CAMINHA

Chafariz de Terreiro

The 16th century Terreiro Fountain is the centrepiece to the Praça do Conselheiro Silva Torres, where you'll find a good selection of cafés and restaurants. The fountain is one of three from the same designer, one is to be found in Pontevedra, Galicia and the other in Viana do Castelo. The square and fountain are located in front of the clock tower and is an ideal spot for lunch or to spend a relaxing hour.

Torre do Relógio (Clock Tower)

The only one remaining gate tower/keep of three which once gave access to the original fortified town. South facing it was first known as Porta Viana as it commanded the route to Viana do Castelo. It was only known as the Torre do Relógio when it received its clock in the 17th century, the bell which chimes the hour was installed in 1610. Inside and atop a new staircase is a small museum exhibiting local historical objects.

Igreja da Misericórdia

To the right of the square and the Edifício de Dois Pisos can be found the Igreja da Misericórdia, the 16th-century church, which during its time has many reconstructions and restyling.

Praia de Moledo

The Atlantic coastline lies a mile and a half west of Caminha and the most northern beach is the Praia de Moledo close to the small town of Moledo do Minho. A long pleasant stretch of sand that looks out at the Forte Da Ínsua, a 17th-century island fortress in the mouth of the Minho River, the natural border between Spain and Portugal. On the Spanish side of the river, the Santa Tecla hill creates an impressive backdrop. The beach backs onto a pine forest which offers respite from the midday sun.

Those who need even more peace and quiet can ask at the Restaurante Barracuda about the boat which will ferry you to the island where a secluded beach awaits. Praia do Pirata lies of the southern end linked by wooden walkways and forest paths that line the edge of the dunes. | N 41º 50' 58.74" | W 08º 51' 59.63"

Âncora & Vila Praia de Âncora

Located at the mouth of the River Âncora the lovely sandy beaches here are sheltered from the winds by the Serra d'Arga hills. A popular spot for surfers on the Northern side whilst bathers and sun-seekers tend to occupy the southern end where the swell is calmer. It's here on the southern beaches where you'll find the protected sand dunes, which are accessible to walkers only over wooden walkways and are almost always deserted. The town of Âncora dates back to the Palaeolithic era, found dotted around these parts are mounds known as "Ancorense", ancient dumping grounds of discarded seafood shells consumed by the stone age inhabitant of the area.

Although much of the traditional fishing way of life has given way to tourism, Âncora remains unspoiled and retains much of its cultural heritage and is a centre for handicrafts, aquatic sports, and specific sea-based gastronomy. In 1924 the village was elevated to city status and received its current name of Vila Praia de Âncora which means into "Beach Town of the Anchor". | N 41º 48' 48.09" | W 08º 51' 55.44"

Praia de Afife

This remote strip of a seemingly endless stretch of sand seven miles North of Viana do Castelo encompasses other adjoining beaches, Praia Insua to the North and Praia da Arda to the south. Its great expanse offers peace and tranquillity. The beach itself lacks amenities however the village of Afife lies close on the other side of the A28 highway. Exposed to Atlantic breezes at times and the sun, sunscreen is a must! Popular for water sports and there's a resident surf school for people of all abilities. | N 41º 48' 48.09" | W 08º 51' 55.44"

Just off the main road a few miles East heading out of Vila Praia de Âncora, lies the largest and most well preserved single-chamber megalithic tomb in the area. The Anta da Barrosa dolmen dates back to the late Neolithic period. It is considered by the scientific community to be one of the most emblematic megalithic monuments found within the whole Iberian Peninsula. Known locally as Lapa do Mouro, the monument consists of the megalithic burial chamber held up by nine intertwined pillars, resting on each other, four on each side, supporting a large granite rectangular headstone. It was classified as a national monument in 1910.
41° 48′ 36″ N | 08° 51′ 02″ W

The ferry at Caminha takes you across the estuary to A Paxase in Spain. There is a pleasant four-mile (7 km) walk from here, around the headland to A Guarda. The route goes through an ecologically protected area and offers great views across the estuary and the Insua fort. Dominating the headland is the Monte Tecla on top of which an ancient Castro settlement (Castro de Santa Tegra) is situated. The attractive harbour and seafront at A Guarda has a great choice of restaurants and tapas bars to refresh the weary walker. The ferry runs each hour with a two-hour break during the middle of the day.

High Season; Portugal → Spain - Everyday: 08h00 – 20h00, Spain → Portugal - Everyday: 08h30 – 21h15
Praça Conselheiro Silva Torres, 4910-122, Caminha, Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
41° 52' 32.4" N | 08° 50' 18.2" W | +351 258 921 952
turismo@cm-caminha.pt |  Website & Prices