Page last updated: 16 March 2026
Campervan ownership has grown in Portugal over the last 10 years. Campervans and motorhomes went from being a niche travel option to becoming mainstream. Considered to be a hobby in the past, campervan ownership is now a large industry with a sizable impact on Portugal’s tourism and local economies.
How many campervans are registered in Portugal?
26,562 campervans were registered in both mainland Portugal and the autonomous regions of Azores and Madeira in 2024.
The number of campervans registered in recent years is as follows:
- Around 5,000 registered campervans in 2010.
- Around 10,000 registered campervans in 2020.
- 26,562 registered campervans as of 2024.
How many campervans are sold each year in Portugal?
There were 219 campervan units sold in 2017. This figure increased to 471 units in 2024.
The figures for campervan sales in Portugal are:
- 282 new campervans in 2019.
- 309 new campervans in 2020 (during the pandemic), a 9.6% increase from the previous year.
- 270 and 371 new campervans in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
- 457 new campervans in 2023, maintaining the upward momentum.
What percentage of households in Portugal own a campervan?
Around 0.6% of Portuguese households own a campervan in 2024. This depicts a small but growing portion of the population.
- Based on 4.15 million households from the 2021 Census count, the rate of campervan ownership grew from 0.3% in 2021 to 0.6% in 2024.
Portugal Camping Resources
What are the demographics of campervan owners in Portugal?
The typical Portuguese campervan owner is an older adult and often retired.
- Around 80% of Portuguese campervan owners are retired based on a 2016 report by the Portuguese Motorhome Federation.
What are the most popular campervan types in Portugal?
Family-oriented over-cab motorhomes are the most popular in Portugal but compact campervans are growing fast.
- Capuchin (over-cab) motorhomes – Used for family travel as they have more space and sleeping areas.
- Semi-integrated and integrated motorhomes – Used by couples and preferred due to their streamlined shape and efficiency.
- Campervans and van conversions – The fastest growing segment, especially among younger travellers and couples.
- Off-road 4×4 campers – A niche but visible segment, often owned by adventurous foreigners or expats.
How much does it cost to own a campervan in Portugal?
The costs of owning a campervan in Portugal are:
- New campervans – €50,000-€100,000. Luxury models can cost more.
- Used campervans – €15,000-€50,000 depending on age, size and features.
- Annual insurance – €135-€500. Portuguese Campervan Association members pay less.
- Road tax (IUC) – €60-€150 per year depending on weight and emissions.
- Vehicle inspections (IPO) – €31.50 per year. This is the same as a normal car.
- Annual maintenance – €200- €500 excluding major repairs.
- Parking or storage – €360-€1,200 per year if renting space (€30-€100 per month).
- Average annual basic cost – €500 excluding fuel and purchase price.
- Fuel efficiency – 10-12 litres per 100km for most campervans.
How long do Portuguese keep their campervans?
Ownership duration varies among Portuguese campervan owners, depending on their usage and financial situations.
- The average estimated ownership duration is around 7-10 years with some variation.
Campervans vs Caravans
- Around 64% of total recreational vehicles (RVs) were Caravans (18,000) and 36% were campervans (10,000) as of 2020
- 538 new recreational vehicles (RVs) were registered. 87.5% (471) were self-driven campervans and 12.5% (67) were towable caravans.
- New campervans typically cost €50,000-€100,000, more than caravans at €15,000- €30,000.
Campervan Statistics by Country
- Australian Campervan Statistics
- Canada Campervan Statistics
- France Campervan Statistics
- Germany Campervan Statistics
- Iceland Campervan Statistics
- Ireland Campervan Statistics
- Italy Campervan Statistics
- New Zealand Campervan Statistics
- Norway Campervan Statistics
References
- ML: Number of motorhomes in Portugal in 2024.
- ECF: Caravan and motor caravan in use in Europe.
- ECF: Registration figures 2020-2024.
- RR: 2016 report on campervan owner demographics and tourism impact.
- VE: Analysis of ownership costs (2020).
- CGD: Information on campervan advantages, disadvantages and costs