Caminha developed at the meeting of the Rio Coura and Rio Minho, in a strategic position facing Galicia across the river. D. Dinis granted the town a foral (charter) in 1284, and its medieval centre was laid out inside oval defensive walls on an unusually regular street plan.
New bastioned defences were added in the 17th century during the wars between Portugal and Spain. Much of the medieval street layout survives inside the old centre.
The Camino crosses the Rio Minho from Caminha to A Pasaxe (Camposancos), where you enter Galicia. Passenger boats make the crossing in about 10 minutes, but departure times vary by season, so always check the current schedule.
Qué ver en Caminha
Torre do Relógio
The Torre do Relógio is the only surviving tower of Caminha's medieval walls. Originally the Porta de Viana, it guarded the town's principal southern entrance; the clock that gave the tower its present name was installed in 1673.
Igreja Matriz
Begun in 1488, the Igreja Matriz combines late Gothic architecture with some of the earliest Renaissance work in Portugal. The Capela dos Mareantes, dated 1511, is an early example of the transition from Manueline to Renaissance design, and the south portal uses classical pilasters, niches and figures that were still unusual in Portugal at the time.
Dónde alojarse en Caminha
Bom Caminha
Arca Nova Guest House & Hostel
Albergue Santiago de Caminha
Albergue de peregrinos
