Save up to 13% travelbudget on your roadtrip in April!

A woman inside a camper van is using the CamperBoys route service on her phone.
A woman inside a camper van is using the CamperBoys route service on her phone.

Road trip through Portugal - travel tips and Off Guide

Autorin Melanie
Article from Melanie

Just like the ant and the aphid, like the sea anemone and the hermit crab, and just like tomato and mozzarella, Portugal and Vanlife form a perfect symbiosis.


For some time now, Portugal has been the vanlife Mecca of Europe for heat-loving campers - and that's hardly surprising: here you can combine camping and surfing and th waves in Portugal's Algarve are probably better than anywhere else.
VW California T6.1 fährt eine Küstenstraße entlang
And yet Portugal is much more than the sum of its wetsuits: Portugal's coasts offer beaches and cliffs, clear waters and turquoise lagoons, caves and mountains, seafood and culture and an incomparable sense of freedom.
If you think I'm exaggerating now, you might not have been there yet or you didn't do it quite right (sorry) or you've never listened to the sweet sound of the word ´low season`.
But that's where we come in: Did you know that Off doesn't just rent out campers? We are a team full of travel enthusiasts and have a lot of travel experience and we're happy to pass this on to others: And that's exactly why the Off Guide exists.

But what is the Off Guide?

The Off Guide makes it possible for you to book inspiration, tips and experience. Both for travellers who rent campers from Off and for anyone who wants to travel with their own camper.
Okay. But what's so special about it...? The internet is full of travel tips and tricks and every old granny (love goes out) now has a Pinterest board for every single travel destination.
Nevertheless: the Off Guide is better. Because the Off Guide not only draws from our team's years of travel experience, it is also completely individual: like a little treasure chest, so to speak, which has been filled by our travel designers with unique inspiration, insider tips and experiences according to your very own ideas, preferences and wishes, making your trip as unique as no travel guide in the world could do. Inside are hidden places, breath-taking mountain tours and activities, idyllic campsites and small restaurants that can be easily overlooked in the hustle and bustle of everyday travel.
And best of all, the suggested itinerary means you can take a holiday without the stress of planning ahead yourself.

How does it work?

We like to answer this question as precisely as possible.
Two weeks' holiday: In a camper van through Portugal: Let's go - our travel designer Julia has planned a wonderful road trip. From north to south at your own pace: let yourself drift, be inspired and stop wherever you like because the Off Guide only makes suggestions! Nothing is booked, bought or scheduled: This way you can stay relaxed and flexible at all times. Because let's be honest: the key to a perfect holiday is ´going with the flow`.

A road trip through Portugal with the Off Guide

Karte mit Route nach Portugal
The starting point of the road trip is at the Off location in Düsseldorf: From this moment on it's time to relax, choose the sunniest playlist and enjoy time together. The road trip leads to beautiful Portugal via France. With one or two stops in France at the northernmost destination:

Viana do Castelo

With 88,000 inhabitants the harbour town of Viana do Castelo is one of the largest cities in northern Portugal. With its numerous historical sights and beautiful sandy beaches Viana do Castelo is high up on the list of places to visit in northern Portugal. Highlights of the pretty old town are the Praça da República with its Gothic town hall and the Renaissance fountain as well as the numerous churches and palaces that reflect the town's former wealth. To the south and north of Viana do Castelo you will find numerous beautiful sandy beaches on the Costa Verde. Especially the secluded beaches in the direction of Caminha in Spain are all worth a visit.
Kathedrale in Frankreich

Activities

  • Santuario De Santa Luzia: The magnificent white church with its beautiful rose windows towers high above the town. You have a magnificent view of the region from the roof.
  • Praia do Cabedelo: A vast sandy bay south of Viana do Castelo with an unspoilt natural landscape and almost perfect waves for surfing and swimming.
  • Parca da Republica: The heart of Viana do Castelo with the church of Santa Casa da Misericordia and other historical buildings is worth a visit.
  • Praia de Vila de Ancora: Beautiful, small fishing village with an even more beautiful sandy beach.

Restaurants

  • O tasco regional: Quite inconspicuous but the place to be for meat lovers. Wine lovers also get their money's worth here.
  • Louro: The Louro is not a cheap place for dining but it has been awarded a Michelin star which it definitely deserves.
  • Irish&Co: Viana do Castelo: Irish pub meets Portuguese tapas bar. That's what you get at the Irish & Co. Here you can get burgers, tapas and other specialities.
  • Maria Petisca: Maria Petisca is a typical small tapas bar in the centre of Viana do Castelo. Here you'll be greeted by very friendly staff and can enjoy the delicacies.

Campsites

  • Orbitur Viana do Castelo: The campsite offers pitches nature and a nice beach right in front of your doorstep.
  • Camping Rio Lima: Beautifully situated campsite on a peninsula between two rivers. You can swim in the rivers and order bread rolls for breakfast at reception.
From Viana do Castelo it takes about one hour by car, camper, rental car or motorhome to reach the next destination. The route leads along the coast to the city of Porto.

Porto

For a long time, Porto was overshadowed by Lisbon. For us, however, it's now definitely the more exciting city. Porto has really turned heads in recent years: the many old buildings have been beautifully renovated and the restaurant and bar scene is flourishing. When you stroll through the streets and alleys of the baroque city you can't help but admire the many beautiful facades. The atmosphere of these houses with their crumbling plaster and many crooked shutters quickly captivates anyone visiting the city for the first time. While on one side of the river you stroll through an old town that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, on the other side you can taste real port wine. And the sea is practically on the doorstep. Arte para Viver.
Keramik gekachelte Hauswand in Porto

Activities

  • Livraria Lello: The Livraria Lello is one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world. The façade of the historic building is impressive but the highlight is the open wooden staircase. On the upper floor port wine is served among old books.
  • Torre dos Clérigos: The 75 m high tower is not only a landmark of the city but also offers a great view over the rooftops after climbing 240 steps. Perfect for getting an overview of the second largest city in the country.
  • Vila Nova de Gaia: The port wine metropolis schould definitely be part of a trip to Porto. It only takes 15 minutes to reach this delightful little town and you should visit at least one of the countless port wine cellars here.
  • Jardim Das Virtudes: A small cosy park that locals like to use to wind down at the end of the day. A cool drink in the surrounding bars and cafés while enjoying the sunset sounds tempting.
  • Cais da Ribeira: The waterfront district is lined with colourful houses and is full of winding alleys. Life pulsates at Praça da Ribeira! By the way, some boats also take you there....

Restaurants

  • Traca: Modern, stylish restaurant in a lively square. The typical small restaurant is loved by locals and thus offers a first-class atmosphere. Unfortunately, it's not that cheap anymore.
  • Café Majestic: The most beautiful café in town dates back to the late Belle Époque and still exudes an incomparable charm and glamour. Incidentally, Joanne K. Rowling started writing Harry Potter here. You can't get more magical than that!
  • SO Coffee Roasters: Apparently, the best coffee in town can be found here! The shop is located in an inconspicuous alley and they source their coffee directly from farmers in Ethiopia, Brazil and Guatemala and attach great importance to quality instead of mass production.
  • Menteigaria - Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata: Apparently, the best pastéis de natas in town can be found at Manteigaria. You shouldn't miss out on this treat!
  • Flow: This is where the creative scene hustles and bustles. Foodies try out the unusual menu and lean back in the wooden swing chairs. Very modern and chic!
  • Orpheu porto: From here you have a wonderful view of a long street canyon, served with huge, fancy charcuterie plates, colourful bowls, fine cocktails and the best Portuguese wine.
  • Abduela: You sit outside under a large olive tree, enjoy a glass of Vinho Verde and watch the hustle and bustle of locals and tourists.

Campsites

  • Area Costa Camper - Avintes: Located south of Porto this campsite is next to the Parque biológico de Gaia. Helpful staff and the pitches are enclosed with hedges.
  • Istas Garden: Small, family campsite with about 10 pitches located just south of Porto city centre. Very popular due to the of the extremely friendly operators. Please contact them in advance by phone or e-mail. A minimum stay of 4 nights is required during the summer months.
  • Parking: Free parking with sea view perfect for one night if you want to explore Porto. Bus 902 or a taxi will take you to the city centre.
With a travel time of 1.5h the route continues south along numerous small towns. The next highlight of Porto awaits in Figueira da Foz.

Figueira da Foz

Sun and sea in abundance: In Figueira da Foz, the town at the mouth of the Mondego, the sand is a little softer and the promenade a little more idyllic than elsewhere. Walking along the sea you might think the beach would never end. Holidays here are as relaxing as they are varied and the town itself has a lot to offer: If you visit Figueira you should also get to know the district that was built directly on the sea in the 1960s modelled on some French seaside resorts. The ´Bairro Novo` was built to accommodate the enormous influx of holidaymakers who came to Figueira da Foz. Some beautiful houses with splendid Art Nouveau elements were built there around the turn of the century.
Frau steht am Strand und schaut aufs Meer

Activities

  • Praia da Claridade: Claridade means something like ´clear` and ´bright`. And that's exactly what the city beach of Figueira da Foz is.
  • Paria do Cabedelo: Praia do Cabedelo is located on the other side of the river - ideal for surfing but also for swimming and relaxing.
  • Castelo de Montemor-o-Velho: The village of Montemor-o-Velho stretches majestically over the valley covered with extensive rice fields through which the Mondego also flows. This small town is crowned by the imposing castle, which was the main fortress of the Baixo Mondego during the Middle Ages.
  • Praia de Buarcos: beach with a beautiful view over Figueira da Foz, close to restaurants and cafés in Buarcos.
  • Cabo Mondego: At the end of the Boa Viagem mountain between the wild beach of Murtinheira and Figueira da Foz lies Cape Mondego, the only cliff on the Portuguese coast. An impressive collection of wrinkled limestone cliffs jutting far into the sea.

Restaurants

  • Segreti d'Italiana: Very good Italian food. The cannelloni and carbonara are highly recommended here!
  • Feito ao Bife: Attention all steak lovers: If you're in the mood for a juicy steak, you should stop by!
  • Olaias Restaurante: Worth a visit for meat lovers and vegetarians alike.
  • Pé na Areia: Beach restaurant on Praia de Buarcos. The menu is mainly fish but if you just want a drink in the sun, this is the place to go.

Campsites

  • Parque de Campismo de Quiaios: Nice and cheap campsite a few minutes from the centre by car. Helpful and courteous staff.
  • Gala São Pedro: Large family campsite with clean sanitary facilities and direct access to the sea.
The next stop on this little road trip route through Portugal is an hour's drive away in the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros National Park.

Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros

The greatest wealth of the nature park is hidden deep inside the Aire and Candeeiros mountains. The limestone massif is a paradise for cave lovers with beautiful caves waiting to be discovered inside the earth. Water and time have created amazing rock formations. Some of the caves such as Santo António, Moeda, Mira d'Aire and Alvados are accessible and can be visited. The landscape is rather rugged yet the fauna is characterised by a great diversity of species. There are 16 hiking trails recommended by the park for exploring the protected area.
Fels im Meer im Parque Natural das Serras in Portugal

Activities

  • Monasteries: Three of Portugal's most important monasteries are in immediate proximity: The Convento do Cristo, the Monastery of Batalha and the Alcobaça Monastery. Why not visit all three?
  • Caves: The cave system under the park is huge and varied. Various caves of different sizes are open to you - really impressive. Beautiful caves are: Grutas Santo António, Mira D'Aire, Alvados, Moeda and Algar do Pena. Please note that there are different opening times for each.
  • Nazaré: This is the beach in Portugal where the fishing traditions are most colourful and it is not uncommon to see fishmongers still wearing their seven skirts as tradition dictates. Nazaré is also home to the largest underwater gorge in Europe - here the largest wave (almost 30 m) ever surfed was recorded.
  • Peninche: The fishing town is extremely popular due to its beautiful beaches and excellent surfing conditions. Consolação and Baleal are popular family beaches. Other beaches such as Praia de Medão and Praia do Lagido are world-renowned and popular surfing beaches.

Restaurants

  • Cova da Velha: The location may be underground but the food served is amazing! Here, the Portuguese flair still comes across authentically and the food is always deliciously warm at the table.
  • O Crispim: A hidden and family-run restaurant located just outside Fátima. The rustic ambience makes the fresh stockfish even more delicious.
  • Restaurante Casa Pires - A Sardinha: In the upper old district of Nazarés. For many locals the best place for grilled fish. Simply quaint and to our taste.
  • Adega do Luis: Here you feel like you are in the home of a Portuguese grandmother. Friendly service, classic dishes and a picturesque restaurant. Try, be convinced, enjoy, repeat.
  • Lanterna do fado: Typical Portugal. Wonderfully traditional, quaint, cosy, attentive, delicious and so on. The stone building alone has so much going for it but just wait for the food and drinks. No matter if vegetarian, lamb or fish - everything is perfect.
  • Restaurante Maria do Mar: In a small alley in Nazaré. Rustic tiled, authentic ambience and perhaps the best place to try the typical fish soup.

Campsites

  • Vale Paraiso Nature Park: Large and popular campsite in Nazaré with bungalows, glamping offers, flats and pitches (standard & comfort). The site has fun & games for the kids, pools, sports fields...
  • Camping Silveira: Sweet little campsite in a eucalyptus forest surrounded by beautiful nature. Perfect for all those seeking relaxation and peace. Super warm and animal-loving operators.
  • Quinta das Capuchos: If you want to spend the night on a winery, you could head for this one (4 pitches). Contact the hosts in advance.
1.5 hours further south is the Parque Natural da Arrábida. This is a paradise for all those who prefer to travel in an active and moving way as the hikes here could hardly be more scenic.

Parque Natural da Arrábida

The protected area sprawls over the cities of Sesimbra and Setúbal, the hills of Palmela and the Atlantic Ocean (officially) since 1976. The park is only about 30 minutes from the capital and metropolis of Lisbon but you won't find any tourists on the various hiking trails, scenic coastal roads or beautiful beaches. Due to the power of the ocean and the winds, massive cliffs are steeply abraded and offer an edge to the water from above as well as from below. In contrast, the small villages nestle against the hills inland. Whether hiking, biking, climbing, kayaking or swimming - nature has a lot to offer here: Whether on land or on water. And the capital Lisbon is only a stone's throw away!
Blick von einer Klippe auf die Küste

Activities

  • Estrada de Escarpa: One of the most beautiful roads in Portugal, the Estrada de Escarpa (N379) runs from the north into the Serra da Arrabida to the port city of Setúbal. Rolling hills and steep cliffs line the road, while the view extends to Lisbon to the north and the Sado River estuary to the south. A possible stop along the way is the 16th-century Franciscan Convento da Arrábida monastery, which is easily recognizable in its brilliant white against the lush green of the trees. And for a romantic picnic, there's the Parque de Merendas da Comenda.
  • Marcado do Livramento: Fresh fruits, fresh fish and various vegetables as well as other delicacies or trifles can be grabbed in Setúbal's municipal market.
  • Cabo Espichl: We don't have to explain the necessity of a lighthouse on this coast but the colorful rocks are simply impressive.
  • Beaches: Beach lovers will be in their element in the Arrábida Nature Park: Praia de Albarquel, Praia da Figueirinha, Praia de Galapos, Praia de Galapinhos, Praia dos Coelhos, Praia do Creiro, Praia do Portinho da Arrábida and Praia de Alpertuche are among the most beautiful

Restaurants

  • Beco da Ribeira: Small hidden and unexciting restaurant. Here you can find delicious Portuguese and Cape Verdean specialties at fair prices!
  • Restaurante D'uportinho: If you think: Yummy, when you see seafood, fish and co., you can't miss this great restaurant in Portinho. The octopus salad is a special treat!
  • Casa Mateus: An absolute must-do in Sesimbra. Somehow rustic Mediterranean and therefore just so cozy. The special feel-good atmosphere certainly comes from the excellent freshly prepared specialties from the water.
And it only takes you 45 minutes to get to the bustling diversity of Lisbon.

Lisbon

Lisbon is situated on hilly terrain on the Atlantic coast. From the imposing Castelo de São Jorge, you have a sweeping view of the entire old town with its pastel-colored houses, the Tejo estuary and the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Outside Lisbon, a series of beaches stretch along the Atlantic Ocean between Cascais and Estoril.
Lisbon is a very hilly city - the walkways are paved. By the way, you also encounter art right here, because it's on the ground: black basalt and white limestones that are put together to form mosaics - sometimes maritime, sometimes floral. Just stroll through this beautiful city...
Straßenbahn in Lissabon

Activities

  • LX Factory: A huge factory complex transformed into a creative area, where a number of artists and stores are located. There's an unusual bookstore and a rooftop bar. There's also a market on Sunday mornings.
  • Trade Square & Tagus Embankment: The Praça do Comercio (Trade Square) or Terreiro do Paço (Castle Square) faces the Tagus Embankment. The best thing to do is buy Pasteis de Nata and listen to the sounds of the musicians. The perfect combination of culture, history and urban lifestyle. Sights along the river are the Vasco da Gama Bridge or the Torre de Belém.
  • Mercado de Santa Clara: Today's markets in Portugal do not only consist of vegetable and fruit stalls but offer a variety of craftmanship and antique treasures as well. Santa Clara Market is the perfect place to pick up gifts for yourself or others while sampling the delicacies from the surrounding stalls.
  • Bairro Alto: The upper town is now Lisbon's bar and nightlife district. Various bars and restaurants line the narrow streets and fado can actually be heard everywhere. Rua do Norte and Rua da Rosa are also home to many fashion stores.
  • Miradouro de Santa Catarina: A melodious name, and from the panoramic terrace you have a pleasant view over the harbor and the Tagus. Next to the Adamastor sculpture, the kiosk serves as a trendy meeting place. Just join it on the lawn.
  • Alfama: The Alfama district is the oldest and most important in Lisbon. A must-do is the ride on the historic train 28, which leads over the hills and narrow streets. Once at the top, it's best to walk back down the back side and try a ginjinha or two along the way.

Restaurants

  • Sol e Pesca: sun + fish = restaurant? Not exactly a restaurant, but something like that...! Between fishing nets and new as well as old canned fish (without the bad smell, I promise!) you can experience and taste the maritime history of the city.
  • hello kristof: This minimalist café with a Scandinavian design is extremely popular. The menu includes fresh juices, avocado toast, croissants, cakes, granola and specialty coffee.
  • Manteigaria: This place has the best natas in town. The sweet custard tarts taste heavenly either way and make a great souvenir! Behind the counter you can see how the specialty is made.
  • Taberna Ideal: An insider tip for Portuguese home cooking. Nevertheless, the rustic store is always busy, so it's better to make a reservation and then order the cachupa stew made of corn, beans and meat.
  • Time Out Mercado Da Ribeira: Since 2014, Time Out Magazine has offered Lisbon's best restaurants and bars a pop-up kitchen at Mercado da Ribeira. Only Lisbon's best restaurateurs make it there, true to the motto: ´If it's good, it goes into the magazine, if it's great, it goes into the market.`

Campsites

  • Estrada das Serralheiras: Quiet place, north of Setúbal. The family is very warm and dogs are welcome. The parents only speak Portuguese but communication also works out great with gestures. A great place not to be missed.
  • Campimenco: Nice campground located on the west coast at Praia das Bicas with beautiful sunsets.
The route continues south. A 3.5 hour drive leads to a place that's ideal for surfing, swimming and relaxing: To Sagres in the Western Algarve.

Western Algarve

Historic houses, lonely bays, wild waves - that's what makes up the beautiful western part of the Algarve. In contrast to the touristically very developed and densely populated southern Algarve, the western part is partly still considered an insider tip. The whole part of the western Algarve is a protected landscape area with breathtaking nature and beautiful natural beaches. The climate is different from the southern part - July and August are the windy months on the west coast with many surfers and pleasant temperatures between 24-28 degrees. But we like it all year round. See for yourselves!
Strand an der Algarve in Portugal

Activities

  • Beaches: In the western Algarve there are countless beautiful beaches. For example, Praia da Arrifana, which is surrounded by a high cliff, or Praia do Amado. Wild waves, golden sand and towering cliffs behind the wide beach. All this makes Praia do Amado a popular spot for surfers. Praia da Bordeira is also a great spot...we could go on forever. But there are so many beaches and coves in the Algarve just waiting to be discovered by you.
  • Mercado Municipal: We love visiting markets on vacation. Here you can find the freshest fish and seafood in the Algarve. Just stroll through the colorful stalls or taste the goods sold on the first floor on the roof terrace overlooking the harbor.
  • Praia de Benagil: Benagil Cave is one of the most popular sights in the Algarve. The cave itself is located directly on the beach of the same name, Praia de Benagil, between the towns of Albufeira and Portimao. From the inside, the century-old rocks show themselves in their most unusual and beautiful form. Almost all day long, sun rays fall through the large opening in the ceiling and make the rock formations of the cave shimmer in a golden colour. The easiest way to reach the cave is to swim from Praia de Benagil along the coast for about 100 metres and walk up one of the sandy cave entrances from there. If you prefer to visit the cave and stay dry, you can rent a kayak or even get to the cave by SUP.
  • Lagos: The perfect mix of city and beach - you can get that in Lagos. Although it can get really busy here in the peak season, you still get the feeling that time has stood still in the Mediterranean old town. The Ponta da Piedade, one of the most famous rock formations in the Algarve, is a natural stone gate. It was formed by years of seawater washout and is considered the highlight for nature lovers in Lagos. Various hiking trails leading over the cliffs offer views of the gate. However, a half-day excursion by boat from the harbor is also an option, exploring the labyrinth of rocks from the water. This is certainly no longer an insider tip but nevertheless spectacular and worth seeing.
  • Artesanato a Mó: This insider tip is worth the detour: In the ´House of a Thousand Plates` -as the building is called because of its facade - traditional pottery is sold at reduced prices. Hand-painted and colorful. Definitely hit it up ifyou have enough space to bring some nice pieces home.
  • Cabo De São Vicente: Cabo de São Vicente has long been thought of as the ´end of the world.` Together with the neighboring peninsula of Ponta de Sagres, the cape forms not only the southwesternmost tip of Portugal but of all of Europe. At sunset, it's particularly beautiful here, but also crowded. Do not forget a jacket since it's very windy!

Restaurants

  • Casinha Do Petisco: Unimpressive store in Lagos, but has it all. Here you can find delicious seafood, fish, cataplana (you have to try it)... The place is so popular that you should book in advance!
  • Laundry Lounge Sagres: Want to start your day with a yoga session? Then have a fancy breakfast and do your laundry? You can do all that at the Laundry Lounge. We find it especially nice in the cozy courtyard, which is also great for a drink in the evening.
  • Casa Do Prego: Sitting on roof terrace, you can enjoy contemporary Portuguese cuisine.
  • Adega das Arcos: A bit hidden, off the beaten track and without a sea view: This is the location of Adega dos Arcos. The restaurant won't win any beauty prizes, but the service and cuisine make for an authentic Portuguese evening with terrific fresh fish at unbeatable prices.

Campsites

  • Private pitch: The pitches are located on a small farm near the village of Barao de São Miguel, 10 km from Lagos, surrounded by beautiful nature. Phone number + coordinates are available for Park4Night+ members.
  • Private pitch: In the interior, in the village of Barão de São Miguel, six pitches are offered in a family atmosphere. Lots of privacy, outdoor kitchen with BBQ, fireplace... There's no electricity supply (230V), but the operators can support you with solar panels and a generator. Be sure to contact them in advance (they speak English & German)!
  • Figueira Caravan Park: A nice caravan park run by Portuguese camping enthusiasts near the beautiful Praia da Figueira. Reasonably priced and with all the amenities you need.
  • Turiscampo: Very popular and well-maintained campground with around 230 pitches, pool, mini-market, etc.
What would a Portugal road trip be without this last big highlight? Faro, the hub of the Algarve is about 1 hour and 20 minutes away from Sagres.

Faro

With about 45,000 inhabitants, Faro is the largest city in the Algarve and has some attractions worth seeing. Thanks to the international airport, the city is the hub of the Algarve. Although most vacationers continue their journey directly, a visit to the city is absolutely recommended. The old town with the cathedral and other historic buildings can be perfectly explored on foot. Here you can still find the authentic Portuguese everyday life, which has long disappeared in most tourist resorts in the Algarve. There's also something for everyone who just wants to relax and go for a swim in Faro. For this, you might need to go on a littel journey though. One of the most beautiful places is the Ilha Deserta, which can only be reached by boat. These run all year round from the pier at the old town. The other option is Ilha de Faro, which can also be reached by car or bus. Here you'll find the great Praia de Faro, a sandy beach that leaves nothing to be desired.
Kirche in Faro in Portugal

Activities

  • Ria Formosa Nature Reserve: The protected saltwater lagoons form an important ecosystem for wading birds, migratory birds and smaller marine life. The water itself teems with tiny seahorses, crabs and shellfish. Herons, spoonbills and ibises live in the mud. The best way to explore the area is by boat.
  • Pousada de Faro, Ppácio de Estoi: The pink Palácio de Estoi is located in the village of Estoi, 10 km north of Faro. This magnificent palace has beautiful ornamental gardens with classic azulejos tiles. The palace has been converted into a hotel. However, the exterior and the basement are open to the public.
  • Praia de Faro: Since Faro has no direct beach access, this is a perfect place to get to by bus from downtown or by car.
  • Barreta Island: The Ilha Deserta or Barreta Island is a sandbank island directly south of Faro. The island is almost not developed at all. There's only one restaurant - and some of the quietest beaches in the Algarve. The island can only be reached by ferry. These leave from the Cais Portas do Mar quay, just outside the city walls. Take the ferry to Ilha Deserta (5€, 45 min) or a speedboat (10€,15 min).
  • Milieu Roman Remains: The Ruínas Romanas de Milreu are among the best preserved Roman ruins in southern Portugal. The ruins include a mansion (Villa Milreu), a temple complex and a bathhouse, as well as beautiful mosaics. The villa dates from the 1st century and is only so well preserved because a farmhouse was built directly above it in the 13th century.

Restaurants

  • Pigs and Cows: French-Portuguese cuisine. Great fish but also recommended for vegetarians and vegans.
  • Papaya: Papaya offers fresh sandwiches and salads as a snack in between meals or when you need something fast.

Campsites

  • Orbiutur Illha de Armona: Beautifully located campground on a small island off the town of Olhão with direct beach access.
Frau kocht vor dem Camper an der Küste Portugals

Conclusion

This route through Portugal is just one of many routes and many many ways to travel Portugal. No matter how much time you have, what your preferences are, or what you may have already seen, the road trip proposal put together for you by our team can be customized to your wishes. Whether it's Italy, Sweden or Portugal, a round trip or linear from north to south: Julia or another of our employees will be happy to plan your next camper trip!

Key words