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Planning a motorhome or campervan journey to Portugal? Wish to see a number of 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 under that will help you plan your Portugal street journey.
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Motorhoming in Portugal- why you need to go!
Portugal has a bit little bit of everything- dramatic shoreline with sandy seashores, caves, mountains, improbable delicacies and historical past. Oh, and wine. Tons and many pretty wine. It’s splendidly conventional and lots of elements of it nonetheless really feel totally untouched by the fashionable 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 nations in western Europe, so you possibly can journey on a small finances with out a lot subject.
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 street journey concepts and locations to go to, driving ideas and different sensible recommendation that will help you have a tremendous Portuguese street 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 enable you to 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 resolve the place you’re going (and the way lengthy you’ve in your journey!)
How lengthy to go for?
When you’re driving from the UK to Portugal (we’ll cowl that shortly), you’ll want to permit at the least 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 advocate visiting Portugal in case you solely have every week in your street 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).
When you have a few weeks, you possibly can definitely discover an excellent chunk of Portugal, however you may be doing plenty of driving except 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 straightforward to see lots in a brief area 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 a number of the greatest in Europe
- Lisbon – one in all Europe’s most historic cities
- Sintra- it actually does appear to be one thing from a fairytale
- Alentejo Nationwide Park- the biggest protected coastal Pure Park in Europe
- Porto- one of many oldest ports on the 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 wonderful!
When you get pleasure from studying books earlier than a visit, listed here are some we advocate:
See extra enjoyable and sensible motorhoming books we advocate 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 nations in Europe. (After all, some campsites do select to shut, however there are nonetheless lots open all yr.)
Nevertheless, not in every single place in Portugal is heat in winter. Count on snow and snowboarding within the mountains- particularly in Serra Da Estrela (the very 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 sights 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 good 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 may even get stretches of seaside all to your self.
If you wish to go mountaineering 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, undoubtedly 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 planet, relationship all the best way again to 1373?! (Simply one in all many enjoyable details 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 take care of that shortly.)
There are two methods individuals get their motorhomes to Portugal- drive by means of France and Spain or take the ferry to Spain after which drive into Portugal. There are execs and cons to every.
Usually, taking a ferry from the UK is way more costly than driving by means of France (relying on the time of yr 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 couple of 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. Additionally 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’ll be crossing the infamous Bay of Biscay- and it might get ROUGH. Even in the midst 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 means of France to Spain after which Portugal, however it’s totally as much as you.
Driving routes by means of France to Portugal
When you resolve that you simply wish to drive your motorhome or camper by means of France all the way down to Portugal, you first have to resolve in case you’re going to take the ferry or Eurotunnel from UK to France (there are execs and cons to each).
The quickest route from Calais is through Le Mans and Bordeaux, crossing into Spain at San Sebastian. Then head in 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 resolve to return over on a ferry to Caen, Le Havre, Dieppe or Cherbourg.
That is our favorite route for a France street journey as you cross some unimaginable locations (together with a number of the most historic locations in France!)
Can I drive to Portugal within the Winter?
Yep. I do know there are a number of large mountain ranges (particularly the Pyrenees), however typically the routes are all open, except you occur to be actually unfortunate and hit it in the midst of a snowstorm (do test the climate forecast earlier than travelling.)
If this occurs, then we advocate stopping for the night time someplace protected (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 have snow chains and be sure to have fitted all-weather tyres- extra on that under.
Borders / Customs in Portugal
There is no such thing as 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’re 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
You will discover a full listing of all present allowances right 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 ensure to ask the best way to get from the airport to the rental agency- not all of them are on the airport itself and also you may have to guide a taxi.
To lease a automobile in Portugal you need to:
- be over 21 or 25 years outdated, relying on the corporate’s rental coverage;
- present identification (id card for EU residents or a sound passport for different nationalities)
- have had a driving licence for multiple yr
Be sure to 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 under for different issues to test as effectively earlier than you agree to rent.
Don’t neglect, it’s YOUR accountability to ensure the automobile has the required security tools. The on-the-spot fines apply to you as the driving force, not the corporate. Verify prematurely with the corporate what equipment they are going to present with the automobile and what you will have to carry.
Take an inventory of what’s legally required with you and test it off one after the other as you’re given the handover. Don’t drive till you’re joyful you adjust to the native legal guidelines.
You may anticipate to pay round £70/ day- remember to ask the proper questions so you already know what to anticipate out of your motorhome or campervan rental
Motorhoming in Portugal- what gear do you’ll want to carry?
Identical to motorhoming in Spain, there are specific belongings you MUST carry with you in your motorhome or campervan while touring in Portugal.
Additionally, remember to learn the secton under about dash-cams!
Don’t neglect, in case you are driving by means of France and/ or Spain to get to Portugal, you want all of the equipment required by these nations, in addition to the equipment 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 once you’re motorhome or campervan touring in Portugal.
- Hello-vis reflective jackets – not as strict as in France, however you need to put on them on the aspect of the street or arduous shoulder or threat being fined.
- Warning triangle
- Headlight beam converters– you probably have a UK automobile. These have to be fitted earlier than you drive in Europe. (When you have a automobile which lets you modify the beam robotically for European driving, you gained’t want these.)
- Automobile sticker hooked up to the again of auto or on reg plates. (NOT the EU sticker anymore!)
- A spare wheel (and instruments to alter it!), or a tyre restore equipment.
- When you put on glasses you MUST carry a spare pair
TOP TIP: Purchase these necessities for driving in Portugal prematurely. When you wait till you’re on the ferry/ tunnel, you can spend THREE occasions as a lot! See the most recent offers and greatest 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 legislation. Utilizing a dash-cam in Portugal is prohibited. Not simply that, however OWNING a dash-cam is prohibited in Portugal.
Now, I don’t suppose for one second that the police are going to cease and search you searching for a dash-cam, however I recommend you set 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 equipment are belongings you may want to hold in your automobile, motorhome, caravan or campervan, relying on if you find yourself planning your street journey in Portugal.
You’ll most likely need an computerized toll tag- as most of the motorways insist on them earlier than you should utilize the street. You may keep away from these, however it’s plenty of additional driving. Extra on that within the ‘toll’ part.
- Winter tyres usually are not obligatory however snow chains are obligatory the place signage signifies.
- Purple/ white warning board signal – for bike racks or something overhanging the top of the motorhome or campervan. Strains should level into the center of the street. Once more, it is a authorized requirement in Spain, however value having in Portugal
- First support equipment – not obligatory in Portugal (in contrast to many nations in Europe) however value carrying. Discover out what we supply in our European first support equipment 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 means of Spain and your outfit exceeds 12m, you’ll want to have marker boards fitted to the again of your automobile. You may both have two small boards or one massive board however they have to be positioned behind the outfit between 50cm and 150cm off the bottom.
Your marker board should:
- be yellow within the centre with a pink define
- be made out of aluminium
- be manufactured to ECE70 commonplace
This isn’t legislation in Portugal, however I overlook the way you’re going to get your 12m automobile practice to Portugal with out driving by means of Spain…
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
What paperwork do you’ll want to street journey in Portugal?
When you’re driving in Portugal, you’ll want to carry the next paperwork:
- Passport (or id card)
- Driving licence (test it’s in date!)
- Motorhome Insurance coverage documents- test you’re lined for driving in Europe
- Breakdown cowl
- Automobile V5 logbook (which should present your right deal with)
- Automobile 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. You might want one you probably have a trailer- please test 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, after all!)
You may want one you probably have:
- 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 the best way to 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 may 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 listing of issues we extremely advocate 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 utilize.
- Campsites
- Aires
- Free/ accepted motorhome parking schemes
- Wild tenting in Portugal for vans
Portugal Tenting websites for motorhomes, campervans and caravans
It’s straightforward to search out motorhome campsites in Portugal they usually’re very similar to campsites wherever else in Europe. Some are rustic and have very fundamental services, 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 may anticipate, particularly in case you’re used to different nations in western Europe. Some are as little as 2€/pp/ night- however they’re very fundamental.
Many campsites have both long-term residents who dwell of their motorhomes in Portugal, or have everlasting statics or caravans which the house owners go to after they can.
There’s typically one ‘primary’ 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 depart one passport behind the reception.
When you’re travelling out of excessive season and are planning to make use of campsites, we extremely advocate shopping for an ACSI CampingCard membership, however remember that some campsites both shut in the course of the winter or are booked up totally months prematurely, 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 unique pitch, however will normally have to pay a complement which wipes out the ACSI {discount}! That is particularly frequent on the coast within the Algarve.
At some campsites, you will have 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 price with the campsite immediately. Most of them have some kind of discount- some are as little as £10/ day, together with electrical.
Aires in Portugal
Aires are simply accepted motorhome in a single day parking places- typically offered and maintained by the native commune. In contrast to in case you go motorhoming in Italy, aires in Portugal are normally simply referred to as aires, like in France or Spain (they’re referred to as Sostas in Italy)
There aren’t fairly as many aires in Portugal as in France they usually’re typically a bit extra out of the best way, however the community remains to be very helpful and simple to make use of.
READ MORE: Learn the way we discover and use aires and accepted free in a single day motorhome stopovers throughout Europe
There are a mix of personal and municipal motorhome aires in Portugal. Non-public aires are similar to a campsite, and sometimes 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 generally referred to as ASAs and are accepted 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 not guide motorhome aires in advance- it’s first-come, first-served, so in case you’re visiting at peak occasions you may really feel happier reserving a campsite so that you’re assured of someplace to remain.
A great 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 probability 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 services at an aire. You must have the ability 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 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 outdated, however don’t fear if it’s solely a yr or two out- most details about aires gained’t change an excessive amount of.
Listed below are some we advocate:
Different accepted motorhome stopovers and parking in Portugal
Portugal EasyCamp is a scheme which connects native enterprise house owners to motorhomers and campervanners searching for 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 need to log on and purchase the product or expertise BEFORE you go to the situation. You may then head there and keep for as much as 24 hours.
READ MORE: How you can take advantage of Portugal EasyCamp
Wild tenting in Portugal for motorhomes and campervans
Often, I’m the primary particular person to advertise and encourage accountable motorhome wild tenting. We get pleasure from it immensely and have achieved it throughout most of Europe with any subject.
Portugal has lengthy been the vacation spot for campervanners and motorhomers seeking to keep off-grid, even though wild tenting in Portugal has ALWAYS been unlawful.
Nevertheless, the nation has been overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of vans lately (very similar to wild tenting with a motorhome in Scotland) they usually have needed to take care of 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 services onboard- and folks have been leaving waste (of the human type) in every single place. 🙁
On prime of that, many wild tenting spots don’t have any services, 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 surprise the Portuguese authorities try to guard their nation.
Is Motorhome campervan Wild tenting authorized in Portugal?
In January 2021, the Portuguese authorities handed a legislation 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 automobile park not expressly designated for caravans, motorhomes or campervans.
Wild tenting was at all times unlawful in Portugal, however was tolerated or missed if individuals had been discreet though the principles had been modified in Might 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 wherever aside from 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 images 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 identical time, I’m unhappy that a number of idiots have ruined it for the numerous accountable and conscientious campervanners – we’re not all soiled horrible vandals.
Fortunately, in summer time 2021, they amended the legislation BACK to permit “in a single day stays in motorhomes accepted 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 services like a fitted bathroom are allowed to wild camp. After all, PLEASE don’t go away waste (of any type!) 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 can lead to a nice between 120 to 600€.
Additionally, there most likely aren’t sufficient campsites or Aires to take care of the quantity of people that go to in vans every year. There’ll should be new services, 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 services embrace ingesting 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 it’s also possible to 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 most likely higher than the Italians. Having stated that, they not often use indicators and can recurrently lower wildly throughout a number of lanes to succeed in an exit. So anticipate the sudden and also you’ll be nice.
Okay, let’s take care of the fundamental guidelines and a few ideas for motorhoming and street tripping in Portugal:
- Portugal drives on the proper
- Autos coming FROM the proper have precedence at junctions
- On roundabouts, automobiles already on the roundabout have proper of manner.
- Seatbelts are obligatory
- Speeds are in km/h, not mph (you may wish 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
- Highway surfaces are typically fairly good in cities and cities, however might 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 at all times have precedence everywhere- preserve eyes behind your head in case you’re driving close to a tram community.
- Emergency automobiles and navy automobiles have precedence over different street customers.
- You might 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 pink 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 in case you are motorcycling in Portugal
- Winter tyres usually are not obligatory however snow chains are obligatory the place signage signifies.
- There is no such thing as 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 numerous older roads in additional rural areas that are in poorer situation. You’ll be nice to drive them with a motorhome or camper, however sluggish your pace and drive with care.
Site visitors Lights in Portugal
Site visitors lights use the three color system. There is no such thing as a amber sign after the pink, and a flashing amber gentle signifies “warning”. A flashing or fixed pink gentle signifies “cease” and is used close to degree crossings and to provide warning of an impediment.
Pace Limits in Portugal (except 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 beneath 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)
Pace Cameras in Portugal
Many roads have computerized pace cameras on in Portugal they usually’re fairly joyful to ship vacationers a nice by means of the mail.
You may also discover random site visitors lights, which flip to pink in the midst of nowhere in case you’re rushing and make you watch for a few minutes earlier than turning to inexperienced so you possibly can transfer off once more. These are surprisingly efficient!
Drink Drive legislation 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 beneath 3 years, the restrict is 0.02%
– A blood alcohol degree 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 charge cost of an quantity from 250 as much as 1.250 euros.
– A blood alcohol degree 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 pair of years and a charge cost of an quantity from 1.250 as much as 2.500 euros.
– A blood alcohol degree of 1,2g/l or extra is taken into account a criminal offense, that may be punished with imprisonment as much as 1 yr 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 cut 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 right here.
Click on right here for extra detailed info about the best way 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. With a view 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. You will discover out extra on the Portugal tolls web site.
Through Verde
When you recurrently use toll roads, it might be value signing as much as the Through Verde scheme which takes you thru the quick lane with out having to cease and pay.
Through 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 employ. 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 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 nations), than you do for France. So in case you’re driving from the UK to Portugal, you will have at the least 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 price of 0.74 euros for every card bought.
When you head dwelling with credit score nonetheless in your toll card you will get this refunded – simply return it to the primary publish 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 publish workplace, on-line at www.tollcard.pt or at numerous service areas.
This web site additionally exhibits how a lot every toll street will price, so could be value a glance once you’re planning your route by means of Portugal.
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
Driving in Portugal- what to do within the occasion of a street site visitors accident
You must have a European Declare Kind 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 replica to your insurer for evaluation.
What to do on the scene:
- Cease your automobile instantly however safely- out of the stream of site visitors if attainable.
- If a automobile is obstructing the street, use hazard lights and put the pink warning triangle 30 metres from the scene to warn approaching site visitors
- Alternate your particulars with the opposite concerned events. You should definitely get:
- Title and deal with of all of the individuals concerned within the accident
- Automobile registration numbers of all events
- Insurance coverage firm particulars of all events
- Take photographs of harm utilizing a digital camera, GoPro or telephone
For extra particulars, learn our step-by-step information on coping with a street site visitors accident in Europe
Different important ideas for campervanning in Portugal
Petrol and Diesel
Petrol and diesel are broadly accessible. Many gasoline stations are 24h on the primary 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 you probably have a motorhome generator.
Some locations are 24h pay on the pump, however could require you to enter the store and pay the cashier both prematurely or after you’ve stuffed up- there might be an indication to let you know what to do. (Depart your automobile in entrance of the pump and make an observation of the pump quantity.)
You may pay utilizing money or a bank card. Many locations do NOT take American Categorical. You may normally use your UK playing cards and not using a downside.
NOTE: It’s unlawful to expire of petrol when crossing Lisbon’s mile-long 25 de Abril bridge.
LPG Gasoline
LPG (GPL) might 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.
You will discover 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 nations in Europe, however automobile break-ins do occur, as does petty theft and pickpocketing.
We extremely advocate paying additional consideration to your motorhome safety when travelling in Portugal. You may 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 dwelling and on the street
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 every thing
Language– The Portuguese are fairly good at languages. Portuguese is spoken, together with Spanish. Lots of the youthful technology communicate English effectively.
Forex– Euro
Playing cards– most main credit score and debit playing cards are accepted. American Categorical is simply taken in massive shops (not at tolls and sometimes not at gasoline stations)
Timezone– GMT (identical as UK- sure, Spain is in a unique time zone!)
Cellular Cellphone and Web – It’s normally attainable to make use of your UK telephone and knowledge in Portugal, however there’ll probably be a cost to make use of your UK telephone knowledge overseas. Please test together with your UK community supplier.
Tipping- Tipping is just not anticipated however appreciated. 5% – 10% in eating places is commonplace in case you are pleased with the service.
Outlets– Meals costs are fairly cheap. Historically, outlets 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, outlets typically shut at 1 p.m. although in metropolis centres some are open within the afternoon. Many outlets shut on Sundays. Larger 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 to have money (together with small change) and produce your personal luggage. Be warned- the markets are sometimes held within the largest automobile park in town- which is usually the place the motorhome parking is. Take note of the indicators in these automobile parks- they are going to say when the market is and in case you are 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 turning into extra dog-friendly. Canines at the moment are welcome in cafes and eating places and are allowed on trains- be sure to have a muzzle and their paperwork.
Learn extra: modifications affecting travelling to Europe with a canine after BREXIT
They don’t seem to be allowed on many seashores in summer time and usually are not allowed into public locations like museums. Small canines in crates are allowed on buses and trams; massive canines are unwelcome on most of them.
Don’t neglect how scorching it will get in summer time and to ensure your canine is snug. Do NOT go away them in your motorhome or camper on a sunny day- vans warmth up identical to automobiles do. Listed below are some tricks to preserve your canine cool on a street 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 canines (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 scorching 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 related remote-controlled flying gadgets have to be saved at the least a minimal 150m from individuals, automobiles 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 test for native laws and navy or different particular restricted areas the place all of the aforementioned actions are forbidden by legislation. Listed below are present guidelines.
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