Many of us dream of driving through Europe for a wonderful summer road trip, especially somewhere as stunning as the Algarve in Portugal.
That’s why we asked Lauren & Louis to put together a travel guide for those who wish to take a campervan to this stunning country in Europe, travelling from the west to the east.
Day 1: Sagres → Burgau → Praia da Luz → Lagos
Assuming you’ve just finished up an insane West Coast road trip, you should start in Sagres with surfing, cafés, laid-back energy and plenty of ‘vanlifers’. Follow the coastal route, stopping at Burgau and Praia da Luz before heading to Lagos, a great base for a few days.
Note: If you’re arriving in Portugal from the Spanish coast, you can do this route in reverse.
Day 2: Lagos
Spend a day (or three) in the popular holiday spot of Lagos, exploring plenty of beaches and hidden coves, many of which are connected by a perfect boardwalk. The old town is absolutely packed with great cafés, shops and restaurants, making the park ups just outside of the walls a great place to be.
Day 3: Lagos → Alvor (or Portimão)
Head east towards the city of Portimão, but make sure to stop in the relaxed fishing village of Alvor first for more sandy beaches, boardwalks and a bustling harbour. Mind the narrow streets and save yourself for a yummy seafood dinner – if you can squeeze it into the van life budget, it’s a must do.
Day 4: Alvor → Monchique (Alferce)
Switch things up from the coast and drive inland to the Monchique Mountains, staying at the perfect (currently free) campsite with facilities in Alferce. The Barranco do Demo Boardwalk is definitely worth doing, with dramatic scenic views and a 50m suspension bridge. It’s home to many hikes and trails.
Day 5: Monchique → Carvoeiro
Head back towards the coast and explore Carvoeiro. Spend a day in this popular little spot swimming in rock pools and taking in those classic Algarve coastal views. Don’t forget to grab dinner at one of the cliffside restaurants too. Everything is close, so head back to that park up in Lagos if you struggle to find a spot.
Day 6: Carvoeiro → Queda do Vigário
Take a short inland detour to Queda do Vigário, a hidden waterfall spot where locals come, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot small turtles. This feels like a proper hidden gem and is far away from the crowds of the Algarve. Looks like you can stay the night too, before heading back the following morning.
Day 7: Albufeira or Slow Day
Carry on along the coast to Albufeira for a more lively, holiday-style stop, maybe even take advantage of the nightlife here. Or, slow things right down and head for the beach once again, revisiting your favourite sunbathing spots from along the route. Finish the road trip in your own way, or carry it on and head towards Spain.
Campervan insurance, with EU cover included as standard
Whichever European country you plan on driving to, be it Portugal or another, you will need to ensure you have the right campervan insurance. Our policies can cover you in Europe for up to 90 days, or even a full 365 days on the road if you’re looking at the trip of a lifetime.
We can also find policies with breakdown insurance, so you can have peace of mind on your next European road trip.
Call us on 0344 381 9990 for a quick, no-hassle quote or book a callback at a time that suits you.