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| View of the Douro Valley |
Today we made use of the A4 Toll Motorway driving to Peso du
Regua where we had read about a great campsite right on the Douro River. The
guide said only 16 sites, all with electricity and other facilities for €3 a
night. We didn’t muck around too much as keen to make sure and get a site.
The drive was magnificent, the road superb with great views
of the countryside that stretched for miles. There were large plantings of olives,
and small villages dotted in the very hazy hills. But as we turned onto the A24
towards the Douro River the valley opened out to the most breath-taking views
of hillsides covered in vines, in very regimented rows, very reminiscent of the
Mosel Valley in Germany. Probably the best scenery we have seen since arriving
in Portugal. Looking forward to our stay in this area.
Arrived at the camp which is underneath a bridge and there
were spaces available and although they are quite close, the location is
superb. Noticed that we need not have worried about finding a spot as there
were many free non serviced places down below us. Settled in and chatted with
our French neighbours before getting the chairs out and sitting outside for
lunch and a relaxing glass of vino. It is going to be a perfect place to spend
a few days relaxing. After a wee siesta I donned my hat and set off into town to
see about the train trip tomorrow up the Douro Valley which we had read about. The
train station is only a 10 minute walk from camp and a very nice guy in the
office who spoke English sorted it out for me. Continued walking for another 10
minutes to the marina area where there are number of boats that do river
cruises, collected the info and got directions to the info centre but not at
all welcoming and not like a traditional centre as the only thing they could
provide was a map of town. Meandered back to the van along the riverside
feeling extremely hot by the time I got back. Pulled our chairs into the shade
where there was a nice breeze blowing and settled in to read my book, “World without
end” by Ken Follet. It is such a great book, and I am nearing the end and
struggling to keep my nose out of it. Ian has read it as well and really
enjoyed it.
I walked across the old railway bridge as it was getting
dark and got a great view of the two vehicle bridges up the river as well as a
birds eye view of camp. After dinner we sat outside in the balmy evening air
and enjoyed the company of our French neighbours who were able to speak a
little English.
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| Great views from the motorway |
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| The Douro River |
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| Campervans everywhere |
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