Camping at campsites in Costa Verde

Camping at campsites in Northern Portugal

When we think of camping in Portugal, we Dutch people quickly think of camping in the Algarve. In the north we mainly know the area around Porto and the Costa Verde located north of Porto. The northern interior is still relatively unknown. The cradle of Portugal stood in the north of Portugal. The 1st king of Portugal was born in Guimãres in the 12th century, who later expanded his territory south. Portugal's rich past and the many world travels that the Portuguese have made have made the country an El Dorado for culture lovers. Add to this the gastronomic qualities, the delicious wines and the unspoilt nature and you understand that Northern Portugal is an ideal holiday destination. It is advisable to take a good travel guide with you. There is so much to do and see around the campsites in Northern Portugal that it is impossible to provide all the information here. But don't you want to do anything but just enjoy the sun, sea, beach and the good life at the campsite? Then you are also in the right place in Porto e Norte.

Camping at campsites on the Costa Verde

The Costa Verde is the relatively quiet coastal region in the northwest of Portugal, and runs from Porto to the Spanish border. Here the Atlantic Ocean forms the natural western border of the country. It is a coast with wide sandy beaches and several campsites that are frequently visited by the Portuguese population in the summer. Foreign tourists do not yet come to this region in large numbers. There are authentic fishing villages and seaside resorts with wide, child-friendly beaches. There are several campsites along the coast of the Costa Verde. Many campsites are on the beach or have a swimming pool. The summer season here starts in June, because it can still be quite wet here in May. Seaside resorts on the Costa Verde include; Viana do Castelo, Moledo do Minho, Vila Praia de Áncora, Apúlia and Esposende. If you decide to spend your camping holiday on the Costa Verde, there is a good chance that you will be near one of these seaside resorts.

Camping at campsites in the interior of Northern Portugal

Northern Portugal is crossed by the watercourses of various rivers; the Minho and the Lima, Rio Cávado and of course the Douro. The Douro has been declared a World Heritage Site. The grapes from which the famous Port wine is made grow in the valley of this river. There are also reservoirs and national parks in this area. A well-known park is the Gerês, one of the most beautiful areas of Portugal. The mild climate and beautiful fauna make the park suitable for various excursions. Various water sports can be practiced at the Caricada reservoir and guided walks are organised. The active camper will get his money's worth here. Of the characteristic villages in the area, Lindoso has an impressive castle. In the guide you will find several campsites inland, including a campsite at the Caricada reservoir.

Rich history and excursions from your campsite in Northern Portugal (Costa Verde)

Of course, during your holiday you will visit Porto, the port city that gave its name to the wine and to the country. Travels were made all over the world from the port. The city has a picturesque location on the steep left bank of the Douro River. A city walk is therefore a strenuous activity but certainly worth it. The Minho River forms the border between Spain and Portugal. At the border town of Valença do Minho, an iron bridge designed by Eifel connects the two countries. Take an excursion from your campsite on the Costa Verde and visit the many castles and churches from the 12th and 14th centuries. In the last week of August the feast of Saint Bartholomew takes place in the fishing village of the same name at the mouth of the Rio Cávado. At Viana do Castelo, take a boat trip on the Limo River with typical boats. Here you can still see colorful local clothing. Visit the medieval monastery and admire the lacework that is made here. If you haven't had enough of the history and would like to make more trips from your campsite, that is certainly possible. Vila do Condo has a medieval shipyard, a fortified castle of John the Baptist, an aqueduct and the Santa Maria Monastery from the 18th century. Fão is the center of seaweed harvesting. Braga is the holy city of Portugal, the city has no fewer than 30 churches. The hilltop town was originally a Roman settlement. Haven't had enough history yet? Barcelos is the center of ceramics and crafts with remains of a 15th century wall and a ceramics museum, definitely worth a visit. The city of Braganca is located in the north-east of Portugal with a castle from the 12th century in good condition. Sea shipping has always been very important to the Portuguese and of course fishing too. It is therefore not surprising that there are many fish dishes on the menu. The king of the region's cuisine is the Caldo Verde, a soup prepared with finely chopped cabbage, potato, garlic, onion and olive oil. The culinary camper can enjoy this wonderfully. After all, it is still a holiday and you should continue to enjoy it during the holiday.

What to know about camping and the campsites in Northern Portugal

When you decide to go camping at a campsite in Northern Portugal, it is useful to know a number of things. If you go by car, the good road network through France and Spain will take you smoothly to Portugal. The roads to Portugal are particularly good and largely toll-free. The main roads through Portugal are excellent. Campsites in Portugal come in many varieties. If you really want to experience the Portuguese atmosphere, you can choose a campsite with many regular guests. If you prefer peace and quiet and want to camp among holidaymakers from the north of Portugal, then you should look at campsites with few or no permanent pitches. Inland campsites are generally smaller than on the coast. The quality of the campsites and facilities is very diverse. The power connections for caravans and campers provide sufficient amperage for normal use. Camping is not expensive in Portugal and the prices of living, petrol and eating out are also lower than in the Netherlands. The main language, Portuguese, is very difficult, but at many campsites you can speak English.