14-Day Roadtrip Through Portugal: Beaches, Cities & Camping Adventures 🇵🇹
Thinking about a road trip through Portugal, from Barcelona?
Our 14-day itinerary takes you across stunning coastlines, charming cities, hidden gems, and unforgettable campsites — all while covering over 3,700 km. From Porto and Lisbon to the Algarve and beyond, here’s the ultimate Portugal road trip guide for beach lovers, culture seekers, and camper van adventurers.
🚗 Overview of Our Portugal Road Trip
- Duration: 14 days
- Total Distance: 3,751 km
- Travel Style: Road trip with camping (tent)
🗺️ Day-by-Day Portugal Itinerary
Day 1 – Spain to Portugal: Logroño ➝ Burgos ➝ Salamanca
We kicked off our journey from Logroño, driving through the historic towns of Burgos and Salamanca. Salamanca is a perfect overnight stop with its golden architecture and relaxed student vibe. We camped just outside the city.
🚐 Tip: Start early to make time for sightseeing in Salamanca’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 2 – First Dip: Gaia Beach Camping
We crossed into Portugal and headed straight for the coast. Gaia Beach near Porto gave us our first Atlantic swim — wide sandy beaches, cool waters, and beautiful sunsets.
Day 3 – Discovering Porto
Porto is a must on any Portugal itinerary. We explored Ribeira, sipped port wine by the Douro River, and got lost in narrow, colorful streets. Camping was available just a short drive from the city.
📍 Highlights: Dom Luís I Bridge, Livraria Lello, and a sunset boat tour.
Day 4 – Aveiro ➝ Costa Nova ➝ Nazaré
A day of contrasts:
- Aveiro — the “Venice of Portugal,” with its canals and colorful boats.
- Costa Nova — famous for its candy-striped houses and relaxed beach vibes.
- Nazaré — a surfer’s paradise with some of the biggest waves in the world.
We camped near Nazaré for a peaceful night by the sea.
Day 5 – Coastal Cruising: Nazaré ➝ Peniche ➝ Ericeira
More beach towns!
- Peniche: rugged cliffs and great seafood.
- Ericeira: laid-back surfer town and Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve.
🏄 If you love surf culture, plan to stay in Ericeira longer.
Day 6 – From Ericeira to Lisbon via Sintra
- Sintra: Magical palaces, fairy-tale forests, and dramatic cliffs. Don’t miss Pena Palace!
- Lisbon: Arrived in the afternoon and checked into a nearby campsite. The perfect base to explore Portugal’s capital.
Day 7 – Exploring Lisbon
A full day in Lisbon:
- Tram 28 ride through Alfama
- Pastel de nata in Belém
- Sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
📸 Lisbon deserves at least two days, but we packed in as much as possible.
Day 8 – Into the Algarve: Praia da Luz & Lagos
We drove south to the Algarve, settling in Praia da Luz. After setting up camp, we visited Lagos, one of the prettiest towns on the southern coast. Think hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and turquoise water.
Day 9 – Portimão & Praia do Alemão
Beach hopping continues:
- Portimão: a lively port city with a pretty marina.
- Praia do Alemão: golden cliffs and clear waters.
- Ferragudo: charming fishing village worth a photo stop.
Day 10 – Sagres & Cabo de São Vicente
We reached the southwesternmost point of Europe at Cabo de São Vicente, near Sagres. The cliffs are awe-inspiring, especially at sunset.
🌅 A must-see if you’re doing a full Portugal loop.
Day 11 – Benagil Caves Adventure
Time for a bucket list experience: Benagil Caves. These sea caves are accessible only by boat, kayak, or paddleboard. We opted for a morning kayak tour — absolutely worth it!
Day 12 – Leaving Portugal: Off to Sevilla
We left Portugal behind and crossed into Spain, heading to Sevilla. Camped on the outskirts and enjoyed an evening walk in this vibrant Andalusian city.
Day 13 – Road Marathon: Morón ➝ Valdepeñas ➝ Valencia
A long day of driving through southern Spain, with a few scenic stops. Ended the day in Valencia, staying at Hotel Eurostars — a well-earned rest from camping!
Day 14 – Home Stretch to Badalona
We wrapped up our road trip in Badalona, just outside Barcelona, with a full camera roll, tired legs, and happy hearts.
🏕️ Why We Loved Camping in Portugal
Portugal is incredibly camper-friendly, with:
- Affordable campsites
- Clean facilities
- Gorgeous natural settings
- Easy access to beaches and cities
💡 We used a mix of public and private campgrounds. Be sure to book ahead in August!
🔑 Final Tips for a Portugal Road Trip
- 🗓️ Best Time to Go: Spring or late summer (we went in August, so expect crowds)
- 🗺️ Navigation: Google Maps + offline maps = lifesaver
- 🧾 Costs: Budget-friendly, especially when camping and cooking
- ⛽ Gas: Cheaper in Spain, so fill up before entering Portugal
- 🏄 Activities: Surfing, hiking, kayaking, and of course — beach hopping!
❤️ Would We Do It Again?
Absolutely! Portugal is perfect for road trips, especially if you love beaches, charming towns, and a laid-back vibe. Whether you’re traveling by car, camper van, or tent, this itinerary offers a beautiful blend of culture, nature, and relaxation.
👉 Want the map or tips for campsites? Leave a comment or check out our Portugal Travel Resources page!