Portugal by campervan: food and supermarkets
Where to buy food in Portugal, which supermarkets to use, opening hours and practical tips for eating on the road. What to know before you go.
Published 18 September 2026Last checked 21 September 2026
Currency
Euro
EUR. Cards are common. Keep cash for small stops
Driving
Right
Registration class determines the speed limit
Power
230V, type F
Two round pins
Emergency
112
Free from any phone
Overnight
Up to 48 hours
Unless local or protected-area rules prohibit it
Tolls
Check before entry
Some motorways use gantries without booths
Food and shops
Food and shops
Large supermarkets are the simplest place to restock and many open on Sundays, but hours vary by branch, season and municipality. Smaller shops may close for lunch. Check the individual store before making a long detour, especially on public holidays or in the interior.
For an inexpensive cooked lunch, look for prato do dia or a fixed menu. Ask what is included before ordering. Bread, olives or other appetisers placed on the table are not automatically free. You can decline untouched items. Stock up before remote coast, mountain and protected-area routes where evening choice may be limited.
Where to shop
- Best value: Lidl or Aldi.
- Full range: Continente or Pingo Doce.
- Camper access: Continente Modelo and larger suburban stores usually have the best van access.
Restocking the van
- Buy food and drinking water before entering remote sections of the Alentejo, mountains or protected coast.
- Markets work best in the morning. Produce stalls may finish around lunch.
- Petrol stations provide a Sunday fallback but usually with less choice and higher prices.
Eating out
- Lunch generally starts earlier than in neighbouring Spain.
- Ask what a daily menu includes, particularly drinks, bread, dessert and coffee.
- Decline an untouched couvert if you do not want to pay for it.
- Tipping is optional. Rounding up or leaving a small amount for good service is enough.