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Camping in Portugal
20 campsites in Portugal for Kids
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Not far east of Faro, Camping Ria Formosa is situated very close to a true natural paradise, the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. This is one of the few in Europe to be so well-preserved, and the beaches here are magnificent. The campsite is just a 20-minute walk from the local village of Cabanas with its shops, bars and restaurants. Here you can take a ferry across to the island, which is essentially a long spit of stunning soft, white sand.
Yelloh! Village Turiscampo is an outstanding site run by the friendly Coll family. The site provides 240 pitches for touring units, mainly in rows of terraces, 216 of which have 6/10A electricity, some with shade. There are 75 deluxe pitches with water and drainage. One hundred thirty-eight bungalows for rent occupy the upper terraces.
Arriving at this large site in the suburbs of Lisbon, first impressions are good. Beyond the wide entrance with its ponds and fountains, the trees, lawns and flowering shrubs lead to the attractive swimming pool area. Positive impressions continue: on sloping ground, the site’s many terraces are well-shaded by trees and shrubs, and all 189 touring pitches are on concrete hardstandings with grass and a picnic table. All have 10A electricity connections, water and a drain.
Within easy reach of an extensive beach, Orbitur Camping Vagueira is a large site shaded under tall pine trees behind the dunes. Pitches are on sandy soil with sparse grass, and the central area is fairly level. Elsewhere pitches are on sloping ground between the trees. Electrical connections (6A) are available throughout, although long leads may be needed.
An hour from Lisbon, Huttopia Lagoa de Óbidos is your beachfront base for endless water adventures. With the stunning Óbidos Lagoon on your doorstep, it's the perfect spot for surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and kayaking. The comfortable accommodations and peaceful atmosphere provide the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
This very attractive and well-kept site is situated under tall pines on the edge of the rather select, small resort of São Pedro de Moel. It is a shady and peaceful place in low season but can be crowded in July and August. There is space for some 400 touring units, including a few small marked pitches; otherwise you choose a place between the trees in one of two large camping areas; one has plentiful 6/10A electrical connections, the other a very limited provision.
Picture beautiful beaches, warm sunshine and the Atlantic stretching away into the distance. It really is appealing, and Costa Do Vizir is the perfect spot for a family-friendly holiday. Located in Porto Covo on the west coast of Portugal, this site has an aquatic area, a beach a few metres away, varied activities, top-end accommodation and high-quality facilities. There is an exceptional fine dining restaurant on-site, and you will find the site's other restaurant on the beach, where you can watch the sunset.
Zmar Eco Campo is located near Zambujeira do Mar, on the Alentejo coast. It is a highly ambitious initiative developed along very strict environmental lines. Renewable resources such as locally harvested timber and recycled plastic are used wherever possible and the main complex of buildings is clean cut and impressive. A terrace overlooks an open-air pool that seems to go on forever. The 132 pitches are 90 sq.m. and some, mainly for tents or smaller caravans and motorhomes, benefit from artificial shade. All have 16A electricity. Caravans and wood-clad mobile homes are also available to rent.
On sandy terrain under a canopy of pine trees and close to a dune-lined beach, Gala has around 450 pitches with space for about 300 touring units and is well cared for, with plants and shrubs to welcome you. Chalets occupy the area closest to the road and seasonal units the next; beyond that are some level marked pitches and a large pine-clad area on sloping ground nearest the sea where you choose your own spot between the trees. A short walk from there takes you to a private beach, though you should swim with caution when it is windy. Electrical connections (6/10A) are available throughout. Located in the midst of the Mata de Lavos, the campsite is 400 m from a magnificent beach. It has three shower blocks as well as a swimming pool and bungalows. The wide beach of Figueira da Foz and the city of Coimbra, packed with monuments and history are both worth a visit. The Serra da Boa Viagem is a nature reserve and paradise for nature-lovers. Conímbriga also offers you the chance to visit the beautiful 1st century AD Roman remains.
Close to the village of Praia da Luz and its beach, this large, well-run site is certainly worth considering for your stay in the Algarve. It has pitches of varying sizes, either enclosed by hedges or on open, gently sloping ground. It is large, with around 700 numbered pitches, a spacious area and ample shade from established trees and shrubs. There are also 6/10A electricity connections throughout. The upper terraces are occupied by chalets and mobile homes which are available for rental. A visit to Lagos is definitely recommended - a historic city which was the centre of trade between Africa and Portugal. Wander the marina and perhaps head to neighbouring Sagres and the western extremity of the Algarve to see the lighthouse at Cabo de São Vicente - Portugal’s Land’s End.
Camping Praia da Tocha is open all year round. The site can be found west of Coimbra and the smaller town of Tocha, and close to an attractive beach of fine sand. Pitches here are of a reasonable size and many have electrical connections. A number of mobile homes and chalets are available to rent. Most pitches are well shaded. On-site amenities include a shop, bar and restaurant (all open June to September). The site becomes livelier in peak season with regular evening entertainment and a children’s club.
Salema EcoCamp is an attractive and peaceful valley site. The campsite was formerly known as Parque de Campismo Quinta dos Carriços. On arrival, a traditional tiled Portuguese-style entrance leads you down a steep incline into this excellent, well-maintained site, which has a village atmosphere. Much of the site has been recently redeveloped, along with the introduction of environmental elements such as solar heating for the water, using locally sourced, organic produce in the restaurant and selling eco-products in the shop. The campsite is spread over two valleys (which are real sun traps), with many of the 500 partially terraced pitches marked and divided by trees and shrubs (oleanders and roses). Others are less well defined among trees. There are 6/16A electricity connections to over 300 pitches. A small stream (sometimes dry) meanders through the site.
The campsite is pleasant, offers plenty of shade and is only 600m from the beach. With a huge entrance off the road, then a 500 m. drive through a pine forest to the camping area, this is a very large site with good sized, touring pitches, generally on slightly sloping ground, and a similar number of seasonal caravans. In places the numerous tall pines concentrate the mind when manoeuvring, although they do provide shade. Some pitches at the top of site have sea views and benefit from a modern toilet block. The resort of Vila Nova de Milfontes is an easy drive away and has a range of shops, bars and restaurants, together with an indoor market. The beaches along this stretch of coast are excellent, gently shelving, with rocks, cliffs and an area of large dunes.
Ohai Nazare Outdoor Resort is a pleasant, well-managed site, formerly known as Vale Paraiso. Its reception and amenities buildings create a good impression and a warm welcome is offered.
Quinta Chave Grande is an attractive, good quality campsite where you will receive a friendly welcome from Jorge and Lidia who look after things for the Dutch and Portuguese owners. It is set in a rural valley with several marked walks, close to many charming old villages, yet only 25 km. from the provincial capital of Viseu with its museums, churches and beautiful old town centre. The spacious site offers 150 unmarked touring pitches, some defined by trees. Electricity (6A) is available to all but long leads may be required. There is a separate terraced area for tents. Torches are essential in some areas. For those who enjoy walking, there are eight marked walking tours starting from the campsite.
This is very much a site for 812 permanent caravans but it has relatively easy access to Lisbon (just under 20 km) via the motorway and the impressive bridge. It is very much favoured by the Portuguese themselves. The site has all the usual amenities and a village-like central bar and restaurant complex. Most of the amenities are open all year round. There is a small area for touring units containing about 18 pitches and some larger pitches for motorhomes. There are 20 mobile homes to rent. We see this site as useful for visiting Lisbon rather than for prolonged stays.
Set amongst unspoilt mountain scenery in the spectacular Serra de São Mamede National Park, Camping Asseiceira is a British-owned site where visitors receive a warm welcome. The Spanish border is just eight kilometres away, and there's a historic frontier feel about this rugged, untamed region that was once strategically important. Arranged in a small olive grove are 15 touring pitches with 10A electricity available and five tent pitches. Views rise up to the spectacular medieval castle and the ancient town of Marvão, a real eagle's nest. This is a small, pleasant, well-cared-for site with few facilities, although the Santo António das Areias village is only a few minutes walk with shops, restaurants and a bank. There is plenty of cultural and historical sightseeing in the surrounding area.
This site in northern Portugal is worth considering as it has the advantage of direct access, via a gate in the fence (locked at night), to a large and excellent soft sand beach (200 m) which is popular for windsurfing. There are 225 pitches on three wide terraces with easy access, 150 of these with electricity (long leads may be needed). Some flat, good sized pitches are numbered and reserved for caravans and motorhomes but with little shade. The large grass area for tents has more shade. It could become crowded in July/August. A pleasant restaurant terrace overlooks the pool. A ferry crosses the river to the town centre. The site is also convenient for visiting the medieval town of Ponte de Lima (24 km), with its white-washed houses, towers and Roman bridge, and Viana do Castelo is famous for its beautiful embroideries and festival processions.
Enjoy the peace and quiet of the Alentejo, but near Lisbon. This is what this campsite, located opposite the Montargil reservoir with its fresh-water beach and pier, can offer you. You can take part in water sports, such as jet-ski, windsurfing or water-skiing on the reservoir, or, simply, go for a sail. If you prefer peace and quiet, you can enjoy unique moments of relaxation while fishing in beautiful surroundings. Montargil campsite has modern facilities and is in a truly wonderful landscape. It has accommodation and commercial services, as well as a fine restaurant with outstanding dishes such as sirloin steak with asparagus crumbs.
This campsite is located in a spa town, 20 km from Lisbon. Given its proximity to the Portuguese capital, it has numerous permanent facilities and is perfect for weekends at any time of the year. Caparica campsite has a large leisure area, social hall, terraces, a mini-market and bar-restaurant. The beach is just 200m away. With relatively easy access to Lisbon via the motorway, by bus or even by bus and ferry, this site is situated near a small resort, favoured by the Portuguese themselves, which has all the usual amenities. Of the 440 pitches, 250 are for touring units, although some can only accommodate tents; all have 6A electrical connections available. A row of pitches close to the road can accommodate larger units. In addition, there are 90 permanent caravans and 90 chalets, tents and mobile homes to rent.
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Our assessors have approved over 50 campsites throughout Portugal, from basic campsites through to four-star full-service family campsites with excellent facilities. Tents, touring caravans, campervans and motorhomes are welcome, though it’s worth checking in advance if planning to arrive with a large unit.
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Wild camping in Portugal is permitted, but there are restrictions, as well as the obvious usual responsibilities to adhere to. Some keen surfers set up camp near their favourite beach or park up together in informal groups on the cliffs to make the most of the atmosphere and be sure not to miss the best waves.
Regions of Portugal
Portugal is the westernmost point of Europe, situated on the Iberian peninsula, bordered by Spain in the north and east, with the Atlantic coast in the south and west. Despite its relatively small size, Portugal is a powerhouse of cultural and historical variety, with a rich cuisine, unique wines and distinctive traditions.
The Algarve is the annual destination for some ten million sun seekers and water sports enthusiasts who love its sheltered sandy beaches and clear Atlantic sea. Check out our Exploring Southern Portugal road trip for more inspiration. In contrast, the lush hills and forests of central Portugal are home to historic buildings and magnificent monuments, particularly Lisbon, set on the River Tagus estuary and the capital city.
Lisbon’s history can be seen still in the Alfama Quarter, which survived the devastating earthquake of 1755. By night the city is alive with vibrant cafes, restaurants and bars.
To the southeast, the land stretches out into vast landscapes of undulating plains with cork plantations and hilltop forts. Évora is a popular destination for its stunning ancient history, convents, marble fountains and Roman temple. There is so much cultural wealth here that the whole town is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
To the north lies the Minho area, one of Portugal’s most beautiful regions, home to a glorious National Park and not far from the famous vineyards producing port wine.
The Algarve
The popular destination of choice for beach holidays is traditionally the Algarve. With turquoise waters and long sandy beaches backed by cliffs, it is also known for its golf courses and balmy weather. There are plenty of decent Algarve campsites.
The Algarve coast runs for over 150 miles and features golden beaches and weather-beaten rock formations. The regional capital is Faro, with the fishing port of Lagos an important city too. The 1755 earthquake caused huge damage, but the character of the streets and elegant squares remains intact.
Within easy walking distance are superb beaches, including Praia do Dona Ana, one of the most picturesque, and the smaller coves of Praia do Pinhão and Praia Camilo. The hills to the north mark the edge of the lush interior region where fig trees, orange groves, and almond trees thrive.
Here there are ancient villages full of rural traditions and the walled town of Silves with its Moorish fortress and 13th-century cathedral. Monchique is an old spa town perched on a steep hillside with narrow streets and marvellous views.
Lisbon and Vale do Tejo
Lisbon is a great world city, with deep-rooted cultural traditions and many influences from all over the world. It has been the capital since 1255 and includes the characterful quarters of Alfama, Belem and Mouraria, bustling streets and villages within the city. Nearby is Sintra, backed by the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
Cabo da Roca is Europe’s westernmost point, and nearby are attractive little towns like Peniche, Nazaré and Obidos, with tiny streets of white-washed houses and balconies brimming over with flowers. History dominates, with brooding castles at Santarém, Leiria and Tomar and monasteries at Alcobaça and Batalha.
The Alentejo
With its four key districts of Beja, Évora, Setúbal and Portalegre, this is a region of epic proportions. With 30% of the country’s land mass, yet only 6% of the population, this is a vast, sparsely populated area. It is dominated by endless plains of sunflowers, a carpet of wildflowers in spring, cork oaks and olive groves. Ancient hilltop villages bask in the sun, narrow little cobble lanes linking white-washed houses with the castle and cafés where old men sit and talk in the shade.
The Alentejo is a region steeped in history, from Neolithic man who created the numerous dolmens and standing stone formations that litter the countryside, some older than Stonehenge, to the Romans, Moors and Spanish.
The Alentejo coast is wild and beautiful to the south, with some of Portugal’s best and emptiest, beaches – try Santiago do Cacém or around Vila Nova de Milfontes. The surfing here is world-class, attracting serious surfers and surf competitions from around the world.
Beiras and Centre
Flanked by Portugal’s two main rivers, the Douro and the Tagus, this is a region of fine, sandy beaches, fishing villages and pine forests along the coast and an interior of some of Portugal’s wildest terrain and highest mountains. Coimbra is the capital, one of Europe’s oldest university towns.
Porto and the North
Renowned for its stunning scenery, with the river Douro meandering slowly towards the Atlantic coast, Oporto is renowned for its wines. The home of port, as well as Vinho Verde, the region has long had an affinity with Britain. Porto city is the centre of the port wine trade, and there are terraced vineyards across the Douro Valley. It’s a place for walking, canoeing and relaxing in spa towns like Carvalhelhos, Chaves and Pedras Salgadas. Vidago is well worth visiting, while the mountains of Peneda, Soajo and Gerês form the Peneda Gerês National Park.
A brief Portuguese history
Portugal’s history is a colourful mix of settlers from the Celts, Phoenicians and Romans who constructed important tools of empire like the temples and important farming estates.
From 711, the Moors left a hugely important legacy which persists today in the language, architecture and cuisine. In the 14th century, Portugal became a major power in the Age of Exploration. Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Dias were pivotal in raising Portugal’s international profile and ensuring lucrative access to gold, trade and minerals.
The cuisine of Portugal
The best of Portuguese cuisine is often when it is at its simplest: incredible breads made with grain from the Alentejo plains, fresh grilled sardines, cheeses from Serpa, olives and sensational wines. The Moorish influence is pronounced with almonds and citrus, and there is an amazing array of rice-based puddings (often with cinnamon and other spices), tempting cakes and pastries – not least the pastel de nata, the irresistible custard tarts.
Portugal at a glance
Climate
The country enjoys a maritime climate with hot summers and mild winters with comparatively low rainfall in the south, heavy rain in the north.
Language
Portuguese, but English is widely spoken in cities, towns and larger resorts. French can be useful.
Finance and currency
Currency: The Euro (€)
Bank Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 08.30-11.45 and 13.00-14.45. Some large city banks offer a currency exchange 18.30-23.00.
Shop Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 09.00-13.00 and 15.00-19.00. Sat 09.00-13.00.
Public Holidays
- New Year: 1st January
- Carnival (Shrove Tuesday), Good Friday, Corpus Christi
- Liberty Day: 25th April
- Labour Day: 1st May
- National Day: 10th June
- Assumption: 15th August
- Republic Day: 5th October
- All Saints: 1st November
- Immaculate Conception: 8th December
- Christmas: 24-26 December
Please note Some dates are moveable, so please check before travelling.