Camping-Car Park: record 2025 and plans for 1,000 sites in 2026

The Municipal Campground of Ortiga (Mação) celebrates its 24th anniversary on July 1, 2026. To mark the occasion, it launched a new Facebook page and a contest: participants must follow the page and email a description of their best camping moment by June 29. The winner gets two free nights. The site, located next to the Ortiga reservoir, has about 42 pitches for tents and caravans, free Wi-Fi, accessible toilets, and free hot water.

More Portuguese travelers are choosing motorhomes over hotels. A category B driving license (up to 3.5 tons) covers most rental models. Daily rental costs range from €70 to €350 depending on season and vehicle class. Overnight parking outside campsites is only allowed in designated areas, and deploying awnings or outdoor furniture may be considered illegal camping.

Portuguese manufacturer Casagaea has introduced the "Porto" tiny house on wheels, covering 36 square meters. The model accommodates up to six people with two sleeping areas, a kitchen with an oven, and a bathroom. The price has not been announced, but other Casagaea models range from €40,000 to €65,000. The house can be equipped with an off-grid power system.

On the night of June 12, a caravan was completely destroyed by fire in Eiras, Coimbra. The fire started around 01:30 on Coronel Júlio Velho Simão Street. Firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to a nearby vacant lot.

Portugal, from Lisbon to the Algarve, offers routes for camper van trips with stops for surfing. Roadsurfer provides camper vans and, through its app, indicates parking areas. Recommended beaches include Cantinho da Baía in Peniche, Foz do Lizandro in Ericeira, and Amado, Arrifana, and Tonel in the Algarve.

The municipality of Peniche, together with the maritime police, carried out a raid against illegal parking and overnight stays of motorhomes in environmentally sensitive cliff areas. Drivers were informed about permitted sites and fines, and barriers were installed.