Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated August 2026 | What to do in Caminha in northwestern Portugal? Caminha is a small, idyllic holiday town located two kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean, close to the border with Spain. This town is actually so close to the Spanish border that we were able to get Spanish internet on our phones. We came here by camper van and explored the town for a day, combined with a relaxed stay at the Orbitur Caminha campsite.
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Caminha in Portugal
Caminha has ancient origins and developed into an important fortified border town on the Minho River during the Middle Ages. Under King Afonso III, work began on a ring wall around the new settlement, and in 1284 Caminha received its first city privilege from King Dinis.
For us, Caminha was our very first encounter with Portugal, after traveling for a while in Spain, and it was a nice first encounter.
A walk in Caminha
After checking into Camping Orbitur Caminha we took a walk into town. It was a walk of about a kilometer, which was lovely in the warming sun.
In the small town, people were enjoying the sun, and we saw many people sitting outside in the town's cafes. Outside every house, we saw laundry waving in the wind.
Things to see and do in Caminha
The best way to experience Caminha is to stroll through the cozy city center, where you can explore the Praça Conselheiro Silva Torres square, which can be described as the heart of the city. If you are interested in history, you can also visit the city's churches, such as:
- Caminha Parish Church (Parent Church)
- Igreja da Misericórdia (Church of Mercy)
- Igreja e Convento de Santo António
Don't miss the Torre do Relógio, the old clock tower that leads into the historic center and is the most visible remnant of Caminha's medieval fortifications. It can also be nice to walk along the Minho River. In addition, sunbathing and swimming on the beaches in the area are popular.
Camping Orbitur
We checked into Orbitur Caminha, which is located in a pine forest near the mouth of the Minho River and about 200 meters from the beach. From here we walked into town and the walk was fine, but by bike it would have been even smoother.
The campsite is nice and has a small bar and a small shop.
More to see and do in Portugal
Do you want to continue your journey and discover more in Portugal? Here you will find more reports and tips:
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Caminha
Where is Caminha located?
Caminha is located in the very northwestern part of Portugal, at the mouth of the Minho River into the Atlantic Ocean and close to the border with Spain. On the other side of the river lies the Spanish region of Galicia.
What is Caminha known for?
Known for its historic town centre, its location on both the river and the Atlantic Ocean, and its views towards Spain, Caminha is also a popular stop for travellers following the Portuguese coastal route to Santiago de Compostela.
What is there to see and do in Caminha?
Stroll through the small old town, visit the central square Praça Conselheiro Silva Torres and stroll along the Minho River. You can also relax on the beaches or take excursions along the coast.
Does Caminha have nice beaches?
Yes, there are several nice Atlantic beaches in the area. Praia de Moledo is one of the most famous and is located a few kilometers south of Caminha. The sea can be wavy and the water is often cooler than along the southern coast of Portugal.
How many days do you need in Caminha?
One day is enough to see the main parts of the city, but one or two nights are fine if you want to enjoy the beaches, camp or explore the surroundings.
Can you visit Spain from Caminha?
Yes, Spanish Galicia is located on the other side of the Minho River. By car, you can cross the border via the nearest bridge, while boat traffic across the river can vary, so check current connections before you travel.
Is Caminha suitable for campervan travellers?
Yes, Caminha and the surrounding area are nice to visit by motorhome. There are camping facilities and the town is a natural stop during a road trip along the north coast of Portugal or further towards Spain.
You might also like:
Stenö Havsbad & Camping in Söderhamn - a pleasant visit
Visiting the Gorges du Tarn in France - a scenic canyon
50th anniversary celebrations on the French Riviera - Saint-Aygulf Plage
English (UK) 
Svenska
solveig rhann says:
Wow, what an ordeal you are going through. Yeah, everything works out one way or another. Mostly in other ways. I want to clarify where in the Algarve you can fill your Swedish bottles. Propane with some dodgy % butane. Where: On road 125 between Ferrias and Poco de Boliqueime. Boliqueime is the town. You see a sign LPG and probably some motorhome. If you come from the west it is on the left side. I hope it goes well for you in the future without mess and trouble. Solan
28 December 2014 - 18:40
Rkuth i Virginia says:
I soooo wish that we had visited Portugal when we were
had the time and energy. The husband and I were on a group trip which
started in Madrid, south to Morocco and back north again
through Gibraltar and Portugal; only visit to Portugal.
It was so incredibly beautiful countryside with chalk-white houses.
and olive trees on the slopes.
Good continuation of the journey and in general! 🙂
28 December 2014 - 19:25
steel city anna says:
How beautiful!
28 December 2014 - 20:29
Tony says:
Finally, you have arrived in my favourite country of all categories!
There is a city called Cordoba that you should not miss on the way down, as well as Nazare is absolutely super. Quite close to Nazare there is a small community called Sao Martinho do porto that should not be missed either. There is a campsite just outside too!
Have you considered the Algarve coast or ....?
28 December 2014 - 21:28
Stina says:
Lovely pictures. Ugh now it is cold in Sweden and Borås where we live, tonight it is -10 degrees. Nothing I like!
28 December 2014 - 20:38
Marina says:
Well, it's a bit cooler here...!
28 December 2014 - 21:43
Steve says:
That's exactly how it should be when you end up in a small village in a new country. Hassle-free and enjoyable is what you need. Enjoy!
29 December 2014 - 0:15
Rolle o Carina says:
Great, now you have come to a good country, Portugal!
It's nice to have some heat too, isn't it?
Here we have -15, Ugh!!!
Take care
29 December 2014 - 9:43
admin says:
Solveig, thank you so much! We plan to look for that place. Will see if we have to buy a Portuguese tube (tube no. 4) with associated couplings before then, or if we can wait... that would be best!
Ruth in Virginia, thank you very much! Glad to hear you enjoyed Portugal so much!
Stina, that sounds cold!
Tony, thanks for the great tips! We have planned for Nazare and we will see where Cordoba is! We want to see a lot but we also want to go south because it's warmer there, and we know you can fill up on gas there... Yes, we're aiming for the Algarve coast!
Steve, you too!
Rolle and Carina, it feels good to be in Portugal! Huh how cold you are!!!
29 December 2014 - 9:56
Ama de casa says:
It feels a bit strange when you enter Portugal from the north. Even though you are travelling north-south, you have to change the clock. But now you get to sleep in - nice!
🙂
29 December 2014 - 10:15
Åsa says:
It looks Portuguese! Nice! (:
Nice to read all the positive comments about our new home country Portugal! See you soon! / Åsa
29 December 2014 - 10:44
Tony says:
Correction!!!
Coimbra it is!!!
Cordoba is in Spain!
No wonder you didn't find it!
I'm sorry!
/Tony
29 December 2014 - 11:12
Anonymous says:
Cheer up, it is not uncommon to have some technical problems here in the south and they are very helpful!
Has anyone informed you that in Spanish campsites you can usually "deposit" gas bottles? You decide if you want a partial refund when you travel. So you can become the owner of a Sp gas bottle, we use the orange with a black stripe, very important, for purifying propane which can also be filled in Sweden at our gas depots!!! For our big car we never have more than 1 Spanish and 1 LPG bottle! LPG is available throughout Ty, Fr, few places in Sp but then we change the bottle at the campsite. The LPG bottle must not be taken out of the car, it is refuelled directly at the stations. Wish you both
a HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015 now EVERYTHING will be warmer, brighter and more beautiful in these latitudes 🙂 🙂 ðŸ™'
29 December 2014 - 11:59
admin says:
Ama de casa, we weren't prepared for the time change, but sleeping in was great! We sleep and sleep...
😉
Åsa, it will be great to see you! We look forward to it!
🙂
Tony, thank you that makes sense! Don't know if we can make it to Coimbra though, have plans for New Year... Hard to make it all, but we are going to Nazare!
Anonymous, thanks for the encouragement! And thanks for the great info! We start and see how we can solve it all in Portugal. Then there will be another trip to Spain... Wishing you a Happy New Year!
29 December 2014 - 15:21
Scottish Moments says:
Oh so cosy! Longing for warmer weather! Here is frost and cold! But sun so will not complain!
Goodbye!
29 December 2014 - 17:13
Frankie & Co says:
We woke up to -12 this morning here in go: and the snow rolled down and filled up Saturday's little blanket during the day and now tonight around zero - so enjoy!
29 December 2014 - 17:47
Deciree says:
So wonderful that you are warm and comfortable:) With us in Piteå we have -25. Hugs
29 December 2014 - 17:12
Znogge says:
No, you have it guaranteed warmer than we have it because I don't see any snow 🙂.
29 December 2014 - 18:20
Allis & Stellan says:
Oh, if you have time, Viana do Castelo is so worth seeing. The church at the top is special and the view amazing and the coastal road down there beautiful. Good news if we don't hear from you before then.
29 December 2014 - 18:40
admin says:
Deciree, how cold you are! We don't think it's very warm here - but in comparison it certainly is!
😉
Scottish Moments, winter is more beautiful in the sun. Take care!
Frankie & Co, we get cold reports from all over Sweden! We don't think it's very hot here, but it's much warmer than at home!!!
Znogge, no, the only snow we have seen has been on high mountain peaks in the distance in northern Spain...
Allis & Stellan, thanks for the tips, but we've already driven past... hard to see everything!
29 December 2014 - 19:46
Maggan och Ingemar says:
Portugal is not big so you can probably drive both here and there, there is a lot to see and discover in Portugal. Drive down and fill gasoline then you can stay south for a few months, to experience Portugal again in the spring 🙂.
Since you have so much time, you can do Spain as well without any problems 🙂 .
LPG refuelling is available in Boliqueime large sign at the N125 road a little NE of Albufeira.
A good piece of advice is to get something that you can put coordinates on so that you can find both pitches and campsites much more easily. Many sites are free with rubbish, water and emptying.
Enjoy Portugal and Happy New Year!
29 December 2014 - 20:06
Ditte says:
It's nice to have a bit of warmth and cosy with a small village where you can now enjoy some of the outdoor cafes.
In Stockholm it is cold but it has been a wonderful winter weather with nice sunshine.
Let's hope that your besty with "Freedom" is only a memory...
29 December 2014 - 20:15