Mohamed's Large campervan

Nan by Nan & Pop’s Campervans

Built by hand and designed for slow, scenic travel, this 1997 Mercedes Sprinter is a cosy and spacious camper that feels more like a tiny cabin on wheels than a standard rental van. It’s ideal for two people who want a comfortable, character-filled base for exploring Portugal and beyond.

One of its biggest strengths is the layout. Unlike many campervans with a narrow sideways bed, this van has a generous pull-out double bed (approx. 150 x 190 cm), so two adults can sleep comfortably. The bed slides out over the seating area and can stay made up during your trip, or slide back to open up the lounge space during the day. Inside, there is full standing height, a warm handmade interior, and enough seating for relaxing, eating, or spending a cosy evening indoors.

The van is fully equipped for simple and comfortable off-grid living. It has a fixed indoor kitchen with a 2-burner gas hob, sink with running water, fridge, pantry space, and everything needed to cook proper meals on the road — including a moka pot for slow mornings and good coffee. There is also an indoor table for meals or working. At the back, there’s a custom pull-out picnic table and bench setup, perfect for breakfast in the sun or dinner with a view.

For longer trips and more independent travel, the van has a strong off-grid setup with a large solar panel, leisure batteries, USB charging, lighting, fan, fridge, and water pump all running from the house system. The 80L fresh water tank, outdoor shower, and separating compost toilet make it easy to travel comfortably without relying on campsites every night. It is fully insulated, which makes a big difference with Portugal’s day-to-night temperature changes.

This van is best suited to people who like taking the scenic route. It drives well, handles hills confidently, and is happiest on coastal roads, countryside escapes, and slower road trips where the journey matters as much as the destination. It is a manual diesel van with 2 belted travel seats, and while it is very manageable to drive, it is still a classic Sprinter — bigger and heavier than a car — so it suits confident, attentive drivers.

A few practical things to know: this is an older handmade camper with character, not a brand-new motorhome. It does not have cab air conditioning, and it is not suitable for sand, off-roading, or roads with low clearance. It is, however, a well-loved, thoughtfully designed van with a warm atmosphere, a lot of personality, and everything needed for a memorable trip.

This van is part of Nan & Pop’s Campervans, named in honour of my grandparents and built with the same warmth, care, and character that inspired the project.

If you’re looking for a generic camper, this probably isn’t it. If you want something handcrafted, comfortable, and full of charm for a beautiful road trip, you’ll feel right at home here.

Insurance:

• The rental includes standard insurance with a deductible/deposit of €1250.

• If you would like to reduce the deductible to €850, this can be arranged for an additional €12/day, paid directly to the owner.

Please note: the van should be returned clean and tidy, with the toilet emptied and all equipment in place. Extra cleaning, missing items, misuse, or damage may incur additional charges.