On the road: Charlie’s family campervan adventure across Portugal

‘Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me’

There’s something nostalgic and magnetic about setting off on the wide open road in a campervan, with everything you need rolling along on four wheels. We’re interviewing Epic’s founder Charlie Shepherd to find out how his family campervan adventure went down.

Over the summer, the family piled into a rented campervan, starting in Caminha on the northern coastal border with Spain, and ending in the opposite southern corner of Portugal in the town of Vila Real de Santo Antonio in the Algarve.

Let’s see what Charlie has to say about the experience, his favourite finds, and connecting with his family.

Want help planning a trip (or a move) to Portugal in 2025? Reach out to us info@epic.travel

Why did you decide to take a campervan adventure across Portugal?

“We’re an adventurous family by nature – so this summer we wanted to recapture that feeling of adventure by exploring a less conventional tourist route locally. To see a bit more of the real Portugal together. It was a part family adventure, part product research mission – here at Epic we want to encourage visitors to leave the conventional tourist routes,” Charlies says.

“The camper van was motivated by the urge to be more self-sufficient, not be limited by the normal time constraints that hotel travel imposes, and to involve the children with route planning, map reading and bring the travel experience to life for them in a different way so they could appreciate and engage with it.”

What did you discover?

“Geographically, the region we traversed is characterised by multiple ranges of mountains and hilltop fort towns and villages, many are largely off the tourist trail and we found little hidden gems on every turn.

“We loved the Peneda-Gerês National Park (the only official national park in Portugal), Monsanto a fortified village where houses are built into the rocks, Lake Camona (the best wild camping and swimming spot on the shores of a stunning lake), and the fortified Alentejo town of Elvas (my personal fave, the town is a treasure trove of varied and enthralling architecture).”

Read next… Portugal 7-day itinerary: A week of family foodie and coastal fun

The vehicle and stay

“We found a very serviceable Fiat Ducato 5 berth, which has two double bunks and one pop-up bed in the driver’s cabin. It was a manageable size for maneuverability and to access the more wild places. Large RVs would, of course, be more comfortable but you have fewer wilderness possibilities.

“From a family perspective, we loved being together and exploring under our own steam, although by the end of the trip I did notice everyone was keen to get back to their own rooms. For customers, I might suggest a mix of a curated and mapped road-trip in a camper or RV, and special respite stays for a pamper and some of your own time on the way.

“Additionally, we found that there was a bit of a problem with insects pestering us. I think that just comes part and parcel with camping, but if your campervan has a particular problem with pests then you might want to give it a treatment.”

Would you do it again?

“Absolutely! We loved it and I think our Epic guests would too. We can weave in lots of mini-adventures, activities and overnight stays. There are many opportunities for chance local encounters and to explore the wilderness when you have a home on wheels.

“Portugal only has a population of 10 million people too, so it’s a bit like travelling in New Zealand. You have the roads to yourself and jaw-dropping scenery at every turn.”

What is Epic offering for travellers who want a road-trip?

“All our Portugal trips are tailored to each customer’s needs. We think about the kind of things they like to do, the group make-up, time they have, and appetite for adventure.

“For most of our customers, I’d recommend a mix of outdoor adventure and occasional indoor luxury (a restful break from the driving and bunks). In terms of trip ideas, there are so many routes in Portugal you could take that bring you closer to the landscape and people.

“We design trips that take in a mix of wilderness and towns and of course there is the coast, wineries, lakes, parks… so much to discover. We can do the same in Morocco, but most of our Moroccan clients like to be driven versus drive themselves.”

For more information on how we can tailor-design an RV tour across Portugal or Morocco, drop us a line on info@epic.travel for more information, or fill out our contact form

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Updated January 14, 2025