We took our wonderful campervan (named Helen) to Portugal back in 2021 for an EPIC road trip around Portugal.
And, in our opinion, the best way to road trip Portugal is by renting a campervan or motorhome!
Sure, you could hire a car in Portugal, but we found that having our own camper here offered us so much more flexibility in terms of where we stayed each night.
There is so much to see, from the stunning Douro Valley (I recommend you camp overnight on a vineyard!); to the fairytale castles of Sintra; to the famous beaches of the south!
Luckily, the market for rentals is now expanding, meaning there's more choices on offer for campervan and motorhome rental companies in Portugal.
But, there is so much research needed when choosing the best firm for you (uughhhhh, right?!) so we have done all the hard work for you!
In this guide, we have included the best motorhome rentals in Portugal, and the best campervan rentals in Portugal; along with a quick description of what each one offers.
As well as the best way to save money when you book!
Looking for a SUPER QUICK answer? Then head on over to Motorhome Republic and start comparing campervan rentals in Portugal right now!
Want more details on specific companies?....then let's get stuck in!
Ever since we rented our first campervan back in 2019, we have been hooked on vanlife!
And having rented and driven campers across almost 50 countries now, we have no plans on settling down.
We have even converted our own camper and driven it halfway round the world.
So we know what makes a great vehicle, and also which types of vehicle are best suited to your stage of van life renting.
Below we have combined our personal in-depth experience, while also sifting through dozens of websites to understand the reputation of different brands.
You want to know that, not only are the vehicles new and high quality, but that there is a support network there in case anything goes wrong during your rental.
Which, though it's not ideal, will naturally happen sometimes.
So below are our top recommendations based on different types of renters; I hope it helps you!
If you want the short, practical answer, focus on the vehicle setup first, not the rental company.
Portugal is one of the easiest countries in Europe for campervan travel. Roads are good, distances are manageable, and there’s a strong campervan culture along much of the coastline.
For most travellers in Portugal, the best experience comes from a campervan that has:
Portugal’s Atlantic coastline is stunning, and many travellers spend long days exploring beaches and coastal towns.
A smaller campervan usually provides the best balance between ease of driving, fuel efficiency, and flexibility.
Large motorhomes are possible, but they can be harder to park in older towns and village streets.
When you search on Motorhome Republic (more on them below) with those features selected, you’ll typically see:
Portugal is one of Europe’s best countries for vanlife-style road trips, so compact vans are extremely popular.
For couples, a 2-berth campervan works perfectly.
For families, a larger 4-berth campervan or motorhome provides more living space.
Rather than trying to memorise company names, the easiest way to find the right campervan in Portugal is to run a search with your dates and group size on Motorhome Republic, then use the filters properly.
Once you're on the results page, look down the left-hand side where you can filter by things like:
From there you can compare interior layouts side-by-side and see exactly what is available for your dates.
This approach avoids choosing a company first and only later discovering that the right vehicle type is already booked.
By far the best way to book your rental in Portugal is through a company called Motorhome Republic.
They have (by a very long way) the biggest database of campers and motorhomes across Europe.
They are essentially a comparison site which lets you search by your chosen dates and pick-up/drop-off locations to find the best possible deal.
A quick search on their site will show you which companies are available for your dates, saving you a LOT of time and effort.
For the best rental firms below, I have included their link to Motorhome Republic wherever possible as I recommend that's where you begin your search.
By far the best reason to book through Motorhome Republic is their Vehicle Guarantee. Meaning, if you book with a firm and then something happens like your vehicle suddenly becomes unavailable due to an accident or some other unforeseen incident, Motorhome Republic will personally find you the equivalent rental with a different company.
No other company can offer this, making Motorhome Republic unique. On top of this they have a huge team of support staff to help you with your booking 24/7.
For more info, read our in-depth review of Motorhome Republic.
We ranked these companies based on:
Companies with unclear policies, limited fleet reliability, or consistently weak feedback were ranked lower. Here's a quick summary:
Roadsurfer is one of the best all round campervan rental options in Portugal, especially if you want something easy to drive and simple to book.
They offer multiple pick up locations across the country, including Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. This makes it easy to plan a route along the Algarve, head north through Portugal, or explore at your own pace.
Their fleet focuses on compact campervans rather than large motorhomes. This is ideal for Portugal, where you will often be driving through smaller towns, coastal roads, and tighter streets.
The overall experience is very straightforward. Booking is simple, pick up is well organised, and their rental package typically includes key features like unlimited mileage and a second driver.
Roadsurfer specialises in modern campervans designed for comfort and practicality.
You will find a range of compact vans that sleep between two and four people. These usually include a small kitchen setup, sleeping space, and smart storage throughout.
Some models also include features like pop top roofs or outdoor showers, making them well suited for warm weather road trips across Portugal.
Overall, their vehicles strike a great balance between comfort and drivability, making them ideal for exploring Portugal with confidence.
Anywhere Campers is a great option if you want a flexible and easy campervan rental experience in Portugal.
They operate from Lisbon, which is a strong starting point for exploring both the Algarve and the west coast. From here, you can quickly get onto some of Portugal’s best road trip routes.
One of their biggest strengths is simplicity. The booking process is straightforward, and their setup is designed to make getting on the road as quick and stress free as possible.
They focus on practical campervan travel rather than large motorhomes. This makes them a good fit for Portugal’s narrower roads and smaller towns.
Anywhere Campers offers a range of compact campervans designed for simple and comfortable travel.
Most of their vans are suited to two people, with layouts that include a bed setup, storage, and basic cooking facilities.
These vans are easy to drive and park, which makes them ideal for coastal routes and smaller villages.
Overall, Anywhere Campers is best suited to travellers who want a straightforward campervan setup with good availability and flexibility.
GoFree is a strong choice if you want a more traditional vanlife experience while travelling around Portugal.
They are based in Lisbon, which makes it easy to head south to the Algarve or follow the west coast north. Both are ideal routes for a campervan trip.
GoFree focuses on simple and practical campervans that are designed for life on the road. The setup is less about luxury and more about freedom and flexibility.
Their booking process is straightforward, and their vans are well suited to travellers who want to move frequently and explore Portugal’s coastline at their own pace.
GoFree offers compact campervans that are easy to drive and park.
Most of their vans are designed for two people, with a bed setup, storage, and basic kitchen facilities included.
Some models also include features like pop top roofs, giving you more space inside while still keeping the van manageable on the road.
Overall, their vehicles are ideal for relaxed road trips, especially if you plan to spend time along Portugal’s coastal routes.
Campilider Motorhomes is one of the more established motorhome rental companies in Portugal, with a focus on larger vehicles suited to family travel.
They operate from Lisbon and Porto, giving you flexibility when planning a route through the country. This makes it easy to explore both the north and south without needing to double back.
Their focus is on full size motorhomes rather than compact campervans. This means more space, better onboard facilities, and a more comfortable setup for longer trips.
Campilider is a strong option if you are travelling with a family or want more room while on the road. Their vehicles are designed for practical touring across Portugal.
Campilider offers a range of larger motorhomes built for comfort and space.
You will find 2 berth, 4 berth, and 6 berth models, with layouts that include proper beds, kitchen facilities, and onboard bathrooms.
Many of their motorhomes are designed with families in mind, offering more living space and storage compared to smaller campervans.
Overall, their vehicles are best suited to travellers who prioritise comfort and space over compact size.
Camperline is a great company, dedicated to those who travel in a campervan. Offering oneofthe widest and best range of campervan rentals in Portugal.
This is also popular choice amongst travellers as they offer third party insurance on all their rentals.
Another added bonus is the unlimited mileage on rentals you hire for five days or more. Otherwise, they are capped at 500 kilometres per day if you are opting for less than five days.
The app and website are pretty user-friendly, and the consultants speak a range of different languages to accommodate people.
Whether you are travelling as a couple or a family, you are sure to find something to suit your needs.
Camperline offers five different classes of motorhomes ranging from class 0 to VIP class.
Class 0 are simple self-contained motorhomes with a toilet, shower and small cooking area accommodating two people. As the classes increase, they fit more people and have a lot more space and facilities.
The VIP class is for those looking for a more luxurious experience. It contains a lot more additional space and includes a bathroom and shower.
You can add any optional extras if you need, e.g. WiFi hotspot, tables, chairs, baby seats etc.
Black Sheep Campervan Rental is a popular choice in Portugal if you are looking for a more unique and design led vanlife experience.
They operate from Lisbon and Faro, which makes them a strong option for exploring both the west coast and the Algarve. These are two of the best regions in Portugal for a campervan road trip.
Their focus is on compact campervans rather than large motorhomes. The overall experience is geared more towards simplicity and freedom, rather than traditional RV travel.
Black Sheep is known for its distinctive style and branding, with vans that feel a bit more characterful than standard rental fleets.
Black Sheep offers a range of compact campervans designed for two people.
Most of their vans include a bed setup, storage, and basic cooking facilities. Layouts are simple and practical, making them easy to use on the road.
Some models include pop top roofs, giving extra space inside while still keeping the vehicle compact and easy to drive.
Overall, their vehicles are well suited to relaxed road trips, especially if you want a more classic vanlife style experience while travelling through Portugal.
McRent is one of the largest motorhome and campervan rental brands in Europe, with a long established presence across the continent.
In Portugal, they operate from Lisbon, which is a convenient starting point for exploring the country. This makes it easy to plan routes along the Algarve or head north through Portugal.
They focus on larger motorhomes rather than compact campervans. This makes them a good option if you want more space, onboard facilities, and a more traditional RV experience.
As a well established brand, McRent offers a consistent rental experience. This can be useful if you prefer booking with a company that has a strong track record across multiple countries.
McRent offers a wide range of modern motorhomes designed for comfort and practicality.
You will typically find 2 berth, 4 berth, and 6 berth models, with layouts that include fixed beds, kitchen facilities, and onboard bathrooms.
Many vehicles also include features such as heating, hot water, and good storage space, making them well suited for longer road trips.
Overall, McRent is best suited to travellers who want a reliable, well equipped motorhome and are comfortable driving a larger vehicle.
Rent Easy is a European motorhome rental brand that offers a modern fleet designed for comfort and longer road trips.
In Portugal, they operate from Lisbon, which is a convenient starting point for exploring the very best things to do in Portugal. From here, you can easily head south to the Algarve or travel north through Portugal.
They focus on larger motorhomes rather than compact campervans. This makes them a strong option if you want more space, onboard facilities, and a more traditional motorhome experience.
Rent Easy is best suited to travellers who are comfortable driving a bigger vehicle and want a more premium setup for their trip.
Rent Easy offers a range of modern motorhomes with well designed layouts.
You will typically find 2 berth, 4 berth, and 6 berth options, with features such as fixed beds, kitchen facilities, and onboard bathrooms.
Many models include extras like heating, hot water, and integrated storage, making them suitable for longer trips across Portugal.
Overall, their fleet is focused on comfort and practicality, making them a good choice for travellers who want more space and a higher spec vehicle.
Euromotorhome Rental is a Portugal based company that offers a straightforward and convenient motorhome rental experience.
They operate from Lisbon, with pickup located close to the airport. This makes them a good option if you want to land and get on the road quickly without needing to travel far.
Their setup is focused on simplicity. The booking process is clear, and the overall experience is designed to be easy for travellers who want a smooth start to their trip.
They focus more on practical travel rather than luxury, which makes them a solid option for exploring Portugal without overcomplicating things.
Euromotorhome Rental offers a selection of campervans and motorhomes suited to different group sizes.
You will find options for couples as well as larger vehicles for families, with layouts that include sleeping areas, kitchen facilities, and storage.
Some vehicles also include onboard bathrooms, depending on the model you choose.
Overall, their fleet is designed for straightforward road trips, with a focus on comfort and ease of use rather than high end features.
Elitejoy is a Portugal based campervan rental company that offers a strong balance between price and quality.
They operate from Lisbon, which is a convenient starting point for exploring both the Algarve and Portugal’s west coast. This makes it easy to plan a flexible road trip without needing long transfers.
Their focus is on modern campervans that are designed to be practical and easy to use. This makes them a good option if you want a straightforward rental experience without the higher cost of premium brands.
Elitejoy is particularly appealing for travellers who want a reliable setup with good overall reviews, while still keeping costs under control.
Elitejoy offers a range of compact campervans suited to couples and small groups.
Most of their vans include a bed setup, storage, and basic kitchen facilities. Layouts are designed to be simple and functional, making them easy to use on the road.
Some models also include additional features such as pop top roofs or upgraded interiors, depending on the vehicle you choose.
Overall, their fleet is well suited to relaxed road trips around Portugal, especially if you want a modern van at a reasonable price.
Campervan rental prices in Portugal vary mainly by season and vehicle type.
For a rough guide:
Peak demand drives prices significantly higher.
Compact vans are the most common rental choice.
Often the best balance of price, weather, and availability.
Lower demand and lower prices, though some fleets reduce availability.
Portugal is one of the most motorhome friendly countries in Europe so you won’t need to worry too much!
But for clarity, here are the exact rules on campervans and motorhome in Portugal
Previously, wild camping in Portugal had minimal restrictions, but as of the beginning of 2021, a complete ban was imposed on wild camping, requiring motorhomes to park exclusively in approved sites after 7pm.
However, regulations shifted once more on August 25th, 2021.
Right now, wild camping is permitted in Portugal under strict guidelines with location and duration.
According to the current law, overnight stays and motorhome parking are prohibited in Natura 2000 Network areas, protected zones, and areas designated by Coastal Plans, except in expressly authorized locations.
In other parts of the country, motorhomes authorized by the IMT (Institute of Mobility and Transport) can stay overnight for a maximum of 48 hours within the same municipality. Essentially, for your purpose, wild camping is now restricted unless their motorhome is IMT-approved.
But don't you worry, there are numerous ASAs (Service Areas for Motorhomes) that offer essential amenities such as water refills and waste disposal. They provide legal overnight stays at a nominal cost of a few euros per night and typically come with a nice view!
We've also just asked people if we can park overnight in their carpark, or outside their building, and we never had a no!
Not to mention all the wineries you can also stay in overnight!!
But if wild camping isn't your thing, there are many designated campsites throughout the country for you to park your motorhome. We stayed in some lovely campsites, one had a pool and was right next to a golf club! (so naturally Brad played!) You also have the choice of parking at a free parking spot.
Check out some websites such as pitchup.com or apps such as ‘park4night’, which will allow you to book a parking slot in advance.
For more help planning your visit to Portugal, check out our epic 10 day Portugal road trip itinerary.
For any other questions, just drop a comment below!
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