Camping in Portugal: top 3 campsites

Camping on the beach or in the mountains? Deep inland or on the outskirts of town? Whatever you prefer, Portugal has something for everyone. Discover the best places for camping in Portugal and get to know breathtaking landscapes.

1. Lima Escape: camping in the north of Portugal 

The best campsites in Portugal are synonymous with the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Surrounded by the Lima, Froufe, and Tamente rivers, you'll find Lima Escape Camping & Glamping: a campsite that offers you traditional tents, along with bell-tents, oriental poufs, and bungalows inspired by the Minho region.Drive to: Lobios outdoor thermal pool, Spain (30 km)

2. Orbitur S. Pedro de Moel: camping in the center of Portugal

Next to the town and the beach, Orbitur S. Pedro de Moel has everything you need and more. It has a laundry, restaurant, supermarket, playground, pet station, horse riding activities, and swimming pools with slides. Overall, it's the perfect balance between pine forest and beach.

Drive to: Figueira da Foz (78 km)

3. Hola Camp Albufeira: camping in the south of Portugal

A campsite with a massage service and a paddle tennis court? Welcome to Hola Camp Albufeira. This campsite excels in comfort, both in its bungalows and luxury tents. The best part? It’s only 10 minutes away from Algarve's best beaches by car.

Drive to: Albufeira Center (5 km)

5 tips for a peaceful camping trip 

As with any other type of trip, planning is the keyword. Make sure you leave nothing behind. Plus, to go ahead without any restrictions, make sure you have the ideal car to explore the surrounding area. Here are some essential tips. 

1. Get information on the campsite 

Are you taking your pets with you? Choose a pet-friendly campsite. Don't own a tent but want to camp anyway? Look for campsites that allow you to rent tents. For a different experience, consider glamping or renting a bungalow. These trends are the ideal option for those who like to sleep under the stars, without carrying their sleeping bag and mattress in the trunk.

2. Plan your meals ahead 

Many campsites in Portugal have grocery stores within the grounds. If you don't want to be without the daily bread or are craving a taste of the local jam, check if the campsite sells food. In any case, it's better to prepare a basic menu. Opt for ready-to-eat meals, such as tins of tuna. Don't forget your water bottles and fill up your canteen before you leave the park for a walk. As for fruit, go for apples and pears, which keep longer in good condition.

3. Do checklists 

The camper's nightmare is to overpack or underpack. To avoid surprises when you open your suitcase in the park, make lists by category. For example, write a column for hygiene, another for clothes, and another for food. Ideally, write the lists a few days before you leave for the campsite. That way, as you use certain items in everyday life, you'll realize what you might need on the campsite and still have time to add them to the checklists.

4. Optimize space 

Have you collected everything you'll need for the campsite? Organize items by category. You could use a box to put food in, for example. In your backpack, you can put your underwear in a bag and your toiletries in a pouch. Above all, don't leave items scattered around because they will be much harder to find. 

When it comes to storing suitcases in the trunk, there are also tips to follow. Put the largest items in first. Only then should you place the smaller or more fragile packages. Want to take bicycles or canoes on the roof? Check the car's manual for the maximum weight the rack can hold. Poor weight distribution makes maneuvering difficult and compromises vehicle safety.

5. Get a car check-up

Before you set off for the best camping in Portugal, make sure your car is ready for the adventure. Take special attention to:

  • Engine oil;
  • Wiper fluid;
  • Lights and indicators;
  • Tire calibration.

Is it worth driving to go camping in Portugal? 

Generally, camping in Portugal is not linked to a great public transport network. Even when there are bus or train stops nearby, it's natural to end up walking a few kilometers to reach your destination. On hot days and with your bags on your back, this might not be the best start to your trip.

So, renting a car may be the best option and has many advantages:

  • Easy access to Portugal's most remote campsites;
  • More convenient transportation of equipment;
  • Flexible arrival and departure times, making the most of your vacation time;
  • Freedom to explore the surrounding areas, including the trails that start at the furthest points of the park or the nearby extreme sports.

 

Explore the best of camping in Portugal with Enterprise 

Have you already chosen your campsite? Discover it behind the wheel of Enterprise. Our rental cars are the most practical option for those who don't want to leave any corner unexplored. Find the model with the ideal luggage space for your camping trip and don't miss a thing on your next vacation.

Turista na praia do Algarve

Discover the best beaches in Algarve

Algarve is, for many, a synonym of gorgeous beaches, warm weather and, above all… vacations. Throughout the year, and especially during summer, many Portuguese and foreigners travel to the south of Portugal looking for warm waters, rocky landscapes and vast landscapes of sand.

Praia da fuseta Algarve

Discover the best beaches in Portugal

With half of its territory surrounded by sea, Portugal is the perfect destination for those who are looking for beach, sun and mild temperatures most of the year. The undeniable beauty of our coast has brought us many awards from international entities, who consider our beaches some of the most beautiful in the world. However, the great amount of vast extensions of sand in Portuguese territory makes it even more difficult to choose the best beaches in Portugal.

From North to South, hop on this journey with us and discover the best beaches in Portugal to visit.

Dornes

Rural Tourism in Portugal: the best places to visit

When we think about vacations in Portugal, we automatically think about beaches and coastal areas. Even though these are the “fan favourites” for many, Portugal has so much more to explore! The countryside is full of natural secrets ready to be discovered and that will guarantee you a journey with many adventures and unique experiences.

Leave the beach towel and sunscreen at home and discover the best destinations that rural tourism Portugal has to offer.