Today was not just a walk, it was food for the soul! The Senda Litoral (coastal path) from Viana do Castelo to Vila Praia do Âncora has the most stunning coastline, and every turn just revealed a new breathtaking view.
When leaving VdC we stopped to admire some of the gorgeous street art that had been prepared as part of the ongoing festival, then took the turn toward the coast. Just as we were chastising ourselves for tarrying in VdC because today was supposed to be a hot day, God turned on his air conditioning- the sea breezes kept us cool all day! The path was a lot of boardwalk, a bit that wound over boulders and through a patch of coastal vegetation, little bit of soft sand, and of course the sound of the ocean accompanying us the whole way. The photos don’t even begin to do the day justice.
The townspeople work overnight to create these on the streets. They are made out of colored sand now, but used to be done with flowers when the festival originated in 1772.
The name of the festival is Nossa Senhora do Agonia, named after the patron saint of fishermen.
Wish you could hear the waves and feel the sea breeze!
The path clambered over some boulders and through coastal vegetation…
To our surprise, the vegetation included wild blackberries!
And the beautiful purple heather leant color to the already gorgeous coastline.
Grilled cod, roasted potatoes and a nod to vegetables for lunner!
The square in town was lit up as Europeans enjoyed the lovely evening strolling around and relaxing in outdoor cafes.
And of course, the stamps!
Two Clines Traveling 
How amazing. Sand art taken to a whole new level. Sure hope a big breeze doesn’t whip by and destroy all of that. Beautiful scenery too!
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And there were many more streets with it too. The amount of work that goes into this festival is amazing!
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I ran out of water in the final stretch through the hills. Lovely walk felt longer than 23k
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