R2R

15/08/2026

Valença, also known as Valença do Minho, is a historic town in northern Portugal. When I began my EuroVelo 1 journey in February 2026, it was the southernmost point of the route. However, in April 2026, the route was extended to Fisterra in Galicia, Spain. The extension crosses the River Minho via the old railway bridge to Tui and continues west along the river towards A Guarda.
The town's origins date back to Roman times, with two Roman roads still surviving today. Its military importance began in the 12th century, when the town was known as Contrasta. In the 13th century, King Afonso III renamed it Valença and began building the fortress that would play a key role in defending Portugal over the centuries.
Valença's fortress remains the town's main attraction. Despite suffering damage through various conflicts, it has been carefully restored and is well preserved today. The historic road and railway bridge over the Minho River, built in 1879, marked the starting point of my EuroVelo 1 adventure.
Today, Valença is a lively town of around 15,000 residents, with tourism at the heart of its economy. I spent several nights there, first staying in a free parking area outside the fortress, which was popular with other motorhome travellers. During my stay, I bought a Portuguese SIM card, enjoyed local restaurants, and stocked up on supplies. Before leaving, I spent two nights at a private motorhome site where I could refill water tanks and dispose of waste.
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If you have any questions about the town or the EuroVelo 1 route, please leave a comment below.

21/06/2026

I am not sure if this information is useful to anyone, but then it is also easily ignored, if not.
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I lived in my campervan for 109 days (3 months and 20 days). Of these...
- 3 days travelling from the UK to Portugal
- 52 days in Portugal
- 46 days in Spain
- 8 days in France
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These pictures show the breakdown of my expenses during this time on the road.
- Feb expenses, despite being only 6 days, were a lot higher because of the fuel (Diesel) required to travel from the UK to the north of Portugal (Valença). Fuel remained the largest expense throughout the journey, made worse due to the conflict in Iran.
- Accommodation were expenses with camp sites, but also include things like electricity and water when charged separately.
- Comms were the expenses with the acquisition and top-up of the Portuguese and Spanish SIM cards.
- The 3rd picture also provides a breakdown in € (original cost). The £ values do include conversion fees.
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02/06/2026

02/06/2026

Parked-up at Omaha Beach, one of the D-Day landing sites. If you watched Saving Private Ryan with Tom Hanks and Matt Damon, this is the one.

30/05/2026

Two nights here at the motorhome parking (or as the French say it, Camping car Parking) at La Flotte in Île de Ré. No service other than bins in front of the parking lot, but it has been safe and calm with many other vans + motorhomes coming and going, incl. from the UK.
Thank you for the hospitality.

12/05/2026

I think this is one of the wackiest petrol stations I have ever been to. It is in Palencia and the RV / Motorhome parking on the other side of the road (same owner) has a 4.55 out of 5 rating in . You pay for electricity in the petrol station (€5 for 12h, 1200W max) and everything else is coin operated (showers, laundry, water, etc). WiFi is free if you fuel, which I did. If you need no services. Parking is free, apparently.

29/04/2026

20/04/2026

This is the 1st time ever I found a FREE motorhome parking with a potable water tap, grey and black waste disposal AND FREE ELECTRICITY!
Happy camper today.
Many thanks to the community of Higuera de la Sierra for providing this service

18/04/2026

Many Spanish towns, even very small ones, have an area specific for motorhome parking and to discharge grey and black water. This is great... Makes the journey so easy.
I was just thinking a moment ago about the types of campers. Trying not to be judgemental, as all people have their quirks, but when I am doing this I am not doing to live the same life I do at home away from home. Of course, I do watch some YouTube and occasionally do some streaming when there is WiFi, but a french camper parked right beside me about 2h ago. Moved his large motorhome back and forth a few times then complained his satellite dish had no reception (in French, of course) and left. If watching TV was so important to me I might as well just stay home, but that is me. I removed the TV my camper came with, but I still have the capability of watching TV. I don't do it out of choice.

03/04/2026

Today I am parked literally right at the place I reached with my bike.