Visiting Portugal?
Exploring Portugal by motorhome is a fantastic way to discover its Atlantic coastline, historic cities, and mountain villages. But public holidays can bring both opportunities and challenges: vibrant festivals and parades on one hand, and busy roads or closed shops on the other. Our guide to Portugal’s public holidays in 2026, 2027, and 2028 helps international travellers plan ahead — showing when to join the celebrations, and when to travel just before or after for quieter routes and easier overnight stops.
Portugal Public Holidays 2026–2028
| Holiday | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thu 1 Jan 2026 | Fri 1 Jan 2027 | Sat 1 Jan 2028 |
| Carnival (Shrove Tuesday) | Tue 17 Feb 2026 | Tue 16 Feb 2027 | Tue 29 Feb 2028 |
| Good Friday | Fri 3 Apr 2026 | Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Fri 14 Apr 2028 |
| Easter Sunday | Sun 5 Apr 2026 | Sun 28 Mar 2027 | Sun 16 Apr 2028 |
| Liberty Day | Sat 25 Apr 2026 | Sun 25 Apr 2027 | Tue 25 Apr 2028 |
| Labour Day | Fri 1 May 2026 | Sat 1 May 2027 | Mon 1 May 2028 |
| Corpus Christi | Thu 4 Jun 2026 | Thu 3 Jun 2027 | Thu 15 Jun 2028 |
| Portugal Day | Wed 10 Jun 2026 | Thu 10 Jun 2027 | Sat 10 Jun 2028 |
| Assumption of Mary | Sat 15 Aug 2026 | Sun 15 Aug 2027 | Tue 15 Aug 2028 |
| Republic Day | Mon 5 Oct 2026 | Tue 5 Oct 2027 | Thu 5 Oct 2028 |
| All Saints’ Day | Sun 1 Nov 2026 | Mon 1 Nov 2027 | Wed 1 Nov 2028 |
| Restoration of Independence | Tue 1 Dec 2026 | Wed 1 Dec 2027 | Fri 1 Dec 2028 |
| Immaculate Conception | Tue 8 Dec 2026 | Wed 8 Dec 2027 | Fri 8 Dec 2028 |
| Christmas Day | Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Sat 25 Dec 2027 | Mon 25 Dec 2028 |
Tips for International Motorhome Travellers
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Closures: On 25 April (Liberty Day), 1 May, 10 June, 15 August, and Christmas, expect widespread closures of shops and services. Stock up the day before.
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Carnival (February) → colourful parades in Lisbon, Torres Vedras, and Madeira. Parking in city centres is difficult; stay outside and use public transport.
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Summer holidays: August is peak season for Portuguese families. Coastal campsites fill quickly — book in advance.
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Best opportunities:
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Easter → traditional processions in Braga and Óbidos.
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Portugal Day (10 June) → patriotic celebrations, concerts, and parades.
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Christmas → festive markets in Porto and Lisbon, with motorhome‑friendly stopovers nearby.
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Travel strategy:
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Arrive early at popular aires before locals head out.
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Use holidays to enjoy cultural events, or travel just before/after for quieter roads.
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Vehicles Available
Motorhomes in Portugal
Luxury Coaches in Portugal
Campervans in Portugal
General Info
A wonderful country to visit by motorhome as there is good infrastructure and the people are welcoming
If you prefer to visit the north with its unique traditions, check motorhome availability in advance
One-way trips are not possible here. Lisbon to Porto is unfortunately impossible!
Camping along the beaches is tolerated but be discreet. Long may it last!
Choose to travel in the countryside and stay at farms and you will not be disappointed
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