A place where the summer heat fades away among green mountains and history pulses in every corner. This destination, often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, offers a unique experience that combines freedom on wheels, deep culture, and comforting cuisine. Get ready to discover why pointing your camper north is the smartest decision for your next summer adventure.

Guimarães and Braga: The Green Heart of Northern Portugal

Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal, and Braga, the “Portuguese Rome,” form an unmatched historical and cultural duo. Located just 25 kilometers apart in the Minho region, they are the perfect destination for a motorhome route. Their climate is noticeably milder than that of the interior of the peninsula, with summers that are warm but not scorching, thanks to the Atlantic influence and the lush vegetation that surrounds them. This makes them the ideal refuge to escape the heat in a motorhome and head to Galicia and its surroundings. Imagine waking up to a pleasant temperature, perfect for exploring without the oppressive feeling of stifling heat.

The connection with Galicia is another major advantage. Crossing the border from Galicia into northern Portugal is a simple process and opens up a range of possibilities to extend your trip. You can easily design a circular route that starts in Galicia, descends to Braga and Guimarães, and returns, enjoying the best of both regions.

Why a Motorhome is the Key to Discovering This Region

Traveling by motorhome through this area offers a level of freedom that other modes of transport cannot match. The road network is excellent, well-signposted, and although some streets in the historic centers of the cities are narrow, the outskirts are well connected and have ample areas to park your vehicle.

The real magic lies in the possibility of staying in natural surroundings, waking up to the sound of birds in a camping Braga or at a motorhome area, just minutes from the cultural hustle and bustle. It allows you to improvise: if a village captivates you, you can stay an extra day. If the heat is intense in a specific area, you can move to a cooler microclimate in the nearby mountains. Your hotel on wheels follows you everywhere.

Plan Your Route: From Madrid to the Green Paradise

The journey from Madrid to the Braga region is part of the adventure. It’s approximately 5 and a half hours of driving on the highway (about 550 km), a perfectly manageable distance for a motorhome trip.

Recommended Route: Take the A-6 (Northwest Highway) towards Galicia. Pass through cities like Tordesillas, Benavente and enter Galicia through Pedrafita do Cebreiro. Continue on the AP-9 towards Ourense and then connect with the A-52 (Rías Baixas Highway) which will take you directly to the border with Portugal. Once in Portugal, take the A3 towards Braga.
Tips for the Road: Plan an intermediate stop for lunch and to stretch your legs. Areas like Salamanca or Galicia itself offer perfect rest areas. Drive calmly, enjoying the landscape as it transforms from the Castilian plateau to the green Galician and Portuguese mountains.

For those who do not yet have their own vehicle, it is the perfect time to consider a motorhome rental in Madrid. Companies like ours give you access to this experience. There is also the option of a caravan rental in Madrid if you prefer the classic trailer, or a camper rental in Madrid for those looking for a more compact and agile vehicle. The choice depends on your preferences and the size of your group.

Where to Stay Overnight with Your Motorhome: Campings and Specialized Areas

Finding a place to stay overnight with all the comforts is essential. Fortunately, the area offers options for all tastes.

Campings in Braga and Surroundings:

Parque de Campismo da Ponte (in Vila Verde, 20 min from Braga): A very complete camping site next to the Homem river. It offers delimited pitches, water and electricity services, modern bathrooms, a swimming pool, and a bar-restaurant. It is an excellent base for exploring the region.
Orbitur Ofir (in Esposende, 30 min from Braga): Located next to the beach and dunes, ideal if you want to combine culture with a dip in the Atlantic. It has all the necessary facilities and is perfect for families.

Motorhome Areas (Aires):
Portugal has a magnificent network of “aires”, more basic areas but with essential services (water fill-up, grey and black water disposal, sometimes electricity) for a symbolic price. They are usually well located and very popular.

Braga Motorhome Area: Located at the Estádio Municipal de Braga (the spectacular football stadium carved into a quarry). It is a safe area with good services, although it can fill up in high season.
Guimarães Motorhome Area: It is located next to the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques. It has essential services and is a walk from the historic center.

Wild Parking (Park4night):
For the more adventurous, apps like Park4night show places approved by the community to overnight in a more isolated and natural setting, always respecting local regulations and the environment.

Guimarães: Where a Nation Was Born

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Guimarães exudes history from its cobblestones.

Must-Sees:

The Castle of Guimarães: A 10th-century fortress with an imposing presence. Climbing its walls and imagining the battles that defined Portugal is a fascinating experience.
The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza: A 15th-century mansion carefully restored. Its halls, tapestries, and weapon collections transport you directly to the age of discoveries.
The Historic Center: Getting lost in the maze of medieval streets around the Plaza de Santiago and Largo da Oliveira is a must. The old houses, wrought-iron balconies, and squares full of terraces create a magical atmosphere.
The Cable Car: For an incredible panoramic view of the entire city, take the cable car to Monte da Penha. At the top, you will find a sanctuary and a natural park ideal for a walk.

Tip for Motorhomes: Avoid entering the city center with your large vehicle. Park in a peripheral parking lot (like the one at the Stadium) and explore the city on foot. It’s more relaxed and avoids fines.

Braga: History and Youth in Harmony

Braga is a vibrant city, one of the oldest in Portugal and a primary religious center.

Must-Sees:

The Sanctuary of Bom Jesús do Monte: The jewel in the crown! Climbing its zigzagging Baroque staircase, with its fountains representing the senses, is an almost spiritual experience. The views from the top are spectacular. You can climb on foot, by car, or on the century-old funicular (the oldest in the world operating on a water counterweight system).
Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga): The oldest cathedral in Portugal. Its interior is a lesson in art history, with styles ranging from Romanesque to Baroque.
The Historic Center: Pedestrian streets like Rua do Souto take you from the cathedral to the modern Praça da República, full of cafes and life.
Biscainhos Museum: An interactive and fun museum that explains the history of the region in a very engaging way, perfect if you are traveling with children.

Tip for Motorhomes: The Sanctuary of Bom Jesús has a large parking lot at the top, accessible by motorhome. For the center, use the Stadium parking (which is the motorhome area) or other peripheral public car parks.

Beyond the Cities: Exploring the Minho Region

Your motorhome is your ticket to explore the surroundings. Don’t miss:

Peneda-Gerês National Park: A wild and protected expanse with waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes like the one at Tahiti, and incredible hiking routes. It is the perfect place to escape the heat in a motorhome and head to Galicia and its neighboring nature.
Ponte de Lima: A beautiful town considered the oldest in Portugal, with a Romanesque bridge over the Lima river and a charming historic center.
Viana do Castelo: Where the Lima river meets the ocean. Visit the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia (with stunning views) and enjoy its beach and historic center.

Flavors of the Minho: What to Eat and Drink

The gastronomy is a fundamental part of the experience.

Typical Dishes: Don’t leave without trying “Rojões à Minhota” (fried pieces of pork with potatoes), “Bacalhau à Braga” (cod prepared deliciously), and “Francesinha” (a explosion of flavors with meat, cheese, and spicy sauce).
Wines: The region is famous for Vinho Verde, a young, fresh, and slightly sparkling wine, perfect for summer.
Desserts: Try “Pudim Abade de Priscos” (an egg flan with bacon) and “Tortas de Guimarães” (a delicious almond pastry).

Tip: Municipal markets, like the one in Braga, are fantastic places to buy fresh, local produce to cook in your motorhome.

Practical Tips for Your Motorhome Adventure

Driving in Portugal: It is mandatory to carry two warning triangles and one reflective vest per person. The toll on highways (with prefix A, like A3, A7) is paid through an electronic system. If your motorhome does not have the “Via Verde” device, you must pay the tolls at a “Pago de Portagens” office in the days following use. Be sure to inform yourself well before you leave.
Weather: Although the summer is mild, bring some warm clothes for the nights, which can be cool, and for visits to mountain areas like Gerês.
Language: Portuguese is the language, but in tourist areas, Spanish is perfectly understood. An “obrigado/obrigada” (thank you) is always well received.
Respect: Be a responsible traveler. Always use service areas to empty wastewater and pick up all your trash. Leave places better than you found them.

This trip is the perfect opportunity to discover that the best way to escape the stifling heat is not only at the beach, but in the perfect combination of history, green nature, and the absolute freedom that only a motorhome can provide. The roads of northern Portugal await you.

Ready to live this adventure on wheels? At Autocaravanas Camperdadi we help you make it happen. Call us at +34 91 082 06 32, send us a WhatsApp to +34 639 266 865 or email us at info@autocaravanascamperdadi.com to check our vehicle availability and get personalized advice for your route.