Category: Nature > River Beach
District: Viana do Castelo > Caminha > Caminha
Praia do Camarido is located in the extreme northwest of mainland Portugal, in the municipality of Caminha. Situated at the mouth of the Minho River, this coastal beach marks the natural border with Galicia, Spain. Its position offers a unique setting, with comprehensive views of the river estuary, the imposing Monte de Santa Trega on the Galician bank, and the Forte da Ínsua, a historic fortress erected on an island opposite the Portuguese coast.
The beach is set within a rich natural context, protected by a dune cordon that separates it from the vast Mata Nacional do Camarido (Camarido National Forest), a pine forest that contributes to its tranquil and green surroundings. It is one of Portugal's northernmost maritime beaches, benefiting from a privileged location that combines proximity to the ocean with the presence of the river.
Praia do Camarido stands out for its unique feature of offering two distinct experiences in the same location: a section that opens to the Atlantic Ocean and another that merges with the Minho River. The oceanic part extends along a vast expanse of fine, white sand, where the sea waters can be more agitated, characteristic of the Atlantic.
In the fluvial zone, in contrast, the beach features slightly coarser sands and tranquil waters. This duality allows visitors to choose the environment that best suits their preferences, whether the sea breeze or the serenity of the river waters, which lend themselves to observation and tranquility.
The beauty of Praia do Camarido is greatly complemented by its natural surroundings. The dune cordon not only provides protection to the local ecosystem but also adds a scenic element to the landscape. Adjacent to the beach, the Mata Nacional do Camarido, a dense pine forest, offers a green environment that invites contact with nature, creating a harmonious binomial between the sandy beach and the forest.
The beach's name, "Camarido", is historically associated with the former abundance of camarinheiras (crowberries), a wild plant common in this region. This detail links the place to its natural heritage and the biodiversity that once marked the landscape, reinforcing the beach's genuine character.
From Praia do Camarido, one's gaze reaches a series of visual points of interest, transforming the visit into a scenic experience. The wide mouth of the Minho River dominates the northern landscape, with its estuary outlining a constantly moving horizon. On the other side of the river, Galicia reveals itself through Monte de Santa Trega, a landmark that completes the natural tableau of the border.
On the maritime horizon, a few hundred meters from the coast, stands the imposing Forte da Ínsua, on Ínsua de Santo Isidro. This historic construction, visible from the beach, adds a cultural and photographic dimension to the landscape, testifying to its strategic location throughout the centuries.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.867734,-8.8637355
Coordinates DMS: 41°52'3.8"N 08°51'49.4"W
Weather Caminha
On-duty Pharmacy Caminha
