🇵🇹 Portugal — OpenVan.camp
Portugal
On 21 September in the municipality of Sines, Portugal, the GNR conducted a raid against camping and caravanning outside authorised locations. 31 administrative offence reports were filed.
Portugal
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© O MIRANTE | Munícipe reclama despejos de autocaravanas e caravanas na Albufeira do Castelo de Bode.
At a meeting of the Tomar municipal council, resident Vítor Santos from the Madalena parish demanded action against illegal dumping from motorhomes and caravans at the Castelo de Bode reservoir. He claimed the dumping is carried out by converted vans, while standard motorhomes have 120-litre fresh and waste water tanks and cassette toilets that last a week. Councillor José Delgado reaffirmed his earlier statements, saying he is not responsible for classifying vehicle types but must report illegal operations, and called for increased surveillance of the area. He also urged the municipality to find a solution for designated motorhome parking spaces in Tomar.
At around 1:00 pm on Friday the 18th, a motorhome was completely destroyed by fire on the A13 in Portugal, near the Alvaiázere exit. Flames spread to nearby brush, but firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze. Traffic in the northbound direction was restricted to one lane. The Alvaiázere fire brigade and the National Republican Guard (GNR) attended the scene.
Portugal
Fernando and Ana, retirees in Spain, have lived for about three years in a 27-year-old Fiat Ducato Maxi motorhome they call “La Vaca”. According to their account, leaving their house eliminated fixed costs for water, electricity, condominium fees, garage and home internet. They carried out a wall repair themselves over five months at a cost of 1,631 euros, including exterior painting; Fernando said professional painting alone would have cost more than 3,000 euros. The couple admitted they had never calculated their expenses in detail but say they now have money left at the end of the month. According to INE, the median rent for new lease contracts in Portugal reached 9.46 euros per square metre in the first quarter of 2026, while the median price of transacted homes was 2,337 euros per square metre.
Law 66/2021, amending the rules on parking, overnight stays and stopping of motorhomes, was published in Diário da República and enters into force on Wednesday. Outside protected areas, overnight stays are allowed for motorhomes certified by IMT for a maximum of 48 hours in the same municipality. Overnight stays and parking are prohibited in Natura 2000 areas, protected areas and coastal management plan zones, except at expressly authorised locations. Where municipal regulations exist, they apply.
Portugal
Portugal offers opportunities for motorhome travel in September and October, particularly in the Algarve and Alentejo regions. The country has official motorhome stops and campsites with electricity, drinking water and waste disposal. Wild camping is prohibited in Natura 2000 areas and certain coastal zones; outside such areas, without stricter municipal rules, a maximum stay of 48 hours in the same municipality applies.
At a Leiria municipal council meeting, PSD councilwoman Luísa Gonçalves raised the future of the Praia do Pedrógão campsite and highlighted issues with maintenance, cleaning, lighting and security. After visiting the site, she acknowledged storm damage but said that several months later problems affecting usability remain.
A road accident involving two passenger cars and a motorhome occurred on National Road 18 (EN18) at kilometre 273 in the Beja–Évora direction. Seven people were injured; five were taken to Espírito Santo Hospital in Évora, while two were treated at the scene. The response involved 27 personnel and 12 vehicles from Évora firefighters and the National Republican Guard. Traffic on that section of the EN18 was restricted and later resumed.
Demand for motorhome rentals is rising: Roadsurfer reported a 30 per cent year-on-year increase in bookings, and a Practical Caravan survey found 53 per cent of Brits would choose a motorhome or caravan holiday over flying abroad. A five-day, 163km Algarve route included campsite stays and an overnight at Quinta do Canhoto vineyard, where a €29 welcome pack included two bottles of wine. Roadsurfer's Camper Castle rental starts from £67 per night.
Portugal
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On September 6, GNR conducted an operation in Sesimbra against illegal camping, issuing 16 citations for parking motorhomes in protected Natura 2000 areas.
Maribel and Vicente, retirees from Mallorca, gave up their conventional home five years ago to live in a motorhome of about 10 square meters. They travel across Europe, adjusting their routes to seasons and budget. The couple says that leaving their house cut their monthly expenses by about 1,000 euros, covering utilities and car payments. They spend around 2,000 euros a month on living and travel, with a fuel budget of 700 euros. The motorhome is equipped with appliances, including an air fryer, coffee machine, fridge, freezer, and two TVs.
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Portugal
A new motorhome service area (ASA) has been opened in the parish of Barqueiros, Barcelos, located in the Quintas de Prestar area. The facility provides technical support, parking and overnight stays, aiming to boost itinerant tourism. The project was funded by the Barqueiros parish council.
A couple from Lisbon traveled to the Algarve and stayed at Orla Ecoglamping on Tavira Island, renting a pre-pitched tent for three people at €95 per night (€31.60 per person). The 15-square-meter tent includes air conditioning, a refrigerator, and utensils. The campsite is located between the Ria Formosa and the ocean, with no cars allowed, and offers shower facilities, a barbecue area, a restaurant, and an outdoor cinema.
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The 63rd annual rally of Almada's camping club (CCCA) took place in Penamacor from September 3-6. Over 100 campers from across Portugal joined cultural and outdoor activities.
The Matosinhos Municipality has ordered the closure of a motorhome park in Perafita, located on private land, due to its illegal status. The site, situated near a restaurant, falls within the National Ecological Reserve, making it unsuitable for parking. Authorities are finalizing a municipal regulation for motorhome tourism, while police patrols during the summer prohibited overnight stays on beaches.
The Municipality of Coruche announced the temporary closure of the motorhome service area in Vila Nova da Erra from 9:00 a.m. on April 17 to 12:00 p.m. on April 19, 2024, due to an event organized by the Automóvel Clube de Portugal (ACP) in collaboration with the Alentejo and Ribatejo Regional Tourism Entity. During this period, motorhomes will not be allowed to park, perform maintenance, or overnight. An alternative service area is available in Coruche at the Mercados e Feiras Park (near Lidl) until 12:00 p.m. on April 19.
At a recent Tomar council meeting, Socialist councillor José Delgado reported illegal operations at the Castelo de Bode reservoir, including caravans dumping waste by the river. He called for coordinated action, citing residents' safety concerns. Mayor Tiago Carrão echoed the concerns, mentioning both improper discharges and constructions. The matter has been referred to the Portuguese Environment Agency with a request for more inspections.
In Portugal, category B licence holders can drive a car with a trailer with a maximum authorised mass over 750 kg if the combined maximum authorised mass does not exceed 3500 kg. If the combination exceeds 3500 kg but not 4250 kg, code 96 is required, which involves passing a specific practical test. Category BE is required when the combination exceeds 4250 kg or the trailer's maximum authorised mass exceeds 3500 kg.
Portugal remains a popular destination for winter motorhome trips. For a legal journey, a category B license (up to 3.5 t), insurance, technical inspection, and compliance with parking rules are required: no tables, chairs, or awnings outside. In Natura 2000 areas and protected coastal zones, strict restrictions apply, with high fines for waste dumping. It is recommended to use ASA service areas, campsites, and other legal overnight stops, and to consider toll roads and the Via Verde system.