First-Time Campervan Trip to Portugal: Essential Tips & Tricks for Beginners

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Planning Your Route: Where to Go in Portugal

Your first campervan trip in Portugal is going to be fun! Planning your route is the first big step. Portugal has pretty beaches and cool towns. You can pick where you want to go.

Coastal vs. Inland Routes

Portugal has a pretty coast with big cliffs and nice beaches. You can drive by the ocean and see fishing towns. Or, you can drive inside the country and see old towns and green hills.

• Coastal Routes

  • Good for people who like beaches and surfing.

  • You'll see pretty views and fun towns.

  • It can be crowded in the summer, and parking can be hard.

• Inland Routes

  • Good for people who like history and nature.

  • You'll see old towns and pretty fields.

  • The roads can be small, and not all campsites are by the beach.

For your first trip, try driving by the coast and inside the country.

Popular Regions for First-Timers

If it's your first time, these places are easy to visit:

• Algarve

  • Has nice beaches and sunny weather.

  • It's easy to find campsites and things to do.

  • You can see Benagil Caves and Praia da Marinha.

• Silver Coast (Costa de Prata)

  • Not as crowded as the Algarve, but still has beaches and old towns.

  • You can see how people really live in Portugal.

  • You can see Nazaré and Peniche.

• Douro Valley

  • Famous for growing grapes to make wine.

  • Has very pretty views and is very calm.

  • You can visit Peso da Regua and Pinhão.

These places have pretty views, fun things to do, and good campsites for new campervan drivers.

Creating a Flexible Itinerary

One of the best things about a campervan trip is that you can change your plans. Here are some tips:

• Be Ready to Change Plans: 

  • Don't plan every minute. You might find something fun along the way.

• Pick a Few Big Stops: 

  • Decide what you really want to see. Then plan your trip around those stops.

• Think About Driving Time: 

  • Make sure you have enough time to drive between places.

• Look for Campsites: 

  • It's good to know where some campsites are, especially in the summer.

• Use Maps on Your Phone: 

  • Use apps like Google Maps to find campsites and places to see.

• Enjoy the Trip: 

  • The drive is part of the fun! You can stop whenever you want.

These tips will help you make a fun and easy trip in your campervan.

Picking the Right Campervan for You

It's important to choose the right campervan. It will make your trip in Portugal much better. Here's what you need to think about:

How Big Should Your Campervan Be?

• How Many People?

  • If it's just you or two people, a small van is good. It's easy to drive and park.

  • If you have a family, get a bigger van. You'll need more beds and space.

• How Much Room?

  • How much stuff will you bring? Do you need a lot of storage?

  • Do you want to be able to stand up inside your van? This is nice when you cook.

• How Easy Is It to Drive?

  • Small vans drive like cars. Big vans can be harder to drive on small roads.

  • Portugal has many small roads.

What Do You Need in Your Campervan?

• Kitchen:

  • Do you need a stove and a fridge? Most vans have these.

  • How much do you want to cook? Some vans have big kitchens.

• Bathroom:

  • Some vans have a toilet and shower. Some don't.

  • If you want to camp where there are no campsites, a bathroom is good.

• Beds:

  • Make sure there are enough beds for everyone.

  • Think about how big the beds are.

How to Rent a Campervan

• Rental Companies:

  • Some companies are big. Some are small.

  • Small companies might help you more. (Like Camper Wise!)

• What's Included?

  • Some rentals include insurance and kitchen stuff.

  • Ask what you get before you book.

• Insurance:

  • Get good insurance. It will help if something bad happens.

  • Ask what the insurance covers.

• Where to Pick Up and Drop Off:

  • Find out where you get the van and where you return it.

  • Some companies let you pick up in one place and return in another.

Check Availbility

Booking Your Van and Campsites

You need to book your van and campsites before your trip. Here's how:

Book Now or Wait?

• Book Now:

  • Good for summer. You'll get the van you want.

  • You can plan your trip better.

• Book Later:

  • Good if you like to change plans.

  • You might find a good deal.

  • You might not get the van you want.

Find a Good Van Rental Company (Like Camper Wise!)

• Read What People Say:

  • See if other people liked the company.

  • Look for good reviews.

• Look at the Vans:

  • See pictures of the vans online.

  • Make sure they look clean.

• Ask Questions:

  • Ask about insurance and extra costs.

  • A good company will help you.

• Find a Local Company:

  • Local companies know the area well.

  • They might give you good tips. (Like Camper Wise!)

What Kind of Campsite?

• Types of Campsites:

  • Some have water and electricity hookups.

  • Some are simple, with just a parking spot.

  • Some are in nature, with few things.

• Things to Check:

  • Bathrooms and showers.

  • Laundry machines.

  • Wi-Fi.

  • Pool or playground.

  • Store or restaurant.

• Book Campsites:

  • Some campsites need you to book ahead.

  • You can use apps to find campsites.

  • Some apps have reviews.

Surya at Campsite

Driving in Portugal: What You Need to Know

Driving in Portugal is fun! Here's what you need to know:

Driving Rules and Your License

• What License?

  • Most licenses from other countries are okay.

  • If you're from Europe, your license is good.

  • If not, check if you need a special paper.

• Rules to Follow:

  • Drive on the right side.

  • Wear your seatbelt.

  • Don't use your phone.

  • Know how fast you can go.

• Papers to Bring:

  • Always bring your license, car papers, and insurance.

Toll Roads and Where to Park

• Toll Roads:

  • You have to pay to use some roads.

  • You can pay at booths or with a small device.

  • We offer the device and Camper Wise

• Parking:

  • Parking can be hard in cities.

  • Look for parking spots.

  • Big vans don't fit in all spots.

  • Don't park on sidewalks.

Driving on Small Roads and in Cities

• Small Roads:

  • Many roads are small and curvy.

  • Drive slowly.

  • Let other cars pass.

• Driving in Cities:

  • Cities can be busy.

  • Parking is hard.

  • Maybe park outside the city and use buses.

  • Watch for one-way streets.

  • Big vans are hard to drive in cities.

How Much Will Your Campervan Trip Cost?

It's good to plan your money before you go. Here's what to think about:

How Much to Rent the Van and Pay for Insurance

• Van Price:

  • Vans cost different amounts. It depends on the size and when you go.

  • Check prices at different places.

  • Ask if there are extra costs.

• Insurance:

  • You need insurance. It helps if something bad happens.

  • Ask what the insurance covers.

  • Some vans include insurance.

• Extra Things:

  • Some vans have extra things like kitchen tools.

  • These cost extra.

Gas, Food, and Campsite Costs

• Gas:

  • Vans use more gas than cars.

  • Check how much gas your van uses.

  • Gas prices change.

• Food:

  • You can cook in your van to save money.

  • Buy food at markets.

  • Eating at restaurants costs more.

• Campsites:

  • Campsites cost different amounts.

  • Some are cheap, some are expensive.

  • You might need to book ahead.

Fun Things and Extra Money

• Fun Things:

  • Think about what you want to do. Surfing or tours cost money.

  • Some things are free, like the beach.

• Fun Things to Buy:

  • You might want to buy gifts or see shows.

  • Decide how much you'll spend.

• Extra Money:

  • Always have extra money for things you didn't plan.

  • Things like tickets or repairs can happen.

Tips for a Great First Trip

Want your first campervan trip to be awesome? Here's how:

Change Plans and Have Fun!

• Don't Worry About Plans:

  • Things might change. It's okay!

  • If you see something cool, stop and look.

  • You can change your trip.

• Have Fun Now:

  • Don't worry about plans too much.

  • Relax and look at the views.

  • The best fun is when you don't plan it.

Talk to People!

• Meet Other Travelers:

  • Campsites are good for meeting people.

  • You can learn new tips.

• Talk to Locals:

  • Locals know good places.

  • They can tell you about food.

  • Say a few words in Portuguese!

• Be Nice:

  • Smile!

  • People will help you.

Be Nice to Nature!

• Don't Leave Trash:

  • Take all your trash with you.

  • Don't leave anything behind.

• Respect Nature:

  • Don't break plants.

  • Stay on paths.

  • Be careful with animals.

• Use Less Stuff:

  • Use less water and power.

  • Recycle things.

  • Buy from local shops that care about nature.

Unforgettable Memories Await

So, there you have it! Your first campervan trip to Portugal is waiting for you. It might seem like a lot to plan, but remember, the best part is the adventure. Don't be afraid to try new things, talk to people, and enjoy every moment.

With a little planning and a lot of excitement, you'll have a trip you'll never forget. Portugal is a beautiful place, and exploring it in a campervan gives you the freedom to see it all.

We hope these tips help you get ready for your amazing journey. And remember, if you need a great campervan for your trip, we're here to help at Camper Wise! Happy travels!

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FAQ Section

Q: Do I need a special driver's license to drive a campervan in Portugal?

A: Usually, your regular driver's license is fine if you're a tourist. If you're from the EU, your license is good. If not, check if you need an International Driving Permit.

Q: Is it hard to drive a campervan on Portugal's roads?

Q: Where can I park my campervan overnight?

Q: How much does it cost to rent a campervan in Portugal?

Q: Can I cook in a campervan?

Q: Do I need to book campsites in advance?

Q: What should I pack for my campervan trip?

Q: Is it safe to drink the tap water in Portugal?

Q: What are toll roads and how do I pay for them?

Q: What if I have a problem with my campervan?