Pedro DominguesCaminha is a village located in the northwest corner of Portugal, very close to the banks of River Minho, overlooking the Galician territory, but also bathed by the Atlantic Ocean.
You will discover 3 distinct regions in Caminha:
- The Historic Center and everything that exists along River Minho.
- Vila Praia de Âncora.
- And Serra d’Arga (or part of it, at least).
This article was exactly divided in this way. Here you will find information about the best beaches, viewpoints, waterfalls, fortresses, trails, and main tourist attractions not to be missed when visiting Caminha.
Where is Caminha located?
As I mentioned, Caminha is located in the extreme northwest of Portugal, bordering Galicia, namely the province of Pontevedra and Vigo. It is part of the district of Viana do Castelo, also bordering this municipality, and others in the district: Vila Nova de Cerveira and Ponte de Lima. Vila Praia de Âncora is a parish belonging to the municipality of Caminha, very famous for its beach in the north of Portugal.
MORE ARTICLES FROM THE NORTH OF PORTUGAL: - Porto Itinerary - Things to do in Porto - Best Museums in Porto - Best Churches and Cathedrals in Porto - Best Parks and Gardens in Porto - Best Port Wine Cellars in Porto - Best Beaches in Porto - Best Day Trips from Porto - Best Matosinhos Beaches - Things to do in Matosinhos - Things to do in Vila do Conde - Things to do in Póvoa de Varzim - Things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia - Things to do in Espinho - Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary - Things to do in Viana do Castelo - Things to do in Ponte de Lima - Things to do in Monção - Things to do in Valença - Things to do in Braga - Things to do in Guimarães - Things to do in Barcelos - Things to do in Esposende - Things to do in Arcos de Valdevez - Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary - Best Hikes and Trails in Peneda Gerês National Park - Best Peneda Gerês National Park Waterfalls and Lagoons - Douro Valley Itinerary - Douro Valley Wineries - Best Douro Viewpoints - Things to do in Peso da Régua - Things to do in Lamego - Things to do in Pinhão - Best beaches in Northern Portugal - Trás-os-Montes Itinerary - Things to do in Bragança - Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary - Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
When to visit Caminha?
Caminha can be visited at any time of the year. However, the beaches are more attractive in summer, and although I visited Serra d’Arga in late autumn, it will be more beautiful in spring, and the trails will be more pleasant at that time.
With regard to the main festivities, the following stand out from the many that happen in Caminha:
- Festivities in Honor of Santa Rita de Cássia: second weekend of August, in Caminha. This festival dates back to the middle of the 19th century.
- Pilgrimage of São João D’Arga: 28th and 29th of August. In this article I will tell you more about the monastery, in the section referring to Serra d’Arga.
- Festivities of Nossa Senhora da Bonança, in Vila Praia de Âncora. Of particular note is the procession across the sea to Fort Ínsua.
- Flounder Festival (gastronomic) in Lanhelas. First weekend of September.
- EDP Music Festival in Vilar de Mouros, in August.
Travel Insurance and Car Rental
A car is very important to visit Caminha, specially if you want to go explore the beaches and some hidden corners that I will show you in this article. If you don’t have a car, rent one with Discover Cars.
As far as travel insurance is concerned, it may be important if you go hiking in Serra d’Arga. I recommend World Nomads for that. Don’t travel to Portugal without it. Be safe! 😉
Gastronomy in Caminha
In Caminha, you can find good fish from the coast of Portugal and river Minho. But you will also find tender meat from Serra d’Arga. I have already mentioned the Flounder Festival, but any type of fish is good, for example Sea Bass, Shad or Sardines. In Serra d’Arga, delicious roasted lamb is eaten.
As for sweets, try Caminhenses, a kind of berlin ball with cream, traditional from Caminha. 😉
Restaurants in Caminha
- Restaurant Baptista (Caminha)
- Restaurant Fortaleza (Vila Praia de Âncora) – great place 😉
- Restaurant Camarão (Vila Praia de Âncora)
Accommodation tips in Caminha
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Bom Caminha | 8.9 | Caminha Town Center |
| Azenha do Tio Luís | 9.5 | Surroundings of Caminha |
| Palacete Villa Idalina | 9.5 | Surroundings of Caminha |
| Casa de Esteiro | 9.0 | Caminha Town Center |
| Rinoterra Minho | 9.6 | Surroundings of Caminha |
| Aldeamento do Camarido | 8.8 | Caminha Town Center |
| Deville Luxury Retreat | 8.8 | Surroundings of Caminha |
| Quintinha D’Arga | 8.8 | Serra d’Arga (Dem) |
| Hotel Porta do Sol | 8.5 | Caminha Town Center |
| Baixinho Guest House | 8.6 | Vila Praia de Âncora |
| Hotel Meira | 8.5 | Vila Praia de Âncora |
Things to do in Caminha | Portugal
Caminha has beaches, rivers and mountains. It also has phenomenal viewpoints, as you will be able to notice. There are historic fortresses to discover and breathtaking landscapes. I’ll start by sharing with you a map of the municipality with everything you should include in your itinerary.
Map | Things to do in Caminha
Visit Caminha Town Center and Surroundings
The Center of Caminha is relatively compact, so it’s very easy to walk around everything. Start by the river, with a view of Monte de Santa Trega on the other side, then head towards the village centre.
1. 25th of April Park and Bento Coelho Garden
I always park my car next to these two gardens in Caminha. They are both nice green spaces in the village, and they are close to the mouth of river Coura.
2. Caminha Riverwalk and Marsh of River Coura
From the gardens indicated above, you can already see the Marsh of River Coura, but the best view is from the center of Caminha Bridge over the river.
Consider taking Santa Maria de Cássia Ferryboat that connects Caminha to A Guarda, in Galicia. If you have a car, you can cross river Minho with it on the boat. 😉 The best place to stop at on the other side is the top of Monte de Santa Trega.
3. Walls of Caminha
The Walls of Caminha are from the 17th century. If you take the riverside walk, as I recommend, you’ll be able to admire the main section from the outside, and later in this itinerary, I’ll suggest going up to its top. 😉 Caminha had an important fortress to defend the national territory on the border with Spain.
4. Central Square of Caminha and Old Town Hall
On the way to the Main Square of Caminha, be sure to cross the Sea Gates that still survive from the walled town. In the Central Square you will find the Old Town Hall, the Tourist Office, and several other must-see attractions in Caminha.
5. Caminha Clock Tower
The Clock Tower is another survivor from the medieval walls of Caminha. It is, in fact, the only tower that survives of it, and underneath it once existed the Gates of Viana. Inside there is a small museum and it is possible to climb to the top for a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the central square.
6. Caminha Fountain
In the center of the same square you will find Caminha Fountain, built in the mid-16th century. It has always existed in this square, but this is not its original position, as it was only transferred here with the demolition of Caminha’s pillory after the liberal wars.
7. Casa dos Pitas
Casa dos Pitas, in turn, is a house that stands out among the others that exist in this central square, and is from the 17th century, with Manueline and Baroque features. Its coats of arms, the crowning of the facade and the details around the windows stand out.
8. Church of Mercy in Caminha
One of the main churches in Caminha is undoubtedly the Church of Mercy, right next to the old Town Hall. The image of Santa Rita de Cássia stands out inside. On the side you will find Calouste Gulbenkian Square, where the current City Hall of Caminha is located.
9. Rua Direita in Caminha
Rua Direita is an important road that connects the Clock Tower with the Mother Church of Caminha. Be sure to take a quick detour halfway, to pass in front of the Municipal Library and to visit the Chapel of São João.
10. Mother Church of Caminha
The Mother Church of Caminha is beautiful, despite its fortified appearance, dating from the 15th century. It’s right next to the walls, and from here it’s easy to access the top of them to observe river Minho. Of the Church, the rose window and the tower (16th century and 24 meters high) stand out, and obviously the phenomenal sculptures next to the main and side porticos, for example, of Nossa Senhora dos Anjos, patroness of Caminha.
11. Church and Convent of Santo António
In the surroundings close to the historic center, you can go up to the Convent of Santo António. I went there on foot, but you can decide to go by car. 😀 This Convent was occupied by the Capuchos Friars until the mid-19th century, later by the Hospitallers of the Immaculate Conception until the beginning of the 20th century, and then by nuns of the Franciscan order. It was practically destroyed in a fire in 1957.
12. Viewpoints to Minho River and Atlantic Coast
Close to Santo António Convent you will find another large section of Caminha’s walls. You should go explore them, as you will find an excellent viewpoint there to the mouth of river Minho.
But there are others even better:
- Fraga Viewpoint
- Sino dos Mouros Viewpoint
- Viewpoint of Santo Antão Chapel
- Viewpoint of Nossa Senhora das Neves (with a swing)
- Viewpoint of Cruzeiro da Independência
The best way to show you these viewpoints is through photographs, and I leave them all below. My favorite is without a doubt Sino dos Mouros Viewpoint, but I think it’s really worth going to all of them! The Viewpoint of Nossa Senhora das Neves should be visited by those heading to Serra d’Arga.
Viewpoint of the Walls of Caminha
Fraga Viewpoint
Sino dos Mouros Viewpoint
Viewpoint from the Chapel of Santo Antão
Viewpoint of Nossa Senhora das Neves
Viewpoint of Cruzeiro da Independência
13. Vilar de Mouros (Watermills and Medieval Bridge)
Another highlight of the municipality, on the outskirts of the Center of Caminha, is Vilar de Mouros, stage of a festival well known in Portugal: EDP Vilar de Mouros. I visited two places there: The Medieval Bridge over Coura River, next to the festival grounds, and the Watermills of Vilar de Mouros, with an attractive river beach. It is believed that the Medieval Bridge was built between the end of the 14th century and the beginning of the 15th century.
14. Cross of Venade
The Cross of Venade, on the other hand, is completely optional. However, it is one of the most beautiful cruises I have ever seen in Portugal. It’s from the 18th century and has lots of details to admire.
15. Foz do Minho Beach and Moledo Beach
Almost to the end, come the best beaches close to the center of Caminha. Both have a privileged view of Monte de Santa Trega, which enhances their beauty. They have good access, good infrastructure, and even a campsite. Personally, I like Moledo Beach the most!
16. Fort Ínsua
Fort Ínsua is visible from the two previous beaches: it is located on a small islet about half a kilometer from the coast. I’ve never visited it, but I know you can do it on a trip from Caminha, taking a guided tour with Diver Minho, for example.
The history of the fortress dates back to the 14th century, when Franciscan friars built the Convent of Santa Maria da Ínsua on this islet. The fortress that you can visit today was built only in the 17th century on top of what was left of the previous buildings.
Visit Vila Praia de Âncora and surroundings
Vila Praia de Âncora has its own tourist office. Go there to collect all the useful information about the parish. 😉 It is right next to the beaches and the mouth of river Âncora.
1. Vila Praia de Âncora Beach and Duna do Caldeirão Beach
The best beaches in Vila Praia de Âncora are these two. The first is immediately opposite the center of the village, with excellent support infrastructure. The second can also be reached from the centre, crossing river Âncora via the pedestrian bridge.
2. Lagarteira Fort
Another highlight of this town is Lagarteira Fort. It is next to the small port of Vila Praia de Âncora, and was built to defend the Portuguese coast during the 17th and 18th centuries. You have some photos below.
3. Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Bonança
The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Bonança is the main one in Vila Praia de Âncora, located in the central Republic Square. It is a church with a simple layout, with its bell tower standing out.
4. Anta da Barrosa
In the immediate vicinity of Vila Praia de Âncora, I highlight Anta da Barrosa, which dates back to the late Neolithic, that is, to the end of the 3rd millennium BC. It is surrounded by a pleasant picnic park with an extensive lawn.
5. Forte do Cão
Forte do Cão is another of the fortresses in Caminha, located south of Vila Praia de Âncora. It was built during the first years of the 18th century, with the same purpose as Lagarteira Fort. Close to it you will find a beach with the same name. Cão means Dog, in English, so the translation would be Dog Fort.
6. Cividade de Âncora
Cividade de Âncora is what remains of a fortified settlement from the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. It is optional, a spot only for those who want to visit Caminha in more detail.
7. Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Lurdes (Monte do Calvário)
The Chapel at Monte do Calvário is not at all optional. It has the best viewpoint for Vila Praia de Âncora, and a kind of cave with the image of Nossa Senhora de Lurdes. It’s a very different place from the ordinary, so it’s worth visiting!
8. Chapel and Viewpoint of São Pedro de Varais
To finish, still on the outskirts of Vila Praia de Âncora, be sure to go up to the Viewpoint of São Pedro de Varais and then to the chapel with the same name. The Romanesque Chapel is located at the entrance to Serra d’Arga, as you will notice from the surrounding mountain. As a curiosity, it is the oldest monument in Caminha.
Visit Serra d’Arga in Caminha
As I mentioned before, you can consider São Pedro de Varais and the Viewpoint de Nossa Senhora das Neves as points of entrance to Serra d’Arga. Now I’ll introduce you to other attractions, starting with the village that gave its name to the mountain range: Arga!
1. Village of Arga and Serra d’Arga Interpretation Center
The Village of Arga is divided between Arga de Cima and Arga de Baixo, but there are other several clusters of isolated houses in the surroundings, which constitute smaller villages within the main village.
Undoubtedly, it should be the starting point for discovering the mountain range, because that’s where the Interpretation Center is located, full of useful information for walkers or for those who are just going to take a quick drive through the main spots.
Don’t miss the two main churches, one in Arga de Baixo and the other in Arga de Cima. Don’t forget to stop at Taberna do Horácio for a beer or coffee. Take a walk or drive through the alleys, most of which are easily navigated despite not being paved.
2. Serra d’Arga Wind Farm
One of the places that you should also visit, but which has dirt roads, is the Wind Farm of Serra d’Arga. It deserves a visit for the mountain landscapes and also for the spectacular view to the mouth of river Minho. I got a flat tire on those roads, so be careful. 😀
3. Serra d’Arga Waterfalls in Caminha
In the municipality of Viana do Castelo, south of Serra d’Arga, there are several waterfalls, such as Pincho: I have already mentioned them in another article on this site: go check all the things to do in Viana do Castelo. There are also some waterfalls in Caminha region, and some are really spectacular. I list them below.
Waterfalls of Ribeiro de Pombas
Ribeiro de Pombas Waterfalls are beautiful when seen with a drone; from the ground they cannot be seen from the front, which is why I consider them optional. You can easily access the site by taking a short walk of about 1km from Arga de Baixo.
- Coordinates: 41.84662, -8.69537
Waterfall of Ribeira de Arga
Ribeira de Arga Waterfall is about 700 meters from the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha. If you don’t want to walk, you can observe it in the distance from a viewpoint on the side of the road, whose coordinates I also leave below.
- Coordinates of the waterfall: 41.85304, -8.70941
- Coordinates of the viewpoint: 41.8579, -8.70597
Penas Waterfall
This is the best waterfall that I present to you in this article. It is huge, and there is a viewpoint for it from Sobral, which I identified on the map. You can also get close to it (to the top) with a short walk, from where you will feel all its strength. Up close, you can only see the top of the waterfall.
- Where I started the walk to the Waterfall: 41.85794, -8.71641
- Coordinates of the waterfall: 41.86002, -8.7165
- Viewpoint from Sobral: 41.85775, -8.72114
4. PR4 CMN – Chã da Franqueira Trail
If you are interested in the waterfalls presented in the previous topic, check out the PR4 CMN – Chã da Franqueira Trail, which passes by them. I haven’t done this trail yet, having only gone to the places I considered most interesting, but I’ll leave you here a link to wikiloc where you can access the map and more information about it. I think it’s the best route to take starting at the village of Arga.
5. PR1 CMN – Chã Grande Trail
Another possibility is the Chã Grande Trail, passing through spots such as Chã do Meijão, Alto da Portela, Fonte da Urze, Chã de São João, Alto do Espinheiro, Porta do Lobo, Moinhos do Covão and Moinhos da Gândara.
6. PR3 CMN – Cabeço do Meio-Dia trail
As a final trail suggestion, check the PR3 CMN – Cabeço do Meio-Dia Trail. Its highlights, in addition to Cabeço do Meio-Dia Viewpoint, are the old Traves Bridge, the Porto Carro Bridge, Moinho Velho, Moinho Novo, Moinho de Baixo and Moinho da Fichua. As far as the landscape is concerned, I almost compare Serra d’Arga to the incredible Peneda Gerês National Park.
7. Monastery and Church of São João de Arga
The Monastery and Church of São João de Arga are two distinct places in Serra d’Arga. The Church is a simple chapel located near the village of Arga de São João. The Monastery is a true sanctuary, a place of worship since the 13th century, and responsible for one of the most important pilgrimages in the municipality of Caminha. Undoubtedly, the secluded space in which the monastery is located stands out. Excellent place for a picnic.
8. Covas Dam and N301 Road
In the north of Serra d’Arga, but still in the municipality of Caminha, you will find Covas Dam. Consider also driving through the beautiful N301 that follows river Coura.
Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal
- N2 Portugal Road Trip Itinerary
- Madeira Itinerary and Travel Guide
- São Miguel Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Terceira Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Pico Itinerary in Azores
- Faial Itinerary in Azores
- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Porto Itinerary and Travel Guide
- Things to do In Braga (Minho)
- Things to do in Guimarães (Minho)
- Things to do in Viana do Castelo (Minho)
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Douro Valley Itinerary
- Trás-os-Montes Itinerary
- Things to do in Bragança
- Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary
- Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
- Things to do in Aveiro
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- Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
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- Things to do in Tavira (Algarve)
I hope this list of things to do in Caminha was useful for you! Please send me your feedback in the comment section below.
