3 Best Best Beaches in Viana Do Castelo

The Praia do Cabedelo is located just across the mouth of the river Lima from the northern city of Viana do Castelo. Cabedelo and neighbouring Praia de Luzia Mar are some of the finest beaches in the Minho region with their fine white sand backed by low dunes and extensive pine forests. From here there are views across the river to the medieval city and the stunning Santuário de Santa Luzia, perched high above.

Praia do Cabedelo is a great spot for relaxing and feeling at one with nature. It is also a popular surf spot.

Located on the Lima estuary, Viana do Castelo is an attractive and lively coastal resort, popular with windsurfers, kitesurfers and surfers. There are good waves each side of the harbour, with a virtually unbroken expanse of sand stretching northwards to Spain.

The most northerly beach in Portugal, Praia da Foz do Minho sits on the very river that separates the country from Spain. The beach at Caminha wraps around the coast and alongside the river giving beachgoers two options; the fine sandy beach facing into the powerful waves of the Atlantic or the river with coarser sand but calm waters.

Around 200 metres off the coast here is the imposing 17th century Forte de Insua. Originally the site of a chapel, the island was later commandeered for its strategic importance at the mouth of the River Minho and on the Spanish border.