Golega - Ericeira

We leave our super campsite and drive west to Santarem. This small town is nicknamed the Gothic capital of Portugal - maybe it's true?

We are lucky and find a parking space close to the center. Once again we walk uphill and downhill past numerous churches. The first thing we notice is the (non-Gothic) ihreja do Seminario, we visit the Santissimo Milagre, admire the market hall with the Ajulejoz paintings from the 1930s, look at the remains of the castle and enjoy the view over the countryside.

Of course, a Galao with croissant is a must.

We continue west to Obidos. There are plenty of parking spaces right next to the aqueduct and lots of tour buses are a sign that this is a tourist hotspot. Narrow alleys, whitewashed houses decorated with flowers, a walkable city wall all around and one small shop next to the other - and we also find souvenirs for those who stayed at home.

I'm drawn to the sea. The only campsite for miles around is in Ericeira, about 40 km from Lisbon. Here you'll find some of the best surfing beaches in Europe. The entire coastal area around Ericeira has been classified as a world surfing heritage site (along with Malibu and Manly Beach in Sydney). The campsite has something of a high-security wing about it, and it's probably a real nightmare here in the summer. We see surf schools, skate parks and apartment complexes on our way to the town center. It's Monday and with a bit of luck we'll find an open restaurant with the sunset over the sea.