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 completed this highway journey 3 times in complete by now and have explored quite a few unimaginable spots and stops.
Every journey alongside this path confirmed me a variety 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 superb waves to surf. This led me to some unimaginable locations with parking spots proper behind the dunes, a couple of strolling steps away from essentially the most lovely and peaceable seashores.
Diving into not solely the Atlantic Ocean nearly day by day, however into a distinct 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 supplied not only a change in surroundings, however a complete 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.
Be aware: 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 change between referring to solely myself and the individuals 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 one of the best 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 might have been on the highway for a few week with a complete depend of 1 bathe. Then again, it supposedly impressed the fortress of Rapunzel’s dad and mom within the film Tangled, so I shouldn’t be too stunned.
One of the crucial putting options of Mont Saint-Michel is its gorgeous location. It’s a lovely medieval abbey on a rocky island. On low tide you possibly can 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 parking zone is crowded through the day, full of vacationers and teams of college youngsters that stroll to the fortress on foot over the Wadden Sea.
With the setting solar, it quiets down and gives an amazing spot for an in a single day keep. For us it was excellent to see the fortress from afar within the setting solar. I cherished seeing the fortress from afar earlier than visiting the island itself. To go to the fortress you possibly can stroll from the parking spot to the island when the tide is low. Ensure that 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 an alternative was drive thirty minutes to the designated parking lot by the island (12€ for a day) and take the free shuttle bus to the fortress.
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 unimaginable. Strolling by way of the Medieval Village made us really feel transported again in time.
We explored the Abbey and discovered a bit about its historical past whereas admiring not solely the structure of the place however the marvellous view as nicely. The Abbey’s terrace gives 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 undoubtedly introduced us a little bit of magic.
La Rochelle
La Rochelle was one of many few cities we visited. It’s identified for its historic ports and delightful outdated city. We loved the distinction to our nature spots. For us it was the proper metropolis to spend a day in. It gives so many alternatives to buy, discover tradition and check out 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 once we noticed them lit up at night time. We strolled by way of 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 way of. On one sq. individuals have been dancing below pink umbrellas hung up within the sky. It has numerous cute cafes and eating places. We particularly loved trying by way of all of the little outlets full of souvenirs, decorations, video games, posters, and different cute objects.
Within the night, in spite of everything our purchasing, we discovered ourselves in a small however crowded alley the place a band performed within the streets. It felt like a small celebration, 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 may park the van and sleep at night time.
Seashores and Biarritz within the Southwest of France
The Southwest of France is house to a few of the most lovely and unspoiled seashores in France. There’s the Grande Plage in Biarritz or the distant seashores of the Landes area, the place you possibly can sunbathe or people-watch. It’s equally as well-liked for its surf spots, which is among the foremost causes I took my time exploring this area.
For surf fans significantly 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 newcomers 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 cherished the unimaginable seashores and waves but in addition the chance to park so near the ocean. At some you possibly can park proper behind the dunes or below excessive pine timber, 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. Possibly as a result of the seashores weren’t overrun by vacationers.
In summer season the seashores are packed and it’s will get too scorching for my private desire. 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 remains to be largely sunny. Even in mid September we may nonetheless sunbathe and surf in bikinis as an alternative of wetsuits.
In conclusion, the Atlantic coast within the south west of France is a tremendous vacation spot to take pleasure in a shocking pure surroundings, scrumptious meals, and a vibrant surf scene. I particularly advocate visiting Cap De L’homy. It’s a bit much less crowded vacation spot for these looking for peace, serene seashores and pure landscapes and is right for browsing, sunbathing, swimming, and having fun with magical sunsets.
Should you’re searching for extra of a metropolis environment, you must go to Biarritz. Biarritz seems like a small seaside metropolis. I cherished strolling across the streets, exploring the smaller outlets for jewellery, surf garments, information 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 regular van life breakfast.
The town’s many eating places and bistros have a variety of various meals choices. We strolled by way of 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 ravishing 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 to spend a couple of days alongside this unimaginable shoreline within the northwest of Spain. It gives many various hidden nature spots proper by unimaginable seashores. Many of the occasions you possibly can park proper by the seaside too.
I’ve woken as much as serene sunrises, seen breathtaking sunsets, surfed empty line-ups and explored lovely nature. Every little thing 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 individuals, to not overlook in regards to the breathtaking night time sky. I like exploring Galicia and might’t wait to be again quickly, to surf, to sunbathe, to discover its nature.
Bilbao and Sopelana
Sopelana remains to be certainly one of my favourite stops. We initially stayed right here to take a day journey to Bilbao however stayed longer for the superb surf and unimaginable views. I’m not an enormous fan of huge cities and staying in a van in a metropolis is relatively inconvenient, that’s why we felt so fortunate to discover a parking zone in Sopelana, proper by the seaside. We drove into Bilbao in the future to discover it and in any other case loved the calm and beachy environment of Sopelana.
After 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 exterior. 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 will discover Maman, the monumental metal spider that’s nearly 9 meters tall.
Though the admission costs are cheap, we determined to spend our restricted time within the sunny streets of Bilbao. We wandered by way of the outdated city’s charming streets.
The guts and soul of Bilbao, the Casco Viejo, gives a stark distinction to the modernity of the Guggenheim. Within the Previous City we walked by way of its seven unique 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 an effective way to expertise the town’s conventional tradition and delicacies.
At Plaza Nueva we tried some pintxos (native tapas) which have been scrumptious. You may get them on the many bars and taverns which are in every single place within the metropolis. One other place to strive pintxos is the Mercado de la Ribera the place you may also purchase contemporary native merchandise like cheese, wine or fish. We loved strolling by way of Bilbao, absorbing its energetic environment and roaming round Casco Viejo.
I really feel like we bought to see a few of the finest components of Bilbao within the quick time that we visited. Nonetheless, there’s a lot of locations that we didn’t get to see. On my listing for subsequent time is Cafe Iruna for the nice meals and delightful historic tiled partitions inside.
In distinction to the busy metropolis we have been grateful for the calm atmosphere of Sopelana. The parking zone is on the cliffs proper by the seaside. We had a tremendous panoramic view of the blue ocean and surfers. Through 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 secure and met a lot 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 advocate staying in Sopelana and visiting Bilbao if you happen to’re searching for the proper mixture of metropolis and seaside.
Portugal: Small Fishing Cities, Ceramic Tiles and Waves
Porto, Portugal
Porto has an plain allure. 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 energetic culinary scene. I don’t advocate driving into the town with a van or motorhome. The streets are busy and slim and a few on-line critiques recommend that parking a van on the town is just not secure.
As an alternative, I wish to park at one of many tenting websites within the district of Madalena, that are fairly well-liked even within the off-season. I do know that after a busy time exploring the town I can return to a secure 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 gives breathtaking views of the cityscape and provides a ravishing first impression of Porto. From there you possibly can cross the Dom Luís I Bridge into the Ribeira District. The bridge is an emblem of the town’s industrial heritage. The Ribeira District, with its slim, cobbled streets, colourful homes, and energetic squares overlooking the Douro River, is quintessentially Porto.
I like to recommend simply strolling by way of and taking within the metropolis’s vibrant environment. It’s my favourite method to discover any metropolis.
Be ready to stroll lots of stairs. The realm is bustling with conventional eating places, cafes, and bars the place you possibly can 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 possibly can 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 lovely bookstores on the earth. Positively stroll alongside the riverbank to absorb the gorgeous 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. Though the city has a quaint allure and scrumptious seafood, that wasn’t what initially drew me to it. As an alternative I visited Nazaré for its world-famous huge waves. The underwater Nazaré Canyon creates record-breaking swells that appeal to surfers from across the globe.
The large wave season is between October and March in which you’ll see waves that common about 15 meters (50 ft) excessive and if the circumstances are distinctive even as much as 24 meters (80 ft). Watching surfers navigate the monstrous waves is a such a particular expertise that’s each exhilarating and humbling. It’s unimaginable to see.
When the waves are huge and an occasion is on, there are huge crowds of individuals watching. You may watch the spectacle from the seaside, Praia do Norte, nonetheless one of the best place to look at 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 huge wave browsing.
I discovered it very attention-grabbing to dive a bit of deeper into the background of the Nazaré huge wave browsing. To summarize, Nazaré is certainly price seeing. The seashores are lovely and it’s a captivating city to walk by way of. Should you’re searching for 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 essentially the most period of time right here. It’s identified 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 world wide. Regardless, I discover that it doesn’t lose its conventional Portuguese allure.
It’s proper by the ocean with quite a few lovely 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 way of, you’ll uncover distinctive outlets, cafes, and seafood eating places that serve contemporary seafood dishes.
At Praia dos Pescadores, or Fisherman’s Seaside, you possibly can generally watch native fishermen launching their boats, sustaining the village’s lengthy standing maritime traditions. Praia dos Pescadores is simply one of many many unimaginable 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 supply circumstances for all ranges.
Even in case you are not into browsing there are various different actions to strive. You may skate, follow Yoga, strive bouldering or climbing. Particularly in summer season there’s a energetic celebration scene to take pleasure in. It’s additionally a implausible place for a metropolis stroll, a nature stroll, sunbathing, or just soaking within the vibrant environment and delightful views of the Atlantic.
One be aware: Whilst you can keep at quite a few superb hostels and motels, it’s a bit much less simple 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.
Nonetheless, Ericeira is certainly price visiting. It’s such a captivating seaside village with distinctive points of interest 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 ravishing coastal panorama, Ericeira is a memorable escape.
3000 km and a Pocket stuffed 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 stuffed with adventures. I accumulate moments and reminiscences in addition to pockets stuffed 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 fantastic thing about Galicia; from the cultural vibrancy of Bilbao and Sopelana, to the allure of Porto; and at last, 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.