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Journey out, first long stretch
The first day is the longest drive of the trip. After that, things get noticeably more relaxed.
From tomorrow you'll settle into the trip's actual pace with short stretches.
Long stretch — allow time for breaks.
This is where your trip begins. You'll set off early, as there are several quiet stretches ahead before you reach Portugal.
After around three hours of driving, your first quiet stop lies south of the Ile-de-France. A simple, dog-friendly spot to catch your breath, nothing fancy, just a place to arrive and sleep.
Journey out, changing landscapes
Second travel day, also longer. From tomorrow the driving distances get much shorter.
Long stretch — allow time for breaks.
A stop in the Landes region of southwest France, where pine forests and the Atlantic draw closer. A quiet stopover between Bordeaux and the Spanish border, ideal for resting before crossing the border.
Border crossing, last long stretch
Today is the last big driving day. From tomorrow you'll stay on the coast and drive no more than one to two hours a day.
Long stretch — allow time for breaks.
After crossing northern Spain, you'll reach Portugal. An overnight stop south of Lisbon lets you ease into the Costa Vicentina the next day. You'll deliberately bypass the big cities.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Coast, arriving at the Costa Vicentina
An afternoon to unwind: after arriving, relax at the river beach.
Dogs are usually allowed off the lead on most Alentejo beaches outside the high season; a lead is often required in season.
This lively yet manageable coastal town sits at the mouth of the Rio Mira and is considered one of the finest destinations on the Alentejo coast. Quiet river beaches, a small fortress and plenty of relaxed living. The camper van gets into town without any trouble, just avoid the narrow lanes and park on level ground on the outskirts.
Large, well-equipped campsite on the edge of Vila Nova de Milfontes, within walking distance of the centre and the river beaches. Shaded pitches under pine trees, dog-friendly and ideal as your first base in the region.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Walking, coastal path
The Fishermen's Trail is tougher than the distance suggests, due to the sandy sections. Take breaks at the viewpoints.
Afternoon relaxation at the river beach or in town.
Long stretch — allow time for breaks.
The Fishermen's Trail is the most spectacular part of the Rota Vicentina, running right along the cliffs, partly through soft sand. You'll walk a stage south of Milfontes with constant views of the Atlantic, stork nests on rock towers and secluded coves. Pack sturdy shoes and plenty of water.
Coast, small seaside town
Important: in the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina nature park, wild camping and overnight stays in camper vans outside designated sites are banned and checked. Stick consistently to legal campsites.
A relaxed day with plenty of time by the sea.
A small, whitewashed coastal village perched on high cliffs, quieter and more traditional than Milfontes. Steps lead down from the village to Praia da Zambujeira, and there are rewarding viewpoints right along the cliff edge. Ideal for a slow day by the sea.
An environmentally-run, sprawling campsite in the hinterland of Zambujeira, dog-friendly and with a pool. A quiet base for exploring the southern Alentejo coast without wild camping in the nature park.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Clifftop path, coves
An afternoon to relax on the beach or by the pool at the site.
In the high season, watch out for signposted dog-free stretches of beach.
A tiny cove tucked into the cliffs south of Zambujeira, where small fishing boats sit on a steep ramp. A quiet, unspoilt spot away from the main beaches, easily combined with a short coastal walk.
A second night at the same site, so you can enjoy a relaxed day of walking and swimming without having to move on.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
River meets sea
The river beach is especially pleasant for swimming and first attempts at waves, thanks to the calm water.
Here the Rio Seixe meets the Atlantic, forming a wide double beach: calm river water on one side, Atlantic waves on the other. Ideal for swimming and first attempts at catching waves, with the pretty village of Odeceixe perched on the hill above. The town marks the border between the Alentejo and the Algarve.
A simple, family-run campsite near the village of Odeceixe, dog-friendly and a short drive from the beach. A quiet, affordable base between river and sea.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Village, beach, lagoon
Plenty of time in the afternoon at Praia da Amoreira, ideal for swimming in the lagoon.
Serrao is a good base for the coming surf days.
The historic village of Aljezur climbs a hill with its white houses, crowned by the remains of a Moorish castle. From the top you get sweeping views over the valley and the coast. The camper van parks well on level ground down in the village, then it's a walk up on foot.
A fantastic beach where the lagoon of the Ribeira de Aljezur meets the Atlantic. Wide sandy expanses, dunes and calm lagoon water for paddling make it one of the finest beaches in the region. Free, level parking right by the beach.
A large campsite set in pine forest north of Aljezur, quiet and dog-friendly, with good access to the beaches of Amoreira and Monte Clerigo. A solid base for several nights.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Surf lesson, waves
A beginner's course usually lasts two to three hours. Spend the rest of the day winding down on the beach afterwards.
Dogs are often only allowed under restrictions on busy surf beaches in season, so watch for the signage.
Praia do Amado is one of Portugal's best-known surf beaches, with wide, sandy waves that are excellent for learning. Several surf schools offer beginner courses here, equipment included. A broad beach backed by dunes, where you can spend the whole day.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Huge beach, dunes
Combine the long beach walk at Bordeira with the short clifftop loop at Carrapateira.
The rule still applies: only stay overnight at legal sites.
A vast, sweeping beach with an enormous dune field and a river mouth forming a shallow lagoon. At low tide the sand seems endless, perfect for long walks. A wooden boardwalk crosses the dunes to protect the fragile landscape.
A small, sleepy surf village between the Bordeira and Amado beaches. The roughly five-kilometre Pontal da Carrapateira loop trail runs along spectacular cliffs and makes for a rewarding short walk.
A legal camper area in the Vale da Telha district near Aljezur, close to the coast and peaceful. A good, simple alternative to campsites, to properly respect the wild camping ban in the nature park.
Westernmost point of Europe
The sunset at Cabo de Sao Vicente is stunning, but very popular. Arrive early or stay until after the crowds thin out.
With this, you'll have seen all the highlights of the coast.
The southwesternmost point of mainland Europe, where high cliffs drop almost vertically into the Atlantic and a mighty lighthouse watches over the horizon. A rugged, windy and striking end of the world that you have to see for yourself. Level parking right at the cape.
A small, relaxed town at the southwestern tip with the sprawling Fortaleza de Sagres fortress on a headland. Many surfers and walkers set out from here, and several beaches invite you to swim. A good spot to let the trip gently wind down.
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
A large, well-equipped campsite in pine forest near Sagres, dog-friendly and a short distance from several beaches. A quiet base for the last days on the coast.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Relaxation, beach
A deliberate day of rest without long drives: enjoy the fortress, swimming and the sea.
Use the evening to bid farewell to the wild west coast.
The sprawling fortress sits on a flat headland high above the sea, with a huge stone wind rose and a loop path along the cliff edge. It tells the story of Portugal's great age of seafaring exploration and offers spectacular views of both coasts.
A sheltered, calm swimming beach right by Sagres, where the water is usually gentler than on the open Atlantic beaches. Ideal for a relaxed day of swimming to round off the coastal trip.
Winding down, open end
An open end: you can plan the journey back to Cologne in several stages from here, or add a few more days in the Algarve.
The same rule applies to the journey home as to the journey out: spread the long stretches through Spain and France over several days.
The lively coastal town of Lagos, with its charming old town and the golden cliffs and beaches of Ponta da Piedade, makes a fitting end to the trip. From here, the journey north is easy to organise, whether over several stages back home or with more time in the Algarve. The camper van is best parked on level ground outside the old town, as multi-storey car parks are usually too low for the vehicle's height.
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
A comfortable, dog-friendly campsite near Lagos, a convenient endpoint for the trip. From here you can ease into the journey north, or add a few more days in the Algarve if you like.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
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