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 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 probably the most lovely and peaceable seashores.
Diving into not solely the Atlantic Ocean nearly each day, however into a distinct tradition and delicacies with each different cease has been such a beautiful expertise. I’d eat conventional French pastries, attempt tapas in Spain and scrumptious contemporary seafood in Portugal. Every day provided 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 pal or boyfriend on the highway.
Observe: Every of the 3 times I did this highway journey I used to be accompanied by both a pal or my boyfriend. Some elements 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 very 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 kind of spectacular when you have got been on the highway for a couple of week with a complete depend of 1 bathe. Alternatively, it supposedly impressed the citadel of Rapunzel’s dad and mom within the film Tangled, so I shouldn’t be too shocked.
One of the putting options of Mont Saint-Michel is its beautiful location. It’s a lovely medieval abbey on a rocky island. On low tide you may 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 positioned half-hour north of Mont Saint-Michel. The car parking zone is crowded throughout the day, stuffed with vacationers and teams of faculty youngsters that stroll to the citadel on foot over the Wadden Sea.
With the setting solar, it quiets down and gives a fantastic spot for an in a single day keep. For us it was excellent to see the citadel from afar within the setting solar. I liked seeing the citadel from afar earlier than visiting the island itself. To go to the citadel you may 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 citadel.
You stroll throughout a bridge to the island. Seeing the Fort from the coast had been so picturesque however exploring the slender, cobbled streets that wind up in 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 properly. The Abbey’s terrace gives a spectacular panoramic view of the encircling 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 exquisite outdated city. We loved the distinction to our nature spots. For us it was the right metropolis to spend a day in. It gives 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 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 town’s wealthy maritime historical past. They turned extra spectacular once we noticed them lit up at evening. 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. folks have been dancing below pink umbrellas hung up within the sky. It has numerous cute cafes and eating places. We particularly loved wanting by way of all of the little retailers stuffed with souvenirs, decorations, video games, posters, and different cute gadgets.
Within the night, in any case our buying, we discovered ourselves in a small however crowded alley the place a band performed within the streets. It felt like a small get together, 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 evening.
Seashores and Biarritz within the Southwest of France
The Southwest of France is residence to a number 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 may sunbathe or people-watch. It’s equally as in style for its surf spots, which is without doubt one of the principal causes I took my time exploring this area.
For surf fanatics 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 learners to professionals.
Even in the event you’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 liked the unimaginable seashores and waves but in addition the likelihood to park so near the ocean. At some you may 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. 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 right 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 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 surprising 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.
If you happen to’re in search of extra of a metropolis environment, you need to go to Biarritz. Biarritz appears like a small seaside metropolis. I liked strolling across the streets, exploring the smaller retailers for jewellery, surf garments, information and souvenirs. My pal and I purchased postcards. We wrote them whereas sitting in a cute cafe and having fun with an enormous brunch – a distinction to our standard van life breakfast.
The town’s many eating places and bistros have a variety of numerous meals choices. We strolled by way of the native meals courtroom, Halles de Biarritz, and purchased small treats – croissants, macarons and quiche. We ate them in entrance of the picturesque harbor. The huge blue ocean creates an attractive coastal surroundings.
SPAIN: Limitless Nature and Limitless 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 make certain to spend a couple of days alongside this unimaginable shoreline within the northwest of Spain. It gives many numerous hidden nature spots proper by unimaginable seashores. A lot of the occasions you may 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. All the things proper subsequent to my parked van. Galicia really 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 overlook in regards to the breathtaking evening sky. I really like exploring Galicia and might’t wait to be again quickly, to surf, to sunbathe, to discover its nature.
Bilbao and Sopelana
Sopelana continues 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 massive cities and staying in a van in a metropolis is quite 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.
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 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 could find Maman, the monumental metal spider that’s nearly 9 meters tall.
Regardless that the admission costs are affordable, 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 center and soul of Bilbao, the Casco Viejo, gives a stark distinction to the modernity of the Guggenheim. Within the Outdated City we walked by way of 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 town’s conventional tradition and delicacies.
At Plaza Nueva we tried some pintxos (native tapas) which have been scrumptious. You will 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 as well 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 acquired to see a number of the greatest elements of Bilbao within the brief 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 good meals and exquisite historic tiled partitions inside.
In distinction to the busy metropolis we have been grateful for the calm atmosphere of Sopelana. The car 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 little bit.
We felt protected 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 in the event you’re in search of the right 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 little bit 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 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 will not be protected.
As an alternative, I wish to park at one of many tenting websites within the district of Madalena, that are fairly in style even within the off-season. I do know that after a busy time exploring town I can return to a protected campsite. There’s a bus connection into town heart, I nevertheless desire 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 an attractive first impression of Porto. From there you may cross the Dom Luís I Bridge into the Ribeira District. The bridge is a logo of town’s industrial heritage. The Ribeira District, with its slender, 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 strategy to discover any metropolis.
Be ready to stroll loads of stairs. The realm is bustling with conventional eating places, cafes, and bars the place you may 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 may go to the São Bento Railway Station for its azulejos (ceramic tiles), the Clérigos Tower as town’s most iconic landmark or the Livraria Lello, which is ranked among the many most lovely bookstores on the planet. Undoubtedly stroll alongside the riverbank to soak up the beautiful views of 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 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 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 large and an occasion is on, there are large crowds of individuals watching. You may watch the spectacle from the seaside, Praia do Norte, nevertheless the very best 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 fascinating to dive a little bit deeper into the background of the Nazaré large wave browsing. To summarize, Nazaré is certainly value seeing. The seashores are lovely and it’s a captivating city to walk by way of. If you happen to’re in search of a little bit of thrill be sure to time your go to in accordance with the swell. That means you get to expertise the colossal waves at Praia do Norte.
Ericeira, Portugal
Ericeira is definitely my favourite vacation spot, most likely as a result of I’ve spent probably 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 around the globe. Regardless, I discover that it doesn’t lose its conventional Portuguese attraction.
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 retailers, cafes, and seafood eating places that serve contemporary seafood dishes.
At Praia dos Pescadores, or Fisherman’s Seashore, you may 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 provide circumstances for all ranges.
Even if you’re not into browsing there are numerous different actions to attempt. You may skate, apply Yoga, attempt bouldering or climbing. Particularly in summer season there’s a energetic get together 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 exquisite views of the Atlantic.
One observe: Whilst you can keep at quite a few superb hostels and accommodations, 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 value 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 straightforward pleasure of exploring an attractive 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 really the final time as I’m already planning my subsequent highway journey. I really like coming again to those locations and exploring new ones. Each time is one other distinctive expertise filled with adventures. I accumulate moments and reminiscences in addition to pockets filled with seashells and sunshine.
My journeys from Germany to the shores of Portugal depart me in awe of the range 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 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.