Camping in Portugal
Why we love holidays in Portugal
We’ve fallen for Portugal in a big way. That’s why we’ve introduced a selection of carefree and welcoming parcs in some of our favourite new locations. With its sun-splashed coastline meeting the wide blue horizons of the Atlantic in a series of historic cities, pine-fringed beaches and charming fishing villages, Portugal offers a magical blend of golden sands, rich heritage, and family-friendly destinations. So where’s your new favourite?
Beaches Things to do Things to see
Best places for camping holidays in Portugal
Portugal's sunny coastline combines old world charm, captivating modern cities and beaches full of promise. Dive in, you'll enjoy some of Europe's warmest weather, best food and most intriguing sites. Lisbon, the capital, is awash with drama and beauty in equal measure. Further north, second city, Porto, clings to the steep sides of the Douro river, winding inland to the magnificent Douro valley. Enjoy!
Our favourite beaches in Portugal
Portugal offers an extraordinary coastline spanning over 850km, with more than 300 Blue Flag beaches, showcasing exactly how precious these places are for the Portuguese.
The northern region around Porto features expansive golden shores like Praia de Matosinhos, just minutes from the city centre, where locals gather to enjoy fresh seafood at beachside cafés and stroll along the vibrant promenade.
The Silver Coast in central Portugal is renowned for its dramatic surfing conditions, particularly at Nazaré where world-class surfers tackle massive waves, while São Martinho do Porto's shell-shaped bay provides a tranquil alternative for families, with wonderfully soft sands.
The Portuguese Riviera, around the capital, offers stylish and chic beach resorts while the Algarve region in the south delivers the quintessential Portuguese beach holiday experience with gems like Praia da Luz and Praia da Marinha, known for crystal-clear waters and striking limestone formations, while nearby Benagil Cave offers a magical sea-carved wonder that glows golden as the sun sets.
Best beaches in PortugalOur favourite things to do in Portugal
Fun days out
The Zoomarine in the Algarve offers a fantastic mix of marine life shows and family-friendly rides. The Slide and Splash waterpark near Lagos offers thrilling water slides and fun if splashing around in the sun is more your thing.
Or you could visit the Lisbon Oceanarium, Europe's largest indoor aquarium, with its fascinating marine life from across the globe. Porto’s World of Discoveries interactive museum and theme park is Portuguese history made kid-friendly and fun.
Getting active
From cycling the coastal trails of the Algarve to paddleboarding in the calm bay of São Martinho do Porto, Portugal offers endless possibilities for memorable outdoor adventures.
Snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of secluded Algarve coves, hiking in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, or exploring the numerous cycling paths along the Lisbon Riviera – the outdoors doesn't get greater than this.
Cultural hotspots
Wander through the ancient streets of Évora, explore the medieval castle in Óbidos, Central Portugal’s venerable old Roman stronghold, or the maze of alleyways in Porto's Ribeira district.
Discover the historic university city of Coimbra, or Braga's impressive baroque stairway. Lisbon's Alfama district offers a wonderfully preserved medieval core. Take a guided tour - with a touch of traditional Fado singing, for good measure!
Our favourite things to see in Portugal
Historic sites
The Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon is an exquisite gem of a building, with some of the finest examples of Manueline architecture in the world.
In Batalha, the magnificent monastery is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with unique Portuguese flourishes.
The Pena Palace in Sintra, and the medieval walled town of Óbidos are also wonderful. Portugal is a country with historic wonders to spare: but often it’s the smaller, quieter places that stay in the memory.
Cities worth seeing
Porto's UNESCO-listed riverside district makes for a fascinating journey back in time, with those tempting Port cellars offering a cool retreat.
Lisbon's historic neighbourhoods show a city as vibrant now as it's ever been (we especially love the Bairo Alto district), and the picturesque streets of Évora offer an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Europe.
We also love Aveiro's canal-lined centre and colourful moliceiro boats, and Coimbra's historic university is a real treat, if you've the time for a daytrip, and can manage its steep contours.
Natural wonders
The dramatic cliffs and hidden beaches of the Costa Vicentina stand as the crown jewel of Portuguese natural wonders. This protected natural park features unspoiled Atlantic coastline with wooden walkways winding through the dunes.
The Berlengas archipelago offers a marine paradise of dramatic rock formations and crystal-clear waters – a natural wonder you can access via a boat tour from Peniche.
Arrábida Natural Park, near Lisbon, is where forested mountains meet the azure seas. Pure bliss for hiking.
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