Pilgrimage and Coast

PILGRIMAGE AND COAST DESTINATIONS

LOURDES AND BIARRITZ

The coastal town of Biarritz in the French Basque Country has been attracting visitors since the 1800s, looking to enjoy the sunshine and sea breeze in its long sandy beaches or its seafront terraces and promenade.

European royals and Hollywood stars made Biarritz their Summer residence and turned it into a fashionable destination. That glamour of the olden days is reflected in the city’s Art Deco buildings and beautiful architecture; mixed in with a 21st century surf scene that attracts surfers from all over the world.

LOURDES AND SAN SEBASTIAN

San Sebastian is a sophisticated coastal city and gastronomic mecca by the Bay of Biscay, in the Spanish Basque Country. If you are a foodie looking for Michelin-star treatment, then San Sebastian is the perfect spot for you, as the home of world-famous chefs and award-winning restaurants.

Like Biarritz, San Sebastian, or Donosti in Basque, was a seaside resort favoured by royalty and its grand architecture gives the city its old time charm and unique character.

A stunning beachfront promenade connects two of the city’s wonderful beaches Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta, where you can go for a stroll, take a dip in the ocean or simply relax and enjoy the sunshine.

FATIMA AND ESTORIL – THE LISBON COAST

A week-long trip to Fatima and Estoril in Portugal is perfect to soothe both body and soul, as you will spend a few days on pilgrimage to Fatima, visiting the ‘city of peace’; followed by a few days relaxing at the elegant seaside town of Estoril, on the Atlantic shores of the Portuguese Riviera.

In Estoril you will have time to relax and enjoy the sunshine, go to the beach or a stroll along the beautiful seafront. Those looking to explore further afield have many options for day trips to wonderful historic cities and towns in the region, including the capital Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra and many others.

ROME AND THE AMALFI COAST

A trip to Rome, exploring this magnificent city and visiting all its main places of devotion, including the Vatican and St Peter’s Square, can be easily combined with a couple of days on the dazzling Amalfi Coast, one of the most spectacular landscapes in Italy and Europe.

SAN GIOVANNI AND THE ADRIATIC COAST IN ITALY

A week-long pilgrimage to San Giovanni Rotondo and Pietrelcina in Puglia following in the footsteps of Padre Pio can be combined with a couple of relaxing days enjoying the seaside at Alba Adriatica.