Motorhoming & Campervanning in Portugal- Final Information (2023 replace)
Planning a motorhome or campervan journey to Portugal? Need to see among the most breathtaking locations in Europe? Right here’s the whole lot you should know to go campervanning or motorhoming in Portugal, together with routes and locations to go to.
Don’t overlook to obtain your FREE Europe motorhome journey guidelines beneath that will help you plan your Portugal highway journey.
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Motorhoming in Portugal- why it is best to go!
Portugal has somewhat little bit of everything- dramatic shoreline with sandy seashores, caves, mountains, incredible delicacies and historical past. Oh, and wine. Tons and many pretty wine. It’s splendidly conventional and lots of components of it nonetheless really feel totally untouched by the trendy world.
Probably the greatest issues about having the ability to discover Portugal on a motorhoming vacation is that you may see the variations between the areas, strive the native delicacies (and wine!) and actually get a really feel for the nation in a brief house of time.
It’s additionally one of many least expensive international locations in western Europe, so you possibly can journey on a small finances with out a lot challenge.
On this information, we’re going to share with you the whole lot you should 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 will help 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 overlook to seize your free motorhome journey guidelines which is able to aid you plan and organise the whole lot 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 should do is resolve the place you’re going (and the way lengthy you might have on your journey!)
How lengthy to go for?
When you’re driving from the UK to Portugal (we’ll cowl that shortly), you should permit not 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 strong 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 per week on 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 per week (extra on that shortly).
You probably have a few weeks, you possibly can actually discover a superb chunk of Portugal, however you may be doing a whole lot of driving until you stick to only 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 straightforward to see lots in a brief house of time.
Highlights of a Portugal Motorhoming Vacation
Among the greatest locations to go to when campervanning in Portugal embrace:
- The Algarve – the seashores there are among the greatest in Europe
- Lisbon – one in all Europe’s most historic cities
- Sintra- it actually does appear like one thing from a fairytale
- Alentejo Nationwide Park- the biggest protected coastal Pure Park in Europe
- Porto- one of many oldest ports on this planet
- 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 superb!
When you get pleasure from studying books earlier than a visit, listed here 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 through the winter is that almost all 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 loads open all 12 months.)
Nevertheless, not in all places in Portugal is heat in winter. Count on 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 scorching. 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 scorching 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 points of interest are lengthy. Being crammed in, particularly in scorching climate, doesn’t attraction to us in any respect.
Get extra ideas for summer time van life and preserve 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 seashore all to your self.
If you wish to go hiking in Portugal, this can be a nice time to go to, particularly in Spring when the flowers are blooming.
TOP TIP: If you’re travelling exterior 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 this planet, courting all the best way again to 1373?! (Simply one in all many fun facts about Portugal.)
When you’re planning a campervanning journey to Portugal, there are a few choices from the UK, assuming you’re bringing your personal automobile (in case you’re flying in and hiring, we’ll cope with that shortly.)
There are two methods folks 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 12 months and kind of cabin).
Ferry from the UK to Portugal
There aren’t any direct ferries from the UK to Portugal. You may 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 advisable. In addition they have canine kennels onboard however you CANNOT preserve your canine within the ferry cabin with you (like you possibly can from Portsmouth to Caen).
The largest consideration to this ferry (aside from the price), is the climate. You may be crossing the infamous Bay of Biscay- and it will probably 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, nevertheless it’s fully as much as you.
Driving routes by way of France to Portugal
When you resolve that you just wish to drive your motorhome or camper by way of France right down to Portugal, you first must resolve 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 a part of this route simply in case you resolve 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 go 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 protected (the fantastic thing about travelling in a motorhome) after which persevering with on when the snow has stopped and the roads have been cleared. Don’t overlook you’ll need snow chains and be sure you have fitted all-weather tyres- extra on that beneath.
Borders / Customs in Portugal
There isn’t a border management in case you’re driving between Spain and Portugal. Nevertheless, 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 might be solely allowed to hold:
- Wine/ Spirits: 2 litres
- Perfumes: 50 grams of fragrance/ 250 ml EDT
- Espresso: 500 grams/ Espresso extracts and occasional essences – 200 grams
- Tea:100 grams/ Tea extracts and tea essences – 40 grams
Yow will discover a full checklist of all present allowances here
Hiring a motorhome or campervan to tour Portugal
When you don’t have your personal automobile, or don’t have time to drive all the best way to Portugal, you possibly can simply fly in and rent one. Simply be certain to ask learn how to get from the airport to the rental agency- not all of them are on the airport itself and also you would possibly must guide a taxi.
To lease a automobile in Portugal you will need to:
- be over 21 or 25 years outdated, 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 12 months
Ensure you have proof that you may 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 properly earlier than you agree to rent.
Don’t overlook, it’s YOUR accountability to verify the automobile has the required security gear. The on-the-spot fines apply to you as the driving force, not the corporate. Test upfront with the corporate what package they’ll present with the automobile and what you’ll need to deliver.
Take an inventory of what’s legally required with you and examine it off one after the other as you might be given the handover. Don’t drive till you might be completely happy you adjust to the native legal guidelines.
You may anticipate to pay round £70/ day- make sure to ask the best questions so what to anticipate out of your motorhome or campervan rental
Motorhoming in Portugal- what gear do you should carry?
Similar to motorhoming in Spain, there are specific belongings you MUST carry with you in your motorhome or campervan while touring in Portugal.
Additionally, make sure to learn the secton beneath about dash-cams!
Don’t overlook, in case you are 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 the whole lot you want already)
Issues you should drive in Portugal- security gear
These are the belongings you MUST have with you if you’re motorhome or campervan touring in Portugal.
- Hi-vis reflective jackets – not as strict as in France, however you will need to put on them on the aspect of the highway or laborious shoulder or threat being fined.
- Warning triangle
- Headlight beam converters– when you’ve got a UK automobile. These have to be fitted earlier than you drive in Europe. (You probably have a automobile which lets you regulate the beam robotically for European driving, you received’t want these.)
- Car sticker connected to the again of car or on reg plates. (NOT the EU sticker anymore!)
- A spare wheel (and instruments to vary it!), or a tyre restore package.
- When you put on glasses you MUST carry a spare pair
TOP TIP: Purchase these necessities for driving in Portugal upfront. When you wait till you’re on the ferry/ tunnel, you may spend THREE occasions as a lot! See the latest deals and best prices 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 illegitimate. Not simply that, however OWNING a dash-cam is illegitimate in Portugal.
Now, I don’t assume for one second that the police are going to cease and search you in search of a dash-cam, however I recommend you place it away safely earlier than you get to the border- simply in case.
Highway journey equipment you MIGHT want when campervanning in Portugal
The next package are belongings you would possibly want to hold in your automobile, motorhome, caravan or campervan, relying on when you find yourself planning your highway journey in Portugal.
You’ll most likely need an computerized toll tag- as most of the motorways insist on them earlier than you should use the highway. You may keep away from these, nevertheless it’s a whole lot of additional driving. Extra on that within the ‘toll’ part.
- Winter tyres will not be obligatory however snow chains are obligatory the place signage signifies.
- Red/ white warning board sign – for bike racks or something overhanging the top of the motorhome or campervan. Strains should level into the center of the highway. Once more, this can be a authorized requirement in Spain, however price having in Portugal
- First aid kit – not obligatory in Portugal (in contrast to many international locations in Europe) however price carrying. Discover out what we feature in our European first help package right here
- Spare bulbs for all lights within the automobile
- Torch
- Hearth extinguisher
- Highway Journey snacks and water- simply in case!
Motorhomes or campers with a complete practice size of over 12m
When you’re travelling in/ by way of Spain and your outfit exceeds 12m, you should have marker boards fitted to the again of your automobile. You may 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 normal
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 should highway journey in Portugal?
When you’re driving in Portugal, you should carry the next paperwork:
- Passport (or identification card)
- Driving licence (examine it’s in date!)
- Motorhome Insurance coverage documents- examine you might be coated for driving in Europe
- Breakdown cowl
- Automobile V5 logbook (which should present your appropriate deal with)
- Automobile have to be legally taxed and MOT’d
- Trailer certification (might also want a doc out of your insurer)
- Worldwide Driving Allow if required
- Private journey insurance coverage
Do I would like a inexperienced card to drive in Portugal?
Most UK license holders don’t want a inexperienced card to drive in Portugal. Chances are you’ll want one when you’ve got a trailer- please examine together with your insurer.
Do I would like a world driving allow to drive in Portugal?
Most UK residents don’t want an IDP to drive in Portugal, so long as you might have a card driving licence issued within the UK (in date, in fact!)
You would possibly want one when you’ve got:
- a paper driving licence solely
- a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
(When you do want an IDP, right here’s an in-depth information on learn how to get an Worldwide Driving Allow and which one(s) you want from a UK put up 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 kinds of kit- some helpful, some not a lot.
Here’s a checklist 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 varieties of motorhome and campervan stopovers you should use.
- Campsites
- Aires
- Free/ authorized motorhome parking schemes
- Wild tenting in Portugal for vans
Portugal Tenting websites for motorhomes, campervans and caravans
It’s straightforward to seek out motorhome campsites in Portugal and so they’re very like campsites anyplace 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 lots 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 stay of their motorhomes in Portugal, or have everlasting statics or caravans which the homeowners go to after they can.
There’s usually one ‘essential’ or municipal campsite in every city, which is signposted utilizing blue and white indicators that will help you discover it. Count on to indicate your passport or identification on arrival and lots of locations require you to go away one passport behind the reception.
When you’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 through the winter or are booked up fully months upfront, so you might want to guide one too.
Additionally, many campsites put ACSI customers on ‘lesser’ pitches (both unhealthy view or no electrical or drainage). You may ask for a special pitch, however will normally must pay a complement which wipes out the ACSI {discount}! That is particularly widespread on the coast within the Algarve.
At some campsites, you’ll need to pay additional for bathe or electrical utilization. Be warned- the new water within the bathe is on a timer- normally between 3-5 minutes per token.
When you’re campervanning within the Algarve, this is a superb useful resource that will help you discover locations.
TOP TIP: When you’re planning to remain in a single space for a very long time (30+ days), negotiate a particular fee 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 authorized motorhome in a single day parking places- usually supplied and maintained by the native commune. Not like in case you go motorhoming in Italy, aires in Portugal are normally 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 somewhat extra out of the best way, however the community remains to be very helpful and simple to make use of.
READ MORE: Find out how we discover and use aires and authorized 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 (in contrast to in case you go motorhoming in Germany, the place 48h is usually the max).
Municipal aires are typically known as ASAs and are authorized in a single day motorhome stopovers, supplied 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.
A superb tip is to attempt to arrive AT your vacation spot simply earlier than lunchtime. Many individuals transfer on after. a lazy morning, and cease en-route, so you might have the most effective 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. It’s best 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 at all times price investing in a guide of aires, in addition to an internet app- simply in case you end up with out web in your motorhome (or with no 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 12 months or two out- most details about aires received’t change an excessive amount of.
Listed here are some we suggest:
Different authorized motorhome stopovers and parking in Portugal
Portugal EasyCamp is a scheme which connects native enterprise homeowners to motorhomers and campervanners in search of protected locations to remain in a single day. When you’d wish to keep away from busy campsites and aires, however don’t wish to threat wild tenting, this could be the choice for you.
It really works very equally to France Ardour, with one huge difference- you must log on and purchase the product or expertise BEFORE you go to the placement. You may then head there and keep for as much as 24 hours.
READ MORE: How you can benefit from Portugal EasyCamp
Wild tenting in Portugal for motorhomes and campervans
Normally, I’m the primary individual to advertise and encourage accountable motorhome wild tenting. We get pleasure from it immensely and have finished it throughout most of Europe with any challenge.
Portugal has lengthy been the vacation spot for campervanners and motorhomers seeking to keep off-grid, although wild tenting in Portugal has ALWAYS been unlawful.
Nevertheless, the nation has been overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of vans lately (very like wild tenting with a motorhome in Scotland) and so they have needed to cope with years of abuse and mistreatment.
The issue with most 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 variety) in all places. 🙁
On high of that, many wild tenting spots don’t have any amenities, so folks have been leaving piles of garbage and even emptying their chemical bathrooms 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 web site. It was prohibited to park and keep by seashores and locations marked as unauthorised and it is usually prohibited to remain in a single day in any automobile park not expressly designated for caravans, motorhomes or campervans.
Wild tenting was at all times unlawful in Portugal, however was tolerated or ignored if folks have been discreet though the principles have been modified in Could 2020 to ban campervan parking close to seashores in Portugal.
Sadly, Portugal has been abused lately by vans wild parking. In early 2021, Portugal banned motorhomes and campervans from staying anyplace aside from campsites or aires. Wild tenting was by no means authorized to start with, and was already banned utterly 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 authorized by the Institute of Mobility and Transport for a most interval of 48 hours”.
What this principally means is that motorhome/ campers with their very own amenities like a fitted bathroom are allowed to wild camp. After all, PLEASE don’t go away waste (of any variety!) behind- we don’t need them to vary again once more!!
Wild tenting remains to be banned close to the coast, in Nationwide parks and close to protected areas. Violations can lead to a advantageous between 120 to 600€.
Additionally, there most likely aren’t sufficient campsites or Aires to cope with the quantity of people that go to in vans every year. There’ll have to be new amenities, extra waste and repair factors and a brand new infrastructure and I’m undecided 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 bathroom (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 website (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 actually they’re most likely higher than the Italians. Having stated that, they not often use indicators and can commonly reduce wildly throughout a number of lanes to achieve an exit. So anticipate the surprising and also you’ll be advantageous.
Okay, let’s cope with the essential guidelines and a few ideas for motorhoming and highway tripping in Portugal:
- Portugal drives on the best
- Autos coming FROM the best have precedence at junctions
- On roundabouts, autos already on the roundabout have proper of method.
- Seatbelts are obligatory
- Speeds are in km/h, not mph (you would possibly wish to change the setting in your motorhome sat-nav)
- You don’t want to have driving lights on through the day
- Handsfree kits are allowed
- It’s forbidden to make use of a dashcam or radar detector for velocity cameras
- Highway 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 reduce out for giant autos. Park exterior and use public transport to get in.
- Trams at all times have precedence everywhere- preserve eyes behind your head in case you’re driving close to a tram community.
- Emergency autos and army autos have precedence over different highway customers.
- Chances are you’ll carry a load, corresponding 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 red and white stripes– that is authorized for Spain, however price having in Portugal.
- Bikes or a load being carried should NOT be wider than the automobile
- Helmets are obligatory in case you are motorcycling in Portugal
- Winter tyres will not be obligatory however snow chains are obligatory the place signage signifies.
- There isn’t a border management between Spain and Portugal – you possibly can simply drive proper in
Roads in Portugal
There was some huge cash spent lately 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 advantageous to drive them with a motorhome or camper, however sluggish your velocity and drive with care.
Site visitors Lights in Portugal
Site visitors lights use the three color system. There isn’t a amber sign after the purple, and a flashing amber gentle signifies “warning”. A flashing or fixed purple gentle signifies “cease” and is used close to stage crossings and to present warning of an impediment.
Velocity Limits in Portugal (until in any other case signed!)
Breaking the velocity restrict might end in both an on-the-spot or an computerized advantageous being despatched to you.
Automobiles and autos below 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 velocity cameras on in Portugal and so they’re fairly completely happy to ship vacationers a advantageous by way of the mail.
You may additionally discover random visitors lights, which flip to purple in the course of nowhere in case you’re rushing and make you await 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. When you’ve had your license for below 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 critical offence, and it’s sanctioned with a driving inhibition between 1 month and a 1 12 months and a charge 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 critical offence, sanctioned with a interval of driving inhibition between 2 months and a pair of years and a charge 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 a criminal offense, that may be punished with imprisonment as much as 1 12 months or charge 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 pair of. About 33% of the town is inside it, so watch out in case you drive in. Discover out extra in regards to the Lisbon Inexperienced air zone here.
Click here for more detailed information about learn how to discover zones throughout Europe.
Tolls in Portugal
There are two varieties 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. In an effort to use these roads, you MUST have an digital system 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 join 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 charge.
This methodology is legitimate for 30 days, and the tickets issued on the toll have to be saved as proof in case of an issue. Yow will discover out extra on the Portugal tolls website.
Through Verde
When you commonly use toll roads, it could be price signing as much as the Through Verde scheme which takes you thru the quick lane with out having to cease and pay.
Via Verde is the one system which works on ALL the Portuguese motorways. It additionally covers a good 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 you have 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 permit you to use the VIA-T lanes in Portugal
It’s price noting that you just 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’ll need not less than 2 e-Movis toll tags in your motorhome and also you’ll want to recollect to modify 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.
When you head house with credit score nonetheless in your toll card you may get this refunded – simply return it to the principle put up workplace in Portugal, the CTT.
There’s additionally a Toll Service, which is a pre-loaded card with limitless use for 3 days or beforehand outlined journeys.
You should purchase these on the CTT put up workplace, on-line at www.tollcard.pt or at numerous service areas.
This website additionally exhibits how a lot every toll highway will value, so could be price a glance if 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 visitors accident
It’s best to have a European Declare Kind supplied 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 replica to your insurer for evaluation.
What to do on the scene:
- Cease your automobile instantly however safely- out of the stream of visitors if potential.
- If a automobile is obstructing the highway, use hazard lights and put the purple warning triangle 30 metres from the scene to warn approaching visitors
- Change your particulars with the opposite concerned events. Remember to get:
- Title and deal with of all of the folks concerned within the accident
- Automobile registration numbers of all events
- Insurance coverage firm particulars of all events
- Take pictures of injury utilizing a digicam, GoPro or telephone
For extra particulars, learn our step-by-step information on coping with a highway visitors accident in Europe
Different important ideas for campervanning in Portugal
Petrol and Diesel
Petrol and diesel are extensively accessible. Many gasoline 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 gasoline in cans is NOT allowed, even in small quantities, so watch out when you’ve got a motorhome generator.
Some locations are 24h pay on the pump, however could require you to enter the store and pay the cashier both upfront or after you’ve crammed up- there will probably be an indication to let you know what to do. (Depart your automobile in entrance of the pump and make a remark of the pump quantity.)
You may pay utilizing money or a bank card. Many locations do NOT take American Specific. You may normally use your UK playing cards with no downside.
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, you might want to attend for an attendant to show the system on for you.
Yow will discover locations which promote LPG utilizing MyLPG.eu
Bear in mind, in case you don’t have refillable gasoline bottles, you may be unable to purchase a gasoline 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 fee 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 learn about vanlife in Portugal
Some extra ideas that will help you get pleasure from your time in Portugal.
Emergency Numbers: 112 will get you the whole lot
Language– The Portuguese are fairly good at languages. Portuguese is spoken, together with Spanish. Most of the youthful era communicate English properly.
Forex– Euro
Playing cards– most main credit score and debit playing cards are accepted. American Specific is just taken in giant shops (not at tolls and infrequently not at gasoline stations)
Timezone– GMT (similar as UK- sure, Spain is in a special time zone!)
Cell Cellphone and Web – It’s normally potential to make use of your UK telephone and knowledge in Portugal, however there’ll possible be a cost to make use of your UK telephone knowledge overseas. Please examine together with your UK community supplier.
Tipping- Tipping will not be anticipated however appreciated. 5% – 10% in eating places is normal in case you are pleased with the service.
Retailers– 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 happy 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 12 months.
Ensure you have money (together with small change) and produce your personal baggage. Be warned- the markets are sometimes held within the greatest automobile park in town- which is commonly the place the motorhome parking is. Take note of the indicators in these automobile parks- they’ll say when the market is and in case you are unable to park on sure days.
Native dishes in Portugal to strive 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 turning into extra dog-friendly. Canine at the moment are welcome in cafes and eating places and are allowed on trains- be sure you have a muzzle and their paperwork.
Learn extra: modifications affecting travelling to Europe with a canine after BREXIT
They aren’t allowed on many seashores in summer time and will not be allowed into public locations like museums. Small canines in crates are allowed on buses and trams; giant canines are unwelcome on most of them.
Don’t overlook how scorching 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 identical to automobiles do. Listed here are some tricks to preserve your canine cool on a highway journey.
To return into the UK you’ll want a vet on the continent to manage a worming remedy after which permit between 24 hours and 5 days earlier than re-entering the UK.
Be warned, there are MANY stray canines (and cats) in Portugal- greater than I’ve seen anyplace else in Europe. Feeding them is a bit like feeding seagulls…
Utilizing a drone in Portugal
You might be allowed to take and fly your drone in Portugal, however they’re VERY scorching on privateness legal guidelines and recording folks with out their permission- particularly in case you then add the footage to Youtube or one thing.
READ MORE: What’s the most effective journey drone (and the way to decide on)
Drones and related remote-controlled flying units have to be saved not less than a minimal 150m from folks, autos and buildings that aren’t related with the drone operator. Flying should occur in daylight solely and as much as a most top of 120m. By no means fly nearer than 5km to airports. The drone should at all times stay throughout the sight of the operator.
Please examine for native laws and army or different particular restricted areas the place all of the aforementioned actions are forbidden by regulation. Here are current rules.
