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 finished 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 variety of landscapes, from the rugged cliffs of Northern France to the infinite seashores of Galicia and Portugal. One focus of my journeys has been discovering superb waves to surf. This led me to some unbelievable locations with parking spots proper behind the dunes, a couple of strolling steps away from probably the most stunning and peaceable seashores.
Diving into not solely the Atlantic Ocean virtually daily, however into a special tradition and delicacies with each different cease has been such an exquisite expertise. I might eat conventional French pastries, strive 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 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 the perfect 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 might have been on the highway for a couple of week with a complete depend of 1 bathe. Then again, it supposedly impressed the fort of Rapunzel’s mother and father within the film Tangled, so I shouldn’t be too stunned.
Some of the hanging options of Mont Saint-Michel is its beautiful location. It’s a stunning 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 faculty youngsters that stroll to the fort on foot over the Wadden Sea.
With the setting solar, it quiets down and presents an excellent spot for an in a single day keep. For us it was good to see the fort from afar within the setting solar. I cherished seeing the fort from afar earlier than visiting the island itself. To go to the fort you possibly can stroll from the parking spot to the island when the tide is low. Make certain 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 Fortress 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 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 presents a spectacular panoramic view of the encompassing bay. We might 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 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 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 with no plan.
First, we noticed La Rochelle’s previous 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 night time. We strolled by 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. On one sq. individuals had been dancing below pink umbrellas hung up within the sky. It has numerous cute cafes and eating places. We particularly loved wanting by all of the little outlets full of souvenirs, decorations, video games, posters, and different cute objects.
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 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 residence to among 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 possibly can 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 lovers 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 novices to professionals.
Even should you’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 unbelievable seashores and waves but additionally the chance to park so near the ocean. At some you possibly can 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 time the seashores are packed and it’s will get too sizzling for my private choice. 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 may 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 shocking 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 looking 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 ambiance, it is best to go to Biarritz. Biarritz looks like a small seashore 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 a giant 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 acquired small treats – croissants, macarons and quiche. We ate them in entrance of the picturesque harbor. The broad blue ocean creates a ravishing 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 be sure to spend a couple of days alongside this unbelievable shoreline within the northwest of Spain. It presents many various hidden nature spots proper by unbelievable seashores. A lot of the instances you possibly can park proper by the seashore too.
I’ve woken as much as serene sunrises, seen breathtaking sunsets, surfed empty line-ups and explored stunning nature. The whole lot proper subsequent to my parked van. Galicia actually is a paradise for all seashore and nature lovers.
You will discover sand seashores hidden between rugged coastlines, tasty seafood and welcoming individuals, to not overlook concerning 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 unbelievable 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 seashore. We drove into Bilbao in the future to discover it and in any other case loved the calm and beachy ambiance 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 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 the previous city’s charming streets.
The center and soul of Bilbao, the Casco Viejo, presents a stark distinction to the modernity of the Guggenheim. Within the Previous 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 town’s conventional tradition and delicacies.
At Plaza Nueva we tried some pintxos (native tapas) which had been scrumptious. You will get them on the many bars and taverns which might be in every single place within the metropolis. One other place to strive pintxos is the Mercado de la Ribera the place you too can purchase contemporary native merchandise like cheese, wine or fish. We loved strolling by Bilbao, absorbing its energetic ambiance and roaming round Casco Viejo.
I really feel like we acquired to see among the greatest components of Bilbao within the brief time that we visited. Nonetheless, there’s plenty of locations that we didn’t get to see. On my record for subsequent time is Cafe Iruna for the good meals and exquisite historic tiled partitions inside.
In distinction to the busy metropolis we had been grateful for the calm atmosphere of Sopelana. The parking zone is on the cliffs proper by the seashore. We had an incredible panoramic view of the blue ocean and surfers. In the course of the day the seashore and parking are packed so it’s important to be fortunate with discovering a spot however within the night it quiets down slightly.
We felt protected and met plenty of different like-minded vacationers. We spent our time laying on the seashore, having fun with the sunshine, browsing, and skating a skate bowl on the cliffs.
I can suggest staying in Sopelana and visiting Bilbao should you’re in search of the right mixture of metropolis and seashore.
Portugal: Small Fishing Cities, Ceramic Tiles and Waves
Porto, Portugal
Porto has an simple attraction. I fall in love with this metropolis slightly 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 suggest driving into town with a van or motorhome. The streets are busy and slender and a few on-line opinions recommend that parking a van on the town just isn’t protected.
As a substitute, I prefer 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 nonetheless favor 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 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 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 and taking within the metropolis’s vibrant ambiance. It’s my favourite solution to discover any metropolis.
Be ready to stroll lots of stairs. The world 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 town’s most iconic landmark or the Livraria Lello, which is ranked among the many most stunning bookstores on the planet. Undoubtedly stroll alongside the riverbank to absorb 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. Although the city has a quaint attraction 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 be able to 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 unbelievable 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 seashore, Praia do Norte, nonetheless the perfect place to look at is on Sítio da Nazaré. It’s by the lighthouse – Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, which you’ll be able to 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 slightly deeper into the background of the Nazaré huge wave browsing. To summarize, Nazaré is certainly value 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 you time your go to based on the swell. That manner 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 attraction.
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, 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 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 varied surf spots supply situations for all ranges.
Even if you’re not into browsing there are numerous different actions to strive. You may skate, follow Yoga, strive bouldering or climbing. Particularly in summer time there’s a energetic celebration scene to get pleasure from. It’s additionally a unbelievable place for a metropolis stroll, a nature stroll, sunbathing, or just soaking within the vibrant ambiance and exquisite views of the Atlantic.
One word: When you can keep at quite a few superb hostels and inns, 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.
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 a ravishing 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 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 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 infinite 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 joys of browsing that pulls you.
See you on the highway.