Blogs from Vila Praia de Ancora, Northern, Portugal, Europe

2nd April Woke to be totally confused with times. We’re so close to the border our phones still were ‘tuned’ to Spanish times & trying to set the times via the web was frustrating & more confusing. Cut a long story short...we slept in & still got up earlier than planned; work that out. Put more washing on & had breakfast, put a line up then jumped on the bikes into Caminha via the walkway/ cycle path away from the road. But first we went to the local beach which apart from two fishermen was, probably understandably, deserted. As we approached the town, we saw, more heard, what must have been 100 motorbikes coming down the road in roughly 2 groups. As we walked our bikes into town we heard one of the groups parking up...the ... read more

17 September 2016, Saturday, Viana do Castelo to Vila Praia de Ancora, Day 19, 16.25 miles. Advertised by Follow the Camino as a 11 mile day. Correction: well, after seeing a bigger picture of the beautiful flower bush of yesterday I can assure you it is not a belladonna plant! Belladonnas were everywhere. I think it might be in the fuschia family-- Viana is a shopper's paradise. Fortunately for our bulging bags and much thinner wallets it is early in the morning and the shops are closed. I am particularly intrigued with the outstanding textile handicrafts. The window displays of regional dress just explode with color. The other side of the street faces the river and fronting the riverbank are a series of very modern style buildings. Viana is distinguishing itself as a center for modern ... read more