Portugal by Van
As you already know by now, Portugal is a great country to explore, landscapes are so varied and the culinary scene, especially pastries, will make you want to move here. Guaranteed.
We are so lucky to live in a country where you can be snowboarding in Serra da Estrela and later in the day be swimming in the ocean, if that's your thing.
Here you will find gathered some suggestions to inspire you on your next trip with your van.
We are so lucky to live in a country where you can be snowboarding in Serra da Estrela and later in the day be swimming in the ocean, if that's your thing.
Here you will find gathered some suggestions to inspire you on your next trip with your van.
Route 1 - Portuguese historical villages
The rural North of Portugal is a wonderful and understated destination. It is great for trekking and experiencing a deeper contact with Nature.
You can have a day trip in the bigger cities of Porto and Guimarães, dive over the waterfalls of Poço Negro in Soajo or Candosa Waterfalls, experience the hearty local cuisine in Ponte de Lima, stroll along the river in Arcos de Valdevez. We suggest even a quick jump to Bande in Spain to enjoy a soak in the thermal waters and feast your eyes on the views over the terraced village of Sistelo, before heading back home rested and happy.
PORTO >> PONTE DE LIMA >> ARCOS DE VALDEVEZ >> SISTELO >> SOAJO >> VILARINHO DAS FURNAS >> LINDOSO >> CASTRO LABOREIRO >> BANDE ROMAN THERMAL BATHS >> VILARINHO DE NEGRÕES >> CANDOSA WATERFALLS >> GUIMARÃES
You can have a day trip in the bigger cities of Porto and Guimarães, dive over the waterfalls of Poço Negro in Soajo or Candosa Waterfalls, experience the hearty local cuisine in Ponte de Lima, stroll along the river in Arcos de Valdevez. We suggest even a quick jump to Bande in Spain to enjoy a soak in the thermal waters and feast your eyes on the views over the terraced village of Sistelo, before heading back home rested and happy.
PORTO >> PONTE DE LIMA >> ARCOS DE VALDEVEZ >> SISTELO >> SOAJO >> VILARINHO DAS FURNAS >> LINDOSO >> CASTRO LABOREIRO >> BANDE ROMAN THERMAL BATHS >> VILARINHO DE NEGRÕES >> CANDOSA WATERFALLS >> GUIMARÃES
Route 2 - EN2
How about venturing Portugal's longest road?
Crossing from the extreme North to extreme South by the interior side, from Chaves to Faro, you should expect a richer, truer portuguese experience.
In recent years its 738km [459 miles] have made it a cult roadtrip, a portuguese Route 66 of sorts. Going through the territory, expect a very scenic journey, cross 11 rivers, 4 mountain ranges and 32 municipalities.
EN2 will take you through the Douro vineyards all the way through the sunflower plains of Alentejo or the sunny beaches of Algarve in the extreme south.
Take it slow here, trekking paths will take you to secluded beaches, lakeside views, ancient forests and a succession of quiet villages can be found.
CHAVES >> VILA REAL >> RÉGUA >> LAMEGO >> VISEU >> SERTÃ >> ABRANTES >> MORA >> MONTEMOR-O-NOVO >> CASTRO VERDE >> SÃO BRÁS DE ALPORTEL >> FARO
Crossing from the extreme North to extreme South by the interior side, from Chaves to Faro, you should expect a richer, truer portuguese experience.
In recent years its 738km [459 miles] have made it a cult roadtrip, a portuguese Route 66 of sorts. Going through the territory, expect a very scenic journey, cross 11 rivers, 4 mountain ranges and 32 municipalities.
EN2 will take you through the Douro vineyards all the way through the sunflower plains of Alentejo or the sunny beaches of Algarve in the extreme south.
Take it slow here, trekking paths will take you to secluded beaches, lakeside views, ancient forests and a succession of quiet villages can be found.
CHAVES >> VILA REAL >> RÉGUA >> LAMEGO >> VISEU >> SERTÃ >> ABRANTES >> MORA >> MONTEMOR-O-NOVO >> CASTRO VERDE >> SÃO BRÁS DE ALPORTEL >> FARO
Route 3 - Costa Vicentina
Sun, Sand and Sea
Departing from Lisbon, the pull to the South will surely be strong.
Going along the Atlantic coast has its own special flavour, we suggest a slow trip along the wide beaches between the rugged shores and facing the Atlantic winds.
If you want to take it slow, you can easily find trekking paths that will take you to secluded beaches.
Also, don't forget the typical restaurants, any small restaurant here can provide you with enough cultural experiences (and sociological) as enlightening as in any museum.
The trip is sure to end on a high note, down by the southwestern tip of Portugal in the mythical Cape São Vicente, the roman "Promontorium Sacrum" whose lighthouse guides the boats towards the Mediterraneum.
Expect neverending beaches, amazing sunsets and longlasting memories.
PORTO COVO >> ILHA DO PESSEGUEIRO >> VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES >> ALMOGRAVE >> ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR >> ODECEIXE >> ALJEZUR >> CABO SÃO VICENTE
Departing from Lisbon, the pull to the South will surely be strong.
Going along the Atlantic coast has its own special flavour, we suggest a slow trip along the wide beaches between the rugged shores and facing the Atlantic winds.
If you want to take it slow, you can easily find trekking paths that will take you to secluded beaches.
Also, don't forget the typical restaurants, any small restaurant here can provide you with enough cultural experiences (and sociological) as enlightening as in any museum.
The trip is sure to end on a high note, down by the southwestern tip of Portugal in the mythical Cape São Vicente, the roman "Promontorium Sacrum" whose lighthouse guides the boats towards the Mediterraneum.
Expect neverending beaches, amazing sunsets and longlasting memories.
PORTO COVO >> ILHA DO PESSEGUEIRO >> VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES >> ALMOGRAVE >> ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR >> ODECEIXE >> ALJEZUR >> CABO SÃO VICENTE
Suggested Itineraries in Portugal, by Frommers
"If you have unlimited time, one of Europe's greatest pleasures is getting "lost" on the dusty plains of Alentejo or in the little hidden coves of the Algarve. It's fun to wander about Portugal at random, making new discoveries off the beaten path, finding enchanting towns you've never heard of or read about in a guidebook"
Life is good, here in the most western part of Europe.
