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 executed this street journey 3 times in whole by now and have explored quite a few unimaginable 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 superb waves to surf. This led me to some unimaginable 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 on daily basis, however into a distinct tradition and delicacies with each different cease has been such an exquisite expertise. I might eat conventional French pastries, attempt 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 street.
Notice: Every of the 3 times I did this street journey I used to be accompanied by both a buddy or my boyfriend. Some elements I additionally explored on my own. On this article I’ll change between referring to solely myself and the individuals accompanying me on the street. 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 kind of spectacular when you’ve gotten been on the street for a few week with a complete rely of 1 bathe. Alternatively, it supposedly impressed the fortress of Rapunzel’s mother and father within the film Tangled, so I shouldn’t be too stunned.
Probably the most hanging 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 nevertheless 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, stuffed with vacationers and teams of faculty children that stroll to the fortress on foot over the Wadden Sea.
With the setting solar, it quiets down and presents an important spot for an in a single day keep. For us it was good to see the fortress from afar within the setting solar. I beloved seeing the fortress from afar earlier than visiting the island itself. To go to the fortress you’ll be able to stroll from the parking spot to the island when the tide is low. Be sure to examine 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 fortress.
You stroll throughout a bridge to the island. Seeing the Citadel from the coast had been so picturesque however exploring the slender, cobbled streets that wind up in the direction of the abbey on our personal was unimaginable. Strolling by means of 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 nicely. The Abbey’s terrace presents 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 really enchanting. It undoubtedly 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 delightful previous city. We loved the distinction to our nature spots. For us it was the right metropolis to spend a day in. It presents so many alternatives to buy, discover tradition and take a look at native delicacies. We parked someplace on the town and began strolling and not using a plan.
First, we noticed La Rochelle’s previous harbor (Vieux Port), which the town is known 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 night time. We strolled by means of the charming streets of the city, stopping for postcards, espresso and ice cream.
La Rochelle is famend for its well-preserved previous city which is gorgeous to stroll by means of. On one sq. individuals have been dancing underneath pink umbrellas hung up within the sky. It has numerous cute cafes and eating places. We particularly loved wanting by means of all of the little outlets stuffed with souvenirs, decorations, video games, posters, and different cute objects.
Within the night, in spite of everything our procuring, 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 night time.
Seashores and Biarritz within the Southwest of France
The Southwest of France is dwelling to a few of the most stunning and unspoiled seashores in France. There’s 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 well-liked for its surf spots, which is likely one of the primary 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 rookies to execs.
Even for those who’ve by no means stood on a surfboard, that is your time to attempt. 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 unimaginable seashores and waves but in addition the likelihood to park so near the ocean. At some you’ll be able to park proper behind the dunes or underneath 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. 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 scorching for my private desire. I discovered autumn and spring to be the right time to discover the Southwest of France. It isn’t as crowded as in however the climate remains 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 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 searching for peace, serene seashores and pure landscapes and is good for browsing, sunbathing, swimming, and having fun with magical sunsets.
For those who’re on the lookout for extra of a metropolis environment, you need to go to Biarritz. Biarritz looks 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 a giant brunch – a distinction to our typical van life breakfast.
Town’s many eating places and bistros have a variety of various meals choices. We strolled by means of the native meals court docket, Halles de Biarritz, and acquired small treats – croissants, macarons and quiche. We ate them in entrance of the picturesque harbor. The extensive blue ocean creates a fantastic coastal surroundings.
SPAIN: Infinite Nature and Infinite Smiles
Galicia
Galicia is my all time favourite street journey vacation spot. Each time I drive from Portugal to Germany (or from Germany to Portugal) I ensure to spend a number of days alongside this unimaginable shoreline within the northwest of Spain. It presents many various hidden nature spots proper by unimaginable seashores. A lot of the occasions 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 things proper subsequent to my parked van. Galicia really is a paradise for all seaside and nature lovers.
You could find sand seashores hidden between rugged coastlines, tasty seafood and welcoming individuals, to not neglect concerning the breathtaking night time 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 remains to be considered 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 moderately inconvenient, that’s why we felt so fortunate to discover a parking zone in Sopelana, proper by the seaside. We drove into Bilbao someday 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, in fact, 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 attractive flower association you could find Maman, the monumental metal spider that’s virtually 9 meters tall.
Although the admission costs are cheap, we determined to spend our restricted time within the sunny streets of Bilbao. We wandered by means of the previous city’s charming streets.
The guts and soul of Bilbao, the Casco Viejo, presents a stark distinction to the modernity of the Guggenheim. Within the Outdated City we walked by means 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 attempt 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 means of Bilbao, absorbing its vigorous environment and roaming round Casco Viejo.
I really feel like we bought to see a few of the greatest elements of Bilbao within the quick time that we visited. Nevertheless, there’s numerous locations that we didn’t get to see. On my checklist 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. In the course of the day the seaside and parking are packed so you need to be fortunate with discovering a spot however within the night it quiets down somewhat.
We felt secure and met numerous 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 for those who’re on the lookout for the right mixture of metropolis and seaside.
Portugal: Small Fishing Cities, Ceramic Tiles and Waves
Porto, Portugal
Porto has an simple appeal. I fall in love with this metropolis somewhat extra each time I go to. It’s famend for its colourful structure, world-famous port wine, and a vigorous culinary scene. I don’t advocate driving into the town with a van or motorhome. The streets are busy and slender and a few on-line evaluations recommend that parking a van on the town isn’t secure.
As a substitute, 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 middle, I nevertheless choose to take an Uber or Bolt which takes me on to the Jardim do Morro. T
he small hill presents breathtaking views of the cityscape and offers a fantastic 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 slender, cobbled streets, colourful homes, and vigorous squares overlooking the Douro River, is quintessentially Porto.
I like to recommend simply strolling by means of and taking within the metropolis’s vibrant environment. It’s my favourite solution to discover any metropolis.
Be ready to stroll a variety of stairs. The realm is bustling with conventional eating places, cafes, and bars the place you’ll be able to attempt native delicacies. I like to recommend doing a Port wine tasting and making an attempt 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. Positively 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. Although the city has a quaint appeal and scrumptious seafood, that wasn’t what initially drew me to it. As a substitute I visited Nazaré for its world-famous huge waves. The underwater Nazaré Canyon creates record-breaking swells that entice 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 ft) excessive and if the situations 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, nevertheless the most effective 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 fascinating to dive somewhat deeper into the background of the Nazaré huge wave browsing. To summarize, Nazaré is certainly price seeing. The seashores are stunning and it’s a captivating city to walk by means of. For those who’re on the lookout for a little bit of thrill ensure you time your go to based on the swell. That approach 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 around the globe. Regardless, I discover that it doesn’t lose its conventional Portuguese appeal.
It’s proper by the ocean with quite a few stunning seashores and a vibrant social life on the town. The previous city is a labyrinth of cobbled streets, conventional white homes with blue trim, and quaint squares. Wandering by means 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’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 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 provide situations for all ranges.
Even in case you are not into browsing there are lots of different actions to attempt. You may skate, apply Yoga, attempt bouldering or climbing. Particularly in summer season there’s a vigorous occasion scene to take pleasure in. It’s additionally a incredible place for a metropolis stroll, a nature stroll, sunbathing, or just soaking within the vibrant environment and delightful views of the Atlantic.
One notice: Whilst you can keep at quite a few superb hostels and motels, 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 points of interest and actions. Whether or not you’re drawn in by the waves, the attract of conventional Portuguese village life, or the straightforward pleasure of exploring a fantastic 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 really the final time as I’m already planning my subsequent street 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 recollections in addition to pockets stuffed with seashells and sunshine.
My journeys from Germany to the shores of Portugal go away 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 appeal of Porto; and at last, the exhilarating waves of Nazaré and the surfer paradise of Ericeira.
This street 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 street 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 street.