Is wild camping in Portugal legal? In short: yes, free camping has been allowed (again) since the end of 2021. Wild camping in Portugal has always been prohibited, but was tolerated for a long time as well.
Yes, wild camping is once again allowed in Portugal, with exceptions. As per amendments to Portugal's Highway Code articles 48 and 50-A approved in July 2021, “overnight stays in motorhomes approved by the IMT (Institute of Mobility and Transport) for a maximum period of 48 hours are allowed”.
Wild camping in a tent is not allowed in Portugal. However, overnight stays from (9 pm to 7 am) in motorhomes are allowed for up to 48 hours in a given municipality – unless it is locally prohibited. Most popular areas and beaches in the Algarve prohibit overnight stays.
You can find official campgrounds, showers and other amenities and also great hidden treasures for camping in Portugal and Europe. Don't be mislead by the name, campers with a tent will also find it very helpful.
You can use a tent, a caravan, a motorhome or even sleep under the stars. Bivouacking – spending the night outside – is permitted by international law, in cases of emergency.
Wild camping in Portugal
It is forbidden to stay overnight in the coastline (in front of the beach), in all natural protected areas, natural reserves and parks (marked with dark green in google maps, e.g. Costa Vicentina Natural Park), and also places that have specific signs saying campervans are not allowed.
The new law regarding parking for motorhomes is an important step forward in allowing people to rest during their travels. With this law, travellers can enjoy a 48-hour stay when visiting any municipality across the nation, as long as it's outside protected areas.
As a general rule, we can say: camping in a tent in the forest in Germany is verboten! In some German federal states, simply going off the designated forest paths at night is prohibited. If the forest area in question belongs to a private individual, you would need a permit to access it.
Some beaches absolutely allow it, some shut down at a certain time of night and no one is permitted. Many popular beaches have camping areas that are specified, so you may not be able to set up your tent where everyone is playing and swimming, but at a place further up the beach.
Camping tents tend to be larger. Not just thicker and bulkier, but bigger. You're not meant to sleep overnight in a beach tent, not really.
Officially wild camping in the Algarve and Portugal is not allowed, as is the case in many European countries. However campers who pitch their tent discretely and treat the land well are usually tolerated. If you're caught though, you may have to move on.
It's not forbidden by law to drink in public places (like beaches) in Portugal, and it's also more or less socially acceptable and very not frowned upon as long as you behave well and don't cause any scenes or get into physical fights.
Campsites in Portugal
Portugal offers a wide range of campsites during your camping vacation, in addition to beautiful scenery, stunning coastal beaches and impressive cities. Often located a bit away from the beaches, you will always find a nice spot for your caravan, camper or tent on the shady campsites.
Not only does this disturb animals but it can also be very be dangerous. Especially in dry months as there is a danger of forest fires in Germany and the penalties exceed the fine charged for illegal wild camping by far.
Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês is the best place to see traditional culture and wilderness. Wolves and ibex still prowl the upland forests of Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, Portugal's only designated national park.
Under the Land Reform Act of 2003, it is permitted almost anywhere with very few restrictions. Wild camping is also legal in Lithuania, Turkey and Finland. In some countries, like Norway and Sweden, the practice is actively encouraged. In many countries, however, it is illegal and the law is strictly enforced.
While you could technically take just about any tent to a beach where allowed, choosing one designed for the job is always better. Camping tents are built to serve a completely different purpose, so they could be too robust for a casual beach trip.
Beach tents are designed to be windproof and UV resistant, and they're often made from lightweight fabrics. Whereas proper camping tents are usually made to withstand the elements and are made of more heavy-duty fabrics. In other words, a true camping tent is much more durable and weather-resistant than a beach tent.
Secure Your Beach Canopy with Tent Stakes
A canopy is basically a tent without walls, so you can treat it in much the same way. You're using it to protect you from the sun and potentially some light rain if it comes to that. So you'll want to make sure you have it well anchored to resist the wind.
Finding camping sites in Germany
Camping generates a feeling of freedom, but of course campers also have to observe the rules. Wild camping is prohibited in Germany. If you simply pitch your tent in a German forest, you risk receiving a fine of up to 500 euros or even more if you do so with a camper van.
Cheap accommodation for backpacking through Europe
Accommodation is usually the biggest travel expense. Fortunately, there are some tricks to use to help you save money. The most common place where backpackers usually sleep during their trips are hostels.
Wild camping is generally prohibited in Italy with fines ranging from 100-500€. However, there are certain exceptions. You can get a permit from the local authorities then you're allowed to stand there freely.
On the western part of the island, there are accommodations (local lodging and rural tourism facilites) to spend the night, as wild camping is forbidden.
No, you are not legally allowed to wild camp anywhere in Spain. But yes, there are plenty of designated parking places where you can park a Camper and overnight in it for free and in accordance with the law. Just be sure to look for any prohibition signs or you may receive a hefty fine!
Wild camping generally is not permitted in France, except when the landowner permits to do so. Pitching up in protected natural sites or near historic monuments is never allowed. Local authorities or other authorities in charge of these designated areas can establish specific rules regarding the area they govern.