Viana do Castelo
Having given up all hope of sailing at all in Spain, we finally managed it on our last day. The weather was perfect – sunshine and steady northerlies which pushed us along at 4-5 knots, and we even had a visit from a group of dolphins to further brighten our day. We crossed the border and arrived in Viana do Castelo just as the sun was setting.
On first impressions, Portugal seems much less frantic than Spain. The ‘maritime police’ stopped by to tell us we should be in the marina but then allowed us to stay two nights for free in the fisherman’s harbour!
The town had a relaxed atmosphere, lovely architecture and surprisingly clean streets. We climbed to the basilica on the hill behind for panoramic views, did a tour of the 1940’s semi-restored hospital ship and basically had a stressful day being tourists.
We are now in Porto, having arrived late last night, it was wonderful coming up the river in the dark and being welcomed by the city lights. It´s not quite so pretty and clean by daylight but again some amazing architecture and the cars actually stop for you at crossings, unlike France and Spain!
On first impressions, Portugal seems much less frantic than Spain. The ‘maritime police’ stopped by to tell us we should be in the marina but then allowed us to stay two nights for free in the fisherman’s harbour!
The town had a relaxed atmosphere, lovely architecture and surprisingly clean streets. We climbed to the basilica on the hill behind for panoramic views, did a tour of the 1940’s semi-restored hospital ship and basically had a stressful day being tourists.
We are now in Porto, having arrived late last night, it was wonderful coming up the river in the dark and being welcomed by the city lights. It´s not quite so pretty and clean by daylight but again some amazing architecture and the cars actually stop for you at crossings, unlike France and Spain!
posted by Katie at 9:38 AM
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