NEW Portugal route: Santander to Porto Covo

NEW Portugal route: Santander to Porto Covo

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Portugal offers a stunning variety of landscapes, from beautiful mountains and incredible beaches to a rich blend of history, traditions, and amazing local cuisine.

Immerse yourself in the local culture as you journey from the Bay of Biscay to the Alentejo Coast. We have put together this suggested route which offers spectacular scenery and historic places to visit along the way.

Cross Spain to arrive at the cultural heart of Northern Portugal, stopping at medieval León for its incredible architecture and tapas, before moving south to the religious sites of Braga and the Baroque grandeur of Porto. The journey culminates on the wild, cliffside coast of Porto Covo, a gateway to the spectacular Rota Vicentina trail.

Suggested route

Our suggested  route covers 828 miles via León & Braga with five recommended stopover campsites on your way to Porto Covo. Ideal for those tourers who have time to explore the local areas.

Stopover 1: Caravaning Oyambre, Spain (Club ref: E27) Stopover 2: Cepo Verde (Club ref:W23) Stopover 3: Parque Cerdeira, Portugal (Club ref: E37) Stopover 4 : Vagueira, Portugal (Club ref: W24) Stopover 5: Colina do Sol, Portugal (Club ref: W29) Stopover 6: Costa Do Vizir (Club ref:W28)

Stopover 1: Caravaning Oyambre, Spain (Club ref: E27)

Santander - Sierrapando

Stay at: Caravaning Oyambre, Spain (Club ref: E27)

  • Located within the Oyambre Natural Park, Caravaning Oyambre makes and ideal stopover campsite to relax after your ferry journey. 
  • Popular in high season, providing plenty of amenities for families, including a pool, playground, restaurant and a beautiful sandy beach 1.5km from the campsite.
  • An ideal base for day trips, located near the picturesque fishing town of San Vicente de la Barquera and the architectural wonders of Comillas, with the dramatic Picos de Europa mountains also within easy reach.

Visit Caravaning Oyambre

Stopover 2: Cepo Verde (Club ref:W23)

Sierrapando - Bragança

Stay at: Cepo Verde, Portugal (Club ref: W23)

  • Break up your journey with a visit to this historic city of León. Explore the San Isidoro Museum and León Cathedral, then enjoy its renowned art and tapas scene.
  • Located deep within the Montesinho Natural Park Cepo Verde is a beautifully peaceful campsite, with mountain views and a traditional restaurant serving delicious local Portuguese cuisine with a terrace overlooking the lovely pool.
  • A city that feels more like an historic town, Bragança is a blend of rich medieval history and natural beauty. The Castelo de Bragança, a 12th century fortress, allows you to climb the Torre de Menagem to get panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Visit Cepo Verde campsite

Stopover 3: Parque Cerdeira, Portugal (Club ref: E37)

Bragança - Braga

Stay at: Parque Cerdeira, Portugal (Club ref: E37)

  • Located directly in the heart of Peneda-Gerês stunning national park, Parque Cerdeira offers immediate access to stunning waterfalls, natural lagoons, and famous hiking trails.
  • Water-based activities range from an on-site swimming pool to fishing and canoeing nearby.
  • Braga is famous for its historical buildings including the Bom Jesus do Monte (UNESCO World Heritage Site) where you see beautiful fountains and can climb the many steps (over 500!) to be rewarded with incredible views of the surrounding area. 

Visit Parque Cerdeira campsite

Stopover 4 : Vagueira, Portugal (Club ref: W24)

Braga - Vagos

Stay at: Vagueira, Portugal (Club ref: W24)

  • Enroute why not stop off at Porto and discover the historic charm including the impressive Igreja dos Clérigos, contemporary art scene and of course the famous port wine cellars.
  • Vagueira campsite is nestled within a peaceful pine forest, providing spacious, and shady pitches, making it an excellent retreat for families or those seeking a break from crowded urban areas. With beautiful beaches nearby.
  • An ideal base for exploring the famous city of Aveiro and the iconic striped houses of Costa Nova, which are both just a short drive away.

Visit Vagueira campsite

Stopover 5: Colina do Sol, Portugal (Club ref: W29)

Vagos - São Martinho do Porto

Stay at: Colina do Sol, Portugal (Club ref: W29)

  • On the way visit Museu do Vidro (glass museum) at Marinha Grande, a city historically known as the "Glass Capital" of Portugal, just a short drive from São Pedro de Moel.
  • Colina do Sol boasts an excellent water park complete with slides, playful pools, and often a wellness area/whirlpool. It also offers comprehensive daytime and evening entertainment, making it ideal for families.
  • Perfectly situated to enjoy a variety of watersports including canoeing, kayaking and diving. Explore the Silver Coast, the protected São Martinho do Porto Bay and the world-famous giant waves of Nazaré.

Visit Colina do Sol campsite

Stopover 6: Costa Do Vizir (Club ref:W28)

São Martinho do Porto - Porto Covo

Stay at: Costa Do Vizir (Club ref:W28)

  • Costa Do Vizir  has great facilities including a pool, lovely restaurant and an onsite shop. Located within 450 metres of Praia Grande beach, a perfect spot to watch the sunset. This campsite offers access to cycling, hiking and waterports. Something for everyone.  
  • Discover the many beautiful beaches and coves at Porto Covo, where you can soak up the sun or enjoy some surfing or hike some of the famous Rota Vicentina trail.
  • Being part of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, Porto Covo offers diverse wildlife, with notable species including otters, numerous seabirds and migrating raptors, and coastal wildflowers.

Visit Costa Do Vizir campsite

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