Immigrate to Portugal and travel in Portugal: 10 of the best campsites in Portugal. From north to south, some are located near dams, some in nature parks, and others by the beach, offering stunning views. Tents are not necessary; bungalows and apartments are available at a higher price. In mountainous areas, be cautious of the cold and prepare insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites.
1. Cepo Verde
Located in Gondesende, Bragança District.
This campsite is situated in the Montesinho Natural Park. The park is filled with chestnut trees, especially beautiful in October when they are ripe. The campsite has a swimming pool. You can bring your own tent or rent various apartments or wooden cabins.
The campsite offers several guided hiking trails.
A. Visit the small village of Dine to explore Neolithic caves and lime kilns.
B. The wildlife trail passes through hunting areas near the village of Guadramil, adjacent to the eastern region of Spain. Climb to a high point, and you might see some wolves in the nearby pine forest; if you pass by the marsh in the morning, you may spot some deer foraging.
C. Walk through history on the old Roman roads and medieval bridges.
D. Climb Montesinho Mountain, where you can see unique granite rock formations.
E. Stroll along the banks of the Apple River and the nearby village of Quintanilha, which borders Spain. This route has two options: one long and one short.
F. Enjoy the Baceiro River and three water mills, rich in vegetation, with picnic areas. At Cova de Lua, you can see the old lime kilns and the three water mills.
Any of the six hiking trails will not disappoint.
2. Parque da Penha
Montanha da Penha (Penha Mountain)
Located in Guimarães, Braga District.
You can also rent a cabin on the mountain, accommodating a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 20 people, with a daily rental price of approximately €16.91 from May 1 to September 20, and €20.16 from October 1 to April 20. Please note that reservations are required by phone from October to May due to the campsite's geographical location and climate.
You can also take a cable car to the top for sightseeing.
3. Parque de Cerdeira
Located in Braga District, close to Spain.
Address: Rua de Cerdeira, 400 Campo do Gerês.
This campsite is within a national park. It also organizes canoeing, hiking, mountain climbing to enjoy beautiful scenery, mountain biking, horseback riding, archery, and other outdoor activities. There is a restaurant that can accommodate 100 people.
4. Parque de Campismo de Vila Flor
Barragem do Peneireiro
Located in Vila Flor.
The campsite is surrounded by pine and eucalyptus trees, close to the Peneireiro reservoir, allowing for unlimited fresh air. There is a swimming pool.
5. Parque Orbitur Rio Alto
Located in Porto District, E.N. 13, km 13, Lugar do Rio Alto Póvoa de Varzim.
The campsite has direct access to the beach, with a golf course, small supermarket, restaurant, bar, and pool nearby.
If you do not have a tent, you can stay in wooden cabins or small apartments, with prices ranging from €61 to €110 during peak season.
Note: Check-in time is after 4 PM, and check-out time is before noon.
6. Parque da Markádia
Barragem de Odivelas
Located in Alvito, Beja District.
GPS Navigation: 38.1808, -8.108.
The campsite covers 10 hectares and can accommodate 480 people. It has been in operation for 27 years, close to the Odivelas reservoir. The downside is that the ground is hard, making it difficult to set up tents; however, there are small apartments available for rent, including three 2-person apartments, one 4-person apartment, and one 6-person apartment, with prices ranging from €60 to €180 per night, with discounts for longer stays. There is no wireless internet.
The mild and dry climate allows for a peaceful appreciation of the Alentejo landscape.
Pets are not allowed except in August each year. To maintain a tranquil atmosphere, jet skis and ATVs are not permitted. There are tennis courts, a swimming pool, horseback riding, mini-golf, a restaurant, boat rides, and the opportunity to feed farm animals such as horses, ponies, donkeys, sheep, cats, chickens, and turkeys (providing educational experiences for children). You can freely hike within the 16-hectare natural park, observing birds, rabbits, and hares, and you might even discover marine fossils from billions of years ago.
7. Zmar, Eco Campo Resort & Spa
Herdade-A-de-Mateus
Zambujeira do Mar.
Compared to the northern mountainous regions, the southern terrain is broader and flatter. The campsite features a swimming pool, children's activity area, and is only a 10-minute drive from what is said to be the best beach in Portugal. A shuttle service (4 euros round trip, operating from July 1 to August 31) is available to the beach. There is a gym, bicycle rentals for €5/day (children's seats for €2/day), archery (15 arrows for €5), tennis for €5/hour, and other activities. However, there is a lack of shade for setting up tents, so it is recommended to rent their pre-set up 25 square meter luxury tents or 100 square meter small wooden cabins (with wireless internet, allowing you to share holiday photos with distant friends and family without wasting data). Monthly rentals start from €110, a reward for a busy year, allowing you to fully share time with family.
Rental for large tents
Can accommodate up to 2 adults and 1 child under 3 years old, with a crib provided.
Facilities include:
A double bed with mosquito net, fan, bathtub and shower gel, 2 sets of bathrobes and slippers, lamp, lounge chairs, and awning.
Services and activities include:
Breakfast in the restaurant, 2 bicycles available, access to campsite facilities (swimming pool/jacuzzi/sauna/Turkish bath), club, daily room cleaning, and private bathroom.
Quiet hours are enforced from midnight to 8 AM.
8. Parque de S. Miguel
Odeceixe.
In terms of services and facilities, this campsite can be considered a 4-star site, located in the natural park along the Alentejo coast, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The morning songs of birds in the pine forest gently wake you up, and the São Miguel campsite is only 4 kilometers from the beautiful Odeceixe beach.
9. Quinta dos Carriços
Near Salema beach.
Located in the nature reserve between Sagres and Lagos.
Facilities include a bar, supermarket, washing machines, camping gas, bicycle, motorcycle, and car rentals, as well as opportunities to sign up for nearby sightseeing tours. Nearby attractions include Vila do Bispo, Cabo de São Vicente, and boat trips to observe seabirds or dolphins.
This campsite is unique for having a designated area for nudists, very close to a nude beach.
10. Camping Ria Formosa
Quinta da Gomeira / Cabanas de Tavira.
Located between Manta Rota and Tavira, the campsite has few large trees, so it is not recommended to set up tents; renting the campsite's bungalows is more convenient and comfortable. It has a restaurant, supermarket, swimming pool, public bathrooms, and is close to two golf courses. Cabanas beach is just a stone's throw away, and you can take a boat from the dock to the nearby island for a day of sunbathing or explore the nearby town of Tavira, with its Roman bridge, old market, and Gilão River, or the town and beach of Manta Rota.
