Discovering the North of Portugal

For those looking for landscapes covered in green and one of the richest collections of cultural and architectural heritage in the country, the North of Portugal will be the ideal destination for a motorhome trip.

Walk

This trip through northern lands begins in the far north of the country, in Caminha. Here, we suggest a visit to the various monuments spread across the city, such as the Castle and its walls, the Clock Tower or the Terreiro Fountain. Surrounded by sea, rivers and mountains, the natural beauty of the region is revealed through the calm waters of the Minho, Coura and Âncora rivers, the green mantles that cover the Serra d'Arga or the sandy beaches of Vila Praia de Âncora, Foz from Minho or Moledo.

What to eat: The proximity to the river and sea made Caminha an ideal destination for fish lovers. Lamprey, fried dried sole, shad rice or fish parrillada are some of the most popular dishes in the region. Inside, the emphasis is on the meat dishes, including Serra d'Arga lamb, goat sarapatel and pork sausages.

Douro

The N222 national road, considered one of the most beautiful and best roads in the world, could not be missing from this motorhome itinerary through the north of Portugal. The section that connects Régua to Pinhão is particularly appreciated for its proximity to the Douro River. Take the opportunity to contemplate the beauty of the local landscapes, marked by lush vineyards that completely cover the slopes of the schist mountains, and include a visit to the beautiful São Leonardo de Galafura Viewpoint, the Wine Village of Barcos and Peso da Régua.

What to eat: On a gastronomic level, in addition to a wine tasting, we suggest that you don't leave the region without trying the roast lamb with oven rice, corn ribs, or lamprey rice.

Guimarães

To immerse yourself in the origins of Portugal, a visit to the historic city of Guimarães, also known as the “Cradle of Portugal”, is mandatory. Include in your visit to the city a visit to the Castle, the Paço dos Duques de Bragança, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and Santos Passos, Largo da Oliveira and Largo do Toural.

What to eat: Dishes such as rojões, pica no ground rice or roast lamb are some of the delicacies you can try on a visit to Guimarães. Finish the meal with some Guimarães tarts or some douradinhas to satisfy your sweeter side.

Penede Gerês National Park

From the cultural and historical heritage of Portugal, we head to one of its greatest paradises from the point of view of natural beauty: the Peneda Gerês National Park. Lovers of outdoor activities will find Gerês the highlight of this motorhome itinerary through the North of Portugal. Here, imposing waterfalls, villages frozen in time, oak forests and thermal waters await you.

Equip yourself with your best hiking shoes and set off to discover unforgettable places such as the villages of Pitão das Júnias, Lindoso and Soajo, the Arado, Pincães or Portela do Homem waterfalls, and lagoons such as Poço Azul or Lagoa of the Druids.

What to eat: To fill your stomach, there's nothing like lamprey rice, roast lamb, sarrabulho rice or Old-style oven rice.

From the sea to the mountains, in Central Portugal

Filled with landscapes bathed by the sea and some of the most imposing monuments in the country, the Central region of Portugal offers a little something for all tastes.

Peniche

This motorhome itinerary through central Portugal begins in Peniche, land of surfing and fish, where the Atlantic Ocean occupies a prominent place. If water sports are on your list of preferences, take the opportunity to catch some of the best tubes in Europe at Praia de Supertubos or some perfect waves at Baleal. Now in summer, you can also take the opportunity to visit the wild nature of the Berlengas archipelago, if the sea and weather allow it.

What to eat: As this is the land of fish, don't leave Peniche without indulging in grilled fish, a Peniche fish stew, a Peniche alfaquique with roe stew or some octopus pastries. For dessert, try the typical Peniche pastries or the esses.

Alcobaça

Known for the Monastery or Royal Abbey of Santa Maria, dating from the 12th century, which greatly contributed to its development, Alcobaça offers its visitors a journey back in time. In addition to the Monastery, include in your itinerary a walk through its historic center, a climb to the Castle to admire the view and a visit to Parque dos Monges.

What to eat: At meal time, take the opportunity to try some typical dishes, such as chicken na púcara or Frei João-style grouper. The special highlight is the incredible convent sweets for which the area is known. The friar's egg pudding, egg bundles or Alcobaça grills will taste like heaven if you have a particular appetite for sweets.

Battle

Continuing the route of the cities home to World Heritage Monuments, your journey heads towards Batalha. Like Alcobaça, the city's development originated from the construction of a famous Monastery, in this case, the Monastery of Batalha, dating back to the 14th century. Some of the most interesting places in the area, in addition to the Monastery, are Pia do Urso (today a theme and sensory park), Grutas da Moeda and the Serras D'Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, whose occupation dates back to prehistoric times.

What to eat: In gastronomy, some typical dishes are worth highlighting, such as soup de verde or tachadéu, a pork fry in a clay pot. If your preferences lean more towards fish, we suggest you give the tibornadas based on roasted cod with smashed potatoes a try.

Coimbra

The eternal city of students could not be missing from this motorhome itinerary through central Portugal. Strolling through the historic center of Coimbra is always a source of memorable moments. The Santa Clara-a-Nova Monastery, the Machado Castro National Museum, the University (where the Joanina Library stands out) and the Sé Velha are just some of the places not to be missed.

What to eat: A visit to Coimbra would not be complete without tasting some of its typical dishes, such as lamprey rice, roast suckling pig or chanfana. In the sweets area, conventual sweets also reign supreme with delicacies such as Santa Clara pastries, clarissas pudding or arrufadas.

Aveiro

Aveiro, also known as the “Portuguese Venice”, closes the center itinerary in the best way. A walk along its canals, a visit to the Ria de Aveiro (which you can also cycle through via the Via Ecológica Ciclável) and Praia da Costa Nova, known for its houses decorated with colorful stripes, are mandatory inclusions.

What to eat: Enjoy dishes that have eel as a base, such as eel stew or marinated eels, or others such as mussel kebab and ray in pitau sauce. We hardly need to mention the soft eggs, one of the ex-libris of local regional sweets.



On the route of Alentejo traditions

The motorhome itinerary through the south of the country focuses on the interior of Alentejo, a perfect option for those looking to discover a little more about the traditions and customs of an area known for its tranquility and authenticity.

Évora

This trip through Alentejo begins in Évora, one of the most fascinating Portuguese cities from a cultural point of view. Discover unique monuments such as the Roman Temple (also known as the Temple of Diana), a World Heritage Site since 1986; the Chapel of Bones; and the Cathedral. In Praça do Giraldo, you will find several terraces, where you can rest for a while in the middle of the tour.

What to eat: To start this gastronomic itinerary through Alentejo, we suggest you give dishes such as lamb stew, dogfish soup or coriander feet a try. When it's time for dessert, it will be difficult to resist an enchanteda from the Convento de Santa Clara or a cheese from Céu de Mora, some beautiful examples of local convent sweets.

Arraiolos

With Évora visited, it's time to head towards the village of Arraiolos. Known for its mythical carpets whose origins date back to the time of the Arab occupation in Portugal, Arraiolos is a destination not to be missed on a trip through Alentejo. Its circular castle, located at the top of Monte de São Pedro, the Arraiolos Tapete Interpretive Center and Praça do Município are some of the places that you should not forget to add to your itinerary.

What to eat: At meal time, typical dishes such as black pork secretos with asparagus crumbs, Arraiolos pie and bacon pastries will leave you with delicious memories of this town filled with vast white houses.

Mourão

From Arraiolos we head to Baixo Alentejo, to lands bathed by the largest Artificial Lake in Europe: Alqueva. Stage of the Battle of Mourão, which pitted the Portuguese and Castilians during the War of Succession of Castile, the town of Mourão, despite being small, is a place worth visiting. Take the opportunity to discover the Castle, which offers unparalleled views over the surrounding area, as well as the Luz Museum, which will take you to discover the transformations that have taken place in the landscape since the construction of the Alqueva Dam.

On hotter days, Praia Fluvial de Mourão, located on a small island in the middle of the lake, filled with sand and grass, will be the perfect refuge for a dip in the cool water. If you are a fan of hiking, take the opportunity to venture along the pedestrian trail “For the Living Heritage of Mourão”, which, over 8 km, will show you some of the town's main monuments.

What to eat: While visiting the excellent restaurants in Mourão, enjoy some of the most typical Alentejo dishes, such as grain stew, lamb stew or soup from the pan.



Monsaraz

Still in Alqueva, there is another must-visit destination: the medieval village of Monsaraz. Winner of the “Monument Villages” category in 2017, the village guarantees an instant journey back in time. The Monument of Homage to Cante Alentejano welcomes visitors who, from here, advance towards the walls that, even today, hide the whitewashed houses and cobbled streets that characterize Monsaraz.

The Castle of Monsaraz, from where you can admire an unparalleled view over the lake and the lands it bathes, the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Lagoa and the various craft shops spread throughout the town are some of the places to include in this itinerary. If you urgently need to take a swim, take a detour to Praia Fluvial de Monsaraz. Just like Praia de Mourão, here you will find a vast sandy beach and excellent infrastructure for a day well spent by the water.

What to eat: If you didn't have the opportunity to try dishes such as lamb stew or grain stew in Mourão, you can do so in Monsaraz, in one of its many excellent restaurants. Add the cod migas to the list, and for dessert, enjoy the soggy ones or the rancid cake.