Uncategorized - Ocean Camper

Wild camping Portugal 2025

nomadcanguru — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 20:10:08 +0000

Wild camping Portugal 2025

Nina

Ocean Camper CEO

Index

Wild camping Portugal 2025
Where to stay overnight
Other camping rules

Wild camping Portugal 2025: Here are the camping rules in Portugal. Is wild camping allowed? Can I camp overnight wherever I want? We answer all these questions!

Wild camping Portugal 2025 – Portugal has long been a paradise for campervan travelers, offering stunning coastal views, sunny weather, and a sense of freedom that comes with van life. However, in recent years, regulations around wild camping in Portugal have changed, making it more difficult to park and sleep overnight in nature spots.

So, is wild camping still possible in Portugal in 2025? Let’s break it down.

Is Wild Camping Legal in Portugal?

Wild camping in Portugal (free overnight stays outside designated areas) is now mostly illegal in Portugal. The law (Decree-Law 102-B/2020) was updated to prohibit overnight stays in campervans outside authorized areas, especially in natural parks and along the coastline. However, a 2021 revision (Law No. 66/2021) now allows overnight stays in campervans for up to 48 hours in the same municipality, unless local regulations state otherwise.

Violating these rules can result in fines ranging from €60 to €600, with stricter enforcement in popular tourist areas.

That said, there are still ways to enjoy Portugal in a campervan legally—without relying solely on expensive campsites.

Where to stay overnight?

We advise staying overnight in places purposely prepared for this matter. Here are some suggestions where you can camp for an overnight:

Campsites. Check here our list of recommended campsites in Algarve and West Coast with photos and tips. To find campsites around, you can use this website https://www.camping.info/en and the mobile App Park4night where you can find campsites (icon is the back tent) with photos and comments of the camping community (for Android and Apple). If you prefer more amenities like showers, electricity, and Wi-Fi, traditional campsites are a good option. Prices range from €15 to €30 per night.
Farms. At the platform EasyCamp you can stay overnight at a farm for 10-30€/night. In addition, you always will get a welcome basket with the farm´s products, such as wine, cheese, olives, fruits or vegetables. Know more at https://portugaleasycamp.com/en/.
Many eco-friendly campsites in Portugal cater to van lifers looking for a relaxed, nature-friendly stay. Examples are: Quinta do Rio (Aljezur) – A scenic riverside spot or Turiscampo (Luz, Lagos) – High-quality facilities with a pool.
Parks, small campsites, gardens or private land. At the platform Homecamper you have a wide choice of private places and small campsites for a low price, usually 5-15€/night. See more in https://www.homecamper.com.
Some towns have parkings for free for campervans. These are parking lots that a municipality or city reserves for campervans, usually with no facilities (no wc or shower), only with garbage bins.

Can You Still "Wild Camp" Discreetly?

While traditional wild camping is no longer legal, some campervan travelers manage to stay overnight in remote locations, particularly outside the peak season. If you choose to do so, please adhere to the following guidelines:

Limit your stay: Only stay up to 48 hours in one location where permitted.
Be discreet and respectful: Park away from houses, minimize noise, and respect the local community.
Protect nature: Avoid making fires, never litter, and ensure you do not disturb wildlife.
Find safe spots: Use apps like Park4Night to locate low-risk overnight spots based on recent traveller reviews.

Note: Protected natural parks, such as Costa Vicentina, are regularly patrolled by police, and fines for violations are common.

Parking Lot Etiquette: During the day, especially in crowded parking areas near beaches or residences, avoid occupying adjacent spaces with camping tables or chairs.

Waste Management:

Dispose of garbage in large bins with lids to prevent animals like foxes or birds from accessing it. Refrain from using small bins for large trash bags, as these are meant for small waste only.
If possible, collect trash in your vicinity, even if it’s not yours, to help keep nature cleaner than you found it.
Never leave toilet paper in nature—it takes a long time to decompose and is a leading cause of strict camping regulations in Portugal.

Campfire and BBQ Safety

Fires, including campfires and uncontrolled open flames, are strictly prohibited during Portugal’s dry season due to the heightened risk of wildfires. BBQs, while permitted under certain conditions, must be used with extreme caution to prevent accidents or fire hazards

For safe BBQ use

Check the Weather: Avoid lighting BBQs on windy days to prevent the spread of embers.
Supervise at All Times: Never leave the BBQ unattended, as a small mishap could escalate quickly.
Be Ready to Act: Always keep a water source or fire extinguisher nearby for emergencies.
Extinguish Safely: Ensure the BBQ fire is completely extinguished before leaving. For example, you can use the shower system in our vans to thoroughly douse the embers and surrounding area.

In case of emergency, immediately contact 112.

These are shortly the main rules of camping in Portugal. If you have any suggestions to add to this list please do not hesitate to contact us.

Ocean Camper wishes a safe and pleasant camping holiday in Portugal.

Check Our Other Posts:

Best Campsites Algarve Portugal 2025

Best campsites in Algarve and Portugal: inland, near the ocean, with water view, cheap and expensive sites.

Winter camping in Portugal

Tips and activities to do during the winter camping: weather, clothes you will need, list of activities to do and to visit and more suggestions.

Electric Campervan Roadtrip

Tips for travelling with our e-Nomad 100% electric Camper: where to charge it, charging points map and history of the eCamper.

The post Wild camping Portugal 2025 first appeared on Ocean Camper.

Map: Portugal Best Places

nomadcanguru — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 08:39:13 +0000

Map: Portugal Best Places

Nina

Ocean Camper CEO

All best places in Portugal in one map

On the top you find a map with all the best places to visit in Portugal in order to make the best out of your holidays. We show you the best beaches for water sports and camping.

Choose in the map the categories that are more relevant for your holidays: best beaches for surf, stand-up paddle (sup) and snorkel, and also campsites.

See here more detailed information about:

Feel free to write us some suggestions if you have any.

Check Our Other Posts:

Top 10 camping Apps and Websites

Best mobile tools that you will need for camping in Portugal. Camping is about flexibility. But be prepared to be flexible.

Paddleboarding Algarve

Best places to make SUP in Algarve! Caves, rivers and lakes. Rent our boards and paddle where other tourists can’t go.

Rent a campervan Algarve: is it worth it?

Advantages of renting a campervan in the Algarve. Regional characteristics, freedom & cost-effective travel.

The post Map: Portugal Best Places first appeared on Ocean Camper.

Electric Campervan Roadtrip

nomadcanguru — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 07:43:31 +0000

Electric Campervan Roadtrip

Nina

Ocean Camper CEO

Index

Where to charge your electric campervan?
Tips for e-camping
Charging points with convenient location
Why e-camper?

eNomad: The first 100% electric campervan for rent in Portugal

In March 2022, we took the step of becoming the first campervan rental company in Portugal to offer a 100% electric camper. It was a great pleasure to open a new chapter in camping history with this truly eco-friendly product. Since then, we’ve gained valuable experience in offering the electric camper, with our first guests sharing tips and suggestions to help us make the experience even better and easier.

eNomad camper has effective autonomy of 250km. The interior is optimally designed with a kitchen drawer, big 31L electric fridge, USB charger and shower connected to an extra battery. In addition, the e-Nomad has a water deposit, camping table, chairs and a bed fitting two persons. This car has many extras, such as automatic transmission, parking aid, USB, Bluetooth, extra battery, cruise control and much more.

Read below for essential information for an electric camper road trip.

1. Where to charge your electric campervan?

Campsites – Charge your camper using a regular electrical plug while you sleep at the campsite. Some campsites also offer fast chargers in the parking area or near the reception (~2.5€/100km)
Shopping centre – Most shopping center and supermarket parking lots have charging stations (Lidl, Pingo Doce) (~8€/100km)
Tank stops – Fast charging on the road (~10€/100km)
City centre – Charge while discovering a city (~8€/100km)

Download the Miio app to view a map of charging stations in Portugal and plan your camping trip more easily.

2. Tips for e-camping

Have a charging points map: Download an app that can show you charging stations in Portugal. We use and recommend the Miio app for easy access to nearby EV charging locations.

Relaxed Roadtrip: This camper is designed for relaxing, low-kilometer road trips. If your holiday involves fast and long drives, we recommend renting a conventional combustion camper. It’s not possible to drive nonstop from Faro to Lisbon without charging.

Campsite charge: We recommend charging the van in the campsite during the night. When you arrive to the campsite, first thing to do after parking the van is to plug the van to electric grid to maximise the charging time. During 12h charging time you will be able to recharge around >50% of the battery. This is usually enough for a day trip until you return to the campsite at night.

Alternatively, you can charge on highways using the fast charger within 30 min (at 100kW) or 60 min (at 50kW). Other chargers that are often in public spaces (e.g., parking lots of shopping or city centres) mostly allow you to charge the car with 11kW, which will take 5 h for a full charge. You can find all existent charging stations in Portugal using the Miio app.

Range: The camper’s total range is 270 km. This can increase if you’re driving on downhill roads, as the vehicle charges while in motion. However, it is more common for the range to be lower due to factors such as AC working or heating, headwinds, high speeds, or the vehicle’s load.

3. Charging points with convenient location

Zambujeira do mar: near the beach and a small village with places for a meal or coffee, plus a local fish and fruit market (mornings only).
Sagres centre: Marreta beach 2 min walk distance, and village centre for a meal or coffee.
Lidl supermarket in Vila do Bispo while shopping.
Intermarche supermarket in Sagres while shopping.
Lagos centre: village centre for a meal and beach 10 min walk distance.
Portimão: near marina and beach.
Olhão centre: visit the local fruit & fish market, for lunch or breakfast.
Tavira centre: visit the city, for or lunch or breakfast.

4. Why e-camper?

In times of ever rising CO2 emission, and the European Goal of reducing greenhouse gas emission in 2030 by 55%, we try to do our share by offering a zero-emission electric camping solution.What makes our eNomad so special is not only its low carbon footprint, but also the smooth, silent driving experience and automatic transmission, allowing you to arrive elegant and relaxing to your destination. You’ll be amazed by the technical advancements an electric vehicle offers, and you’ll quickly realize that with a range of approximately 250 km, it’s more than enough to reach your next campsite or charging station.
A little thought: Portugal has one of the highest renewable energy shares, contributing up to 78.4% of all energy sources, and rising. E-mobility is worth-it because the costs for combustion fuels rise year by year, while electric energy is one of the cheapest in Europe. At our Ocean Camper shop, we also charge our electric campervans with electricity from 100% renewable energies.

If you have any question about e-camping, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Ocean Camper wishes a safe and pleasant camping holiday in Portugal.

Check Our Other Posts:

Map: Portugal Best Places

A map with all the best places to visit in Portugal: Surf beaches, SUP & snorkel sports and campsites.

Wild camping Portugal 2025

Tips for a successful road trip. Best camping Apps. Wild camping, fire, mosquitos, health insurance.

Marvellous beaches

When choosing a beach to hang out, consider the next aspects: The tide of the ocean.

The post Electric Campervan Roadtrip first appeared on Ocean Camper.

Marvellous beaches

nomadcanguru — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 20:23:32 +0000

Marvellous beaches

Nina

Ocean Camper CEO

Index

Aspects to consider when choosing a beach to hang out
Cacelha Velha
Praia de Faro
Albufeira: From Praia dos Arrifes to Praia da Galé
Praia da Albandeira
Benagil: beach and cave
Praia do Carvalho
Praia do Alemão
Ponta de Piedade – Lagos
Praia da Boca do Rio
Praia do Amado
Praia da Amoreira
Praia do Vale de Mil Homens
Praia das Adegas (Naturism)
Praia da Amália

Best Beaches of Algarve & Alentejo - Portugal

(This post is still in development.)

The south coast of Portugal is rich in beautiful beaches, with cliffs and rocks, or long sandy beaches, located in isolated nature or near cities with cafes, bars, and water fun rentals. Some of our beaches were considered the most beautiful beaches in Europe and the world. We will show you the best beaches in the south of Portugal and tell you the highlights of each.

When choosing a beach to hang out, consider:

The tide of the ocean. Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels. Some beaches are so small, that when is high tide there is no remaining sandy space to lay (e.g. Praia do Camilo, Lagos)
The weather. When it is windy and cold, it is warmer and more comfortable in the beaches that are protected by cliffs from the sides (e.g. Praia do Barranquinho or Praia da Albandeira).
The surrounding area. Consider how you want to pass the time at the beach. Some beaches have facilities such as restaurants, WC and SUP/surf rentals. Other beaches are in wild nature with no facilities.

1. Cacela Velha

It is a pretty sandy beach, that forms the end of the lagoon of Ria Formosa. In the village you will find few restaurants with local sea products. It is only possible to have access to the beach during middle or low tide.

Location: Map here

2. Praia de Faro

It is a 5km sandy beach located on an island with access by car, on one side is the ocean and on the other side is the lagoon of Ria Formosa. On the island, there is a campsite with a view to the lagoon, plenty of restaurants and several public WCs. It is a good surfing spot from autumn to Spring, but not during summertime.

Location: Map here

3. Albufeira caves: From Praia dos Arrifes to Praia da Galé

This is an area of 5 beautiful rocky beaches with cliffs and caves. It is a perfect area for hiking and for making Stand-up-paddle tours to see the caves of Albufeira. Rent with us a SUP and know more about SUP here. Almost all of those beaches have coffees working all year round and Kayak & SUP rental during summertime.

Location:

4. Praia da Albandeira

It is a beautiful beach with cliffs, famous for its stunning arch in the water. Good area for hiking and for making SUP and snorkel. Nearby there are other small unknown beaches, such as Praia do Barranquinho.

Location: Map here

5. Benagil: beach and cave

Benagil Cave is the most well–known cave in Portugal, and perhaps in Europe. You can only reach the interior of the cave by swimming, SUPing, or kayaking. It is easier to swim/paddle to the cave at low tide.

Location: Map here

6. Praia do Carvalho

This is small quiet beach protected by cliffs, with access by a tunnel through the cliffs and has a big rock in the water. It is known place for cliff jumping. See here a video. Also perfect for snorkelling and SUP.

Location: Map here

7. Praia do Alemão

This is a beautiful beach with cliffs and a perfect starting point for a SUP tour. Paddle to the right side to see all the caves and cliffs of Alvor. Also, it is a famous area for hiking, with a hidden unknown beach Praia do Submarino, also accessible by walk.

Location: Map here

8. Ponta de Piedade - Lagos

This is area with group of rock formation near the coastline of Lagos, famous for SUP and snorkelling. Start your SUP tour in Praia do Camilo and paddle to your right side to see inaccessible beaches. You can also book a boat tour in Lagos to see all those cliffs and caves.

Location: Map here

9. Praia da Boca do Rio

This is medium-sized beach surrounded by nature, nothing is around. In both sides there are high cliffs and beautiful trails for hiking. A long time ago it was a small Roman village where rice was cultivated.

Location: Map here

10. Praia do Amado

This is large beach is very famous for surfing with good waves all year around. On the beach you can find a snack bar, WC, and several surf school/rentals. The highlight: Everyone is learning to surf and having fun, making a good ambient among surf beginners.

Location: Map here

11. Praia da Amoreira

It is a beautiful beach with big sand dunes and a shallow lagoon on the left side. It is well known for surfing and the lagoon is perfect for a bath when the ocean is too cold or wild.

Location: Map here

12. Praia do Vale de Mil Homens

It is large beach, typical from the west-coast, with access by huge wooden staircase, usually with few visitors.

Location: Map here

13. Praia das Adegas (Naturism)

Adegas beach is one of the few official nude beaches in Portugal. It is located in in a small cave right next to the bigger beach of Odeceixe. It is a quiet and small beach surrounded by high cliffs, thus protected from the wind. Best to visit during the low-tide.

Location: Map here

14. Praia da Amália

The access to the beach goes via a relaxed but not easy hiking path. The beach is very quiet, surrounded by wild nature, and it has a small waterfall on the beach. This beach was named after the best well-known Portuguese Fado singer – Amália Rodrigues – who was passing holidays in a house right in front of the beach.

Location: Map here

Check Our Other Posts:

Best Campsites Algarve Portugal 2025

Best campsites in Algarve and Portugal: inland, near the ocean, with water view, cheap and expensive sites.

Finding Toilet when camping

When camping in Portugal with a small campervan without a toilet, arises a question about the management of the need of using the bathroom. Here are some suggestions for WC

Winter camping in Portugal

Tips and activities to do during the winter camping: weather, clothes you will need, list of activities to do and to visit and more suggestions.

The post Marvellous beaches first appeared on Ocean Camper.

What to do in Faro?

nomadcanguru — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 18:59:36 +0000

What to do in Faro?

Nina

Ocean Camper CEO

Index

Things to do Faro. Discover Faro: The Gateway to Your Algarve Adventure
A Blend of History and Charm
Nature at Your Doorstep
Beaches, Islands, and Endless Sunshine
Your Start from the Airport
Getting Out of Faro Airport: Transport Options
Top Restaurants in Faro – Where to Eat
What to Do in Faro? – Top Activities
Why Faro is the Perfect Starting Point for Your Campervan Adventure

Things to do Faro. Best places to visit in Faro: The Gateway to Your Algarve Adventure

Nestled in the southernmost region of Portugal, Faro is more than just the capital of the Algarve. It’s a vibrant city and the perfect starting point for your Portuguese road trip. Whether you’re cruising in a Mini-Campervan or exploring on foot, there’s plenty to see. So, what to do in Faro? Let’s dive in!

A Blend of History and Charm

Faro is rich in history and culture. Its charming old town, known as Cidade Velha, is surrounded by ancient city walls. Cobblestone streets transport you back in time. Begin at Arco da Vila, a stunning gateway to the historic district. Next, head to Sé Cathedral. Climb to the top for breath-taking views of the city and the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Wondering what to do in Faro next? Keep reading!

Nature at Your Doorstep

Ria Formosa Natural Park is just minutes from Faro. This stunning ecosystem of lagoons, wetlands, and islands is a paradise for nature lovers. Take a boat tour, rent a kayak, or hike along scenic trails. Looking for things to do in Faro? This nature escape is a must!

Beaches, Islands, and Endless Sunshine

Faro is the gateway to stunning beaches. Take a ferry to Ilha de Faro for sun and water sports. Prefer a secluded spot? Head to Ilha Deserta or Ilha da Culatra for untouched natural beauty. If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Faro, these are top choices!

Your Start from the Airport

Faro Airport is just 3km from Faro Beach and 6km from the city center. If you’re arriving and wondering what to do in Faro?, here’s where to begin.

Getting Out of Faro Airport: Transport Options

Option A: Take a bus to Faro city centre or Faro Beach. See the bus schedule here.
Option B: Get a taxi from the designated taxi stand (map here).
Option C: Use ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt (waiting areas here).

Top Restaurants in Faro – Where to Eat

Feeling hungry after your flight? Try these great spots before exploring what to do in Faro:

Restaurants in Walking Distance from Faro Airport

A Tapita – Portuguese tapas and daily specials, 1.2km from the airport. Map here.
Os Manos – Fresh grilled fish, mid-range prices, 1.2km away. Map here.
Sr. Frango – Delicious grilled chicken at budget prices, 1.9km away. Map here.

Restaurants Near the Bus and Train Stations

Arriving by bus or train? Stop for a bite before checking out what to do in Faro:

O Chalavar – Grilled fish, shellfish, and meat; traditional and affordable. Map here.
A Tasca do João – Premium Portuguese tapas at reasonable prices. Map here.
O Castelo– Amazing Portuguese cuisine with live music. Map here.
A Venda – Unique Portuguese tapas experience. Map here.
O Cruzeiro – Traditional fish and meat dishes (dinner only). Map here.

Restaurants at Faro Beach (Praia do Faro)

Elementos – Portuguese tapas and food with river view. Map here.
O Rui– Traditional fish restaurant with high quality. Map here.
Hotel Aeromar– Best place to have breakfast for a fair price. Map here.
WAX– Good place to have a snack or drink at sunset. Map here.

What to Do in Faro? – Top Activities

Now that you’re settled, let’s explore what things to do Faro? Check out these must-try activities:

Explore Nature and Wildlife

Bird Watching Tour by Boat – Spot incredible bird species in Ria Formosa.
Boat Tour in Ria Formosa – Enjoy the stunning lagoon and its natural beauty.

Island Adventures

Visit the Islands near Faro – Discover Ilha Deserta, Ilha do Farol, and Culatra.
Take a Boat to Ilha Deserta – Start your journey from here.

City Experiences

Touristic City Train – A fun and easy way to see Faro’s highlights.
Local Fish & Fruit Market – Open daily from 7 AM to 1 AM. Find it here.

Why Faro is the Perfect Starting Point for Your Campervan Adventure

Faro’s central location makes it the ideal gateway for an unforgettable campervan journey through the Algarve. With its well-connected roads, stunning coastal routes, and easy access to both hidden gems and popular hotspots, you can explore at your own pace. Oceancamper’s fully equipped Campervans offer the freedom to wake up by the beach, chase the sunset along scenic cliffs, or discover charming inland villages. From here, you can embark on breath taking road trips to Albufeira, Tavira, or Lagos—each with its own unique character and beauty. Whether you crave adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Faro is the perfect place to start your journey on four wheels.

Check Our Other Posts:

Electric Campervan Roadtrip

Tips for travelling with our e-Nomad 100% electric Camper: where to charge it, charging points map and history of the eCamper.

Solo travel tips portugal

Why solo travelling?
Advantages of solo travelling
Safety and social environment
Suggestion for activities

Paddleboarding Algarve

Best places to make SUP in Algarve! Caves, rivers and lakes. Rent our boards and paddle where other tourists can’t go.

The post What to do in Faro? first appeared on Ocean Camper.

Portuguese Food

nomadcanguru — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 19:22:49 +0000

Portuguese Food

Nina

Ocean Camper CEO

Index

Local fish – the essence of Portuguese food
Shellfish of Portugal
Typical meat dishes
Local fruits and vegetables
Other local specialities

Local fish - the essence of Portuguese food

The best local fish dishes are:

Sardines – grilled (PT: Sardinhas)
Seabream – grilled (Dourada)
Seabass – grilled (Robalo)
Squids – grilled or fried (Lulas)
Shrimps – grilled or fried (Camarão)
Octopus (Polvo), e.g. Polvo á Lagareiro – baked octopus with oil and garlic
Cataplana and Fish stew (Caldeirada de peixe)

Note: These dishes frequently include fresh garlic, coriander (coentros), and olive oil as a topping. If you strongly dislike any of these, please ask beforehand for them to be left off or served separately.

Shellfish of Portugal

Amêijoa (Clams)
Lingueirão (Razor clams)
Conquilhas (Wedge clams)
Berbigão (Cockle) – Cheapest clams
Ostras (Oysters) – Best raw or opened in BBQ with lemon
Usually, shellfish is served as a starter, in a sauce made of white wine+garlic+olive oil and coriander (pt: à bulhão de pato) and eaten with a piece of bread.
Also, shellfish can be found in dishes like rice, cataplana, and stews.

Typical meat dishes

Chouriço assado (Portuguese Roasted Sausage) – starter, served with a piece of bread.
Carne à Alentejana (Alentejo´s style meat) – is a very tasty recipe of meat in small cubes with white wine & garlic sauce, pickles, and some clams.
Carne à Portuguesa (Portuguese style meat) – is the recipe above but without clams.
Any meat in Port wine sauce: is one of the traditional recipes to prepare meat in Portugal, very tasteful.
In Portugal are plenty of restaurant with very good grilled chicken, as well as good grilled meat.

Local fruits and vegetables

Most of the local fruits are seasonal, meaning that you can buy them only in a specific time of the year. You can buy it matured in local markets usually on Saturdays or Sundays or every morning in Mercado Municipal of each town.

Portuguese local fruits & vegetables:

Avocado: autumn & winter
All citrus fruits
Mango: summer & autumn
Papaya: summer & autumn
Peaches: summer & autumn
Pomegranates: autumn
Custard apple
Maracuja: summer & autumn
Figs: August & September
Bananas from Madeira Island
Pineapple from Azores Islands
And all the common tasty vegetables

Other local specialities

[Wine] You barely do things wrong when buying wine in Portugal. The cheap wines are often as good as the expensive ones. Get a bottle of wine from Alentejo and you can´t be wrong. Often the younger wines are the better choice.

[Olive oil] How to choose a good one:
– Extra-virgin olive oil is the one extracted from cold pressing of the olives
– Virgin olive oil comes from the 2nd pressing;
– Just olive oil comes from the 3rd pressing.

Good olive oil has very low acidity (0.80% or less)