AUGUST 2023
This month, the trip went south.
It was not too southern; it was no dog’s life there with those blood-sniffing temperatures.
A week before departure, the couch in the camper was already ours to lie on. Laying in a bit in advance. And making sure we’re on board, they’ll leave without…
We were looking forward to Basque beauties and Portuguese dustbins to pee against.
San Sebastian
Our first stop in Spain
We approached this city in the evening and had a sightseeing tour in the dark, which was pretty spectacular with all the lights. The overnight stay was in Deba, a tiny camper village for vans or smaller motorhomes. Coincidentally, many different nationalities were seen and smelt on the Camino to Santiago de Compostella, which gave it a relaxed yet worldly vibe. It’s named Deba; GPS N 43.28820 W 2.28652
The hikes were phenomenal
The hikes were phenomenal: green and a landscape with deep rolling hills. We took a hiking tour from the top of the cliff, where we were staying down to the ocean. Awesome! We just miscalculated the wave power; it differs slightly from paddling in the Mediterranean. In the evening, we were a little sick from drunk seawater, but oh well, everything was cleaned up for us, so the suffering was small.
San Sebastian
Our first stop in Spain
We approached this city in the evening and had a sightseeing tour in the dark, which was pretty spectacular with all the lights. The overnight stay was in Deba, a tiny camper village for vans or smaller motorhomes. Coincidentally, many different nationalities were seen and smelt on the Camino to Santiago de Compostella, which gave it a relaxed yet worldly vibe.
The hikes were phenomenal
The hikes were phenomenal: green and a landscape with deep rolling hills. We took a hiking tour from the top of the cliff, where we were staying down to the ocean. Awesome! We just miscalculated the wave power; it differs slightly from paddling in the Mediterranean. In the evening, we were a little sick from drunk seawater, but oh well, everything was cleaned up for us, so the suffering was small. It’s named Deba; GPS N 43.28820 W 2.28652
We arrived in Vagos
Landed right by the sea
Here, we ran through breathtaking dunes, washed the bosses’ bedding (the lady at the camper site had added a blue t-shirt of her own anyway… you guessed it; we now sleep in light blue instead of white), and it wasn’t quiet. A free atmosphere, though, so it was OK for one night. It’s named Vagos; GPS N 40.54963 W 8.77021
Vagos
Landed right by the sea
Here, we ran through breathtaking dunes, washed the bosses’ bedding (the lady at the camper site had added a blue t-shirt of her own anyway… you guessed it; we now sleep in light blue instead of white), and it wasn’t quiet. A free atmosphere, though, so it was OK for one night. It’s named Vagos; GPS N 40.54963 W 8.77021
Nazaré
Home to Some of the World’s Tallest Waves
Drove on to Nazaré. Here, you have the world’s highest waves. Surfers’ spot at its best. We spent the afternoon on a vast, wide beach where the lifeguard allowed us to run and play loose. The ocean was a no-go as the waves were too immense and powerful. We stuck to a bit of paddling. Nazaré boasts expansive beaches, breathtaking vistas, and unforgettable sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean.
Nazaré
Home to Some of the World’s Tallest Waves
Drove on to Nazaré. Here, you have the world’s highest waves. Surfers’ spot at its best. We spent the afternoon on a vast, wide beach where the lifeguard allowed us to run and play loose. The ocean was a no-go as the waves were too immense and powerful. We stuck to a bit of paddling. Nazaré boasts expansive beaches, breathtaking vistas, and unforgettable sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean.
To the Algarve
Armaçao de Pêra
The bosses decided to descend further south to Lisbon, but chaos was there. A fixe forest fire was raging here; this was particularly impressive. The smell was strong, and you could taste it in your mouth. Arrived in Armaçao de Pêra at a fantastic motorhome site. The bosses decided this place would be the base for 11 days.
To the Algarve
Armaçao de Pêra
The bosses decided to descend further south to Lisbon, but chaos was there. A fixe forest fire was raging here; this was particularly impressive. The smell was strong, and you could taste it in your mouth. Arrived in Armaçao de Pêra at a fantastic motorhome site. The bosses decided this place would be the base for 11 days.
A laid-back hippy vibe
It’s run by 2 young French ladies who really get it. It’s named Algarve Camping Car Park; GPS N 37.11303 W 8.37508
Cabo de São Vicente, or Cape Saint Vincent
A special place our bosses took us to
It is the most southwestern point of Europe, and some people even call it the “end of the world”. It felt a bit like that for us, too! The nature here is entirely different from what we are used to in the rest of the Algarve. We walked over rugged cliffs and looked out over the vast Atlantic Ocean. The views were breathtaking, and we felt like real adventure dogs. Our bosses decided to drive here with our campervan, but the road was quite bumpy and rough. It was an adventure and a trip we won’t forget. We bumped and bounced, but it was all worth it for the fantastic views that awaited us.
We recommend a Cabo de São Vicente trip if you ever visit the Algarve. It is an adventurous place to enjoy the beautiful nature and unforgettable views with your faithful four-legged friends. We loved it here!
Cabo de São Vicente
A special place our bosses took us to
It is the most southwestern point of Europe, and some people even call it the “end of the world”. It felt a bit like that for us, too! The nature here is entirely different from what we are used to in the rest of the Algarve. We walked over rugged cliffs and looked out over the vast Atlantic Ocean. The views were breathtaking, and we felt like real adventure dogs. Our bosses decided to drive here with our campervan, but the road was quite bumpy and rough. It was an adventure and a trip we won’t forget. We bumped and bounced, but it was all worth it for the fantastic views that awaited us.
We recommend a Cabo de São Vicente trip if you ever visit the Algarve. It is an adventurous place to enjoy the beautiful nature and unforgettable views with your faithful four-legged friends. We loved it here!
Arrifana is an excellent surfing town
It is nicely laid back and well-attended.
Nowhere in the whole of Portugal was it crowded. It is due to the space of the land and the extremely friendly Portuguese who give each other freedom. No dogs are allowed on this beach. We briefly looked the other way, and the bosses went swimming with us all the way to the far end of the beach by the rocks.
Arrifana
It is nicely laid back
and well-attended
Nowhere in the whole of Portugal was it crowded. It is due to the space of the land and the extremely friendly Portuguese who give each other freedom. No dogs are allowed on this beach. We briefly looked the other way, and the bosses went swimming with us all the way to the far end of the beach by the rocks.
Odeceixe
A beautiful area
If you drive on just a bit and cross the bridge, you can get to the right of an outlet of the sea. The water looks like a lagoon, so green-blue and is shallow and therefore fordable. With some current, the game of ball drifting away was again top-notch.
Odeceixe
A beautiful area (video)
If you drive on just a bit and cross the bridge, you can get to the right of an outlet of the sea. The water looks like a lagoon, so green-blue and is shallow and therefore fordable. With some current, the game of ball drifting away was again top-notch.
Ramires
Regional dish Frango Piri-Piri
To finish, we recommend eating frango piri-piri in Giua. This can only be done at Ramires, the best of the best. Again, dogs were not allowed inside, at least not our size, so the bosses went for takeaway. They waited with a beer in hand, and we were lustily petted by the Portuguese. They love us; it was a fantastic petting session. Review a 9.
Ramires
Regional dish Frango Piri-Piri
To finish, we recommend eating frango piri-piri in Giua. This can only be done at Ramires, the best of the best. Again, dogs were not allowed inside, at least not our size, so the bosses went for takeaway. They waited with a beer in hand, and we were lustily petted by the Portuguese. They love us; it was a fantastic petting session. Review a 9.
Restaurant Staar
In Albufeira
Also very highly recommended is the restaurant Staar, in Albufeira. They serve excellent dishes, stylish restrooms (check them out; it’s like an oasis) and lovely owners. The bosses took us out to dine because we are very good at this. Give us our blanket and attention from the bypassers; we’re angels.
Restaurant Staar
In Albufeira
Also very highly recommended is the restaurant Staar, in Albufeira. They serve excellent dishes, stylish restrooms (check them out; it’s like an oasis) and lovely owners. The bosses took us out to dine because we are very good at this. Give us our blanket and attention from the bypassers; we’re angels.
All in All
Enjoyed lots of sunbathing, swimming and many naps in the sun and sand
All in All
Enjoyed lots of sunbathing, swimming and many naps in the sun and sand