Caminha

Caminha is the last town in Portugal. From here it's a short water taxi ride across the estuary to Spain -- or more precisely, to the point where the Atlantic meets the Rio Minho, a natural boundary that has separated the two countries for centuries.

The main square, Praca Conselheiro Silva Torres, is one of the finest on the Coastal route and makes for a perfect place to spend an afternoon or linger over an evening meal. At its northern edge stands the Torre do Relogio, a medieval clock tower where a single euro buys you access to the best view in town. Further north, adjacent to the old defensive walls, the Igreja Matriz de Caminha is a late Gothic church with an impressive Plateresque portal and a coffered ceiling of carved wood.

The town's position at the river mouth made it strategically valuable for centuries. The defensive walls you see are remnants of the fortifications that once protected it from both Spanish incursions and the occasional pirate raid.

The ferry schedule to A Guarda varies with the tide, so check locally or at your accommodation. Most places in Caminha will have the timetable posted.