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.
On the other side of the estuary, and reachable via a ferry service from the southern side of the harbour, is the town’s main beach, the Praia do Cabedelo. This near-perfect low, curving bay is backed by dunes and stretches south as far as the eye can see. The water is good for swimming, with breakers that are fun but not too dangerous. Equipment is available to hire for various water sports activities and there is a bar, the Aquario, at the windsurfing school.
This is a fantastic, unspoilt beach easily accessed from the Minho’s principal resort town. The only downside is that the weather can be wet and windy, especially out of season.
