Porto is a city that can’t be missed when visiting Portugal. Its unique blend of medieval architecture, and the production of Port, attracts thousands of tourists every year. However, like most European cities, Porto is not the most campervan friendly. Although there is an abundance of spots on popular parking apps such as Park4night, many of them have abysmal reviews and are not safe. With a high rate of campervan break-ins, finding a place to park overnight in Porto that is safe is the top priority.
Both places to park overnight in Porto that we discuss below have been tried and tested by us. Furthermore, we would return to these spots in the future if we were to visit Porto again.
Central Porto
This place to park overnight in Porto is located south of the River Douro and is just out with the inner ring road. Despite appearing to be quite far out from the centre of Porto, the commute in is not too long – 30 mins using public transport, or a 45 minutes walk.
This spot is purely functional. It is flat, quiet, and is even located within a 5-minute walk of 2 local supermarkets… and a Mcdonald’s and KFC. So you certainly won’t go hungry here.
This place to park your motorhome in Porto is not too large. So if you are travelling in a vehicle longer than 8m, we do not recommend this place. Our 6m campervan fit in comfortably, however, if you are any bigger you may feel out of place due to the nature of this spot.
Unsurprisingly, this spot is NOT scenic, in fact, quite the contrary. Located slightly outwith the city centre of Porto, this place to park overnight certainly has a more residential/industrial feel. It shares non of the abundant charm that Porto is known for.
Although we felt safe here and stayed in this spot for 2 nights, we didn’t feel the most comfortable parking here. This spot appears to be a small car park for an apartment block. Although it remained pretty empty for the duration of our stay, we felt like we were intruding. Or at the very least an eyesore to the residents.
It is also within a 10-minute (uphill) walk of an El Cortes Ingles (a huge 7-storey department store).
There are bins located in the car park, and even recycling bins too. There are no real facilities here, however, there is a toilet in the nearby Mercadona.
Location
Vereda da Fontinha, 71, 2.º Centro Posterior Direito, 4430-685 Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, Portugal
41.122741 , -8.596197
Price
Free
toilets
No
Water
No
Bins
Yes, including recycling
signal / 4G
Good 4G and signal.
Outside Of Porto
This place to park overnight outside of Porto is not to be missed. Unfortunately it is a LONG commute, but what it brings to the table is well worth it.
Located in the small village of Souselo 30 miles (1hr drive) from Porto, this spot is truly a hidden gem.
It is a small aire that offers free electricity and toilets, as well as the traditional water point and dumping facilities. It is extremely well-maintained and very clean. Quite frankly, we can’t recommend this place highly enough. There is even free wifi here, although we found it to be pretty rubbish.
The only drawback of this spot is the steep entrance into the aire. Not only is it steep but the turning into it is pretty narrow too. As a 6m campervan, we found it to be a little too close for comfort, but certainly manageable. When we were here, there were several other vehicles, many of which were significantly larger than us. So it is definitely possible to use this spot if you are a vehicle up to approximately 8m long.
Location
Parque de Autocaravanismo de Souselo, N222, Souselo, Portugal
41.069997, -8.230607
Price
Free
toilets
Yes
Water
Yes, fresh and grey
Bins
Yes, small bins
signal / 4G
Good 4G and signal.
We found both of these spots to be adequate when visiting Porto. The central one was perfect for easy access into the city, and the spot outside of Porto was sheer bliss. Arguably, the worst thing about that spot was its location.
If we were to go back to Porto we would definitely use these spots again. But if we had to pick a favourite, it would be the place to park overnight out with Porto, as we really couldn’t fault it.
If you have any questions regarding where to park overnight in Porto…or Portugal in general do not hesitate to comment down below.
Or why not check out all the great overnight parking places we have been to so far here! (or just in Portugal)
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