Vacations in Portugal – sun, beach and sea!
The vacation season is upon us and you’re still looking for your next destination?
If you want to get away from it all, relax on the beach in sunny weather and discover beautiful new places at the same time, you should opt for a vacation in Portugal.
Whether it’s sightseeing in charming cities such as Porto, Lisbon, Faro or Lagos or breathtaking, idyllic nature, picturesque beaches and mighty cliffs by the sea – Portugal is impressive in many ways and invites numerous tourists from all over the world every year.
Here you will find all the information you need to know, recommendations for sights and popular highlights and tips for a camping vacation with a roof tent in Portugal.
Camping Ratgeber:
Portugal: Between nature vacation, culture & sightseeing
Once you have made the decision to travel to Portugal with your loved ones, you can expect a mixture of picturesque landscapes, cultural highlights, relaxing moments and exciting adventures.
The pleasant climate, especially along the coasts, makes camping attractive at most times of the year.
The proximity to historic cities, the affordable accommodation option and the freedom and flexibility to explore different regions make camping a popular and rewarding travel option in Portugal.
Camping in Portugal allows you to experience the country’s diverse nature – from the beaches of the Algarve to the mountains of the Serra da Estrela.
One of the most popular vacation regions in Portugal is the Algarve, with its numerous coastal resorts.
Here you can not only go for walks and hikes, but also fulfill your long-awaited dream of surfing in the sea, for example.
You can also go hiking in the mountains – the fresh mountain air awaits you here, with wonderful views.
Experience Portugal: beaches, walks & mountains
These points make Portugal a very special destination:
- Beaches for relaxing, swimming & surfing
- Walks & hikes along the cliffs
- Mountains, for mountain air & spectacular views
- Pleasant coastal climate: camping all year round
The best way to explore the country and its scenic highlights is by camping.
Maybe even with a roof tent on your car or a tent trailer on the back?
This gives you complete flexibility and freedom to plan your day and enjoy the feeling of closeness to nature and freedom well into the evening hours.
Whether for 2 people or the whole family, you can buy your own roof tent here:
Portugal on the map: Where exactly is Portugal?
Portugal is located in the south of Europe and borders the Atlantic Ocean and Spain.
With a coastline that stretches over 1,800 kilometers, the country has beaches for days and an impressive variety of coastal landscapes.
From rolling hills to majestic mountain ranges, with the Serra da Estrela being the most famous mountain range, Portugal offers a varied terrain.
Quick overview – here is Portugal on the map:
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To help you find your way around, you can take a closer look at Portugal here:
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Video: from green hills to blue waves
Green fields stretching across the hills like a patchwork quilt, blue waves crashing against the steep cliffs and playful towns perched right on the mountainside – here you can get an all-round overview of the amazing landscapes, beaches and cities of Portugal.
Take a look at the following video to get you in the vacation mood and see what awaits you on your trip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rR-1KlR6FtI
Top 3 travel destinations in the video: more than just scenery
But you can get a first impression of the country not only with an overview of the landscape, but also with these top three destinations!
Below you will find many more tips for travel destinations in the heart of the Portuguese countryside.
Find out which top spots and cozy places you should definitely visit on your vacation here and why: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV3x-HdIwk4
Top 6 travel tips for Portugal: beaches, surfing & canoeing
In addition to sightseeing in Portugal’s cities, you can of course also relax on the beach, go swimming, learn to surf or explore the landscapes and coasts.
Portugal has a picturesque highlight hidden around every corner for you to explore!
I have summarized everything else you should do and undertake on a vacation in Portugal for you here:
- Relaxing on the beaches of the Algarve
- Surfing in Peniche or Ericeira
- Canoeing on Lake Furnas
- Hiking in the Peneda Gerês National Park
- Take the train over the Ponte 25 de Abril
- Stroll through the streets of Lisbon & Porto
Algarve: beach, nature park & city tour
The southernmost region of Portugal is also highly recommended: the Algarve.
The most beautiful beaches in the Algarve are Praia do Pinhão and Praia de Camilo.
Here you can enjoy the sun, the beach and the sea.
Also beautiful: the Alga Seco rock formations, which glow in beautiful, bright colors at sunset, and the Ria Formosa Nature Park.
If you are interested in history, the Castelo de Aljezur castle, the Fortaleza de Sagres fortress and the statue of Don Sebastião should also be on your list.
A city tour through the small towns, especially Odeceixe, is definitely worthwhile to enjoy the charming flair of the country with an ice cream in your hand in the many narrow streets with numerous stairs and cobblestones.
You can also stop off at the historic Moinho de Odeceixe windmill.
Other cities that are definitely worth a visit are Faro and Lagos.
These should definitely be on your to-do list on a trip to the Algarve:
- Enjoy the sun, beach & sea: Praia do Pinhão & Praia de Camilo
- City tour of Odeceix & Moinho de Odeceixe windmill
- Castelo de Aljezur Castle & Fortaleza de Sagres Fortress
- Don Sebastião statue & Alga Seco rock formations
- Ria Formosa Nature Park & city tour of Lagos, Faro
Beaches and nature – that’s what awaits you in the Algarve region:
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Peniche & Ericeira: beach fun & water sports
When you pitch your rooftop tent in Peniche and Ericeira, there are plenty of activities in store for you!
Surfing is practically a must here – there are many surf schools.
Learn to surf on the world-famous surf beaches, enjoy relaxing hours on the idyllic beaches and explore the rich history and narrow streets of the old towns.
In addition, the coastal regions offer space for outdoor adventures such as kayaking, stand-up paddling, hiking and cycling.
You can find lots of helpful tips here to help you prepare for your first surf course:
These adventures await you on the coasts of Peniche and Ericeira:
- Relax on idyllic beaches & explore historic old towns
- Surfing is a must: numerous surf schools on world-famous surf beaches
- Outdoor adventures: kayaking, stand-up paddling, hiking & cycling
You can travel back and forth between the two cities in about an hour:
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Lake Furnas: peace & adventure combined
Lake Furnas is located in the Azores region, which is known for its volcanic landscape and green nature.
Away from the water, there are hiking trails and viewpoints that can be explored on foot or by bike.
Canoeing on the calm waters of the lake adds to the adventure by providing a relaxing way to explore the picturesque surroundings.
For these reasons, you should also take a trip to Lake Furnas:
- Volcanic landscape & lush nature
- Hiking & cycling with a view
- Canoeing on the calm waters
Before you set off for Portugal, you can take a look at the breathtaking landscape of Lake Furnas here:
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Peneda Gerês National Park: hiking & wildlife
The national park is located in the northwest of Portugal and offers an impressive variety of landscapes, including rugged mountains, deep valleys, crystal-clear rivers and dense forests.
The national park has a well-signposted network of hiking trails suitable for different levels of difficulty.
From easy walks along riverbanks to more challenging mountain hikes, there is something for every hiking enthusiast.
You can see a variety of wildlife, including wild horses, deer, eagles and wolves.
These advantages make a trip to the national park so popular:
- Diverse landscape: mountains, valleys, rivers & forests
- Signposted hiking trails for all levels of difficulty
- Opportunity to observe various wild animals
In this video you can see how beautiful the national park is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw1ljKwPmmQ
Ponte 25 de Abril: Lisbon’s impressive suspension bridge
Golden Gate Bridge?
No, Portugal!
The Ponte 25 de Abril is an impressive suspension bridge in Lisbon that crosses the River Tagus.
The bridge plays an important role in regional transportation as it connects Lisbon with the city of Almada and the southern suburbs.
In addition, the bridge has a railroad line on the lower level, making it one of the longest suspension bridges in the world with rail traffic.
There are various camping options near the Ponte 25 de Abril and in the surrounding areas of Lisbon.
If you visit the bridge, you can look forward to these things:
- Connects Lisbon with the city of Almada & southern suburbs
- One of the longest suspension bridges in the world with rail traffic
- Beautiful view & various camping options nearby
You can take a look at the bridge here:
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Lisbon & Porto: Natural beaches & sights
The capital of Portugal is located on a hilly area on the Atlantic coast.
Here you should definitely climb the Castelo de São Jorge castle and admire the unique and unforgettable view over the charming old town.
Colorful, lined-up houses and pretty alleyways with a charming flair await you here.
Also recommended in Lisbon: the small town of Sintra and the fishing village of Cascais.
Not forgetting the coastal stretches and natural beaches in Lisbon, where you can relax and enjoy the view.
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon and is definitely worth a visit.
The coastal city impresses with its many picturesque alleyways and streets and great panoramic views over the city from several vantage points.
On a walk from the Vila Nova de Gaia district over to the Ribeira old town district, you not only have a wonderful view of the charming and picturesque old town, but also of the Douro River.
The Livraria Lello bookshop with its high-ceilinged rooms full of books is also a must-see.
What you should see in Lisbon and Porto:
- Castelo de São Jorge Castle
- Sintra & the fishing village of Cascais
- Natural beaches & coast
- Stroll through the alleyways
- Head for viewpoints
- Stroll across the Douro River
- Unique bookshop Livraria Lello
Here you will find Lisbon & Porto:
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High & low season in Portugal: sun & beach
Portugal is a top vacation destination in summer, but is also highly recommended all year round!
With temperatures of up to 30 °C, the warm vacation destination offers all the conditions you need to get a perfect tan on the beach, cool off in the sea and stroll along the streets in the early evening.
A city trip for just a few days, on the other hand, is more suitable in the spring months or in the fall, as you can see a lot without having to sweat too much.
Temperatures Portugal: up to 30°C
Here you will find a weather forecast for today and the coming days, clearly laid out on the map:
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Camping: nature, freedom & flexible travel arrangements
Camping in Portugal allows you to enjoy nature to the full and experience a feeling of freedom well into the evening hours.
The flexibility of camping with a roof tent on your car allows you to decide spontaneously when to start the day, where to go next and when to take a break.
With space for up to 5 people, the roof tent is also ideal for families.
Sharing moments around the campfire, stargazing and telling old stories make the camping experience unforgettable.
These are the advantages of a camping vacation:
- Close to nature
- Flexible travel arrangements
- Spontaneous daily planning
Are you a camping beginner? Read all about the basics of packing lists, routes, costs, tips etc. here: Camping beginners.
Campsite recommendations: Coast & Mainland
The most beautiful and popular campsites are all located along the coast and inland.
I have summarized for you here which campsites are particularly recommended and which you should definitely visit on your camping trip:
Camping Albufeira
4.2 / 5 (4,761 ratings)
- Address: Estrada das Ferreiras, EN 395, 8200-555 Albufeira
- Phone: +351 289 587629
- E-mail: geral@campingalbufeira.net
- Website: Camping Albufeira
Turiscampo Algarve
4.5 / 5 (4,083 ratings)
- Address: Estrada Nacional 125, km 17, Espiche, 8600-109 Lagos
- Phone: +351 282 789265
- E-mail: info@turiscampo.com
- Website: Turiscampo Algarve
Parque Campismo da Penha
4.4 / 5 (3,120 ratings)
- Address: Rua Aristides Sousa Mendes, N 37 – Costa, 4810-025 Guimarães
- Phone: +351 253 515085
- E-mail: geral@turipenha.pt
- Website: Parque Campismo da Penha
FAQ: Everything about Portugal
What is Portugal known for?
Is Portugal in the EU and where does the name Portugal actually come from?
Here are some answers to questions that are often asked in connection with Portugal.
Is Portugal in the EU?
Portugal is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula and is part of the EU.
Is Portugal a poor or a rich country?
For a long time, Portugal was considered a poor country from which many locals emigrated.
Due to the poor living conditions, many people moved to Brazil or to one of the Portuguese colonies in Africa.
Even today, Portugal is still quite poor compared to other European countries and lives from tourism in some regions.
Where does the name Portugal come from?
The name Portugal can be traced back to the Roman port of Porto.
What is the continent of Portugal?
Portugal is a country in Europe.
What is Portugal known for?
Portugal is known for its mix of breathtaking nature and historical culture.
You can therefore relax on the natural beaches, explore the idyllic landscapes and miles of coastline as well as go sightseeing in the various cities and marvel at one or two architectural wonders.
Why are Portugal and Spain separated?
Spain took power in Portugal for several years in 1580, so that Portugal was considered part of the Spanish province.
It was not until 1668 that Spain declared Portugal an independent country.
Portugal by car: stopovers in Spain
It’s worth taking your own car all the way down to the warm vacation destination.
A roof tent on your car is recommended, as you can take breaks anytime and anywhere and spend the night comfortably in your tent.
The nature lovers and adventurers among you can ideally take a longer trip with several stops and plan a complete route from Germany to Portugal.
You can find tips for beautiful destinations that you can use as a stopover in Spain here:
Your route could look like this:
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