Motorhome holiday in Portugal?
Portugal is a perfect destination for a campervan holiday. Dreamy beaches, beautiful coastal roads, fantastic food, and a mild climate year-round. Portugal is located in the extreme southwest of the Iberian Peninsula and covers an area of 92,212 km², bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and Spain to the north and east. The Portuguese territory also includes the Madeira and Azores archipelagos in the Atlantic. Portugal has a population of 11.7 million and is one of the oldest countries in Europe. The name "Portugal" is derived from the Latin "Portus Cale," the original name of the city of Porto, meaning "beautiful or warm harbor." The capital of Portugal is Lisbon, and the language spoken is Portuguese.
Porto
Porto is a good starting point for your Portugal trip on four wheels. Portugal's second-largest city is located directly on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Douro River in the north of the country. The port city, with its 250,000 inhabitants, is a manageable size and known for port wine and magnificent bridges. The Douro Valley is one of Portugal's most scenic regions, located in the "Região Norte," about 120 kilometers east of the city of Porto. This valley offers some of Portugal's most breathtaking scenery, with charming villages and lush green vineyards. Located just under 80 kilometers south of Portugal, along the Atlantic coast, Aveiro lies on the Ria de Aveiro lagoon and, with its colorful Moliceiros boats and numerous canals, is also known as the Venice of Portugal.
Peniche - A Surfer's Paradise!
The fishing town of Peniche is a unique coastal destination in Central Portugal and a world-famous surfing spot. There's plenty to discover in the center of the fishing village, including: The São Pedro Church and the Misericórdia Church, the Peniche Fortress, the harbor, and the Cabo Carvoeiro Lighthouse are among the main attractions of Peniche. The Rip Curl Pro Portugal surfing championships are held annually at Praia dos Supertubos, where the world's best surfers compete. Those looking for something a little quieter can enjoy Praia Baleal. This long, stretching beach is located in a bay and is perfect for a family beach day. One of the best places for diving is the Berlengas Nature Reserve off the coast of Peniche.
Lisbon
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal and the "City of Seven Hills," is one of Europe's most popular urban destinations. The city is surrounded by seven hills, each named after a church or saint. There's plenty to see in Western Europe's oldest city. At 17.2 kilometers long, Europe's longest bridge – the Vasco da Gama Bridge – is located here. The Jerónimos Monastery is one of the most beautiful monasteries in the world. The world's oldest bookstore, the Livraria Bertrand, and the world's first zoo can also be found in Lisbon. The Torre de Belém at the mouth of the Tagus River is one of the most outstanding monuments and a symbol of the discovery of the world.
Algarve
The Algarve is a region in the south of Portugal, and a campervan is the perfect means of transport for exploring the approximately 200 kilometers of coastline. The beaches with fine white sand and the sea with all its shades of blue are the hallmarks of the region. The bizarre cliffs of the rocky Algarve, which stretch from Faro in the east to Cabo de São Vicente in the west, shine in colors ranging from fiery red to ocher. Faro, the charming capital of the Algarve, boasts historic sights and an authentic Portuguese charm. Right outside Faro's gates lies the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a labyrinth of islands and lagoons home to colonies of pink flamingos, the world's largest population of seahorses, and rare chameleons.