The Greatest Stops Throughout My Street Journey From Germany to Portugal

Touring in a van from the north of Germany to Portugal has been fascinating, difficult, and adventurous. I selected my route alongside the Atlantic Ocean shoreline, the blue ocean guiding me like a trusted compass. I’ve achieved this highway journey 3 times in complete by now and have explored quite a few unbelievable spots and stops.

Every journey alongside this path confirmed me a range of landscapes, from the rugged cliffs of Northern France to the limitless seashores of Galicia and Portugal. One focus of my journeys has been discovering wonderful waves to surf. This led me to some unbelievable locations with parking spots proper behind the dunes, a number of strolling steps away from probably the most stunning and peaceable seashores.

Diving into not solely the Atlantic Ocean virtually daily, however into a unique tradition and delicacies with each different cease has been such a beautiful expertise. I’d eat conventional French pastries, strive tapas in Spain and scrumptious contemporary seafood in Portugal. Every day provided not only a change in surroundings, however an entire new world of experiences, adventures and tales. This text options a few of my favourite locations that I’ve visited, both alone or with my buddy or boyfriend on the highway. 

Word: Every of the 3 times I did this highway journey I used to be accompanied by both a buddy or my boyfriend. Some components I additionally explored on my own. On this article I’ll swap between referring to solely myself and the folks accompanying me on the highway. I wrote an article about my first time road-tripping within the van.

France: Fairy Tales, Crashing Waves and Croissants

I’ll begin by speaking about the most effective locations I visited in France.

Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel made me really feel like a princess in a Disney Film, which is sort of spectacular when you’ve gotten been on the highway for a couple of week with a complete rely of 1 bathe. Alternatively, it supposedly impressed the fort of Rapunzel’s dad and mom within the film Tangled, so I shouldn’t be too shocked.

Probably the most putting options of Mont Saint-Michel is its beautiful location. It’s a stunning medieval abbey on a rocky island. On low tide you’ll be able to entry Mont Saint-Michel by foot nonetheless with the excessive tide the Mont turns into surrounded by water, creating an imposing island rising from the ocean.

We arrived within the afternoon in a parking spot “Parking du Bec d’Andaine” which is situated half-hour north of Mont Saint-Michel. The car parking zone is crowded through the day, stuffed with vacationers and teams of college youngsters that stroll to the fort on foot over the Wadden Sea.

With the setting solar, it quiets down and affords a terrific spot for an in a single day keep. For us it was good to see the fort from afar within the setting solar. I beloved seeing the fort from afar earlier than visiting the  island itself. To go to the fort you’ll be able to stroll from the parking spot to the island when the tide is low. Be sure to verify the tide schedules earlier than your go to, because the tides can have an effect on entry to the Mont.

What we did as a substitute was drive thirty minutes to the designated parking lot by the island (12€ for a day) and take the free shuttle bus to the fort.

You stroll throughout a bridge to the island. Seeing the Fort from the coast had been so picturesque however exploring the slim, cobbled streets that wind up in the direction of the abbey on our personal was unbelievable. Strolling by the Medieval Village made us really feel transported again in time.

We explored the Abbey and realized a bit about its historical past whereas admiring not solely the structure of the place however the marvellous view as properly. The Abbey’s terrace affords a spectacular panoramic view of the encompassing bay. We’d watch the teams of vacationers stroll over the disappearing Wadden Sea at low tide. Whether or not it’s the historic streets, the breath-taking views, or the distinctive tide phenomena, this island is actually enchanting. It positively introduced us a little bit of magic. 

La Rochelle

La Rochelle was one of many few cities we visited. It’s recognized for its historic ports and exquisite outdated city. We loved the distinction to our nature spots. For us it was the proper metropolis to spend a day in. It affords so many alternatives to buy, discover tradition and take a look at native delicacies. We parked someplace on the town and began strolling with no plan.

First, we noticed La Rochelle’s outdated harbor (Vieux Port), which the town is legendary for. It’s characterised by its medieval towers guarding the doorway – the Saint-Nicolas Tower, the Chain Tower, and the Lantern Tower. These towers are iconic symbols of the town’s wealthy maritime historical past. They grew to become extra spectacular after we noticed them lit up at evening. We strolled by the charming streets of the city, stopping for postcards, espresso and ice cream.

La Rochelle is famend for its well-preserved outdated city which is gorgeous to stroll by. On one sq. folks had been dancing below pink umbrellas hung up within the sky. It has numerous cute cafes and eating places. We particularly loved trying by all of the little outlets stuffed with souvenirs, decorations, video games, posters, and different cute gadgets.

Within the night, in any case our purchasing, we discovered ourselves in a small however crowded alley the place a band performed within the streets. It felt like a small occasion, everybody singing and dancing within the streets. When the clock struck midnight we drove to a spot a bit additional out city the place we might park the van and sleep at evening. 

Seashores and Biarritz within the Southwest of France

The Southwest of France is dwelling to a number of the most stunning and unspoiled seashores in France. There may be the Grande Plage in Biarritz or the distant seashores of the Landes area, the place you’ll be able to sunbathe or people-watch. It’s equally as standard for its surf spots, which is without doubt one of the most important causes I took my time exploring this area.

For surf fans notably the Atlantic coast round Biarritz and Hossegor, is a must-visit. These spots are well-known for his or her surf tradition and host a number of worldwide browsing competitions. The waves right here cater to all ranges, from novices to professionals.

Even if you happen to’ve by no means stood on a surfboard, that is your time to strive. My favourite spots embody Soulac-sur-Mer, Plage Surveillée du Gurp, Cap de L’homy and the Plage des Océanides in Capbreton. I beloved the unbelievable seashores and waves but in addition the chance to park so near the ocean. At some you’ll be able to park proper behind the dunes or below excessive pine bushes, that are attribute of this area. The shoreline is dotted with expansive sandy seashores, and small seaside cities which gave me a way of peacefulness. Perhaps as a result of the seashores weren’t overrun by vacationers.

In summer season the seashores are packed and it’s will get too sizzling for my private choice. I discovered autumn and spring to be the proper time to discover the Southwest of France. It isn’t as crowded as in however the climate continues to be principally sunny. Even in mid September we might nonetheless sunbathe and surf in bikinis as a substitute of wetsuits.

In conclusion, the Atlantic coast within the south west of France is an incredible vacation spot to get pleasure from a surprising pure surroundings, scrumptious meals, and a vibrant surf scene. I particularly suggest visiting Cap De L’homy. It’s a bit much less crowded vacation spot for these searching for peace, serene seashores and pure landscapes and is right for browsing, sunbathing, swimming, and having fun with magical sunsets.

If you happen to’re in search of extra of a metropolis environment, it’s best to go to Biarritz. Biarritz seems like a small seaside metropolis. I beloved strolling across the streets, exploring the smaller outlets for jewellery, surf garments, data and souvenirs. My buddy and I purchased postcards. We wrote them whereas sitting in a cute cafe and having fun with an enormous brunch  – a distinction to our normal van life breakfast.

Town’s many eating places and bistros have a variety of various meals choices. We strolled by the native meals court docket, Halles de Biarritz, and purchased small treats – croissants, macarons and quiche. We ate them in entrance of the picturesque harbor. The extensive blue ocean creates a stupendous coastal surroundings. 

SPAIN: Countless Nature and Countless Smiles 

Galicia

Galicia is my all time favourite highway journey vacation spot. Each time I drive from Portugal to Germany (or from Germany to Portugal) I be certain that to spend a number of days alongside this unbelievable shoreline within the northwest of Spain. It affords many various hidden nature spots proper by unbelievable seashores. Many of the instances you’ll be able to park proper by the seaside too.

I’ve woken as much as serene sunrises, seen breathtaking sunsets, surfed empty line-ups and explored stunning nature. All the pieces proper subsequent to my parked van. Galicia actually is a paradise for all seaside and nature lovers.

You’ll find sand seashores hidden between rugged coastlines, tasty seafood and welcoming folks, to not neglect concerning the breathtaking evening sky. I like exploring Galicia and may’t wait to be again quickly, to surf, to sunbathe, to discover its nature.

Bilbao and Sopelana

Sopelana continues to be one in all my favourite stops. We initially stayed right here to take a day journey to Bilbao however stayed longer for the wonderful surf and unbelievable views. I’m not an enormous fan of massive cities and staying in a van in a metropolis is somewhat inconvenient, that’s why we felt so fortunate to discover a car parking zone in Sopelana, proper by the seaside. We drove into Bilbao sooner or later to discover it and in any other case loved the calm and beachy environment of Sopelana. 

Once we drove to Bilbao, we parked someplace within the outskirts and took the metro into city. Our first cease was, after all, the well-known Guggenheim Museum. We admired the spectacular structure of the Museum in addition to the 2 statues outdoors. Pet is the world’s largest flower sculpture. A everlasting set up created by the American artist Jeff Koons. In distinction to the gorgeous flower association you’ll find Maman, the monumental metal spider that’s virtually 9 meters tall.

Regardless that the admission costs are cheap, we determined to spend our restricted time within the sunny streets of Bilbao. We wandered by the outdated city’s charming streets.

The guts and soul of Bilbao, the Casco Viejo, affords a stark distinction to the modernity of the Guggenheim. Within the Outdated City we walked by its seven authentic streets (Las Siete Calles) and found charming boutiques, conventional Basque taverns (pintxos bars), and historic landmarks just like the Santiago Cathedral and the Plaza Nueva. It was a good way to expertise the town’s conventional tradition and delicacies.

At Plaza Nueva we tried some pintxos (native tapas) which had been scrumptious. You may get them on the many bars and taverns which might be in all places within the metropolis. One other place to strive pintxos is the Mercado de la Ribera the place you can even purchase contemporary native merchandise like cheese, wine or fish. We loved strolling by Bilbao, absorbing its full of life environment and roaming round Casco Viejo.

I really feel like we acquired to see a number of the greatest components of Bilbao within the quick time that we visited. Nevertheless, there’s plenty of locations that we didn’t get to see. On my listing for subsequent time is Cafe Iruna for the nice meals and exquisite historic tiled partitions inside.

In distinction to the busy metropolis we had been grateful for the calm atmosphere of Sopelana. The car parking zone is on the cliffs proper by the seaside. We had an incredible panoramic view of the blue ocean and surfers. Throughout the day the seaside and parking are packed so it’s important to be fortunate with discovering a spot however within the night it quiets down a bit of.

We felt protected and met plenty of different like-minded vacationers. We spent our time laying on the seaside, having fun with the sunshine, browsing, and skating a skate bowl on the cliffs. 

I can suggest staying in Sopelana and visiting Bilbao if you happen to’re in search of the proper mixture of metropolis and seaside.

Portugal: Small Fishing Cities, Ceramic Tiles and Waves

Porto, Portugal

Porto has an simple attraction. I fall in love with this metropolis a bit of extra each time I go to. It’s famend for its colourful structure, world-famous port wine, and a full of life culinary scene. I don’t suggest driving into the town with a van or motorhome. The streets are busy and slim and a few on-line evaluations counsel that parking a van on the town isn’t protected.

As an alternative, I wish to park at one of many tenting websites within the district of Madalena, that are fairly standard even within the off-season. I do know that after a busy time exploring the town I can return to a protected campsite. There’s a bus connection into the town heart, I nonetheless favor to take an Uber or Bolt which takes me on to the Jardim do Morro. T

he small hill affords breathtaking views of the cityscape and offers a stupendous first impression of Porto. From there you’ll be able to cross the Dom Luís I Bridge into the Ribeira District. The bridge is a logo of the town’s industrial heritage. The Ribeira District, with its slim, cobbled streets, colourful homes, and full of life squares overlooking the Douro River, is quintessentially Porto.

I like to recommend simply strolling by and taking within the metropolis’s vibrant environment. It’s my favourite technique to discover any metropolis. 

Be ready to stroll a whole lot of stairs. The realm is bustling with conventional eating places, cafes, and bars the place you’ll be able to strive native delicacies. I like to recommend doing a Port wine tasting and attempting the Francesinha sandwich in addition to a Pastel de Nata.

If you wish to see some extra sights you’ll be able to go to the São Bento Railway Station for its azulejos (ceramic tiles), the Clérigos Tower as the town’s most iconic landmark or the Livraria Lello, which is ranked among the many most stunning bookstores on the earth. Undoubtedly stroll alongside the riverbank to soak up the beautiful views of the town.

Nazaré, Portugal

Nazaré, is a picturesque seaside city in Portugal, famend for its majestic sea cliffs, expansive sandy seashores, and vibrant cultural heritage. Regardless that the city has a quaint attraction and scrumptious seafood, that wasn’t what initially drew me to it. As an alternative I visited Nazaré for its world-famous large waves. The underwater Nazaré Canyon creates record-breaking swells that appeal to surfers from across the globe.

The massive wave season is between October and March in which you’ll see waves that common about 15 meters (50 toes) excessive and if the circumstances are distinctive even as much as 24 meters (80 toes). Watching surfers navigate the monstrous waves is a such a particular expertise that’s each exhilarating and humbling. It’s unbelievable to see. 

When the waves are large and an occasion is on, there are large crowds of individuals watching. You possibly can watch the spectacle from the seaside, Praia do Norte, nonetheless the most effective place to watch is on Sítio da Nazaré. It’s by the lighthouse – Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, which you’ll go to the inside of all year long. It homes a small exhibition devoted to the surf tradition in Nazaré and the historical past of massive wave browsing.

I discovered it very attention-grabbing to dive a bit of deeper into the background of the Nazaré large wave browsing. To summarize, Nazaré is certainly price seeing. The seashores are stunning and it’s a captivating city to walk by. If you happen to’re in search of a little bit of thrill be sure to time your go to based on the swell. That method you get to expertise the colossal waves at Praia do Norte. 

Ericeira, Portugal

Ericeira is well my favourite vacation spot, most likely as a result of I’ve spent probably the most period of time right here. It’s recognized for being one of many few World Browsing Reserves, a testomony to its distinctive waves and surf tradition. It attracts surfers and vacationers from all all over the world. Regardless, I discover that it doesn’t lose its conventional Portuguese attraction.

It’s proper by the ocean with quite a few stunning seashores and a vibrant social life on the town. The outdated city is a labyrinth of cobbled streets, conventional white homes with blue trim, and quaint squares. Wandering by, you’ll uncover distinctive outlets, cafes, and seafood eating places that serve contemporary seafood dishes.

At Praia dos Pescadores, or Fisherman’s Seaside, you’ll be able to typically watch native fishermen launching their boats, sustaining the village’s lengthy standing maritime traditions. Praia dos Pescadores is simply one of many many unbelievable seashores all alongside the shoreline. There are a number of well-known surf spots, together with Ribeira d’Ilhas and Coxos. Whether or not you’re a seasoned surfer or a newbie, the various surf spots provide circumstances for all ranges. 

Even if you’re not into browsing there are lots of different actions to strive. You possibly can skate, apply Yoga, strive bouldering or climbing. Particularly in summer season there’s a full of life occasion scene to get pleasure from. It’s additionally a improbable place for a metropolis stroll, a nature stroll, sunbathing, or just soaking within the vibrant environment and exquisite views of the Atlantic.

One word: When you can keep at quite a few wonderful hostels and resorts, it’s a bit much less straightforward when looking for an in a single day parking spot with a van. I like to recommend the campsite on the town or discovering a parking spot a bit additional alongside the shoreline.

Nevertheless, Ericeira is certainly price visiting. It’s such a captivating seaside village with distinctive sights and actions. Whether or not you’re drawn in by the waves, the attract of conventional Portuguese village life, or the easy pleasure of exploring a stupendous coastal panorama, Ericeira is a memorable escape.

3000 km and a Pocket filled with Seashells Later: A Conclusion

I’ve traveled up and down the coast with my van 3 times now. I do know the final time wasn’t truly the final time as I’m already planning my subsequent highway journey. I like coming again to those locations and exploring new ones. Each time is one other distinctive expertise filled with adventures. I acquire moments and recollections in addition to pockets filled with seashells and sunshine.  

My journeys from Germany to the shores of Portugal depart me in awe of the variety and richness of the Atlantic Coast. Every vacation spot, with its personal historical past, tradition, and nature, has proven me such distinctive magnificence. From the majestic silhouette of Mont-Saint-Michel, to the limitless seashores within the South of France, to the great thing about Galicia; from the cultural vibrancy of Bilbao and Sopelana, to the attraction of Porto; and eventually, the exhilarating waves of Nazaré and the surfer paradise of Ericeira. 

This highway journey alongside the Atlantic Coast is greater than only a journey; it’s an invite to find the tales etched into the landscapes and cities of the shoreline. I hope my tales can encourage you to embark by yourself highway journey journey, whether or not it’s the historic cities, the blue of the ocean, the beautiful cuisines, or the fun of browsing that attracts you.

See you on the highway.