The Bajo Miño invites you to explore the landscape and heritage of the border between Galicia and Portugal. This two-day proposal includes stops on both shores to organize your getaway.
2 days in the Bajo Miño
Day 1
Tui- Valença do Minho
- Take a stroll through the Old Town. Don’t miss the Chapel of San Telmo and the Mirador da Estrela.
- Visit the Cathedral, a gem of Galician Gothic.
- Buy almond fish candies at the Convent of the Clarisas.
- Cross to Valença via the International Bridge that spans the Miño River. On foot or by car.
- Visit the Fortress. Don't miss the Main Chamber Square and the Bom Jesus Chapel.
- Walk around the perimeter of the fortress. You'll discover the best views from the Baluarte del Socorro, behind the Pousada.
- Explore the little shops. You'll find all kinds of high-quality home goods at good prices.
Day 2
- Climb up to the Deer Lookout in Vilanova de Cerveira. There you can take pictures on the "best swing in the world".
- Visit the village: the interior of the walled enclosure and the Church of Mercy.
- Drive to Caminha. From there, you can cross to A Guarda by ferry.
- Visit the Castro de Santa Tegra and its viewpoints overlooking the estuary of the Miño River and towards the coast.
- To finish, take a stroll along the Maritime Promenade of the city.
What to eat
On both banks, you can enjoy good river fish: sea bass, salmon, baby eels from the Miño, and lamprey in season. If you eat on the Portuguese side, we suggest trying some "bacalhau". To drink, local D.O Rias Baixas wine: O Rosal, or vinho verde.
If you are dining in A Guarda, a traditional fishing port, lean towards seafood. They celebrate the Lobster Festival annually. Are you up for it?
Practical information
- The most important thing will be to book a clear day to go up to Santa Tegra and enjoy its views.
- Visit the Castro with a guide. The Municipal Patronage organizes free tours.
- If you like fairs, the ones in Valença do Minho and Vilanova de Cerveira are the most important in the region. The Valença one is on Wednesdays, and the Vilanova one is on Saturdays. You will need to rearrange your visits since it will take you the whole morning.
- In Valença, there are public restrooms. From the Municipal Chamber, you will see a small square. Down the street beneath it, there are the public restrooms.
- The ferry that connects Caminha- A Guarda has schedules that depend on the tides. Check them out. here. There are also 4 bridges in total that cross the Miño river at this point.
The best experience
"Going up to Santa Tegra is the highlight of the visit. A unique space that connects us with our ancestors. If you add to this the stunning views of the Miño estuary, there are no doubts left!"
GABRIELA GARCIA
Travel Blogger
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