A varied few days in Portugal

We have had a great few days in Portugal and had quite a variety of experiences. After a couple of nights on the coast at Figueira da Foz, between Lisbon and Porto, where we enjoyed some great beach walks (and dune scrambles!) we headed inland to Lamego, one of the country's most historic cities in the Douro valley.
Our campsite there was unique. It was in the grounds of a country house, high above the city, with great views. When we were given our allocated pitch, virtually alongside the old hotel which occupies the centre of the 'estate' we were a little bemused but the friendly owner insisted we would be fine. And we were! Despite the proximity of other vans we had our own private portico and stone staircase to use and spent a peaceful night.
During the previous afternoon (Sunday) we walked down the huge 600 step staircase into the city. The stairs are topped by a magnificent shrine dedicated to Our Lady Of Remedies and the wide stairs  are separated by terraces, religious mosaics and fountains at various points. A genuinely memorable experience.
The city was thronged with locals and had a festival feel. We visited a couple of churches and the beautiful cathedral (it is the seat of the diocese of Northern Portugal) and in the afternoon sunshine it was a lovely way to spend a couple of hours. Even the 600 steps back up weren't too bad.
From Lamego we headed to Braga via a stop on the banks of the Douro, right in the middle of Portugal's wine/port  producing area at Peso de Regua. Here we strolled, drank coffee, watched the luxurious river cruise ships and bought some local wine.
On reaching Braga we found the municipal camp site overlooking one of the city's two huge football stadia and set up camp with a view to walking into the city. However, our plans changed when we were pestered by a loose chihuahua which belonged to a family in a nearby caravan. We soon realised that the camp appeared to be populated mainly by English travellers (some even had washing machines outside their caravans!). Without wishing to appear judgmental we decided to move on when a second loose dog appeared and we decided that a peaceful stopover was unlikely! Also the weather had taken a turn for the worse and in heavy rain the whole scenario seemed unattractive.
We packed up and headed for the coast at Praia de Ancora, about an hour away. This is well north of Porto and quite close to the Spanish border which we will soon be crossing once again.

With the sun coming out our spirits lifted as the SatNav took us down a narrow cobbled street towards our second campsite of the day. As we arrived we noticed the couple from Tenbury Wells whom we met a few days ago were there as were a Dutch couple whom we had seen on two previous occasions. Our change of mind turned out to be a very good one!
The riverside garden site turned out to be beautiful, peaceful and ideally situated a ten minute walk from an absolutely superb beach with breaking waves, surprisingly warm water and wide open spaces.
So here we are...and might be for a while!!