# Alentejo Coast and Rota Vicentina

> The Rota Vicentina lies in the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, with about 110 km of wild coastline. For motorhomes, overnighting is allow

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/alentejo-coast-rota-vicentina/

The Rota Vicentina lies in the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, with about 110 km of wild coastline. For motorhomes, overnighting is allowed only at designated places.

- **Region:** Alentejo and Algarve
- **Length:** About 110 km of wild coast
- **Start / end:** Porto Covo – Sagres
- **Suggested time:** 3–5 days
- **Best season:** Sep–Jun (walking season)

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €19 (Portugal).

## What should you know before visiting Alentejo Coast and Rota Vicentina?

- The natural park covers about 75,000 hectares. Towns from north to south: Santiago do Cacém, Porto Covo, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Odeceixe, Aljezur, Carrapateira, Vila do Bispo and Sagres.
- Press reports say the 2021 road-code amendment (Law 66/2021) bans motorhome overnighting in protected areas, Natura 2000 and coastal-plan zones outside expressly authorised spots.
- In 2021 the nature agency ICNF set criteria for motorhome service areas: up to 72 hours, not in the park's total or partial protection zones, and generally not within 500 m of the shoreline.
- The park plan bans camping and caravanning outside designated places. The Rota Vicentina recommends walking from September to June.

## The drive

The coast links the quiet rural Alentejo with the wild stretch of the Algarve. Behind it lie dunes, river valleys, scrub, and oak and pine forests. Two walking routes give orientation: the Historical Way starts in Santiago do Cacém and the Fishermen's Trail in Porto Covo. In the south, Lagos and Faro are the gateways. We found no verified length, height or weight limits; follow signs and judge road conditions on site.

## Camping

Press reports say the 2021 road-code amendment (Law 66/2021) bans motorhome overnighting in protected areas, Natura 2000 and coastal-plan zones outside expressly authorised spots. The ICNF describes service areas with waste disposal and fresh water as a complement to campsites, with stays of up to 72 hours. Outside such places the park plan bans camping and caravanning. Ask the ICNF and the municipality about current sites and rules.

## FAQs

**Where do the Rota Vicentina trails start?**
The Historical Way starts in Santiago do Cacém and the Fishermen's Trail in Porto Covo. Both lie in the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park.

**May I park freely on the coast in a motorhome?**
No, not outside designated zones. The park plan bans camping and caravanning outside designated places, and the road code bans overnighting in protected areas outside authorised spots. Clarify sites beforehand.

**When is the best time to travel?**
The Rota Vicentina recommends walking from September to June. Autumn is mild with calmer winds, winter is the rainiest, and spring is described as one of the best times.

**What are motorhome service areas (ASA)?**
They are signposted, sealed areas for draining wastewater and chemical toilets, refilling fresh water and disposing of household waste. They complement campsites, with stays of up to 72 hours.

**How much are the tolls on Alentejo Coast and Rota Vicentina?**
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €19 (Portugal). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.

## Places to see

- [Palácio da Pena](https://camping-spirit.com/places/pena/)
- [Algar de Benagil](https://camping-spirit.com/places/benagil/)
- [Almendres Cromlech](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b3-almendres-cromlech/)
- [Marvão Castle](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b3-marvao-castle/)
- [Silves Castle](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b3-silves-castle/)
- [Cabo da Roca](https://camping-spirit.com/places/cabo-roca/)
- [Ponta da Piedade](https://camping-spirit.com/places/ponta-piedade/)
- [Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b3-vila-vicosa-palace/)

## Campsites nearby

- [All campsites in Portugal](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/portugal/)