Great Things to Do Near Casa da Galé
Take the train along the scenic railway line to explore the beautiful city of Viana do Castelo...
The historical centre is mostly pedestrianised and is where most of the best buildings and shops are to be found. Take the elevator up to the Basilica of Santa Luzia which was inspired by the Sacré Coeur in Paris. From the basilica there are spectacular views of the city and the beach.
Visit Monçao, just to the east of Valenca, a very pretty town which overlooks the Minho...
With several old houses and a spa whose waters are believed to help the aches and pain of rheumatism. They also produce the well-known local Alvarinho wine here, so it's well worth a visit!
Spend a day in Ponte de Lima, one of Portugal's oldest towns spreading lazily along the tree-lined banks of the river Lima...
This is a beautiful town, with fine buildings and pretty cobbled squares. Visit on a Monday morning and you may be fortunate enough to witness the local market, which is held on the sandy river beach every other week.
Take a trip back in time at the Medieval Fair held at the end of July in Caminha...
Costumes, music, food, dancing, horse shows and theatrical displays - everything goes Medieval in this delightful town for these few days. There are lots of arts and crafts to look at or buy too. This is one of the best festivals in Portugal!
Hire Surfboards at Afife, a much sought after spot for keen surfers...
Take a lesson at the surf school or simply lay back and watch the surfers ride the waves. Moledo is a great spot for surfing too and you can also try kitesurfing there.
Feel closer to nature in the beautiful National Park of Peneda-Geres...
If you don't fancy getting out and walking drive for miles through the largely undiscovered beautiful mountain scenery of this stunning area of natural beauty. Why not pack a picnic and stop off at one of the many shady spots dotted around. There is an abundance of wildlife to be spotted and pretty flowers to admire.
Spend a day in Spain taking the car ferry from Caminha which makes frequent trips across the water that seperates Portugal from Galicia...
You could also drive across the river on the bridge from Vila Nova da Cerveira. A Guarda is regarded as one of the best places in Galicia to try seafood. Then visit the Celtic village of Santa Tecla at the top of the hill beside A Guarda - there are some great views.
Visit the historic city of Braga and enjoy some retail therapy at the large shopping mall there...
Admire the impressive cathedral and enjoy a coffee in the square before heading to the shops and doing a bit of souvenir hunting.
Take a leisurely trip along the Lima River from the pier in Viana do Castelo...
There are short trips of around 45 minutes or you can take a longer trip which includes lunch. There are also trips along the River Minho.
Enjoy a walk and a picnic by the River Coura...
The winding River Coura meanders down to Caminha and offers many delightful spots for picnicking. In Paredes da Coura there are areas to dive and safe pools for children.
Take a boat ride from Foz do Minho which lies 5km south west of Caminha...
Local boat companies are on hand to take visitors to the island fortress of Ínsua Fort, which houses a former Franciscan convent and church where the cloisters and chapel can still be seen.
Spend an evening on Moledo beach and watch the beautiful sunsets...
Either from its pristine sands or from a terrace of one of the smart coffee bars that lie just behind the waterfront.
Spend a day souvenir hunting....
The people of the Alto Minho still continue with many ancient handicrafts passed down through generations. Viana do Castelo is renowned for its colourfully embroidered festival dresses, lace and pottery. But almost everywhere you can visit small artisanal workshops where weaving, basketwork, lacework, wood carving and toys are still made using traditional methods.
Wander round the village of Moledo, explore the cobbled streets and meet the friendly locals...
The winding streets of Moledo have so much to discover and see. Some of the buildings date back centuries and there are little hidden cafes to find and enjoy.
Explore Valença, a border town steeped in history...
Drive through the ancient archway that leads the way through the impressive walls that encircle the old quarter to discover cobbled streets and a delightful range of shops selling the beautifully embroidered towels and linen for which the town is famous.
Have a relaxing day on the beach at Caminha...
Foz do Minho beach sits at the mouth of the Minho River and is sheltered from the offshore breezes by pine woods. The beach has views over the Celtic hill fort of Santa Tecla on the other side of the river in Spain. If you get peckish the restaurant on the beach serves up hearty Portuguese fare and the pine trees provide shade for an after lunch doze!
Follow the Vinho Verde wine trail along the banks of the Minho...
The Minho Valley passes between undulating hills covered with the vines which produce the lightly sparkling and very tasty wine of the region. Take a tour of one of the bodegas and try some samples, you can even buy a bottle to take home.
Walk around the narrow cobbled streets of Caminha to discover some of the beautiful old stone houses, many built over a century ago...
Some have the family's coat of arms engraved into the walls, while others are adorned with attractive tiles and have wonderful old wooden doors or iron gates.
Enjoy the pretty gardens and pool at the villa...
The well-kept garden and pool are there for you to enjoy so why not make the most of them. Enjoy an evening meal on your barbecue and dine out under the stars.
Dine amongst the locals in Moledo...
Take a stroll through the streets of Moledo and look out for Gaivota restaurant where the locals gather for lunch or dinner. The food is hearty and the prices very reasonable, all in a friendly atmosphere. This quaint little restaurant is well worth a visit.
