For adventurers who travel through Portugal with their own or rented van, there is nothing more beautiful than wild camping . You choose a nice spot and cook a meal on your stove in the evening, while you watch the sun slowly sink into the sea in the background. In the morning you wake up with the sound of the sea and make a cup of coffee on your percolator after a night of wild camping. But is that actually allowed in Portugal? After consulting various websites, this article is the conclusion. These are the rules regarding wild camping in Portugal in 2025 :
Can you camp wild in Portugal?
Straight to the answer to the big question: Yes, wild camping is allowed in Portugal since May 2021, but with exceptions! Wild camping was previously prohibited by law in Portugal, but in practice this was not enforced. Due to an amendment to Articles 48 and 50-A of the Portuguese Highway Code in May 2021, and an update of this in August 2021, overnight stays in campers approved by the IMT ( Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes ) are permitted for a maximum period of 48 hours. This means that you are allowed to spend the night in a van in parking lots; however, it is (still!) not the intention to just pitch a tent anywhere. That is always prohibited.
This is stated on the official tourism website visitportugal.com :
Dit staat op de officiële toerisme website visitportugal.com:
(…) Please note that the overnight stay of motor caravans or similar is forbidden in areas of the Natura 2000 Network, protected areas and areas covered by the Coastal Zone Management Plans (except in places where it is expressly authorised). (…)
https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/ca(…)
Exceptions to wild camping in Portugal
Wild camping with a camper is permitted, but the following exceptions apply:
- Wild camping is not permitted in places where a prohibition sign is posted.
- Wild camping remains prohibited on land belonging to the network of Natura 2000 reserves, which are protected areas.
Look at here is the Natura 2000 map. It’s hard to see exactly where the areas are on this map as there are no place names and you can’t zoom in very far, but if in doubt it’s better to drive a bit further or ask at the local tourist information centre.
- Wild camping remains prohibited in areas covered by Coastal Zone Management Plans unless explicit permission is granted in that area, in which case it will be indicated by a sign.
General rules for wild camping
In legal places where you are allowed to camp wild, the following (in my opinion logical) rules apply:
- You may not use the public road for ‘camping activities’. Think of setting up a camp including tables, chairs and barbecue. These activities must take place in the camper.
- Dumping of waste, including grey water, on public roads or in nature is not permitted.
What are the fines for wild camping and pollution in Portugal?
Violators of the new wild camping regulations in Portugal are being given heavy fines. Violations can lead to fines between 120 and 600(!) euros. Don’t take this risk and choose a legal overnight location.
Tips for (wild) camping in Portugal
Discover the most beautiful camping spots in Portugal via the app Park4Night This way you don’t have to reinvent the wheel and you will find all the most beautiful (free) places in a handy overview.
Be sure to read each description carefully to make sure it is a legal camping spot or just a daytime parking spot!
Would you rather camp legally at a campsite?
Of course, the Algarve also has a number of excellent campsites where you can stay with your van or caravan. An overview of my favorite campsites by the sea can be found on this page .
Sources
https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/campervanning
https://dre.pt/dre/detalhe/lei/66-2021-170083315
More of our local tips for your Portugal adventure
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🛎 Get inspired with our local tips for accommodations in the Algarve