Algarve and Portugal's Atlantic coast by campervan: 9 days from Porto to the south
Porto, Aveiro, the giant waves of Nazaré, Lisbon, the wildest stretch of the Costa Vicentina and, at the end, the golden cliffs of the Algarve. Nine days down the Portuguese Atlantic coast in a campervan, with stops and where to sleep.
Portugal's Atlantic coast is one of those routes that hooks you from day one and doesn't let go until the last cliff in the Algarve. You start with wine and azulejos in Porto and work your way down, stop by stop, past beaches that change character every few kilometres: the biggest waves in the world at Nazaré, the light of Lisbon, the untouched Costa Vicentina and, at the end, the golden cliffs of the south. Nine days, one campervan and the Atlantic always on your right. Let's go.
The map above runs down the coast from north to south. Here it is in stages.
Days 1-2: Porto and Aveiro
Start in Porto, a city made for getting lost in: the Ribeira district, the port wine cellars across the Douro, the azulejos and that beautiful sense of decay that makes it unique. A short hop away, Aveiro, known as the "Portuguese Venice", with its canals and colourful boats. A good start, calm and full of flavour.
From Madrid, Porto is about 560 km away (around five and a half hours), so the first day is all about driving and arriving.
Day 3: Nazaré and the giant waves
Head down to Nazaré, famous worldwide for its monstrous winter waves, among the biggest surfed anywhere on the planet. Even without a swell, the lighthouse viewpoint and the huge beach are worth the stop. On the way, Costa Nova and its striped, colourful houses are an essential photo.
Days 4-5: Lisbon
Lisbon deserves at least a day and a half. The viewpoints, tram 28, Belém and its pastéis, the Alfama district with fado spilling out of the taverns. Park the campervan on the outskirts or at a nearby campsite and get into the city by public transport, since the centre isn't made for campervans. Stock up on supplies and energy: from here on, the coast turns wild.
Days 6-7: the Costa Vicentina, the wildest stretch
For me, the best part of the route. The Costa Vicentina is protected, unspoilt and spectacular coastline: cliffs, huge nearly-empty beaches, fishing villages and an Atlantic wind that makes everything feel more epic. This is where the campervan really comes into its own, stopping at viewpoints and spending the night near the sea (always in permitted spots, as the area is protected). Bring water and provisions, because the whole point is to get away from everything. To make the most of the water and outdoor shower between swims, take a look at the campervan manual.
Days 8-9: Sagres and the Algarve
You reach the end of the world: Sagres and Cape St. Vincent, the south-westernmost point in Europe, where the cliffs drop sheer into the Atlantic and the sunsets are the kind you applaud. And from there, the Algarve: Lagos, Ponta da Piedade, the Benagil caves, coves hidden among golden cliffs (the official Algarve tourist board has the detail on access and beaches). A sweet ending to a wild route. Enjoy the south and, when it's time, head back to Madrid.
Where to sleep and refuel
Portugal tightened its overnight-stay rules, and wild camping is banned outside designated sites, with real fines. But it has a huge network of campsites and motorhome service areas, especially along the coast, so it's not a problem: use them and follow the signage, taking extra care in the protected Costa Vicentina. You can read the general rules on legal overnight stays in where it's legal to sleep in a campervan. One practical warning: many Portuguese motorways use electronic tolls, so check how to pay them before crossing the border to avoid fines.
Atlantic Portugal, from Madrid
Portugal is one of the most rewarding destinations to set off for from Madrid: you cross without paperwork and by midday you've got your feet in the Atlantic. The campervan comes fully checked and spotless, and we're on hand via WhatsApp to help with any questions about tolls, overnight stops and stages before you set off.
Check out the available Winkles and pick your dates and book. From Porto to the Algarve, it's an unforgettable trip.
Which campervan to choose
This route works well with any of the four Winkles; choose according to how many of you are travelling in the full fleet comparison.
Related routes
- Picos de Europa by campervan: a 5-day route
- Basque Country and Landes by campervan: 7 days
- From the Pyrenees to Cabo de Gata (12 days)
Before you book
Check requirements, pricing and how booking works in the guide to renting a campervan in Spain.
Ready for this route? Pick your dates and book →
Frequently asked questions
Do I need anything special to take the campervan to Portugal?
No. Portugal is in the European Union, so you travel without paperwork or extra cost. Bring your ID or passport and the campervan's documents (we give you those). One practical detail: many Portuguese motorways use electronic tolls, so find out how to pay them before you cross the border.
Where can you sleep in a campervan in Portugal?
Portugal tightened its overnight-stay rules a few years back, and wild camping is banned outside designated sites, with real fines. The good news is that it has loads of campsites and motorhome service areas, especially along the coast. Use them and follow the signage; in protected areas like the Costa Vicentina you need to be particularly careful.
How many days do I need to go from Porto down to the Algarve?
With 9 days you can do it at a comfortable pace, enjoying the main stops. If you have less time, you can start in Lisbon and head down to the Algarve in 4-5 days, or focus solely on the Costa Vicentina and the Algarve. The more time you have, the more hidden coves you'll find along the way.
What's the best time of year for this route?
Spring and early autumn are ideal: good weather, pleasant water in the south and fewer people than in summer, when the Algarve gets packed. July and August have the liveliest atmosphere but also the most heat, the highest prices and the longest queues; June and September strike the best balance.