Praia do Cabedelo

Viana do Castelo


This is one of the Minho’s best beaches: a 1km-long arc of blonde, powdery sand that folds into grassy dunes backed by a grove of wind-blown pines. It’s across the river from town, best reached on a five-minute ferry trip from the pier south of Largo 5 de Outubro.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Viana do Castelo attractions

1. Castelo de São Tiago da Barra

0.74 MILES

You can still scoot around the ramparts of this squat castle, a short walk west of the centre, which began in the 15th century as a smallish fort. It was…

2. Gil Eannes

0.8 MILES

Demanding attention on the waterfront near Largo 5 de Outubro is a pioneering naval hospital ship, the Gil Eannes (zheel yan-ish). Now restored, the ship…

3. Museu de Artes Decorativas

0.88 MILES

The 18th-century Palacete Barbosa Maciel bears witness to Viana’s affluent past. It houses this impressive collection of 17th- and 18th-century ceramics …

4. Museu do Traje

0.98 MILES

This attractive museum houses the traditional wear used for farming, fishing and seaweed harvesting in centuries past. You’ll see costumes worn during the…

5. Praça da República

1.01 MILES

This fine hub of seven narrow laneways is at the heart of the old town’s zone of mansions and monuments. An especially elegant example is the Chafariz, a…

6. Chafariz

1.04 MILES

A Renaissance fountain built in 1554. The fountain is topped with Manueline motifs of an armillary sphere and the cross of the Order of Christ.

7. Igreja Matriz

1.04 MILES

This elegant parish church – also known as the sé – dates from the 15th century, although it has since been through several reincarnations. Check out its…

8. Antigos Paços do Concelho

1.05 MILES

The fortresslike Antigos Paços do Concelho is the old town hall from the 16th century. It sometimes hosts contemporary art exhibitions.