Renting a camper in Portugal: traveling through the Algarve in a minivan.
“Is this really our minivan for the next few days?” That was the first thought that crossed my mind when we saw our Fiat Scudo. It turned out to be a cosy little cabin on wheels, perfect for our adventure. And do you know what makes travelling in this minivan so great? It isn’t too big, so you can easily cruise through all the streets. During the day, you’re free to explore the Portuguese coast, and in the evening, a welcoming campsite awaits, with all the facilities you need.
Renting a campervan in Portugal with Portugal Nomads is a little different. The minivan is your base on the road, compact but thoughtfully designed, with a bed and the essentials for life on the go. And let’s be honest, in Portugal, you’ll spend most of your time outdoors anyway. Have breakfast overlooking the ocean, stop for a fresh espresso in that charming little village, and end your day at one of our carefully selected campsites.
Top tips from our team
A road trip through Portugal means driving at your own pace. The roads are excellent, and with a compact minivan like the Fiat Doblo, you easily cruise through the streets. In the city, along winding coastal routes or searching for that hidden cove – the minivan will get you there effortlessly.
A few handy things to know:
- The maximum speed is 120 km/h on highways
- In villages and cities, you usually drive 50 km/h
- Toll roads are well marked but expensive, try to avoid them
- Be careful with street parking in big cities – it is not everywhere allowed
Refueling in Portugal is straightforward and usually cheaper than in the Netherlands. You'll find gas stations everywhere, both along the highway and in villages. Good to know: at some gas stations, you need to go inside to pay before you can refuel. A credit card is accepted almost everywhere.
Driving in Portugal: here's how it works
A road trip through Portugal means driving at your own pace. The roads are excellent, and with a compact minivan like the Fiat Doblo, you easily cruise through the streets. In the city, along winding coastal routes or searching for that hidden cove – the minivan will get you there effortlessly.
A few handy things to know:
- The maximum speed is 120 km/h on highways
- In villages and cities, you usually drive 50 km/h
- Toll roads are well marked but expensive, try to avoid them
- Be careful with street parking in big cities – it is not everywhere allowed
Refueling in Portugal is straightforward and usually cheaper than in the Netherlands. You'll find gas stations everywhere, both along the highway and in villages. Good to know: at some gas stations, you need to go inside to pay before you can refuel. A credit card is accepted almost everywhere.
From coast to coast
During your campervan trip through Portugal, you'll discover the best spots along the west coast and in the Algarve. Wake up at a laid-back surf campsite in Ericeira, stop at hidden beaches during the day, and arrive at an idyllic campsite in Cascais in the evening.
The minivan gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Want to stop for that perfect photo? Looking for a local restaurant? Or fancy squeezing in a spontaneous surf lesson along the way? Anything goes. And the best part is that you won't have to look for a campsite at the end of the day, we've already arranged one for you.
Living in a minivan: here's how to do it.
Here are a few tips to make your trip even more enjoyable:
- Use the camping kitchens for elaborate meals
- Less is more: too much stuff makes it cramped
- The solar panel in the car ensures you have power for your phone
- A sarong is perfect as a curtain and a beach towel
- Pack-and-go is the motto: keep your stuff organized
Did you choose the surf package? There's space under your bed for your wetsuit and surfboards.
The perfect van life routine with your camper in Portugal
The days have their own rhythm during your road trip in Portugal. You wake up with the sun at one of our lovely campsites, enjoy breakfast outdoors, and calmly plan your route for the day. We've already chosen the routes for you, but of course, you’re free to decide how you want to drive. Around 10 AM, you set off for new adventures. Maybe you'll spot a charming village along the way for a coffee with pastel de nata, or find that perfect little beach for an afternoon dip.
Many travelers make the mistake of wanting to drive too many miles in a day. But we've learned: it's the spontaneous stops that make your trip special. A local market in Sesimbra, a hidden viewpoint in Arrifana, or a fresh seafood meal in a small harbor – it’s often the unplanned moments that stick with you the longest. We’ll share all kinds of tips in our roadbook. And since your campsites for the night are already booked, you have all the freedom to improvise during the day. Have you booked excursions? Those are set, but we’ve planned them in such a way that you still have plenty of time to arrange the rest of your day as you wish.
Feeling adventurous with a minivan? Check out Portugal Nomads for more information.