine together with your insurer.
Do I want a global driving allow to drive in Portugal?
Most UK residents don’t want an IDP to drive in Portugal, so long as you’ve a card driving licence issued within the UK (in date, in fact!)
You would possibly want one in case you have:
- a paper driving licence solely
- a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
(For those who do want an IDP, right here’s an in-depth information on how one can get an Worldwide Driving Allow and which one(s) you want from a UK publish workplace.
Touring Portugal in a campervan- Different helpful belongings you would possibly want
We’ve been touring Europe in our motorhome for a number of years. We’ve tried all types of kit- some helpful, some not a lot.
Here’s a listing of issues we extremely suggest when motorhoming in Portugal, however that are NOT important:
Motorhome stopovers & in a single day parking in Portugal
In Portugal, there are a number of kinds of motorhome and campervan stopovers you need to use.
- Campsites
- Aires
- Free/ permitted motorhome parking schemes
- Wild tenting in Portugal for vans
Portugal Tenting websites for motorhomes, campervans and caravans
It’s simple to seek out motorhome campsites in Portugal and so they’re very like campsites wherever else in Europe. Some are rustic and have very fundamental amenities, whereas others are designed for long-term guests and have leisure, golf equipment, swimming pools and bars!
Campsites in Portugal are sometimes loads cheaper than you would possibly anticipate, particularly in case you’re used to different international locations in western Europe. Some are as little as 2€/pp/ night- however they’re very fundamental.
Many campsites have both long-term residents who reside of their motorhomes in Portugal, or have everlasting statics or caravans which the homeowners go to once they can.
There may be usually one ‘predominant’ or municipal campsite in every city, which is signposted utilizing blue and white indicators that can assist you discover it. Anticipate to indicate your passport or identification on arrival and plenty of locations require you to go away one passport behind the reception.
For those who’re travelling out of excessive season and are planning to make use of campsites, we extremely suggest shopping for an ACSI CampingCard membership, however bear in mind that some campsites both shut in the course of the winter or are booked up fully months upfront, so it’s possible you’ll want to guide one too.
Additionally, many campsites put ACSI customers on ‘lesser’ pitches (both unhealthy view or no electrical or drainage). You possibly can ask for a unique pitch, however will often have to pay a complement which wipes out the ACSI {discount}! That is particularly widespread on the coast within the Algarve.
At some campsites, you will want to pay additional for bathe or electrical utilization. Be warned- the recent water within the bathe is on a timer- often between 3-5 minutes per token.
For those who’re campervanning within the Algarve, this is a superb useful resource that can assist you discover locations.
TOP TIP: For those who’re planning to remain in a single space for a very long time (30+ days), negotiate a particular price with the campsite straight. Most of them have some type of discount- some are as little as £10/ day, together with electrical.
Aires in Portugal
Aires are simply permitted motorhome in a single day parking places- usually offered and maintained by the native commune. Not like in case you go motorhoming in Italy, aires in Portugal are often simply known as aires, like in France or Spain (they’re known as Sostas in Italy)
There aren’t fairly as many aires in Portugal as in France and so they’re usually a bit of extra out of the way in which, however the community remains to be very helpful and straightforward to make use of.
READ MORE: Learn the way we discover and use aires and permitted free in a single day motorhome stopovers throughout Europe
There are a mix of personal and municipal motorhome aires in Portugal. Personal aires are similar to a campsite, and infrequently you possibly can keep for so long as you want (not like in case you go motorhoming in Germany, the place 48h is usually the max).
Municipal aires are generally known as ASAs and are permitted in a single day motorhome stopovers, offered by the native council. At these, there’s a restriction of 2-3 nights most in a single place.
You can’t guide motorhome aires in advance- it’s first-come, first-served, so in case you’re visiting at peak occasions you would possibly really feel happier reserving a campsite so that you’re assured of someplace to remain.
tip is to try to arrive AT your vacation spot simply earlier than lunchtime. Many individuals transfer on after. a lazy morning, and cease en-route, so you’ve the perfect likelihood of discovering a spot round this time, however that’s when the day is at its hottest, so watch out.
There are only a few amenities at an aire. You need to be capable to get water and empty waste, however don’t anticipate eating places, swimming pools or leisure areas. Additionally, don’t hang around washing, get your awning out or put chairs out- that is tenting and isn’t allowed- the police will cease and ask you to maneuver.
It’s all the time value investing in a guide of aires, in addition to a web-based app- simply in case you end up with out web in your motorhome (or and not using a wifi sign). After all, the draw back with any guide is that it goes old-fashioned, however don’t fear if it’s solely a yr or two out- most details about aires received’t change an excessive amount of.
Different permitted motorhome stopovers and parking in Portugal
Portugal EasyCamp is a scheme which connects native enterprise homeowners to motorhomers and campervanners searching for secure locations to remain in a single day. For those who’d prefer to keep away from busy campsites and aires, however don’t need to threat wild tenting, this may be the choice for you.
It really works very equally to France Ardour, with one massive difference- you must log on and purchase the product or expertise BEFORE you go to the situation. You possibly can then head there and keep for as much as 24 hours.
READ MORE: benefit from Portugal EasyCamp
Wild tenting in Portugal for motorhomes and campervans
Often, I’m the primary individual to advertise and encourage accountable motorhome wild tenting. We get pleasure from it immensely and have achieved it throughout most of Europe with any problem.
Portugal has lengthy been the vacation spot for campervanners and motorhomers trying to keep off-grid, although wild tenting in Portugal has ALWAYS been unlawful.
Nonetheless, the nation has been overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of vans in recent times (very like wild tenting with a motorhome in Scotland) and so they have needed to take care of years of abuse and mistreatment.
The issue with lots of the campervans who go to Portugal is that they don’t have their very own amenities onboard- and folks have been leaving waste (of the human sort) everywhere. 🙁
On prime of that, many wild tenting spots don’t have any amenities, so individuals have been leaving piles of garbage and even emptying their chemical bogs into bushes or over the countryside. Occasions this by hundreds upon hundreds of vanlifers and it’s no marvel the Portuguese authorities try to guard their nation.
Is Motorhome campervan Wild tenting authorized in Portugal?
In January 2021, the Portuguese authorities handed a regulation which modified the freeway code so campervans, motorhomes and caravans needed to keep on an official website. It was prohibited to park and keep by seashores and locations marked as unauthorised and additionally it is prohibited to remain in a single day in any automotive park not expressly designated for caravans, motorhomes or campervans.
Wild tenting was all the time unlawful in Portugal, however was tolerated or missed if individuals have been discreet though the foundations have been modified in Might 2020 to ban campervan parking close to seashores in Portugal.
Sadly, Portugal has been abused in recent times by vans wild parking. In early 2021, Portugal banned motorhomes and campervans from staying wherever other than campsites or aires. Wild tenting was by no means authorized to start with, and was already banned fully close to the coast, however they purchased in fines.
I’ll be sincere, I’ve been appalled by the photographs of waste and vandalism left behind by so many inconsiderate and egocentric idiots and I can’t blame the Portuguese for making an attempt to cease it.
On the similar time, I’m unhappy that a number of idiots have ruined it for the various accountable and conscientious campervanners – we’re not all soiled horrible vandals.
Fortunately, in summer time 2021, they amended the regulation BACK to permit “in a single day stays in motorhomes permitted by the Institute of Mobility and Transport for a most interval of 48 hours”.
What this mainly means is that motorhome/ campers with their very own amenities like a fitted rest room are allowed to wild camp. After all, PLEASE don’t go away waste (of any sort!) behind- we don’t need them to alter again once more!!
Wild tenting remains to be banned close to the coast, in Nationwide parks and close to protected areas. Violations may end up in a nice between 120 to 600€.
Additionally, there in all probability aren’t sufficient campsites or Aires to take care of the quantity of people that go to in vans every year. There’ll must be new amenities, extra waste and repair factors and a brand new infrastructure and I’m unsure who, when or the way it’s going to occur.
Motorhome and campervan service factors in Portugal
There are motorhome service areas unfold across the nation. Many are on municipal aires and amenities embrace consuming water provide factors and locations to dump soiled water(gray waste) and chemical rest room (black) waste. These areas might even have electrical energy energy factors for charging the batteries of camper vans and motorhomes.
We discover them utilizing Park4night, however you may as well use this web site (though it’s in Portuguese!)
Driving ideas for Portugal
Portuguese drivers have a luke-warm reputation- primarily as a result of the nation has one of many highest accident charges in Europe, however truthfully they’re in all probability higher than the Italians. Having stated that, they not often use indicators and can frequently lower wildly throughout a number of lanes to achieve an exit. So anticipate the surprising and also you’ll be nice.
Okay, let’s take care of the essential guidelines and a few ideas for motorhoming and highway tripping in Portugal:
- Portugal drives on the fitting
- Automobiles coming FROM the fitting have precedence at junctions
- On roundabouts, automobiles already on the roundabout have proper of means.
- Seatbelts are obligatory
- Speeds are in km/h, not mph (you would possibly need to change the setting in your motorhome sat-nav)
- You don’t want to have driving lights on in the course of the day
- Handsfree kits are allowed
- It’s forbidden to make use of a dashcam or radar detector for pace cameras
- Street surfaces are typically fairly good in cities and cities, however could be unhealthy within the countryside.
- Keep away from cities in case you’re driving in a motorhome- a lot of them are too crowded and the streets are simply not lower out for big automobiles. Park outdoors and use public transport to get in.
- Trams all the time have precedence everywhere- maintain eyes behind your head in case you’re driving close to a tram community.
- Emergency automobiles and navy automobiles have precedence over different highway customers.
- It’s possible you’ll carry a load, equivalent to bikes on a rack, extending by as much as 10% of the size of the automobile to the rear. The load have to be indicated by a board/ panel with diagonal purple and white stripes– that is authorized for Spain, however value having in Portugal.
- Bikes or a load being carried should NOT be wider than the automobile
- Helmets are obligatory if you’re motorcycling in Portugal
- Winter tyres are usually not obligatory however snow chains are necessary the place signage signifies.
- There isn’t any border management between Spain and Portugal – you possibly can simply drive proper in
Roads in Portugal
There was some huge cash spent in recent times to construct new roads (therefore all of the tolls!) A lot of the main roads have been resurfaced and are fairly good, however there are a lot of older roads in additional rural areas that are in poorer situation. You may be nice to drive them with a motorhome or camper, however gradual your pace and drive with care.
Visitors Lights in Portugal
Visitors lights use the three color system. There isn’t any amber sign after the purple, and a flashing amber mild signifies “warning”. A flashing or fixed purple mild signifies “cease” and is used close to stage crossings and to provide warning of an impediment.
Velocity Limits in Portugal (until in any other case signed!)
Breaking the pace restrict might end in both an on-the-spot or an computerized nice being despatched to you.
Vehicles and automobiles underneath 3.5 tonnes:
- 120 km/h (74mph) on motorways and a few twin carriageways
- 100km/h (62mph) on main roads
- 90 km/h (55 mph) on minor roads (out of city)
- 50 km/h (31 mph) in built-up areas
Motorhomes and Campervans weighing over 3.5 tonnes:
- motorways 100km/h (62mph)
- main roads 90 km/h (55 mph)
- minor out-of-town roads 80 km/h (50 mph)
- city areas- 50 km/h (31 mph)
Motorhomes with trailers or caravans
- motorways 100km/h (62mph)
- main out-of-town roads 80 km/h (50 mph)
- minor out-of-town roads 70 km/h (44 mph)
- built-up areas- 50 km/h (31 mph)
Velocity Cameras in Portugal
Many roads have computerized pace cameras on in Portugal and so they’re fairly glad to ship vacationers a nice by way of the mail.
You may also discover random site visitors lights, which flip to purple in the course of nowhere in case you’re rushing and make you anticipate a few minutes earlier than turning to inexperienced so you possibly can transfer off once more. These are surprisingly efficient!
Drink Drive regulation in Portugal
Alcohol legal guidelines are stricter in Portugal than the UK. The authorized restrict is 0.05% blood alcohol (the UK is 0.08%) and applies to the driving force of any motorised automobile. For those who’ve had your license for underneath 3 years, the restrict is 0.02%
– A blood alcohol stage between 0,5 g/l and 0,8 g/l is taken into account a severe offence, and it’s sanctioned with a driving inhibition between 1 month and a 1 yr and a payment cost of an quantity from 250 as much as 1.250 euros.
– A blood alcohol stage between 0,8g/l and 1,2g/l is a really severe offence, sanctioned with a interval of driving inhibition between 2 months and a couple of years and a payment cost of an quantity from 1.250 as much as 2.500 euros.
– A blood alcohol stage of 1,2g/l or extra is taken into account against the law, that may be punished with imprisonment as much as 1 yr or payment penalty as much as 120 days, and driving inhibition between 3 months and three years.
Low Emission zones in Portugal
Portugal has a low emission zone (LEZ) in Lisbon. It’s break up into 2 zones – Zone 1 and a couple of. About 33% of town is inside it, so watch out in case you drive in. Discover out extra concerning the Lisbon Inexperienced air zone right here.
Click on right here for extra detailed info about how one can discover zones throughout Europe.
Tolls in Portugal
There are two kinds of toll in Portugal- each on motorways:
– conventional motorways with toll cubicles, the place cost is made by money, financial institution card or digital tolls.
– Purely digital toll motorways. As a way to use these roads, you MUST have an digital machine in your automobile.
Simple Toll
Simple Toll makes use of your financial institution card and quantity plate to take funds. You enter your card particulars at a enroll location on the border and get a photograph of your registration plates taken. The system will then deduct toll cost out of your financial institution card each time your automobile passes a toll gate.
Signing up prices 0.74 euros, plus a 0.32 euro administrative payment.
This technique is legitimate for 30 days, and the tickets issued on the toll have to be saved as proof in case of an issue. You’ll find out extra on the Portugal tolls web site.
By way of Verde
For those who frequently use toll roads, it might be value signing as much as the By way of Verde scheme which takes you thru the quick lane with out having to cease and pay.
By way of Verde is the one system which works on ALL the Portuguese motorways. It additionally covers an honest part of Spanish toll roads too. You purchase a transponder after which get charged or what you utilize. The great factor about them is that after getting one, it doesn’t expire, so it’s legitimate for everytime you return to Portugal.
e-Movis
Personally, we use e-Movis for tolls throughout Europe and we’ve by no means had an issue. These can help you use the VIA-T lanes in Portugal
It’s value noting that you simply want a DIFFERENT e-Movis tag for Spain and Portugal (one does each international locations), than you do for France. So in case you’re driving from the UK to Portugal, you will want no less than 2 e-Movis toll tags in your motorhome and also you’ll want to recollect to change them over.
Pre-paid Toll Card
This method is comparatively easy and helpful directions are written on every card.
You purchase a pre-loaded card with both 5, 10, 20 or 40 euros. You then activate the cardboard with an SMS message, utilizing the code printed on the cardboard and the licence plate of the automobile.
There’s a service value of 0.74 euros for every card bought.
For those who head house with credit score nonetheless in your toll card you will get this refunded – simply return it to the principle publish workplace in Portugal, the CTT.
There may be additionally a Toll Service, which is a pre-loaded card with limitless use for 3 days or beforehand outlined journeys.
You should buy these on the CTT publish workplace, on-line at www.tollcard.pt or at varied service areas.
This web site additionally exhibits how a lot every toll highway will value, so may be value a glance while you’re planning your route by way of Portugal.
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
Driving in Portugal- what to do within the occasion of a highway site visitors accident
You need to have a European Declare Type offered by your insurer earlier than you allow. Within the occasion of an accident, all events full and signal the shape on the scene after which ship a duplicate to your insurer for evaluation.
What to do on the scene:
- Cease your automobile instantly however safely- out of the movement of site visitors if doable.
- If a automobile is obstructing the highway, use hazard lights and put the purple warning triangle 30 metres from the scene to warn approaching site visitors
- Change your particulars with the opposite concerned events. Make sure to get:
- Title and tackle of all of the individuals concerned within the accident
- Car registration numbers of all events
- Insurance coverage firm particulars of all events
- Take photographs of injury utilizing a digicam, GoPro or cellphone
For extra particulars, learn our step-by-step information on coping with a highway site visitors accident in Europe
Different important ideas for campervanning in Portugal
Petrol and Diesel
Petrol and diesel are extensively obtainable. Many gas stations are 24h on the principle roads and are self-service with card machines.
Petrol is Sem chumbo (95 / 98) – Inexperienced handles on pump
Diesel is Gasóleo or Diesel. Black or yellow handles on pump
Carrying gas in cans is NOT allowed, even in small quantities, so watch out in case you have a motorhome generator.
Some locations are 24h pay on the pump, however might require you to enter the store and pay the cashier both upfront or after you’ve stuffed up- there can be an indication to let you know what to do. (Depart your automotive in entrance of the pump and make an observation of the pump quantity.)
You possibly can pay utilizing money or a bank card. Many locations do NOT take American Specific. You possibly can often use your UK playing cards and not using a drawback.
NOTE: It’s unlawful to expire of petrol when crossing Lisbon’s mile-long 25 de Abril bridge.
LPG Gasoline
LPG (GPL) could be discovered at many petrol stations. There are literally extra locations than in Spain. If shopping for from a petroleum station, it’s possible you’ll want to attend for an attendant to show the system on for you.
You’ll find locations which promote LPG utilizing MyLPG.eu
Keep in mind, in case you don’t have refillable fuel bottles, you may be unable to purchase a fuel bottle which inserts straight onto a UK system- you want a brand new pigtail. Portugal primarily makes use of the euro connector.
READ MORE: How we discover motorhome LPG or bottles whereas touring Europe
Campervanning in Portugal- safety
Portugal has a decrease crime price than many different international locations in Europe, however automobile break-ins do occur, as does petty theft and pickpocketing.
We extremely suggest paying additional consideration to your motorhome safety when travelling in Portugal. You would possibly even want to match an additional camper habitation door lock and by no means go away your automobile unattended in an unsecure space.
READ MORE: Important ideas for shielding your van at house and on the highway
Extra helpful issues to find out about vanlife in Portugal
Some extra ideas that can assist you get pleasure from your time in Portugal.
Emergency Numbers: 112 will get you every thing
Language– The Portuguese are fairly good at languages. Portuguese is spoken, together with Spanish. Most of the youthful era communicate English effectively.
Foreign money– Euro
Playing cards– most main credit score and debit playing cards are accepted. American Specific is barely taken in giant shops (not at tolls and infrequently not at gas stations)
Timezone– GMT (similar as UK- sure, Spain is in a unique time zone!)
Cellular Telephone and Web – It’s often doable to make use of your UK cellphone and knowledge in Portugal, however there’ll seemingly be a cost to make use of your UK cellphone knowledge overseas. Please examine together with your UK community supplier.
Tipping- Tipping will not be anticipated however appreciated. 5% – 10% in eating places is commonplace if you’re proud of the service.
Outlets– Meals costs are fairly cheap. Historically, retailers are open from Monday to Friday, from 9 or 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some shut for lunch from 1 to three p.m. On Saturdays, retailers typically shut at 1 p.m. although in metropolis centres some are open within the afternoon. Many retailers shut on Sundays. Greater supermarkets could also be open, however will shut at lunchtime.
Don’t confuse Portugal with Spain- the Portuguese are very pleased with their tradition and heritage. They get pleasure from life at a slower tempo and there are many queues.
Meals and Drink in Portugal
Markets are the hub of life in Portugal. You’ll discover one in each village, city and metropolis, with a spread of native produce on the market. Many individuals in Portugal solely ever eat seasonally, so native dishes will change relying on time of yr.
Be sure you have money (together with small change) and produce your individual baggage. Be warned- the markets are sometimes held within the largest automotive park in town- which is commonly the place the motorhome parking is. Take note of the indicators in these automotive parks- they’ll say when the market is and if you’re unable to park on sure days.
Native dishes in Portugal to attempt embrace:
- pastel de Belém/ pastel de nata- DELICIOUS custard tart
- Francesinha – ham and cheese sandwich
- Caldeirada de Peixe -stewed fish
- Salt cod or bacalhau
Touring Portugal with a canine
Portugal is slowly changing into extra dog-friendly. Canines are actually welcome in cafes and eating places and are allowed on trains- be sure to have a muzzle and their paperwork.
Learn extra: adjustments affecting travelling to Europe with a canine after BREXIT
They don’t seem to be allowed on many seashores in summer time and are usually not allowed into public locations like museums. Small canine in crates are allowed on buses and trams; giant canine are unwelcome on most of them.
Don’t neglect how sizzling it will get in summer time and to verify your canine is comfy. Do NOT go away them in your motorhome or camper on a sunny day- vans warmth up similar to automobiles do. Listed here are some tricks to maintain your canine cool on a highway journey.
To return into the UK you’ll want a vet on the continent to manage a worming therapy after which permit between 24 hours and 5 days earlier than re-entering the UK.
Be warned, there are MANY stray canine (and cats) in Portugal- greater than I’ve seen wherever else in Europe. Feeding them is a bit like feeding seagulls…
Utilizing a drone in Portugal
You’re allowed to take and fly your drone in Portugal, however they’re VERY sizzling on privateness legal guidelines and recording individuals with out their permission- particularly in case you then add the footage to Youtube or one thing.
READ MORE: What’s the perfect journey drone (and the way to decide on)
Drones and comparable remote-controlled flying units have to be saved no less than a minimal 150m from individuals, automobiles and buildings that aren’t linked with the drone operator. Flying should occur in daylight solely and as much as a most peak of 120m. By no means fly nearer than 5km to airports. The drone should all the time stay inside the sight of the operator.
Please examine for native laws and navy or different particular restricted areas the place all of the aforementioned actions are forbidden by regulation. Listed here are present guidelines.
Final replace on 2024-01-03 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Photographs from Amazon Product Promoting API
