Where to Eat
From hearty pilgrim menus (menu do peregrino) to fresh Atlantic seafood and traditional pastéis de nata — Caminha punches well above its size for food.
See restaurants →Camino de Santiago · Coastal Route · Portugal
Your Guide to Caminha
Caminha is a jewel on the Portuguese Coastal Way — a medieval walled town at the mouth of the Minho River, your last stop in Portugal before crossing to Spain. Everything pilgrims need to know, in one place.
- 41.9°N
- Coordinates
- ~15 min
- Ferry to Spain
- €2.50
- Ferry price
- 24 km
- From Viana do Castelo
Everything You Need in Caminha
Whether you're arriving on foot along the coastal path or planning your rest day, this guide covers all the essentials.
Where to Stay
Municipal pilgrim hostels, family-run guesthouses, and riverside camping — accommodation options for every budget and credential preference.
See accommodation →Ferry & Logistics
Cross the Minho River from Caminha to A Guarda, Spain. Timetables, prices, what to expect at the dock, and tips for a smooth border crossing.
Plan your crossing →About Caminha on the Coastal Camino
Caminha (population ~7,000) sits at the confluence of the Coura and Minho rivers, facing the Spanish town of A Guarda across the water. Its 14th-century walls, fortified clock tower, and elegant Praça do Conselho make it one of the most charming stops on the entire Portuguese Coastal Camino.
For pilgrims walking the Caminho da Costa (Coastal Route), Caminha marks the transition from Portugal to Galicia, Spain. The ferry crossing — a short but memorable 15-minute boat ride — has been used by travellers and pilgrims for centuries. After crossing, pilgrims continue north through A Guarda and along the Galician coast toward Santiago de Compostela.
The town is also a practical overnight stop before the crossing, with a municipal pilgrim hostel, several guesthouses, and enough excellent restaurants to recover from the long coastal stage from Viana do Castelo.