I’m going to preface this with the fact that we had done very little research prior to our road-trip. We had read some blogs and had some tips from friends but we were mainly ‘winging it’. But ‘winging it’ is really the only way to do a road-trip if you want to free-camp and be in the moment. The main aim of the trip was to get as much coastal time as possible and escape people. That sounds awful but sometimes it’s just what the soul needs. We wanted to surf, eat seafood, and I wanted experience Portuguese architecture – the beautiful tiles, colours and spaces. 
We started in Lisbon (this bit was in actual accommodation, not the camper van). I don’t think camper vanning in Lisbon would really work out. Lots of narrow roads and your odds of parking tickets would be through the roof. But if that doesn’t really bother you – give it a whirl? There are literally hundreds of epic looking places to eat and drink in Lisbon and with Portugal playing Spain in the world cup – the city was really buzzing. Hot tip – NEVER bag Ronaldo in Lisbon, you’ll be asking for a broken nose. They love him. 
If you walk the narrow roads from Time Out Market back along the waterfront and up-hill you will hit good places to eat and if you want an afternoon drinking spot with views check out the car-park rooftop bar aptly named ‘PARK’.
From Lisbon we chugged our way up to Peniche. A surf spot, with the most bloody freezing water you can imagine. Full wetsuit and booties for me. It was a pretty spot with some beachfront cafes and there are a number of places to park up for the night. 
Porto is truly beautiful – you need more than one day here. But if you have only one day (like we did) make it your mission to find local haunts like Cervejaria Gazela for their sandwich specialties and to walk along the Dom Luís I Bridge for some stunning views. 
We stayed the night in Marinha a desolate town that looked like a Californian suburb in the 70’s complete with cob-web fronted ‘disco’. We parked for the night in Praia da Madalena and took in a brilliant sunset and I had my first experience with Francesinha . If you see it on the menu – order it. Next day we surfed further South at Baia.
From there we continued down the coast to Ericeira. It’s Lisbon’s ‘Byron Bay’. Very surf, very shaka. The old town is particularly sweet and worth a stroll around. If you want to get shit scared (if you are a below average to bordering average surfer like me) paddle out at Foz do Lizandro. Nearly killed myself. Loved it here however and where we parked was beyond phenomenal. Try Park4night app and you will find this spot. Wowsers.
From Ericeira we wanted to hit the Costa Vincenza (the Southwestern National Park), so we drove as far as we could and ended up at a small beach. Again pretty view but probably not dramatic. We left early and carried on to Malhao beach. Again this was a surf spot for the intermediate at least, although some good body surfing if that’s your jam. If you just want to swim in some incredibly clear (but absolutely freezing turquoise water) you’ve found your spot. 
From here we continued to Arrifana. I am scared that this place is going to get very popular. If it does, it will be for good reason. Clifftop views, a beach with perfect waves for beginner surf and there are lots of boutique accommodation spots popping up here, as well as vegan cafes (of course). Arrifana was my favourite town on the drive and we found parking nearby at Carrapateira. We ended up staying here two nights because it was just so beautiful.
Next stop, Sagres – the South-Western most tip and beginning of the Algarve. Skip it. And skip Lagos, unless you want to hang-around with tourists and slightly feral looking back-packers. Free-camping isn’t made for cities. Lagos, Porto and the more remote parts of the Costa Vincenza are stupidly gorgeous. If you have a week on your hands, do this road-trip. You’ll remember it.
Pave & Pave Creative 